Armed paramilitaries control the Ukrainian Parliament in Kiev, by Andrew Taylor 19 03 14

On the morning of March 17, a detachment  of masked men with assault rifles gathered at the door leading into Ukraine’s parliament. Veterans of the Soviet war in Afghanistan, they played an important role in the provocations that led to the ousting of the elected president last month. They report to their own commanders, who they say contact Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense... (Such as it is in these days of gang rule in Ukraine...)

 A line of 15 "Afghans" as they are styled had come to guard parliament’s proceedings from provocateurs. But who are the provocateurs? The 15 were armed with automatic weapons. Can lawmakers debate legislation impartially for the benefit of all regions when surrounded by and dependent on the assent of right wing militant paramilitaries?

Far right groups try to make the most of turbulent times. Extreme nationalist fervour is much easier to stir up at such moments than reason and the people are given easy targets for their anger and resentment.