Russia continues its short-sighted power game. From AP, with thanks to Erick Stakelbeck:
Russia's top military chief on Thursday warned the United States against launching a military strike against Iran and a top diplomat voiced hope that close cooperation with China could help resolve the Tehran nuclear crisis.With tension mounting over Iran's nuclear programs, Gen. Yuri Baluyevsky, the chief of Russia's general staff, warned the United States against attacking Iran.
"A military scenario can't be ruled out," Baluyevsky was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.
He said that while Iran's military potential cannot compare to the United States', "it is hard to predict how the Muslim world will respond to the use of force against Iran."
"This may stir the whole world, and it is crucial to prevent anything like that," Baluyevsky was quoted as saying.
Yes, just allow Ahmadinejad to develop a nuclear bomb. That will certainly bring peace.
I remember right after 9/11, Bush and Putin looked like college drinking buddies together.I was thinking this may work...Russia and the US vs islam,since we both were having troubles with these bastards. I was feeling good about it for a while...but I was wrong.
Protester dumps family
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006070794,00.html
Wassat then???, terrorists are allowed to come and go as they please while being funded by the British taxpayers???? hahahaha
Ahh well, have another coop a tea and a bun...things will sort themselves out one day.
CHARLES CLARKE????? HELLO!
What's the point of all the spin and bluster over anti-terrorism laws when you can let Anjem Choudary the self confessed enemy of the UK people and traitor just come and go as he pleases.
So Like Bakri - out of the country - he is no longer a problem??
That stinks of GOVERNMENT cowardice to me.
Putin isbasically telling the US:
"Look, lets make a deal and i want my share of the booty else play up my spoiler value".
Chances are that they're miscalculating again as the French and germans had done pre-iraq. Making a deal with Saddam seemed to them the optimal course for everybody, including the US. Now, Russia and China think making a deal on carving up Iran maybe is the way to go. Somehow, I think maybe the idea merits consideration. In any case, Israeli threat of unilateral action is pushing urgency on this issue.
The Russians take lessons from its muslims friends.. the iranians...lots of sabre rustlings coming from a 2nd rate general..we need to be reminded how important Russia is l guess...well the West needs to be focused on Iran, and let them know they will need to back down or go meet their allah no time soon!
Not a suprise to me as I have been saying the
Cold War is not over. Those who think it is need to rethink this issue.
We have intelligence tapes of Russian technicians
helping Saddems military when the War first started.
Russia is rebuilding its military but that fact is not getting the attention it needs.
Russia is in bed with the terrorists > they can attack us via terrorists.
Arafat was a pawn of Russia!
Not a problem Mr Putin, Israel will do the deed anyways, you think Israel is going to let these mindless savages develope nuclear weapons knowing all too well what motivates these incoherent jackasses?
ExpatDK:
Putin is an old KGB schoolboy and traditions like those die very hard. He should be trusted about as far as I can hurl a 400 lb weight. If anything, he'd probably like to be able to export his "Chechen" problem by sending them off to help their Persian brethren, which may be why he's making nice with Hamas and Iran.
Russians are good at chess. Putin probably see's the worlds problems in terms of chess moves. Russians are very proud of the 'Mother Land', and dont do well playing second fiddle to anyone.
They will struggle to dominate, or at least get equality. Putin see's that The Motherland is in chaos, and has made moves to control it.
But Putin himself is a complicated character. He has motivations beyond the glories of Russia. He is enriching himself and gathering more power than he actually needs. In some ways he already acts like a king. I dont think the Russian people will go for a king, but Putin can get away with brinkmanship. Playing close to the edge is what he is doing. Hopefully, he wont fall off it...
"This may stir the whole world, and it is crucial to prevent anything like that," Baluyevsky was quoted as saying.
--- from the article above
The destruction of Israel, however, by Iranian use of nuclear weapons, would not "stir the world" any more than a previous mass murder of Jews, more or less announced in advance through all sorts of words and deeds from 1933 to the beginning of World War II, "stirred the world" either at the time, or very much afterwards -- though finally, beginning in the 1970s, much more memorial attention was given (pro forma visits by prime ministers to Yad Vashem, books and movies with a Holocaust theme, ritualistic invocation of the phrase "never again" which in the mouths of most, though fortunately not all , turns out to be a hollow phrase).
But we are now told, if an attempt were made to stop a Nazifascist regime (that would, if it could, repeat the Nazi mass murders of Jews) from acquiring such weapons, that would "stir the world." That would be inadmissible.
If memory serves ("Ich dienst" it says, snappily clicking its heels and saluting) the Russians used to take quite an interest in Jerusalem. There was a famous dispute over who had title to property in Jerusalem that was owned by the Russian Orthodox Church. The question was: which Orthodox Church? The Soviet-run domestic version, or the Russian Orthodox Church abroad. And the Russian Orthodox Church abroad had more than one claimant to represent the Church. Episkop Ioann of San Francisco, who headed one part, and who was the brother of the editor of "La Pensee russe" in Paris, Zinaida Shahovkaya (and himself a writer both before he entered the Church, and after, was involved and may somewhere have written about this).
Why is that property dispute relevant? Well, it reminds us all that the Russians have a certain interest, as do all Christians and of course Jews, in the surival, and preservation of Jerusalem. Is the Russian government quite sure that the Iranians would care whether or not Jerusalem continued to exist, if they could triumphantly destroy the Infidel sovereign state that so offends their sense of what is right, what can be tolerated, by Muslims such as themselves?
"He said that while Iran's military potential cannot compare to the United States', "it is hard to predict how the Muslim world will respond to the use of force against Iran." "
They might not buy nuclear reactors and arms from russia any longer. Wouldn't that be a tragedy?
I'm sure glad we listened to Russia's sage advice about not opposing communism, also.
The only apology Putin and his gang could offer the free world would be to imprison the Hamas "delegation" when they show up in Russia.
And hold them as bargaining chips in any future terrorist negotiations (maybe with the Chechins? Or Iran?).
One of my favourite quotes, not least because it emobodies and describes so much human behavior, whether it is individuals or States, is Einstein's definition of insanity, i.e. the person [State] who does the same thing over and over again and expects different results.
When in human history has somebody with Ahmadinejad's level of belligerence been diplomatically pursuaded to change his posture? The Russian diplomat cited above is very educated; even though he may be ignorant about the jihad ideology, does he truly believe and desire that real peace is possible with the current regime in Iran?
This is where the school of realism provides us with so much insight into states behavior. Russia talks peace, but a nuclear attack on the West might create oppurtunities for Russian influence to spread its ganglia in little places here or there.
China is a little more puzzling. If the U.S. or Israel were to suffer a devastating attack, China would suffer immensely because their economy is so tied in with the U.S. The amount of U.S. trade and investment in China is staggering (China has the fastest growing economy in the world at 9%). In fact, many countries in the world--including Canada, Japan, South Korea--owe not just their prosperity to the world economic system with the U.S. at the helm, but their security too. So China has an economic incentive to ensure Iran doesnt get the bomb, but their behavior suggests they are either willfully naive about Ahmadinejad or they are willing to allow him to get a bomb provided Iran continues the flow of oil. If it is the latter, it is shortsided, because the devestation to their economy that would ensue if there was a nuke attack and an ensuing conflict would far outweigh the costs to ensure, at any means possible, that Iran doesnt get the bomb
We have plenty of examples from history that tell us what the reaction of the muslim world is when one of its errant members gets pummeled into rubble by overwhelming force, they behave. It is the only language they truly understand. Putin's remarks in the wake of Beslan demonstrate that he knows that. In the wake of 9/11 the United States has erased Afghanistan and Iraq. Iran too may need to be erased. We may have to erase one or two more before the umma finally gets the message and the jinn of jihad is once again crammed with deadly force back into the bottle from which it escaped in the 20th century.
The Russians must be ignored on this topic. If they wish to be part of the problem, then that will be their fate.
We know better than to trust any Muslim nation. Iran will obviously develop nuclear weapons in secret regardless of any agreements they make on paper. Military action is required in this situation unless Iran opens its doors so wide that we can see into their souls.
Anyone want to hold their breath on this one?
"it is hard to predict how the Muslim world will respond to the use of force against Iran."
Yes, because they are all behaving so well right now....
Russia is right why not play the "nice guy" on this issue for as long as possible. Innocent lives will eventually be taken by Iran then the U.S. will have international support to come in level the country. If Iran does develop a nuculear weapon it will be interesting to see how Israel reacts. It's amazing how some countries are not governed by reason or logic.
BESLAN, Russia (AP) — A shaken President Vladimir Putin made a rare and candid admission of Russian weakness Saturday in the face of an "all-out war" by terrorists after more than 340 people — nearly half of them children — were killed in a hostage-taking at a southern school.
A man sits by dead bodies of the Beslan hostage-taking at a morgue Saturday.
By Viktor Drachev, AFP
Putin went on national television to tell Russians they must mobilize against terrorism. He promised wide-ranging reforms to toughen security forces and purge corruption.
Putin had the opportunity to take the war to the Muslims after Beslan and what did he do??? Nothing.
It is hard to judge Putin and Russia, but Russia remains a mighty force that can wreak havoc across the globe only second to America.
As stated many times, through the four centuries that America has been:
“Give me Liberty of Give me Death”
“I regret that I have only one life to give for my country.”
“Remember the Alamo”
“December 7th, the day of infamy.”
It is better to fight and die free than to ever surrender to the threats of destruction from all sources regardless of the outcome.
For those that think it is better to surrender and not fight, I recommend that you move to the Middle East, China, Pakistan or some other great nation that you would bow down to and see what an oppressive life really is. Then you will become a warrior for freedom.
To many in America have no comprehension what freedom really means.
The right to stand on the street corner and espouse your beliefs.
The right to believe or not believe in God, gods or whatever.
The right to keep and bare arms.
The right to climb in your car and drive across our great nation.
The right to work, go home and watch TV every day.
The right to do whatever you want as long as it doesn’t infringe on the fights of others.
The right to state what we believe on the internet.
Which of these do you want to give up to stay alive under a suppressive society.
This is why: Freedom. The only choice at any cost.
The Texican
Lenin's quip about they'll sell us the rope with which to hang them is ringing especially ironic right now.
Swap in kleptocrats for capitalists and you've got your Putin and Russia pretty well described.
Russia has a long memory. they'll make a comeback tour tho. I wouldnt be suprised if russia goes back to commuminism. they might be playin us.
Don't take Russia's threat seriously. They didn't lift a finger to support Serbia - their fellow slavs. Why should one believe that they'd be any more inclined to support Iran?
If anything, use this as a pretext to nuke Iran's nuke sites, and then say that the fear of Russia kept US from launching a mere conventional attack.
After that is done, let Scott Ritter and others go there hunting for WMD's.
Texican...You forgot the most important right...the right to be left alone...But govs, including Islam, will never leave us alone. They need our money, our support and our loyalty...mostly our money. Taxes, taxes, taxes and then there are those taxes...
In one of those Carlos Casteneda books, his mentor Don Juan, said, that the true black magicians are our fellow man...and if you dont believe that, just try and break away from the path they have set for you...In Islam, breaking away is called apostacy. This upsets the black magicians so much they made death the penalty for violation. In the west this is called freedom. You do not have to follow any particular path. You can equally give Islam and Christianity the finger, if you wish. The gov will ignore you unless you get violent or advocate violence. No Christian will behead you, but watch out for muslims hiding behind trees and rocks.
Careful how you read this. You have to consider the source.
it is AP that is warning Americans. They twisted his words.
Te General is warning Iran. How does "A military scenario can't be ruled out," Baluyevsky was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies." Warning americans?
He also stated to "not hold out much hope" for any attempts to negotiate with Iran to result in a peaceful solution.
What he is warning, is that it may spark Islamic unrest in the world. But I highly doubt it.
There are a lot of Islamic countries that do not want these nutty shia Mullahs to gain any power, because it spells death to them. Make no mistake, Iran's desire is to control the entire mid east, and cut of oil to Europe to bring it to it's knees.
The AP article is, as usual, poor journalism, pro Islam- anti American capitolism as always.
CHINA?
How can China be trusted to help resolve the impasse? China's been long committed to providing counterpoints to American, European, and Indian influence in Asia. China can be trusted to sabotage any chance of peace in the region.
I suspect that behind the scenes, The USA and Russia are discussing what is mutually acceptable in carving up Iran, and who will play what role. Don't forget, Russia has some new toys it's just itching to play with aws well.
The negotiations they are having with Iran are doomed to fail, because iran will not be moved from it goals, and made to look browbeaten. I posted a comment about this in an article above.
The more likely senario is what is most benificial to Russa, the USA, and Europe and China will get it's share of appeasement as well.
Iran is just a bug to be crushed and the spoils divided up. There is no other way. Any agreement with Iran which keeps this existing regime will last about as long as it takes them to make enough bombs to do some serious damage, not to just Israel either, but Europe, the Saudi's, Kwait, Etc. and close off the shipping lanes.
So ... exactly what are the Russians going to do about it?
Invade Iran themselves?
Kewl. They can have as much of Iran as they can stand.
In fact I think Europe is a little afraid of Russia playing a larger role in this, because it will after the dust settles, give Russia more power and control over Europe.
You just might see Europe becoming "pals" again with the USA, and wanting a US/Europeon Allied force rather than a US/Russian one. That would bring objection from China, and of course Russia. The US has nothing to loose with a US/Russia allied force, only Europe does.
It's something to consider.
I agree with someone above, that communism hasn't finished....
Some years ago after America said that we had beaten communism, Gobachev said that, "Communism has not finished as some in the west would say, all we have done is change our tactics".
I have never believed that communism has finished, all one has to do is look at the universities and how they push the socialist movement, and the downing of our morals by the left. With its lies and deception of the left, and the media on their side , communism is in fact very alive and well on planet earth, how can the right win against lies, deception the media, etc.. Is not socialism the same as communism, the Fabians society and Marxism...it might pay people to look up all those to educate themselves.