When I read this, the first thought that came to my mind is recorded in the title of this entry.

Estonia is one of those small nations with an unfortunate history of being a victim of the plundering greed of Germany and Russia. Perhaps, its relative, easy access to both these powerful countries made it the victim of conquests.

Now, when the government wants to remove the controversial plaque (that commemorates war heroes who fought against Russia on the side of Nazi Germany), certain sections of its populace have protested against it. That’s what made me ponder over the question: did the Estonians do the right thing by honouring their martyrs who fought against Bolshevik Russia? Or were they wrong to side with Nazi Germany?

The more I think, the more futile I feel all this is: both Nazism and Communism are imperial ideologies, their adherents (either the faithful, or the brainwashed, or just fellow-travellers, doesn’t matter which) swindlers. What else can explain the fate of this poor country? It sided with Nazi Germany to fight against the invading Russian troops to protect its sovereignty. However, when Stalin signed a pact with Hitler to divide the Baltic states, the tables were turned, again to its detriment. The Germans who had once sided with Estonia, now under Hitler served it on a platter to Russia. In 1941, Hitler, in his quest to conquer Russia, occupied Estonia. Post-2nd World War, Estonia found itself under Soviet subjection and remained so until 1991.

So tell me reader, who is the greater evil: Russia or Germany or both? Is the government justified in its decision to take down the plaque?