Editorial Board
Crimea's Potemkin Referendum
A quick vote in Crimea on joining Russia would amount to annexation. Unless it can be prevented, the damage will extend to everyone concerned.
Just when the crisis in Crimea appeared to be easing, it has suddenly grown more dangerous. In a decision that surprised even the peninsula's pro-Russians, the local parliament has changed both the date and question for a referendum: On March 16, Crimea may vote to join Russia.
Any plebiscite held within 10 days of its announcement is by definition a joke, yet the implications here are serious: No major country has annexed territory since World War II. Unless it can be prevented, the damage will extend to everyone concerned. The move would, first of all, destabilize a fragile Ukraine, not least by encouraging pro-Russians in other regions to follow Crimea's example. Civil war would become difficult to avoid.