Dear Readers:

Spring always brings beautiful spring flowers and those who enjoy strolling through Kyiv's many parks to enjoy their floral splendor. However, this spring has sprouted a whole new crop of park visitors in the thousands from the various political groups sleeping a bit rough in tents and other accommodations in Maidan Nezalezhnosti and the parks adjacent to the parliament.
In our cover story and in an analysis by Taras Kuzio, this month's Observer lays out some of the reasons Ukraine finds itself in its current somewhat unstable state, and examines the effects that continued instability might bring to what had been a relatively unmarred run of economic successes.

While political wrangling seems to be woven into the very fabric of Ukraine, Volodymyr Senchenko reminds readers that Ukrainians also treasure their long history of great educational achievements and are intent on seeing that educational opportunities not only remain available but well-used. And Serhiy Kharchenko takes a humorous look at one of the most unusual characters ever to lead the Soviet Union, Nikita Khrushchev.

For those who are on the high side of 50, Mike Willard gives his recommendations on ways to renew and recharge your own personal brand in the business world.

If that wasn't enough, we also have features and commentary that run the gamut from adventure camping for the disabled to an appreciation of one of Ukraine's outstanding young artists. Here's hoping you get a chance to enjoy those spring flowers we talked about - and a lot of good reading in The Observer.

Sincerely,
The Editors.