Since I have already twice committed this imitation of the corporate media’s “Man of the Year” gimmick, I might as well do that again this year. In 2013 I nominated the Syrian solider for his exceptional courage and fighting spirit and in 2014 I nominated the Russian solider and I think that in both cases this was very much deserved. And this year again, the title goes collectively to a group of men: all the Russian airman who fight against Daesh and the AngloZionist Empire in Syria. This year, however, the Russian airmen will share the distinction ex aequo with two remarkable individual: Iranian General Qasem Soleimani and the Head of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Alexander Zakharchenko
Saker 2015 (collective) Man of the Year: the Russian airman.
Russian pilot in Syria
I don’t think that anybody can deny that the performance of the Russian airmen in Syria has been absolutely spectacular: the number of sorties, the extremely high effectiveness of their strikes, their courage – everything that the world has seen during this mission by the Russian air task force in Syria has been truly remarkable, especially when compared to the, frankly, pathetic performance of the US-lead “coalition” forces. Furthermore, following the Turkish attack on the Russian SU-24 and the murder by Turkish forces of one of the two pilots who had parachuted from the burning machine (a war crime), the 2nd pilot, Konstantin Myrakhtin managed to elude Turkish special forces for 10 hours before being rescued by a special team composed of Hezbollah, Syrian and Russian special forces. Considering the small stretch of land involved and the presence of a large Turkish force it is absolutely remarkable how Captain Mutrashkin managed to remain free and to establish contact with the rescue team even though one Russian helicopter came under fire, had to crash land, and then was blown up (by a US made TOW missile – thank you Uncle Sam), but everybody was safely evacuated in 2nd chopper.
Russian Sukhoi-34 – the most important aircraft in Syria
During the operation in Syria the Russian pilots showed exceptional courage, skills and determination . Thinking of how much this small force has achieved, I think of Churchill’s famous sentence “Never was so much owed by so many to so few” which, I think, fully applies to them. To pick as the “Saker Military Man of the Year” was really a no-brainer
Saker 2015 Man of the Year: Major-General Qasem Soleimani
Qasem Soleimani
Qasem Soleimani is a General in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Commander of the IRGC elite “Quds Force” which is, reportedly, in charge of extraterritorial and clandestine operations for the IRGC. Soleimani has had a long and prestigious career, but he still is a real “front line” general who recently got wounded in Syria.
According to some sources, Soleimani participated in the development of the Russian military intervention in Syria. Currently Soleimani appears to be in charge of all the Iranian forces in Syria. According to Iranian sources Soleimani personally set-up the team which rescued the Captain Myrakhtin. The team was composed of 18 Syrian special forces members and six Hezbollah fighters and Russian special forces.
Here is the only photo of that ad-hoc team I have been able to find:
Hezbollah, Syrian and Russian special forces operating together in Syria
What is certain is that Soleimani and the Iranian and Hezbollah forces are playing an absolutely crucial role in Syria and that their role will only become more important. Soleimani thus very much deserves to be nominated as my man of the year.
Saker 2015 Man of the Year: Major-General Alexander Zakharchenko
Alexander Zakharchenko
Following the Ukronazi debacle in Debaltsevo, there we no further amazing battles or huge Novorussian victories in 2015. Nonetheless, the Lugansk and Donetsk People’s Republics can be proud of an amazing feat: they finally managed to transform a militia of volunteers into a real, regular, army. This is an extremely difficult process which, at time, has been outright painful to observe. I believe that most of the credit for this revolution (because that is exactly what such a process mandates) should go to Alexander Zakharchenko whose unique mix of calm confidence, iron determination, immense patience and heartfelt love for his country made it possible for him to convince the people of Novorussia and most military commanders (who had been completely independent in the initial stages of the insurrection) to trust and join him.
Zakharchenko had to fight various “hot-heads” and uncooperative militia commanders, the local mobsters, corrupt officials and ruthless oligarchs while coordinating the battles in the Debaltsevo “cauldron” – the first battle in which the forces of the LNR and DNR acted like one Novorussian military. In the process, Zakharchenko got wounded in his leg and even after he left the hospital the pain continued to cripple him. He was fully aware of the number of other Novorussian leaders who had been murdered, sometimes in mysterious circumstances, and he knew that each movement of his implied taking a risk for his life.
Zakharchenko under heavy protection
And yet he continued to work long hours ceaselessly day after day. Under his leadership even the local economy began showing signs of improvement and the crime wave which had done so much damage to Novorussia slowly began to recede. The situation in Novorussia is still far from good, but at least now it is comparable to the situation in the rest of the Ukraine. Yes, there are still many severe problems, but what Zakharchenko has done over the past year is truly remarkable even if his success are not of the kind which make for juicy headlines. Last but not least, under Zakharchenko’s leadership, the Novorussians have successfully conducted a voluntary mobilization. While the exact figures of men under arms are hard to come by, the consensus is that the Novorussia military is now fairly big, well equipped, well trained and disciplined. Most importantly, it is now probably capable of operational-level offensives, something which appears to have been sufficient, at least so far, to deter an Ukronazi offensive. As the regime in Kiev collapses, along with the Ukrainian economy, a last desperate attack of the Ukronazis on Novorussia is possible, if not likely, and although it is very dangerous to be over-confident, there are good reasons to believe that Novorussia is now read to beat back any Ukronazi attack. And that is also in no small measure a personal achievement of Alexander Zakharchenko. For all these reasons I believe that it is only fair to recognize him and his hard work.
Your turn now!
Whom would YOU have declared the “2015 Resistance Man of the Year”?
“it is absolutely remarkable how Captain Mutrashkin managed to remain free and to establish contact with the rescue team even though one Russian helicopter came under fire, had to crash land, and then was blown up (by a US made TOW missile – thank you Uncle Sam), but everybody was safely evacuated in 2nd chopper.”
A second Russian soldier, a Marine who was in the rescue helicopter, was reported killed also.
The marine that died was with the 1st chopper.
Vladimir Putin should be permanently on this list. His honesty, coolness and forbearance of the immoral idiots that lead the west is the mark of a truly great man. This is not to diminish the heroic performance of the Russian airmen, Major-General Qasem Soleimani and Major-General Alexander Zakharchenko. With men like these the west doesn’t stand a chance.
great comment
Well. The only honorable thing to do, if ordered by evil beings to fight the Russian airmen, and men like Soleimani and Zakharchenko, would be instead to join them and turn one’s guns against the oppressors.
You are correct in recognizing these individuals for the excellent work that they have done in 2015. In another category I would like to nominate Arseny Yatsenyuk for the award of being the BUFFOON of the year. I can attest to it that he is all by himself in this category.
I don’t know about that Poroshenko,and Erdogan,I think,are in the running for “that” award. But as for the “2015 Resistance Man of the Year”. I think the common NAF soldier deserves that award. The poor kid on the front line still getting shelled and snipped daily. And not able to really fight back because of Minsk. I’ve seen over these last weeks stories of several young kids killed defending their people.One just 18,one 23,one 22 and just married. Men that should be the future of their land. Forever lost to their families and people. They deserve all the respect we can show them.
Agree with you, UB
The “unknown” soldier – when I was young it appeared to be so much a thing of the past.
Now it is our all future
It would be unwise to underestimate the enemy. Poroshenko could be argued to have done a very good job from their point of view. All the talk of Kiev collapsing in a matter of months looks kind of silly now. In fact, over at Fortruss, one of the articles discussed current events and one guy suggested making Poroshenko one of the men of the year. Consider what he had to work with, and what he has achieved. Sure, he talks to Biden every day, and is surrounded by American handlers, but is it any different in Novorossiya in terms of Russian advisors?
To me, Assad has to be Man of the Year for the last couple of years. Incredible courage and grace under fire. A true leader, and one that most of us could never have expected. He seemed like such a mild-mannered pro-Western neoliberal. It just goes to show you never can tell.
With due respect, I think that Obama is right in there with Yatsenyuk. Baffoons of the year.
Excellent choices and I think there are also some permanent figures that should not go unmentioned -Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavrov come to mind.
Leader of the year and Diplomat of the year.
For me President Putin has to be up there also. He has shown remarkable leadership in so many ways. Mainly, he has been able to deflect the empire’s many jabs by not rising to their baiting in many parts of the overall conflict zone. From being ostracized at last years G20 to being the go to man this year, he has kept a very steady course and this is giving the Russians back their self confidence to be major players on the world stage.
One word, cool.
Perhaps not quite man of the year, but more than honorable mention:
Alexey Mosgovoy
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aleksey_Mozgovoy
Murdered May 23, 2015
A brave and dedicated hero, commander of the Ghost Brigade, true to his ideals to the end, and a very good man who not be forgotten.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBeOPoJYC6g
Aleksey Mozgovoy: Last Goodbye
He is a good choice as well,”Don’t worry about your skin,worry about your honor”. He was a good decent man from what I hear. And seemed to be loved by those that followed him. Unlike the Western media that must scrape the bottom of the barrel to find someone “acceptable” to give their awards too. We have a huge number of worthy candidates that we’d like to give awards to,that its hard to pick among them.
He would be my choice also. I still feel sad everytime I think about it. A great, inspirational man.
Yes, I was really touched by the ode to his death, regardless if he wrote it or not. He apeard to be a men with principles.
May he never be forgotten (Eternal Memory)
Whilst I agree with all Saker 2015 nominations… It’s the loss of Aleksey Mozgovoy that is still, somehow difficult to move past – even in a time of so much loss. For his vision, courage and battlefield tenacity – during a time when people needed to know that freedom from tyranny was possible – he would be my choice for man of the year 2015.
This is good. If you follow only nominations from NATO countries you will get only sh***.
It is time to create parallel organizations.
Vladimir Putin è il mio Presidente
https://www.facebook.com/Vladimir-Putin-%C3%A8-il-mio-Presidente-1495308817373941/
FT Bombshell: EU Unveils Standing Border Force That Will Act “Even If A Government Objects”
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2015-12-10/ft-shocker-eu-unveils-standing-border-force-will-act-even-if-government-objects
It is alll part of WWIII against Russia/China/humanity
Thanks Saker for your expert opinion, and I certainly gain from learning this opinion, and wouldn’t even try to replace any of these wonderful men you mention, with my own ideas.
But, of course I would like to add Putin Lavrov and Shoigu….as everyone here will also add probably.
And there must be many many more…all of the unsung heros.
If all else were to fail, I would like to move to Donetsk…it was fun, a while back, to see Motorola riding a gorgeous white horse, with his wife riding a gorgeous black horse in Donetsk ….that was so fun…
By the way, Motorola is a really competent rider.. I’m sure he has a history of riding, at the race track, as a jockey…he’s not a tall guy…. I could tell by the way he rode that horse…very well, but looked like he was more used to riding standing up like jockeys do…his leg position was strange…but his hands were very good…the horse’s head never moved…he has ‘good hands’…
Ann
Dear Saker, you again speak of “collapse” of the regime in Kiev. Just when I thought the issue has been laid to rest once and for all by Christine Lagarde. But … no?
Do you understand the actual meaning of this? I myself frankly admit that I don’t – not in the least. “Everybody says so”, but … limited me somehow don’t get it…
But if you do, then, please elaborate. I mean, in detail. Kindly conjure it up for us, visually, so that we all understand. Say, the regime “collapsed” the day after tomorrow, on Sunday, at 14:16 Ukrop Standard Time. What do you see in yer mind’s eye? The Ukro-zio-nazi battalions suddenly vanishing in thin air? Rada building catching Divine Fire? Bandera monuments exploding? The American ambassador hanging himself in public? How ’bout women and children?……… Or perhaps ’tis something subtle instead. So subtle in fact, that it can’t be reasonably explain’d in a polite social network.
Governments do collapse. Not that often, but they do. They reach a point where for whatever reason, they can no longer pay their employees and people have no real confidence that this will change. Either the currency collapses, or tax collection is deeply inadequate, or kleptocracy is so rampant that hardly anything reaches government coffers to be disbursed, and combined with this those in power seem to have no relevant policies that could bring about a change, but there is no obvious mechanism to change to a new government that might have a handle on things . . . what we consider “the state” can sort of melt away, or at least retrench to the point where there is little left, as people, including soldiers, beetle off to try to make some kind of living.
Russia came pretty close for a little while there, but at the time there were some pretty ingrained loyalties and ethics in parts of the civil service, the medical profession, teaching and so on. Some people kept on delivering services while they starved. I don’t think the Ukrainian armed forces, for instance, have the kind of esprit de corps that would make them keep on grimly serving while the paychecks don’t come in.
Putin seems to have something the arrogant neocons lack, which is patience.
Here is my observation about the difference in patience between the East and West. Obviously the West is full of go-go, right now consumerism. This can be seen in finance, retail even the capital equipment markets. This has led to financial ruin with debt loads in the West and especially Japan to be about to strangle them. The funding of endless wars is coming to an end. As such, time is not with the West. Every month that goes by the West is weaker than before.
I am actually hoping that the EU sanctions remain in place. The import substitution seems to be sobering up Russia into a two-fold awareness. The first is that the West is not reliable (as documented here often) and the second is that Russia can do it themselves. In this respect every month Russia is stronger than the previous month.
Salam,
I would have picked Donald Trump. God bless him. Even Netanyahu had to ask him, not to visit Israel.
Blesses Be HaShem.
“Whom would YOU have declared the “2015 Resistance Man of the Year”?”
Syria has been under attack from multinational terrorist forces for over 4 years now.
Resistance? How about Assad. He has to be in the running.
Too true. Assad has to be there no doubt! Putin will be the man of the decade, actually the first two decades of this century. I’m sure future historians will refer to the first 25 years of the century as the age of Putin. Still, but for the steadfastness of Assad and the heroes and martyrs of the Syrian Arab Army, Russia would be in a much worse position today.
Also a good choice. He is a symbol of resistance for the Syrian people.
Frankly speaking, I must say that I’m bit surprised to see Assad mentioned as a possible contender only here, so far down on the thread. When this started Assad – aside from the Iranians who realized the potential danger very early on- stood alone and faced down the bomb-throwers and liver-eaters with courage, eloquence and dignity.
When the car bombs were ripping parts of Damascus to shreds and close associates were being assassinated, almost daily, Assad never lost his resolved and diligently plowed on against the odds, regardless.
When every MSM outlet, and 2-bit pundits, were screaming about defections and predicting his imminent demise, Assad stood his ground, declared to all that would hear, that exile was not an option and that he would ‘die in Syria’! Talk about courage under fire.
Putin yes, Soleimani definitely, Zakharchenko yes, Nasrallah yes, the SAA yes, and the Russian Airmen yes, but for me, Bashar al Assad the unassuming ophthalmologist is my choice.
Frankly speaking, I must say that I’m bit surprised to see Assad mentioned as a possible contender only here, so far down on the thread. When this started Assad – aside from the Iranians who realized the potential danger very early on- stood alone and faced down the bomb-throwers and liver-eaters with courage, eloquence and dignity.
When the car bombs were ripping parts of Damascus to shreds and close associates were being assassinated, almost daily, Assad never lost his resolved and diligently plowed on against the odds, regardless.
When every MSM outlet, and 2-bit pundits, were screaming about defections and predicting his imminent demise, Assad stood his ground, declared to all that would hear, that exile was not an option and that he would ‘die in Syria’! Talk about courage under fire.
Putin yes, Soleimani definitely, Zakharchenko yes, Nasrallah yes, the SAA yes, and the Russian Airmen yes, but for me, Bashar al Assad the unassuming ophthalmologist is my choice.
Viktor Orban – haha.
hard call.
as far as personal courage goes: the pilots (they take huge personal risks esp now with takfiris equipes with MANPADS, Tuket NATO in any ambush ocassions.
as for the whole planings of miliatry ops: Iranian Grl and Zak (nash Chibourashenko) ex-equo
This is all nice but not helping to clarify more and more confusing developements. Bloomberg just made up a cover story that Iran would be retreating from Syria. Any wonder if Russia turns a blind eye on constant air assaults on Hisbollah, Syrian Army and Iranian fighters on the ground ? What kind of game of chicken is Putin really playing with his “allies” and with the West ? Its been pretty quiet in recent days and one gets the impression as the Russian “build up” does not bear much fruit on the ground and it will and cannot go on like this forever. Putin may end up with poor results and may have done his country more harm than favour in the long run. Sakers impression before and at the beginning of the Russian intervention may turn out to have been pretty spot on. I would love to have a deep analysis from him now than hearing and seeing nationalinterest-like-photops on the page!
soleiman and his history of actions and travels gives me the impression that he is fully on board, stqff member, of the elite overlords. Have you read the reports that the saudi stampede was an operation that captured a large number of irans govt including top security/military/nuke people.
It was discussed here at Sake’s site that w/o Iranian troop on the ground Syrian counteroffensive will not succeed. Both SAA and Hezbollah are stretched to the maximum. If there is any truth to Bloomberg’s report then there is a very good reason to be concerned. Also one would wonder what is really Iran’s position? Is Russia being betrayed by Iran?
Bloomberg’s piece might be just an Israeli disinformation and provocation aimed at Iranian to make them show more aggressiveness, so Israel could say: I told you so.
I’d want to add the Saker, Orlov and all the others who’ve given us (I’m from the UK) a sane alternative to our anemic news.
I see that Time magazine has made Angela Merkel its “person of the year” for 2015. Is this the first time a German person has enjoyed that distinctive honour since Adolf Hitler in 1938?
No, Willy Brandt got one in 1970.
I would say Putin and Bashar Al-assad.
Agree with your suggestions the Saker.
I would also add VVP who has shown real leadership and strength in the face of constant provocations.
Rgds,
Veritas
Yes, with the greatest admiration to all on your list. They are all exceptional Freedom Fighters.
You, might also add this Raevsky guy to the list.
The Syrian army team that held Kuweries airbase for 3 years whilst totally encircled by ISIS. They resorted to growing their own corn to keep themselves going.
Sergey Viktorovich Lavrov
Besides Saker’s nominees and those mentioned by commentators, I’d like to add Assange and Snowden.
I haven’t commented on Saker’s blog since the Georgian conflict. But here is my 2 cents.
There is another person that needs recognition. Maybe not as much as Sakers but could offer real hope, not only for the US but Russia and the world as well. That person is a Democratic woman.
Tulsi Gabbard
An American Patriot
Since the link didn’t work here is the CNN interview.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7Q8X60KQ9Q
Well,I’m going off the reservation here…pun intended.
I’m nominating John Trudell (just passed to the spirit world) for the title of “Man of the Year”.
John Trudell,a great warrior and poet.His words,sharp as arrows,AIMed directly at the genocidal killers of this planet.May he live on,in the “Spirit of Crazy Horse”…….
https://vimeo.com/98832539
V. PUTIN
I would nominate NAF, Russian an SAA soldiers collectively and Zakharchenko and Assad as individuals.
and lets not forget Assad
How about the SAA? They’re the ones doing all the heavy lifting on the ground in Syria. Also; the Syrian pilots. There was a report about them on RT a couple of weeks ago. They’re flying these dilapidated old Sukhois which they fix themselves with little else but duct tape, yet they’re all eager to get chosen for the next mission. Amazing guys! At least they should get as much respect as the undoubtedly brave Russian pilots do.
Lastly, I’d like to nominate the elite team that promised Putin to get their surviving pilot back, their attitude was ‘failure is not an option,’ and they’ve totally achieved their objective swiftly and decisively. Plus; the rescued Russian pilot himself who is itching to go back into service. Now, that’s what I call courage!
-TL2Q
Well, the SAA took it last year, didn’t they? It’s somebody else’s “turn”. ;)
Personally, I’d like to give a shout-out to Nasrallah and the soldiers of Hezbollah. The Syrian army have been hanging tough all this time, but it’s their country. The Russians and Iranians are doing good things, but they just got there. Hezbollah have been in there helping for years now, since before any Russian cavalry came riding to the rescue, through thick and thin and through some pretty bad times, even though it’s not their country and they have no planes and not that much heavy armament. True, Syria surviving is important to them–but it’s important to Iran too, and Iran waited until now to come in. The folks of Hezbollah saw what needed doing and they didn’t hesitate or waver, nor fold when it looked like Syria was going under. They deserve serious respect.
@ Purple Library Guy:
Fair enough.
But if some people are doing a stellar job despite all the odds against them, should we not praise them just because they got voted best ‘whatever’ of the year, the previous year? I mean, come on! Even elected presidents get a shot at having at least two terms in a row :-)
Totally agree with you on Hezbollah though *thumbs up*
-TL2Q
good choice. if Israell fears Hisbollah more than IS, Turkey and even Russia they surely know why. on a one-o-one basis the highly trained and perfectly equipped IDF may indeed have not much of a chance against Hisbollah fighters. too many of them better do not die in Syria if Lebanon is going to survive the next israeli assault.
There is no doubt in my mind that within the Russian sphere of influence, the greatest discovery of leadership quality has been Aleksandr Zakharchenko. I have lived, worked, looked and experienced different levels of leadership within both Russia, surrounding countries, Europe and North-America. The greatest discovery of a genuine leader this last year was Zakharchenko. Both as a military leader within a competitive, dangerous and ever changing environment, and then as the emerging leader establishing his credentials in practise, but for me: most emphatically is his ability to communicate. It is one thing to be competent. It is another thing to be brave. It is another thing to be an amazing administrator. But to combine all of that with the tactile strategic thought of a popular communicator: that is beyond what I have seen in all of the internaitonal scene. He is the only one that comes close to Putin – and in some sense transcends him because he naturally has more charisma. A genuine human being, strong and brave leader, great administrator, and tactile communicator. There are few of those to be seen in our lifetime, and I feel honoured to have discovered another.
Seems we humans have always needed heroes … and I suppose villains too. We need to attribute victory or defeat to one person … Caesar, Napoleon, Hitler … Olympic gold Medalists.
Perhaps the truth is nearer to the aggregate, the collective, the community … rather than any individual or group of individuals.
In this vein … the ever growing community of hearts and minds … worldwide … who want peace and harmony in Syria … the Middle East and the World … deserve credit for the recent successes.
Lao Tsu said celebrating victory in war is wrong … celebrating death is inhumane … and even the victors suffer many deaths. We should grieve … even in victory.
“Most importantly, it is now probably capable of operational-level offensives, something which appears to have been sufficient, at least so far, to deter an Ukronazi offensive.”
A lot of questions are raised by this passage and none are answered.
To parse: “It” refers to “Novorussia military,” “now” implies it was not capable earlier, “probably” implies it has not been tested, “appears” means there may have been a Ukronazi offensive we haven’t noticed (but I’ll overlook it as just waffle).
Zakharchenko, as military commander of the DNR, felt they were ready to go on the offensive in June of 2014, and as soon as he and the other field commanders rid themselves of the impediment of the minister of defense* he proved it again and again. Or did he? Somebody ate the UAF for lunch. If not Kononov, Zakharchenko, and the AF DNR, then who?
The only alternate theory on offer is Strelkov’s. The free republican forces were hopelessly inept, and the reason they fought brilliantly when commanded by anyone but Him was because a couple of brigades of Russians, dubbed “North Wind,” borrowed the Romulan cloaking device from a Russian tank brigade and scampered across the border, beat the UAF, and scampered home again.
If this is Saker’s belief, and it is the only one that makes sense of his description, then Zakharchenko is not deserving of being Man of the Year, as he is not the force behind the achievements for which he is being honoured. He is just a paper cutout hiding the Russians who are really making all the decisions, and, not incidentally, doing all the planning and fighting.
*[The field commanders stripped Strelkov of all authority in Donetsk in late July, except for command of the troops he brought with him from Crimea or had personally recruited. El Murid, on a “fact-finding tour,” while Borodai was in Moscow, concludes that Strelkov was “first among equals.” The “equals” part was based on the decisions the commanders’ council made, the “first” part was El Murid’s religion, a heretical offshoot of Russian Orthodoxy that worships Strelkov.]
BTW, my choice for the honour is Gen. Zakharchenko. I don’t believe mommy did it all for him. And I would add to his accomplishments, bringing in a bumper harvest from the mined and devastated farmlands of the free republics, and handling Akhmetov, who could easily have become another Kolomoisky. He was richer.
I will propose the antiawards:
Phantom of the year: Recep Tayyip Erdogan ( gives the award, last year phantom, Petro Poroshenko ).
Bully of the year: Missing Bandar Bush, the spooky entity known as ISIS ( gives the award, the bully of these recently years now converted in the GP of the newly awarded, Benjamin Nettanyahu ).
Comedy Newcomer of the year in the geopolitical arena: ex aequo for Obama / Kerry team and EU’s Merkel / Cameron / Hollande team ( gives the award, they themselves, as all these recently years´ winners ).
Largemouth of the year: Donald Trump ( indisputable ) ( gives the award, last year largemouth, Victoria Nuland ).
Clown of the year: Arseni Yatseniuk ( indisputable ) ( gives the award, clown of all these recently years, Mikheil Saakashvili )
Maybe a couple more awards:
Special Fake of the Last Few Years: Yes we can!
Eternal Award: Liars of the western mainstream media.
Totally agree with your proposals, Saker, but I would add:
Heroes of the year: all the fallen in Novorossia and Syria, including Aleksei Mozgovoi, Russian marine and Russian pilot killed in Syria, as well as the Russian pilot who survived and those besieged in Kweires.
Soldier of the Year: DNR and LPR militiamen, Hezbollah militiamen, soldiers of the Syrian Arab Army, pilots and special forces of the Russian Army, soldiers of Al Quds Brigade and Houthi militiamen.
Man of the Year: Vladimir Vladímirovich Putin and Bashar al-Assad.
Against all morality, the west has doubled up the ante against the Russian Federation.
Obama has backed the Turkish shoot-down of the Su-24, despite all evidence that, at best, there was less than a minute of the plane’s incursion into Turkish airspace.
And yet they claimed they were warning the Russian Federation’s plane for a good five minutes? While being in Syrian airspace? And even if they did, with no right, it was likely those warnings came deliberately on a radio frequency that the Russian plane had no capability to hear, nor on a previously agreed communications channel.
And then we saw video of the ‘Turkmen’ excitedly shooting at the parachuting airmen. Against all international norms.
These, apparently, are the heroes we are meant to respect and support, since that is what we are told. We are required to believe that.
My own government (Australia) can’t reveal any details about exactly what my airforce is doing in Syria, nor in Iraq. Secret business.
“We won’t comment on operational details!” is the ever-continuing mantra.
Just as my gloriously democratic government won’t comment on allegations that they have been paying purveyors of ‘illegal immigration’ to frog off and turn back to Indonesia. They are “operational details”, and hence somehow not a political policy, despite these allegations of tax-payer money being spent to turn around non-legal refugees.
Seriously, how can you judge your elected officials if they can’t be honest with you?
If they can’t be open and honest, then you can’t vote for them.
That’s my attitude, but I’m in a vastly small minority.
Most just don’t care. Such is western society. They have been trained to vote for one of two (insignificantly different) parties as a matter of course. Any other choice must be unpatriotic.
I was thinking Just this morning that Iran and Russia should build a joint navel ship of some kind and name it after this brave man of integrity.