Are we on the brink of World War 3 with Russia? And if so, what would it be like if it was fought over social media? Today U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on his Twitter feed that the U.S. “will not hesitate to use “21st century tools to hold #Russia accountable for 19th century behavior.”
We will not hesitate to use 21st century tools to hold #Russia accountable for 19th century behavior. pic.twitter.com/MkA9r39mAt
— John Kerry (@JohnKerry) April 8, 2014
Eerie suggestions of World War 3
Since Russia invaded Crimea weeks ago, many have been considering whether we’re heading toward World War 3. Various politicians and even media representatives in Crimea have made comments which some believe indicate that we’re heading down that road. Now we can add Kerry’s words to that heap of comments.
At least for now, he says that what he actually means is tougher economic sanctions against Russia, according to the Boston Globe. The secretary of state is trying to get Moscow to back down from its actions in Ukraine. Kiev said today that their forces drove pro-Russian protestors out of the regional government building in Kharkiv and then arrested approximately 70 of them. However, protestors still occupy the regional building in Donetsk. The West still has not officially recognized that Russia has annexed Crimea.
The U.S. has already levied some sanctions against Russia, but Kerry indicated that there may be more penalties on the Russian banking, energy and mining industries if officials refuse to honor Ukraine as a sovereign nation.
Cracking jokes about Russia
Although it really isn’t appropriate, Twitter is filled with jokes about the situation, which has escalated quickly. There are multiple comments from people who suggest that those “21st century tools” Kerry tweeted about include Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Some suggested he might simply unfriend Russian President Vladimir Putin on Facebook. At least one person suggested the U.S. punish Putin by “making him sign up for Obamacare.”
Even U.S. Sen. John McCain has made a jab at the Obama administration’s dealings with Russia and Ukraine, playing off former President Teddy Roosevelt’s comment about speaking softly and carrying a big stick. He said the Obama administration is dealing with Russia with a small twig.