March 04, 2014
— Ace Jim Geraghty has a round-up.
Several important things. First, from Larry O'Connor:
2005: Lugar and Obama Urge Ukraine to Destroy Their Conventional Weapons - http://t.co/uxhfe51F4z
— Larry O'Connor (@LarryOConnor) March 4, 2014Their mission? Disarming Ukraine.
DONETSK, Ukraine – U.S. Senators Dick Lugar (R-IN) and Barack Obama (D-IL) called for the immediate destruction of 15,000 tons of ammunition, 400,000 small arms and light weapons, and 1,000 man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) or shoulder missile launchers that are often sought by terrorists.Lugar and Obama toured the Donetsk State Chemical Production Plant, a conventional weapons destruction facility where the U.S. has taken the lead in a three-year NATO program to destroy the weapons. Another 117,000 tons of ammunition and 1.1 million small arms and light weapons are slated for destruction within 12 years.
If you remember, to the extent that Obama had any foreign policy experience at all, it was all based on his gadflying about with Dick Lugar on these feel-goody disarmament initiatives.
One wonders if this destruction of basic tools of self-defense will wind up seriously harming the Ukrainians. Doubtless, some things like MANPADS are a security risk for the US and we should put our interest above theirs -- but why all the destruction of routine small arms and ammo?
He also catches this prediction from a Time foreign policy expert, from a week ago: No, Russia Will Not Invade the Ukraine.
Well done, Time Magazine.
I'm leaving behind the rest of his post, including Tom Clancy being all psychic and writing a novel in which a Russian tyrant still, get this, has a revanchist interest in taking back the Ukraine.
What a silly conservative chowderhead.
James Kirchick writes in the Daily Beast of all the alleged foreign-policy "realists" who premised all of America's foreign policy on the odd notion that war-mongering tyrants would stop being tyrannical and mongering for war if we just sweet-talked them with Pure Reason.
He dismantles an NYU professor who wrote at the nation, shortly before the invasion of Ukraine, that Russia would not invade the Ukraine, and claims to the contrary were due to a biased, anti-Russian, anti-Putin media.
The most noxious of these figures is New York University professor and Nation magazine contributor Stephen Cohen. His recent opus, “Distorting Russia,” will go down in history as one of the most slavish defenses of Putinism. “Mainstream American press coverage of Russia,” Cohen writes, has been “shamefully unprofessional and politically inflammatory.” Western readers, he complains, have been subject to a “relentless demonization of Putin, with little regard for facts.” Putin—a man who presides over a rubber stamp parliament, subjects his political opponents to show trials, dispatches riot police to beat peaceful protestors, and has restricted freedom of speech and association by banning pro-gay language and demonstrations—is unfairly portrayed as an “autocrat,” Cohen says (scare quotes original).On the contrary, the Russian president is something of a hero..... Cohen asks, “Should not Obama himself have gone to [the] Sochi [Olympics]—either out of gratitude to Putin, or to stand with Russia’s leader against international terrorists who have struck both of our countries?”
The problem with the realists is that they fail to see the moral, tactical and legal disparities that exist between the aims and methods of East and West.
As for Ukraine, Cohen believes Russia is protecting a set of legitimate interests in that formerly sovereign nation and the West is engaging in imperialist meddling. To engage in such sophistry, he has to portray the criminal former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych—who ordered the murder, in broad daylight, of dozens of his own citizens—as a decent ruler. In January, without any public hearing or parliamentary debate, the Ukrainian legislature adopted, and Yanukovych signed, a set of 10 laws that collectively smothered freedom of speech, press and association, a draft of regulations that led Yale University professor and Ukraine expert Timothy Snyder to conclude that, “On paper, Ukraine is now a dictatorship.” Cohen furiously defended Yanukovych, writing that, “In fact, the ‘paper’ legislation he’s referring to hardly constituted dictatorship, and in any event was soon repealed.” Like Putin releasing the prisoners he should never have jailed, Cohen wants us to give credit to a dictator for (temporarily, and only to save his own skin) undoing a trapping of dictatorship. The dictator giveth, and the dictator taketh away.
Eggs, omelets.
It's worth a read.
Posted by: Ace at
10:01 AM
| Comments (342)
Post contains 732 words, total size 6 kb.
Posted by: AMDG at March 04, 2014 10:03 AM (t7OO0)
Posted by: joncelli at March 04, 2014 10:04 AM (RD7QR)
Leftards. It's their nature.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:04 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:04 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: HR at March 04, 2014 10:04 AM (ZKzrr)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:04 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: Adam at March 04, 2014 10:05 AM (Aif/5)
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 10:05 AM (At8tV)
Posted by: Buzzsaw at March 04, 2014 10:05 AM (wrS2o)
-----
Really??? THATS the acronym they came up with???
Posted by: fixerupper at March 04, 2014 10:05 AM (nELVU)
And Ace, Russia is now just one big tribe trying to consolidate its borders and protect itself from the other, really nasty tribes clamoring for Russian stuff.
Like the Chechens.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 10:05 AM (QFxY5)
What else is new? This Administration doesn't want people to have any guns either, on the logic that the police will protect them if things go south.
Little surprise they extended that thinking to foreign policy. Trouble is, Ukraine can't vomit on Russia.
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 10:05 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (8ZskC)
Its almost as if the president of the US has to think ahead, or something.
Posted by: Vashta Nerada at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (sBUAE)
Hooo ha!
Posted by: Chi-Town Jerry at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (Z7PrM)
He dismantles an NYU professor who wrote at the nation, shortly before the invasion of Ukraine, that Russia would not invade the Ukraine, and claims to the contrary were due to a biased, anti-Russian, anti-Putin media.
"We will be replacing your reality with our more palatable fantasy. You're welcome."
- NYU Professors Local 1963
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (At8tV)
Posted by: ProgMedia at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (ZPrif)
Really? Do we have something to fear from the Ukrainians?
There are lots of MANPADS in more dangerous hands. They are cheap standoff weapon that would have served them well in this situation.
All this did was leave the Ukrainian Army standing with their dicks in their hands.
Posted by: Marcus T., Who has just about had enough. at March 04, 2014 10:06 AM (GGCsk)
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:07 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Stateless Infidel at March 04, 2014 10:07 AM (AC0lD)
Posted by: @ChickenKievParamus at March 04, 2014 10:07 AM (NmyQe)
Posted by: garrett at March 04, 2014 10:07 AM (/6cGe)
I view it as a net positive anytime a gun is destroyed by a government at any level. - Barack Obama
I was unable to find an exact citation for this quote, perhaps because I just made it up.
Posted by: Avon Barksdale at March 04, 2014 10:07 AM (IN7k+)
Doubtless, some things like MANPADS
MANPADS? Are those what Obama wears when he starts spotting?
(Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist)
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:07 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 04, 2014 10:08 AM (Jh8Zw)
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 10:08 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: Vashta Nerada at March 04, 2014 10:08 AM (sBUAE)
MANPADS? Are those what Obama wears when he starts spotting?
(Sorry, sorry. I couldn't resist)
--------
Why the hell are you apologizing? For making him look more Alpha than he is?
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 10:08 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at March 04, 2014 10:09 AM (0HooB)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (zfY+H)
Dick fucking Lugar.
Now there's a Senator who loves him some buttfucking. Not like that psycho Ken C.
He's right up the GOPe's alley. Vote for him comrades, he's GOP, how can you not!!!! You would be a crazy wacko bird not to...
Never again RINOs, never again. I can handle a dem in that seat, for now, just because this POS is no longer around. See Specter, Collins, Crist, and many others on the list.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (tVTLU)
I blame Ukraine for all of this
all they had to do when the Russian troops showed up was pissed themselves
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 02:06 PM (At8tV)
"Have they no pens? No ipecacs?"
- Obamaneezer Stooge
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (4df7R)
It's hilarious.
Posted by: Marcus T., Who has just about had enough. at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (GGCsk)
Posted by: ProgMedia at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: Soona at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (jT/qa)
Posted by: Dang at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (MNq6o)
***
In the movie adaption, it will be a disgruntled former Republican governor who wants to invade Ukraine, lower the minimum wage, and ban dancing. Her Number Two will be an NRA rep who launders money for Bushmaster and Colt through Tea Party donations.
Posted by: B at March 04, 2014 10:10 AM (VC56G)
I'm so happy I voted against Dick Lugar in the Indiana primary even though I knew Mourdoch wasn't quite ready for the big leagues and would probably lose to Donnelly in the general, which he did. I'd do it again even knowing the result with certainty.
Dick Lugar was the Republican to whom Democrats referred when they said they could reach across the aisle and work with Republicans.
That asshole. He's lived in Virginia for decades now. Virginia can have him.
Posted by: troyriser at March 04, 2014 10:11 AM (V9ol4)
Fuck 'em.
Posted by: fluffy at March 04, 2014 10:11 AM (Ua6T/)
-----
Really??? THATS the acronym they came up with???
Posted by: fixerupper at March 04, 2014 02:05 PM (nELVU)
Well, "shoulder thingies that go up was taken."
Posted by: flounder at March 04, 2014 10:11 AM (Kkt/i)
Deep thought for the day. Are we really outraged at what Putin is doing?? I'm actually not.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:11 AM (tVTLU)
In the movie adaption, it will be a disgruntled former Republican governor who wants to invade Ukraine, lower the minimum wage, and ban dancing. Her Number Two will be an NRA rep who launders money for Bushmaster and Colt through Tea Party donations.
Posted by: B at March 04, 2014 02:10 PM (VC56G)
And they'll both be secretly involved in gay affairs despite being outwardly homophobic, because its' all about the hypocrisy.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:12 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: L, elle at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (0xqKe)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:11 PM (tVTLU)
I actually am.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (4df7R)
We call that a tyrant or dictator.
Posted by: Marcus T., Who has just about had enough. at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (GGCsk)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Paul at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (9qDRl)
Holy hell. The liberals even hate it when other countries have guns...
Posted by: Washington Nearsider at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (fwARV)
Troyriser: Hear! Hear!
The MO and IN races should be analyzed super in depth because I think they yield the nugget of how to reach and expand our voter base with women.
Romney trounced O in those states and that the GOP Sen. candidates sucked. Interesting raw data there.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:13 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: brak at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (M2qTM)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:11 PM (tVTLU)
'Outraged'? No. Deeply disquieted, yes. The bad guys are on the move. It's Carter Redux.
Posted by: troyriser at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (V9ol4)
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (At8tV)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (659DL)
Posted by: bergerbilder at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (8MjqI)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: Turtle at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (FcKXR)
>>>Barky wants to disarm the Ukraine but he has no intention of taking our guns away here.
Look on the bright side. We've learned from Ukraine that if we get disarmed the answer is fire.
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 10:14 AM (3ZtZW)
JOHN KERRY: 21st century nations shouldn't use 19th century tactics!
PUTIN: Okay, then we'll use 20th century ones.
JOHN KERRY: Neeeeeigh.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:15 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Monroe Doctrine at March 04, 2014 10:15 AM (Kz9dH)
Posted by: B at March 04, 2014 02:10 PM (VC56G)
[Begins masturbating furiously]
Posted by: The Average Moron at March 04, 2014 10:15 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor
Who said Russia will stop there?
Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at March 04, 2014 10:15 AM (Y/M/K)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:11 PM (tVTLU)
Yeah, all this talk about people having the right to decide their own future is frankly ignoring the fact that most Crimeans would rather be Russian than Ukrainian. And all this idea of "the law" being on the side of the people who ousted an elected president in a coup is also kind of weird.
Posted by: Paul at March 04, 2014 10:15 AM (9qDRl)
Same thing the Poles and the French said in the 1930's.
We call the danger which actually gains further potential and encouragement from such an event (especially in Europe) a "clue".
Posted by: Marcus T., Who has just about had enough. at March 04, 2014 10:16 AM (GGCsk)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 04, 2014 10:16 AM (659DL)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:11 PM (tVTLU)
***
Yeah, me neither. As someone who was born in 1964, the slightest possibility of a newly energized and resurgent Soviet Union with the usual global communist aims just tickles me shitless.
Posted by: Joe Biden at March 04, 2014 10:17 AM (VC56G)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:14 PM (tVTLU)
because you would have to be a fool to believe it will stop at Crimea, and I have no desire to see a free country fall back under the mantle of Mother Russia.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:17 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:17 AM (gmeXX)
Me. Invasions are expensive and its all about money and power for Putin and his mob cronies. You don't burn the business down for not paying tribute, he bust the owner's wife's knee to teach him a lesson. They can't pay if they're dead or out of business.
I pride myself on having a rich vocabulary and am a writer, but I think I speak for a lot of people here when I say "what the hell is 'revanchist'?"
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:17 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 10:18 AM (At8tV)
Posted by: Steve Cohen at March 04, 2014 10:18 AM (hn70M)
Troyriser: I like the cut of your jib. Here's my question. Why are the Russians the bad guys in this.
Look at recent history here. Clinton, fuckstick that he was, went over there and bombed the slavs, who actually have a deep connection with the Russians, and those same people saved our people from the nazis.
Clinton bombed the Christian homeland, the very scene of the halt of muslims in Europe, b/c local populations had had enough of the terror that was brought on them for decades from the muzzis. And Russia had to sit there and watch its own slavic brothers annihilated.
Are we the good guys in Kosovo? Absolutely not, that was shameful. Are we the good guys now? I don't know.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:18 AM (tVTLU)
Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama apparently did not get that memo.
Posted by: Marcus T., Who has just about had enough. at March 04, 2014 10:18 AM (GGCsk)
What we all should be outraged about is the pure incompetence, idiocy, and fecklessness of our elites, you know the Ivy League bunch that fancies themselves "Top Men" and runs our foreign policy and economic institutions. The old guys, as much as there was good reason to despise them, knew what they hell they were doing. This latest generation, steeped in lefty-prog fantasies, doesn't have a freakin' clue.
Pooty-Poot (and the Chicoms) are making a bet, and a pretty good bet that American dominance is coming to an end.Also things like the dollar being the reserve currency and all that. They're making plans, and making moves to assert themselves in the new, post-American world order.
Our silly elites are going to be surprised at just how fast that will happen, standing there with the mouths hanging agape. I'm afraid it's too late to stop that. I think that fate was sealed in 2008, and it would've still been late if SCOAMF had lost in 2012.
Posted by: publius(NotBreitbartPublius) at March 04, 2014 10:18 AM (ClQSA)
Posted by: HR at March 04, 2014 10:18 AM (ZKzrr)
Posted by: Chilling the most at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (gxtMZ)
Am I outraged about Putin's invasion?
No. I accept, as a matter of reality, that states will always act in their own interests.
Putin's the scorpion. That's never really been in question. What IS in question is what we're going to do about it. What (if anything) SHOULD we do about it?
Is Ukraine our problem? In the most strict sense of the word, probably. It's important that the world know (not just think, but know) that the US will honor her obligations. It's also in our interests to get in front of Putin's aspirations of empire.
Are those interests worth the lives of America's best? I haven't been convinced that they are.
I don't have any faith in those who argue our borders are worth protecting but our interests aren't. I don't believe they give reality enough weight when forming their opinions. In this case though, I can't see how our interests are so vitally threatened that we need to get directly involved. If the Russians start mowing down civilians in Kiev, perhaps that question needs to be revisited.
Posted by: Washington Nearsider at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (fwARV)
Posted by: Barry Soetoro at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (yDmQD)
Posted by: Paul at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (9qDRl)
Posted by: BackwardsBoy, who did not vote for this shit[/i][/u][/b][/s] at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (0HooB)
This Administration doesn't want people to have any guns either, on the logic that the police will be able to round them up without protest protect them if things go south.
Fixed for clarity.
Posted by: Mary Poppins' Practically Perfect Piercing at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (zF6Iw)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: D-Lamp at March 04, 2014 10:19 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at March 04, 2014 10:20 AM (HVff2)
Posted by: Dr Spank at March 04, 2014 10:20 AM (hn70M)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 04, 2014 10:20 AM (659DL)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:21 AM (ZPrif)
***
Wasn't Pajama Boy the spokesman for those?
Posted by: B at March 04, 2014 10:21 AM (VC56G)
Well that clears it up, thanks!
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:21 AM (zfY+H)
MWR:
Was it a free country? Is the EU a free organization? Who votes for the EU electors? In many ways, Russia is freer than the EU.
Under the guise of buttfucking and multiculturalism, the very core freedoms that founded Western society have been erased in Europe and they are working hard on doing it here.
Perhaps Russia may ultimately come around to defend the West or what the West used to stand for.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:21 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:21 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:22 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:22 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: B at March 04, 2014 02:10 PM (VC56G)
That's part of it, but not as much as we think. The Russians liked being an empire, controlling other peoples, being feared and respected. It made them feel secure and their history gives them nasty lessons about the cost of being weak. It doesn't help that Ukraine is the historic homeland of the Ruriks, the dynasty of the first Muscovite princes.
Posted by: joncelli at March 04, 2014 10:22 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (HVff2)
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (HVff2)
To bad.
Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (BZAd3)
To bad.
Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (BZAd3)
Good way to start a bar fight.
Posted by: Manhoods Я Us. at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (3d9JE)
Good way to start a bar fight.
Posted by: Manhoods Я Us. at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (3d9JE)
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (VtjlW)
Posted by: alexthechick - SMOD. Mmmm. Blondies with whipped cream. at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (VtjlW)
-- Stuff No Inspiring Leader Ever Said, vol. 3
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (8ZskC)
-- Stuff No Inspiring Leader Ever Said, vol. 3
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: D-Lamp at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: D-Lamp at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (wAQA5)
Posted by: Sandra Fluke at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (wAQA5)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (ZPrif)
Speculation on what Obama believes the "right side" of history to be?
Beck is going on lately about the digital gurus like Kurzweil and the Googlers who claim that technology will rapidly make everything humans currently do as work redundant and craptacular, leading to massive free-time for everybody!!1! Not sure how that relates but he seems to think its all of a piece since the Dems all hang out with the techno-guru crowd and have the same vision.
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (3ZtZW)
Speculation on what Obama believes the "right side" of history to be?
Beck is going on lately about the digital gurus like Kurzweil and the Googlers who claim that technology will rapidly make everything humans currently do as work redundant and craptacular, leading to massive free-time for everybody!!1! Not sure how that relates but he seems to think its all of a piece since the Dems all hang out with the techno-guru crowd and have the same vision.
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (3ZtZW)
Posted by: Max Entropy at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (cgtTL)
Posted by: Max Entropy at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (cgtTL)
Circa,
We can all name Milosevic. Can you name the tens of thousands of victims of muzzi atrocity in that region. Of course not. And that's what an information war does.
In my view in Kosovo the US was on the wrong side.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (tVTLU)
Circa,
We can all name Milosevic. Can you name the tens of thousands of victims of muzzi atrocity in that region. Of course not. And that's what an information war does.
In my view in Kosovo the US was on the wrong side.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:23 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: soothsayer
They're blasting Obama for his shit being mentally handicapped and for his gay-like vocalizations.
Posted by: Dr Spank at March 04, 2014 10:24 AM (hn70M)
Posted by: soothsayer
They're blasting Obama for his shit being mentally handicapped and for his gay-like vocalizations.
Posted by: Dr Spank at March 04, 2014 10:24 AM (hn70M)
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at March 04, 2014 10:24 AM (HVff2)
Posted by: Misanthropic Humanitarian at March 04, 2014 10:24 AM (HVff2)
Posted by: Monroe Doctrine at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (Kz9dH)
Posted by: Monroe Doctrine at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (Kz9dH)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: toby928© notes other at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (QupBk)
Posted by: toby928© notes other at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (QupBk)
Posted by: joncelli at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: joncelli at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (RD7QR)
===
Well, the Russians were full of "surprises" in that conflict, too. Remember the "surprise" Russkie road march to Pristina? I bet Wesley Clark does.
LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/671495.stm
Posted by: mrp at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (JBggj)
===
Well, the Russians were full of "surprises" in that conflict, too. Remember the "surprise" Russkie road march to Pristina? I bet Wesley Clark does.
LINK: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/671495.stm
Posted by: mrp at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (JBggj)
What this does is set a precedent.
"Oh, Russia went and took back Crimea? Oh, cool. Hey, Japan? Those Senkaku Islands? OURS NOW. Oh, Taiwan? Hi! Welcome back!"
-China
"Oh, Russia went and took back Crimea? Oh, cool. Hey, southern California? Texas? Entire southwest? Hi! Welcome back!"
-Mexican drug cartels, because their government is a fucking joke
"Oh, Russia went and took back Crimea? Oh, cool. Hey, Israel? BWAHAHAHA!"
-Arab mid-east
This is why it's ridiculous that we have fucking toddlers in the White House, State Department and DOD. We have no fucking policy to back up anything we say, and the world knows it. We are a paper tiger to the Nth degree.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (4df7R)
What this does is set a precedent.
"Oh, Russia went and took back Crimea? Oh, cool. Hey, Japan? Those Senkaku Islands? OURS NOW. Oh, Taiwan? Hi! Welcome back!"
-China
"Oh, Russia went and took back Crimea? Oh, cool. Hey, southern California? Texas? Entire southwest? Hi! Welcome back!"
-Mexican drug cartels, because their government is a fucking joke
"Oh, Russia went and took back Crimea? Oh, cool. Hey, Israel? BWAHAHAHA!"
-Arab mid-east
This is why it's ridiculous that we have fucking toddlers in the White House, State Department and DOD. We have no fucking policy to back up anything we say, and the world knows it. We are a paper tiger to the Nth degree.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Joseph Stalin at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (Q6pxP)
Posted by: Joseph Stalin at March 04, 2014 10:25 AM (Q6pxP)
"revanche" is such a 19th century word.
Posted by: John "Giddyap" Kerry, reporting for duty at March 04, 2014 10:26 AM (B5y+v)
Posted by: Dead Dissenting Journalists at March 04, 2014 10:26 AM (Aif/5)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:26 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:21 PM (tVTLU)
Yeah. You keep telling yourself that.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:27 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Paul at March 04, 2014 10:27 AM (9qDRl)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:28 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: joncelli at March 04, 2014 10:28 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: brak at March 04, 2014 10:28 AM (M2qTM)
Marcus T,
Don't get me wrong, I think the view of Russia as the old Soviet menace is entirely appropriate and may even be correct.
I'm just cautious here. I don't view the EU as a "freedom movement". So far Putin is simply protecting Russia's strategic interests and rightly so I believe from where they have gone.
We shall see how this develops. You think Ukraine's former Prez is corrupt, just add up the bill for our own POS pres and I think the $$ will dwarf the Ukraine's prez.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:28 AM (tVTLU)
Look at recent history here. Clinton, fuckstick that he was, went over there and bombed the slavs, who actually have a deep connection with the Russians, and those same people saved our people from the nazis.
Posted by: prescient11
Suppose for the sake of discussion we stipulate that Clinton's punitive actions were wrong, how does that justify Putin's actions now?
It doesn't, if you're honest.
Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at March 04, 2014 10:29 AM (Y/M/K)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:29 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: The Russians at March 04, 2014 10:29 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: D-Lamp at March 04, 2014 10:29 AM (bb5+k)
Well, except for the fact that the comparison is ridiculous, I agree completely.
The EU does not threaten the territorial integrity of Russia, does not threaten its sovereignty, and is interested in essentially one thing...regulating member state into oblivion.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 10:30 AM (QFxY5)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 02:29 PM (zfY+H)
Another reason why being the world's policemen is a bad idea.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:30 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: DangerGirl and her Sanity Prod (tm) at March 04, 2014 10:30 AM (4Vr+0)
Posted by: Fritz at March 04, 2014 10:30 AM (UzPAd)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:30 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: D-Lamp at March 04, 2014 10:30 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Terri at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (4uSYN)
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 02:30 PM (QFxY5)
Money, power, money... more money...
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 02:18 PM (tVTLU)
I have a close friend, a retired Sergeant Major (we were young NCOs together) who served in the Balkan War, and he shared some stories with me. The Serbs weren't blameless when it came to atrocities, and I'll leave it at that. We were right in putting an end to that bloodshed.
Are the Russians bad guys? No, I can't say that a whole people is comprised solely of bad guys. Is Putin? Oh, yes. He murders Russian reporters who report too much. He orders assassinations of political opponents--some of them slowly, horribly, by employing lethal doses of radiation so that they can serve as examples. He foments unrest and discord in neighboring countries--such as tiny Moldova--in order to keep them as subservient satellites to Moscow. He jails without cause those he perceives as potential threats to his power. And so on. We've seen his like before.
So yeah, Putin's a bad guy, as bad as it gets since he has guile, cunning, and ambition. He's an enemy of our country, and I find it despicable that some people on the right openly admire his sleazy, murderous Russian ass. Better to admire a tick or a tapeworm.
Posted by: troyriser at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (V9ol4)
There is a bright side.
A few generations of Global LIVs are getting ready to see first-hand that most of the political theory they learned on campus is total bullshit.
Few things are more instructive than a boot on the neck ... and the Progressive Footsoldiers really are slow learners.
Posted by: ScoggDog at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (FhFZl)
Posted by: DangerGirl and her Sanity Prod (tm) at March 04, 2014 02:30 PM (4Vr+0)
Maybe if we cock-sucked harder...
Posted by: Barack "Hoover" Obama at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (RD7QR)
Posted by: Russia Strong!! at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: bergerbilder at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (8MjqI)
Posted by: DangerGirl and her Sanity Prod (tm) at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (4Vr+0)
Posted by: a Low Info Dumb Voter at March 04, 2014 10:31 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at work at March 04, 2014 10:32 AM (8v/hq)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:32 AM (t3UFN)
Posted by: Terri at March 04, 2014 02:31 PM (4uSYN)
They border Europe. It only makes sense to try and strengthen their ties with that region if they're trying to break ties with Russia.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:32 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: D-Lamp at March 04, 2014 10:33 AM (bb5+k)
Posted by: Meredith Vieira at March 04, 2014 10:33 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: Piercello at March 04, 2014 10:34 AM (jJ97i)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:34 AM (t3UFN)
Money, power, money... more money...
Wait, where do the women fit in?
Posted by: Tony Montana at March 04, 2014 02:33 PM (jlOxu)
The money and power brings the women like flies.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:34 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: brak at March 04, 2014 10:34 AM (M2qTM)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:35 AM (gmeXX)
Weft cut loop:
You are correct 100%. I'm not trying to say that it does. All I'm saying is, we keep assuming Europe or the US is the path and road to freedom.
I'm not sure that's the case anymore. Paul's comment re a revolution in Mexico, etc. is dead on accurate. I think what Putin has done so far is appropriate. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:35 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: Jean at March 04, 2014 10:35 AM (4JkHl)
I could be a wee bit more upset about this had the Ukrainians not wanted to join thegodforsaken and nearly brokenEU. Funny (ha-ha), how that worked out that theydidn't even consider any support from the U.S.
----------
Like being forced to join Putin's "customs union" is any better? At least in the EU there would be a better chance of western values like freedom taking root in the Ukraine.
As for support from the US, they had TFG's number long before 52% of the American People did. They knew if they asked all they'd get was empty rhetoric...and they were right.
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 10:35 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:36 AM (t3UFN)
The free-market group analyzed the first round of energy usage data released by city officials Friday and found that large, privately-owned buildings that received the green energy certification Leadership in Energy Design (LEED) actually use more energy than buildings that didnÂ’t receive this green stamp of approval.
***
Everyone get out your shocked faces and put 'em on...
Posted by: B at March 04, 2014 10:36 AM (VC56G)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 02:21 PM (nfBpn)
It isn't because he isn't aggressive, it's because he has no credibility - in anything he says, or in anything he does, says he's going to do, or threatens he will do. People don't believe him. Not our enemies or our allies.
Some jackasses may still refer to him as the most powerful man in the world, but just ask Putin whether he believes that bullshit.
Posted by: LoneStarHeeb at March 04, 2014 10:36 AM (BZAd3)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:36 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: Dr Spank at March 04, 2014 10:36 AM (hn70M)
It was stupid of the colonists to think that Great Britain would allow the colonies to declare independence without military repercussions, but they did it anyway.
I am no fan of Ukraine (they are big fans of that famous Eastern European game: Kill The Jew), but they wanted freedom from their Russian-controlled despotic president, and they were willing to fight to get it.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 10:37 AM (QFxY5)
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:37 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: bergerbilder at March 04, 2014 10:37 AM (8MjqI)
Posted by: Mindy at March 04, 2014 10:38 AM (RMfGb)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:38 AM (t3UFN)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:38 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: phoenixgirl at work at March 04, 2014 10:39 AM (8v/hq)
Posted by: Barack Obama to the Ukraine People at March 04, 2014 10:39 AM (Kkt/i)
SH:
Interesting thought that pervaded the 1800s was that Russia would save the decadent Europe from itself and that the orthodox Russian church was the true beacon for Christianity for the Western world.
Since Peter the Great Russia considers itself European, hence the location of that city.
Communism really jacked them up, but it's corruption now they must end.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:39 AM (tVTLU)
Does it sing "If I Were a Rich Man" as it ascends?
Yoo-boo yoo-boo yoo-boo boo-boo BOOM!
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:39 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:39 AM (t3UFN)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:40 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: Bill Ayers at March 04, 2014 10:40 AM (Q6pxP)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:41 AM (t3UFN)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:41 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:41 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:41 AM (nfBpn)
MWR:
But if you were Poland, who do you run to? We've got FDR on fucking steroids running the country.
Does it strike no one as odd that WWII started because Germany violated the territorial sovereignty of Poland. Yet when the war was over we just gave Poland up the Soviets.
What the fuck is up with that?
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 02:38 PM (ZPrif)
There's nowhere in the world that doesn't have a lot of problems, so Ukraine was basically fucked whichever way they went. Of their options, EU was the least fucked way.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (4df7R)
Link?
Posted by: HR at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (ZKzrr)
Posted by: Free American States at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (s4Rjj)
Posted by: brak at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (NaTky)
You mean bowing and cocksucking isn't good foreign policy?
Posted by: DangerGirl and her Sanity Prod (tm) at March 04, 2014 02:30 PM (4Vr+0)
Nope. But it could be a good 'domestic policy', IYKWIM...
Posted by: Washington Nearsider at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (fwARV)
I agree, but I also understand why they did what they did.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 10:42 AM (QFxY5)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:43 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: 2014: Putin at March 04, 2014 10:43 AM (FcR7P)
But if you were Poland, who do you run to? We've got FDR on fucking steroids running the country.
You don't. You gun up and don't trust a damn word from anyone who says they've got your best interests at heart.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:43 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:44 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: prescient11
We part ways there.
Ukraine and Crimea were a universally recognized sovreign state. Moving unflagged troops into Crimea without authorization is a clear violation of multiple conventions.
It was not done legally in any sense and is, without a shred of nuance, an invasion.
That said, what are we going to do about it? Not much. No one in the West prepped the economic battlespace to the point of being able to discourage Putin. No one in the West prepared for military intervention either.
The EU and Obama are made of the same Squish Power nonsense, and they've weakened their respective regions to the point of allowing hegemony to creep once again.
Posted by: weft cut-loop [/i] [/b] at March 04, 2014 10:45 AM (Y/M/K)
"Does it sing "If I Were a Rich Man" as it ascends?"
That would be sweet!
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:45 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:45 AM (t3UFN)
>>>Remember all the arguments over missile defense? Poland is still fuming over that.
Fumes are integral component of the new Polish SDI Program
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 10:45 AM (3ZtZW)
Posted by: Monroe Doctrine at March 04, 2014 10:46 AM (Kz9dH)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 10:46 AM (t3UFN)
But if you were Poland, who do you run to?
If you are Poland you curse the earth for having a flat spot between Russia and Germany.
Posted by: Frumious Bandersnatch at March 04, 2014 10:46 AM (A0sHn)
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Sick of the Snowplow Bills for the Outrage Outlet - Bring Me The Head Of Al Gore! at March 04, 2014 10:46 AM (hLRSq)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:46 AM (gmeXX)
Hitler marched into the Sudetenland to protect "Germans" living there.
Putin marches into Crimea to protect "Russians."
I mean, I hate to go all Godwin, but parallels are parallels regardless of who the actors are.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:47 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: Angel with a sword at March 04, 2014 10:47 AM (hpgw1)
>>>McCain, like that asshole Bill Kristol, never met a foreign conflict he didn't love to fight.
And both, but esp Kristol, think its funny as Hell to shake their dicks in Russia's face becoz the Wall fell and all.
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 10:47 AM (3ZtZW)
I think it is unwise to lump Crimera and Ukraine as one when discussing the wishes of 'the Ukraine' . It is as divided as Texas and New York in regard to national positions and desires.
------------
I'm culturally Texan and I'd be pretty pissed if Russia invaded New York and no one did a GD thing about it.
This seems to me to be a subset of the "hey, they were asking for it" defense.
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 10:47 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: toby928© notes other at March 04, 2014 10:47 AM (QupBk)
Posted by: Jean at March 04, 2014 10:48 AM (4JkHl)
Correct. Its also not that Putin wants to take over the Ukraine, he just wanted to make sure the bits that gave him the most money and power were still under his direct control. He's Tony Soprano sending some muscle into a shop to make sure they keep up the tribute, not Hitler annexing the Sudetenland.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:48 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: The NSA at March 04, 2014 10:48 AM (aTXUx)
Troyriser:
Here's my thought re Kosovo.
Imagine the atrocities at Nigeria. Every other month the muzzis attack students and slaughter dozens with machetes and fire. Eventually, the Christians in the south have had enough and say get the fuck out or else.
All you see is the response and say oh my God, these people are awful. It's like the guy who gets flagged in the NFL, almost always the ref doesn't see he was fighting back. Crusades were same way. Originally a defensive action against muzzie aggression. Does anyone know that. Of course not.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:48 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: Monroe Doctrine at March 04, 2014 10:48 AM (Kz9dH)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:49 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:49 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: Nevergiveup at March 04, 2014 02:45 PM (t3UFN)
Later, he added 3 and 6 by tapping his foreleg on the ground for reporters.
Posted by: Cicero (@cicero) at March 04, 2014 10:49 AM (8ZskC)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:49 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:49 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 04, 2014 10:51 AM (yDmQD)
>>>After what Poland went through in WW2 and the FIFTY years after under the Soviets, I would push the big red button to protect them.
Honestly, I think "The Football" is just a briefcase with a banana and a sack lunch inside.
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 10:52 AM (3ZtZW)
Posted by: Monroe Doctrine at March 04, 2014 02:48 PM (Kz9dH)
Poland is part of NATO.
Not that that matters anymore, because NATO's military might is pretty much us, and we've got lily-livered dipshits in our power elite who wouldn't lift a finger to defend THIS country if it were attacked, let alone Poland. There would be lots of unhappy letters written, but no real force.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:52 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 10:53 AM (At8tV)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:53 AM (RJMhd)
MWR:
The original plan was for Hitler to annex the Sudetanland, which was super majority German and leave the Czechs alone. Hitler said fuck it and just took over the whole country. If Putin simply is protecting his strategic assets I actually think that's justified. If he tries to annex the Ukraine that's a major problem.
Interesting factoid:
When the days of WWII were at their darkest and the blitz was on, Winston Churchill commented that he was sure of England's triumph. When asked why he replied: "In WWI the Czech's added 17 divisions to the German army, now the Germans must dedicate 11 divisions to hold them."
Fantastic response.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 10:53 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:53 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:53 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: navycopjoe at March 04, 2014 10:54 AM (At8tV)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:54 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: eleven at March 04, 2014 10:54 AM (fsLdt)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 10:54 AM (gmeXX)
For some reason the sidebar ad on one website I visited was from one of those Russian Mail Order Bride outfits.
The featured ad is for Irina from Ukraine who wants to see the world. Right about now, honey, I kind of bet you do.
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 10:55 AM (PFy0L)
Posted by: Schwalbe: The Me-262© at March 04, 2014 10:55 AM (9Bdcz)
Posted by: Lincolntf at March 04, 2014 10:55 AM (ZshNr)
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: eleven at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (fsLdt)
Its also not that Putin wants to take over the Ukraine, he just wanted to make sure the bits that gave him the most money and power were still under his direct control
He has expressly not ruled out invading Ukraine. He said this morning that "at this moment it is not necessary, but the possibility exists. Military intervention is an extreme case, but we do have a direct request from the legitimate President Janukovitch for military aid to protect the Ukrainian citizens."
Basically he's awaiting the outcome of the May elections and will only invade if they displease him.
In other news, the Russkies tested an ICBM over the Caspian this morning and the new Nimitz class George HW Bush carrier group is visiting the Agean.
Posted by: Frumious Bandersnatch at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (A0sHn)
Posted by: JJ Stone at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (4oSMi)
That would totes scare Putin back to the bargaining table
Posted by: Village Idiot's Apprentice at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (DPkKe)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: Jean at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (4JkHl)
Posted by: jwest at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (u2a4R)
The unfortunate TIME reporter followed up on his Ukraine derp with “4 Reasons Putin Is Already Losing in Ukraine”
Even a week ago, the idea of a Russian military intervention in Ukraine seemed far-fetched if not totally alarmist.
He has a nice gig.
Posted by: CJ at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (9KqcB)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 10:56 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 02:54 PM (zfY+H)
Poland is part of NATO. As much as everyone mocks European militatries, on their own turf they are pretty good - much better than what Russia can field. Invading Poland would be a crisis of 1914 proportions and that is the real reason for Putin not to attack Poland.
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Sick of the Snowplow Bills for the Outrage Outlet - Bring Me The Head Of Al Gore! at March 04, 2014 10:57 AM (hLRSq)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 10:57 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 02:48 PM (zfY+H)
You seem confident of that assertion, based on.....?
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 10:58 AM (QFxY5)
Posted by: soothsayer at March 04, 2014 10:58 AM (nfBpn)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 10:58 AM (ZPrif)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 02:56 PM (zfY+H)
Alcohol's a helluva food substitute.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 10:58 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 11:00 AM (gmeXX)
Chris Taylor/MWR:
That is the same with pretty much ALL SLAV women, including Polish. I would never marry one of those chicks until I saw the progress at 35. hahahaha.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 11:00 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: Flatbush Joe at March 04, 2014 11:01 AM (ZPrif)
From theweek.com:
Poll: A majority of Crimeans are against union with Russia
...
But actually, the most recent poll by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology shows that a majority of Crimeans are against a union with Russia, and that no region of Ukraine wishes to be reunited with the Russian Federation.
Just 41 percent of Crimeans in the poll taken between February 8 and 18 this year wanted to become part of Russia.
In the Donetsk region, just 33 percent supported joining Russia. The numbers are even smaller in other parts of the country. In Ukraine as a whole, only 13 percent said they wanted unification with PutinÂ’s Russia.
On the other hand, having 40 percent of the population wishing to leave suggests that a referendum on the matter is appropriate.
Posted by: @JohnTant at March 04, 2014 11:01 AM (PFy0L)
He's a mobster, not a second Hitler. Just read Garry Kasparov's extremely insightful notes on the man on twitter. Think Tony Soprano or Nucky, not Hitler. Yes, he dreams of a Russian empire and being the only world superpower, but not at the expense of his money and personal power.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 11:01 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: Soona at March 04, 2014 11:01 AM (jT/qa)
Posted by: Nip Sip at March 04, 2014 11:01 AM (0FSuD)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 03:00 PM (gmeXX)
I see we completely agree.
Posted by: Mikey NTH - Sick of the Snowplow Bills for the Outrage Outlet - Bring Me The Head Of Al Gore! at March 04, 2014 11:01 AM (hLRSq)
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 04, 2014 11:02 AM (yDmQD)
170 "It only makes sense to try and strengthen their ties with that region if they're trying to break ties with Russia."
Actually, it only makes sense if they're desperate. Sorry to say, they won't find much comfort or strength from the E.U. or what's left of NATO.
Posted by: Terri at March 04, 2014 11:02 AM (4uSYN)
Posted by: eleven at March 04, 2014 11:02 AM (fsLdt)
Posted by: zombie at March 04, 2014 11:02 AM (mizYg)
Posted by: ATF at March 04, 2014 11:03 AM (0FSuD)
Posted by: tasker at March 04, 2014 11:04 AM (RJMhd)
Posted by: Lincolntf at March 04, 2014 11:04 AM (ZshNr)
How in the hell do we keep forgetting this lesson:
The ultimate power comes from the barrel of a gun.
Treaties are worth nothing if the world goes back to bring it on empire building. Very curious events.
Posted by: prescient11 at March 04, 2014 11:05 AM (tVTLU)
Posted by: ATF at March 04, 2014 11:06 AM (0FSuD)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 11:06 AM (gmeXX)
>>>Also what has been greatly overlooked is that Putin developed a policy of national food security.
After the USSR experience that's not surprising
Posted by: Bigby's Hangnail at March 04, 2014 11:06 AM (3ZtZW)
Posted by: Lincolntf at March 04, 2014 11:07 AM (ZshNr)
Posted by: Circa (Insert Year Here) at March 04, 2014 11:07 AM (659DL)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 11:07 AM (gmeXX)
Doesn't alter the fact that their geopolitical situation is basically untenable.
For the time being they get to be toll collectors on 1/4 of Europe's energy. (1/3 of Germany's, and Germans count more).
A Russian who is sympathetic to the Ukraine told me that Putin has an anti-fracking hard-on because oil and gas are his only leverage and that Ukraine has frackable reserves if we're allowed to go in and help them develop it.
(Presumably that means allowed by both Putin and Obama, who would oppose it for geopolitics on the one hand and sissyry on the other).
Posted by: Frumious Bandersnatch at March 04, 2014 11:07 AM (A0sHn)
Okay, I get what Lindsay Grahamnesty was TRYING to say by bringing up Benghazi in his tweet about Ukraine. He was basically saying, "Obammy's shown we're a weak country, so other countries are totally going to take advantage of that weakness."
Just call Obama a disinterested pussy whose pussification of the country has made us an international laughingstock.
Posted by: MWR, Proud Tea(rrorist) Party Assault Hobbit [/s][/u][/b][/i] at March 04, 2014 11:08 AM (4df7R)
Posted by: jrcobbstr at March 04, 2014 11:08 AM (OGuBw)
Posted by: Nip Sip at March 04, 2014 11:09 AM (0FSuD)
Posted by: rickb223 at March 04, 2014 11:10 AM (h1D+w)
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at March 04, 2014 11:10 AM (yDmQD)
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 11:11 AM (zfY+H)
Posted by: Daybrother at March 04, 2014 11:11 AM (+68Db)
Posted by: SH at March 04, 2014 11:12 AM (gmeXX)
Posted by: Nip Sip at March 04, 2014 11:12 AM (0FSuD)
And free up restrictions on fracking.
But that's playing to win in the long-term geopolitical game, and he isn't interested.
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo at March 04, 2014 11:12 AM (QFxY5)
You know what sunk the Soviet Union? They had nothing anyone else wanted. Now they have all that energy other people want and they can do whatever they want without fear of consequences or running out of money.
So yeah, threaten that and they'll go ballistic.
Posted by: Christopher Taylor at March 04, 2014 11:13 AM (zfY+H)
"The Narnicles of Crimea
Posted by: zombie at March 04, 2014 03:02 PM "
Love it. Be sure to include John Kerry and the Charge of the Lightweight Brigade.
Posted by: RedMindBlueState at March 04, 2014 11:15 AM (knoK7)
Posted by: Romeo13 at March 04, 2014 11:18 AM (84gbM)
Posted by: G7 Nations Ponzi Gang at March 04, 2014 11:30 AM (WnOUm)
Posted by: Null at March 04, 2014 11:34 AM (0OrFt)
Posted by: jrcobbstr at March 04, 2014 11:40 AM (OGuBw)
Posted by: Chilling the most at March 04, 2014 11:44 AM (gxtMZ)
Posted by: jrcobbstr at March 04, 2014 11:44 AM (OGuBw)
Google it.
I dare you. We are being "led" by clowns....
Duh!1 is a dunce. At best.
Posted by: backhoe at March 04, 2014 12:05 PM (ULH4o)
Posted by: Sterling Holloway at March 04, 2014 02:04 PM (e8kgV)
Posted by: Snackeater at March 04, 2014 02:55 PM (N4zJd)
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Posted by: L, elle at March 04, 2014 10:02 AM (0xqKe)