Today I am taking care of personal and administrative matters. God willing, I should be back tomorrow. I leave you with the latest artwork by Josetxo Ezcurra and an open thread. Cheers, The Saker
The US attacks in Syria mark a terrifying escalation by the West. International law is thrown out of the window, even as the monsters use ‘international law’ as the basis for their escalating sanctions against Russia. Hypocrisy is the founding principle of the Modern Empire of the West.
And look at the ‘Arab’ nations Blair and Obama boast as ‘partners’ in their attacks in Syria. Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Each of these four have the STRONGEST links with the UK and Tony Blair, and senior serving British police officers have been overseeing the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in each of these dictatorships.
The treatment of homosexuals and women couldn’t be worse in each of these nations, yet the Jewish controlled mainstream media of the West never says a word.
Obama and Blair have already said, again and again, that their real target is Assad and the secular regime in Syria. And what they say they MEAN. But Syria always (sadly) fell in the true political sphere of the West (look at any map of Ancient Rome- what was Roman then is the property of the West today). Iran, Pakistan and the regions around Russia’s European borders are the real targets.
The ‘coalition’ of vicious, intolerant, Whabbi-led ‘Arab’ nations that have joined the USA set a new pattern for NATO and the West in other ‘conflicts’. We know NATO/EU/USA are crafting a similar coalition in Central Europe to assist the Ukraine stooge government in a new round of massive attacks against Novorussia and Crimea.
The logic goes like this: Crimea and East Ukraine are still legally part of Ukraine, so the ruling government in Ukraine is free, under international law, to bring in whatever foreign forces it so wishes to restore control over regions within Ukraine.
Put even simpler, the intention is to place Putin in an impossible situation. Putin’s horrific weakness was shown when he took advice from traitors in his midst, and chose not to send peacekeepers into Ukraine at the beginning, and force Ukraine to divide into new nations as Czechoslovakia did a number of years earlier. Putin hates decisive actions, but thinks the slow, sneaky, well-calculated approach is best.
But, when you act slowly, you give a very intelligent enemy all the time in the world to discover all the cracks and weaknesses in your unfolding plans. And worse, and enemy that can move at lightening speed, unhindered by morality or decency, will always gain a significant advantage by doing so.
People with an IQ in double figures at least know the illegal bombing in Syria has been justified by the laughably fake false-flag ‘beheading’ videos – but such black propaganda works and even here, most visitors believe the videos real.
The same merciless exploitation of Edward Bernays-style psy-ops has successfully demonised Putin and Russia. If and when Putin finally gets round to acting decisively, such an act will be successfully characterised as ‘proof’ that the demonisation of Putin was appropriate. The West loves to put their targets into the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.
I have just listened to his presentation at the UN, it looks like this is his last desperate attempt to make the attention. “I’m still here, my boss he send me to make the last Boo, Boo, Boo to the world” Looking at the facial expressions of the attendees it was obviously clear to most of them, that he is totally out of his power and he has just ridiculed himself after sending so many innocent Americans to die like after receiving his Nobel Peace prize sent 50 000 soldiers immediately next day to Afghanistan. Nice try Oby, all world is just laughing on this theater, but your pretention was probably worth it to try, who knows?
By attacking Syria the Empire demonstrates its immense power and global reach. This is difficult for Russia and China to counter. Particularly with Russia tied up in Ukraine.
This is the strategy. Enmesh Russia in endless, multiplying violent and chaotic challenges to to its security/ economic interests around the globe.
Preoccupied with the Ukrainian conflict Russia has permitted the door to the destruction of Syria to be opened. Putin has definitely been out maneuvered by Obama on this one. Chalk one up for the Empire.
Whats worse is that it is a crucial point. As Thierry Meyssan argues in the post below: The Islamic Emirate is targeted at Russia and China and its leadership and officers are being changed to Georgians and Chinese to prepare for that. http://www.voltairenet.org/article185364.html
It remains to be seen whether the Syrian Arab Army can remain steadfast, as it has for 3 years, in the face of this latest developments.
So consider Russia’s position now (today) with reference to Ukraine and Syria. Within a short time, US forces will be attacking government positions in Syria. What will Putin do then? Putin, after all, is an active and willing partner with the unthinkably evil regime of Saudi Arabia, and ISIS is simply the West created force building Greater Saudi Arabia.
In reality, the best Russia can do is fall to its knees, and beg the West to allow a tiny Syrian rump state to continue centred around the cities that Russia has an existing interest in. So Syria is lost, just as Russia lost Afghanistan decades ago.
Now lets consider the more important (to Russia) Ukraine. It’s a few months from now, and a coalition of Central European states, led by Poland, is officially assisting Kiev in ‘restoring order’ to Novorussia and Crimea. Putin has stated, again and again, the East Ukraine must find peace with Kiev while remaining very much a legal part of Ukraine. Under International Law, this has a single meaning. Russia has no rights in Novorussia, and Kiev has every right to do as it can.
So now Putin, fool for not entering East Ukraine on day one and forcing the Ukraine to divide into two or more new nations, is now faced with directly confronting the LEGAL military forces of multiple nations that border or near border with Russia. Kiev’s coalition will NOT be an official NATO force, but most will be members of NATO.
The ‘covert’ nonsense no longer has meaning. Putin has to choose to either go to war with the (weak) armies of many neighbouring nations, with unthinkably horrid political fallout, or allow Kiev to take back Novorussia and Crimea. Notice, at no moment is Russia threatened with a credible military opponent- this is the trick of the West. If Russia chooses to fight, it’ll slaughter Europeans with an even greater kill-ratio than we have seen in the defence of Novorussia.
Obama and Blair will win in Ukraine NOT by military victory, but by rallying an army from so many key European nations that Putin cannot afford to destroy it. With the loss of Syria and the loss of Ukraine, Putin’s legion of traitors that whisper daily in his ear will say “screw the West- let them have everything West of Russia’s borders, and we’ll turn Eastwards. After all Russia is still the world’s largest nation landmass and we still possess a ‘killer’ army.”
You’ll notice this is the same as the West successfully driving out all other influences from lands the West never traditionally controlled, giving the monsters an unthinkable historic victory. And the emboldened coalition of nations that joined with Kiev and forced defeat on Russia will now see the ‘Bear’ as old, weak and senile.
And I’ll remind everyone that all this flows from Putin’s decision not to send in the peacekeepers into East Ukraine on day one. Russia’s political complications are multiplying, as a consequence, exponentially. The West’s war against Iran and Pakistan is drawing ever closer. The depravities of Israel (more partners of Putin) are preparing a Holocaust in Lebanon that will murder 100,000+ within a month, so they can build Greater Israel in co-ordination with the creation of Greater Saudi Arabia.
China doesn’t care (not their sphere). Russia’s going to be forced to shrug its shoulders as well. Meanwhile the sheeple will focus on all the small, meaningless ‘details’ while the big picture I’ve outlined goes unnoticed as usual. The monsters of the West win because no-one is ever prepared to make immediate strong counter-moves.
“Are we seeing the signs of Obama all but counseling Poroshenko to sort out issues with Moscow? Seems so.”
And:
“All this may go a long way to explain certain intriguing developments relating to Ukraine in the recent weeks: a) European Union’s decision to put its hurriedly-signed Association Agreement with Ukraine in the deep freeze at least until end-2015; b) The robust EU backing for the Minsk dialogue between Kiev and the separatists in southeastern Ukraine; c) the top secret meeting between the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Russia on the sidelines of the recent international conference in Paris regarding the Islamic State; d) NATO’s belated acknowledgment that Russia has pulled troops back from Ukraine border; and, e) meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and US in New York today.”
” In his speech, Obama said that “Russian aggression in Europe recalls the days when large nations trampled small ones in pursuit of territorial ambition.” “
I believe this is called ‘flipping the script’, a well used propaganda technique used ina arguments to accuse your opponent of doing in fact exactly what you are doing and put them permanently on the defensive.
Reuters: “Obama says if Russia takes the path of peace and diplomacy with Ukraine ‘we will lift our sanctions.'”
It was an ah-hah moment for me when some EU person spilled the beans earlier on – sorry can’t remember name or date. They want Russia to restore to Ukraine all the financial supports promised to Yanukovich. That’s why all the times Russia “sat at the table” or “took the path to peace” simply led to expanded sanctions. The words don’t mean what you think they mean.
On Syria: interesting report by CBC correspondent Neil Macdonald last night. He said that Assad had claimed that the US had alerted him of the airstrikes and that the US reacted furiously by denying giving him any warning. There is a slightly different version online in a segment titled “middle eastern irony” quoting Jen Psaki: “we did not request the regime’s permission.”
So the US is brazenly insisting it broke international law? Even the CBC is treating this with skepticism? Is Obama again at war with Kerry’s state department?
Recall the “secret arrangements” revealed at consortiumnews.com (“Reported US-Syrian Accord on Air Strikes”), and this also on CBC “ISIS airstrikes: U.S. told Iran of intent to strike targets in Syria”: “The United States informed Iran in advance of its intention to strike Islamic State militants in Syria and assured Tehran that it would not target the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.”
I can’t persuade myself that Obama is an active part of imperial deep state. It would be logic, but there is virtually no evidence for it. He seems to be very unwanted intruder in this WASP nest instead. Terror against him in imperial media is at least at the same level as in Putin’s case. Impeach, impeach, impeach! Of course people in Russia, Novorossiya, Syria, Libya etc. can’t be happy from his decisions but could you imagine John McCain or Sarah Palin in his seat? It would be much worse for all the world. He isn’t omnipotent in USA, so he must do some compromises with the anglo-jewish deep state. Why the heaviest sanctions against Russia weren’t introduced in March immediately after joining Crimea to RF? Because Obama perfectly knows any war or major conflict would strengthen his major enemies in empire – banksters and weapon producers. Now, forced by brutality of Islamic State’s masters, reluctantly started some war in Syria. BTW, do you think it was just by chance he was invited to this war in perfect English (of the executioner)? Hardly, he must know to whom capitulate. In English. So he started war – bypassing Imperial Congress again. How Obama got his post against will of the deep state at all? He is brilliant speaker, cynical manipulator and is well introduced into rules of these deep state games. Something like Stalin amongst his Jewish comrades…
UNITED NATIONS, September 24. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia has earned a second ranking on the list of threats mentioned by U.S. President Barack Obama, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday in a comment on Obama’s speech at the UN General Assembly session.
“As for the U.S. President’s speech, we earned the second place among the threats to international peace and stability,” Lavrov said. “Number one is the Ebola virus, number two is the so-called Russian aggression in Europe.”
@Anonymous said: Meanwhile Russia is taking the high road on international law. Did Russia just win this one?
My response to Anon Mongoose was as follows:
It is no surprise, I see the benefits for the whole world:
1. Putin gets to keep Crimea. 2. Putin gets Federalized Ukraine according to his wishes. 3. Poroshenko gets to keep his Chocolate Empire in Russia, and maybe gets to double it.
“I can’t persuade myself that Obama is an active part of imperial deep state.”
I doubt he is either. I had the exact same feeling about Bush and Clinton, too. I think our modern presidents are just empty suits who are put in the White House to sell us the policies of our REAL rulers, even when they don’t quite understand those policies themselves! And when the shit hits the fan, the people blame the president and vote in a new one, secure the in the ‘knowledge’ that the new guy will be oh-so-different–and then he turns to be pretty much the same.
I think it’s all a big show to keep us entertained… and to keep us from ever starting to wonder who’s really behind the curtain pulling the strings.
The great Nobel Obomber managed at the UN today to include in one sentence Ebola, russian aggression and islamist terror. So, my dear russian friends, you now know your place. Diplomacy is not the way to handle this classification. I strongly recommend BDS, as with Israhell. And include Kiev too! I wonder what will be the outcome of the mass-graves found near Donetsk. Most probably they will blame Putin.
And they will remain committed until ALL their goals are achieved.
UNrepentant. Absolutely.
Really, I want to be positive, but at the moment I just can’t…. I really don’t see how all this can possibly end well. Leonard Cohen’s song ‘The Future’ comes to mind.
Dont effing make excuses for droner boy. He is by far much worse than bush who I thought could not be beat.
So bush started the free rendition and prostate exams for anyone who even looked funny. But none other than droner boy sticks a hellfire missile while you are getting an exam. Its like Obamacare on steroids. Free home delivery any place on the planet. School outings are preferred locations compared to Bush doctrine of wedding parties so thats a minus.
This time the Elites threw up a surprisingly likable smoothtalker but ultimately fraudulent Asshole Warmonger. He’s just like Bush jr, except for the dark skin and “coolness” factor with the kiddies. Many people really believed he was a change for the better back in ’08. The depths of our disappointment with Pres. Redline is bottomless.
And in 2 years, there will be a different disappointing face everyone will be urinating on. “(Insert Name)” will turn a blind eye to the killing of Palestinians. “(Insert Name)” will ignore international law to bomb and kill recalcitrant brown people, mostly the unfortunates in nations near Israel. “(Insert Name)” will bend over for the Zionists and will sit in the Oval Office while the Israeli President (probably Sheitanyahu) insults and belittles him. “(Insert Name)” will make promises on the campaign trail he/she has no intention of keeping once in office…and going to war based on lies (again!) I could go on with the pattern, repeat and deceit but see where I’m going with this?
This time the Elites threw up a surprisingly likable smoothtalker but ultimately fraudulent Asshole Warmonger. He’s just like Bush jr, except for the dark skin and “coolness” factor with the kiddies. Many people really believed he was a change for the better back in ’08. The depths of our disappointment with Pres. Redline is bottomless.
And in 2 years, there will be a different disappointing face everyone will be urinating on. “(Insert Name)” will turn a blind eye to the killing of Palestinians. “(Insert Name)” will ignore international law to bomb and kill recalcitrant brown people, mostly the unfortunates in nations near Israel. “(Insert Name)” will bend over for the Zionists and will sit in the Oval Office while the Israeli President (probably Sheitanyahu) insults and belittles him. “(Insert Name)” will make promises on the campaign trail he/she has no intention of keeping once in office…and going to war based on lies (again!) I could go on with the pattern, repeat and deceit but see where I’m going with this?
Although the Kiev junta are bumbling nazi scum, Russia taking Crimea exacerbated the situation, ‘inspiring’ the rejectionist movements in Donbass, which he immediately shunned and allowed to be shelled mercilessly.
Re Syria, He had ample opportunity to send air force squadrons and support troops to Damascus; they wouldn’t have had to participate in anything other than to delineate the Syrian borders. If Syria is of such strategic importance, then why does he leave it hanging?
Instead, USA’s bullied its way in, and at any point can conjure up a pretext to bomb the Syrian national troops.
I predicted the ‘war on terrorists’ pretext as Syria’s fate 2 years ago on numerous sites; in this instance it sucks to be right
Assad is clearly not a nice guy, but his secular regime is the only way for millions of Syrians to continue to live in Syria. If it falls then who knows what happens next. Assad’s only saving grace (for now) is he’s the only capable force against the now-hated ISIL
In the 1970s, decisionmakers in the US and the UK made plans for dealing with the Sovjetunion, Yugoslavia and the rest of Eastern Europe. Long term plans we discovered much later. Yugoslavia and the GDR, usually called East Germany in English, were put in debt according to plan. The USSR was dealt with a little differently, but with the same result. I think the people of Serbia can sense what I am talking about. The cruel civil wars was a preplanned event.
When Vladimir Putin came to power in 2000, he had to make his own longterm plans to free his country a little by little. Plans for two-three decades. He took over a Western economic colony, a dying country demographically speaking. I, who studied economics, was chocked at what Western advisors did to Russia under Yeltsin and I voiced my criticism on the net. In order to free his country, he had to make alliances and compromises. He had to find a balance and, if necessary, play his adverseries against each other. He did well.
Nobody should think he is an atlanticist. He never was and never will be. He is a patriot working for russki narodna [Russian people]. However, he understands Realpolitik. Russia needed foreign investments and while the money kept coming in Putin successfully built up his country, avoided a planned colour revolution, boosted China-Russia relations, rebuilt Russias defence and much more. He did the impossible.
Those who only see one issue at a time, New Russia in this case, have no idea about the bigger picture. They want Russia to intervene without having a clue of big power politics and longterm planning. They know nothing about what the Kremlin is up against.Theirs is a simpleminded approach and it is not honourable.
Saker has some understanding of the situation, so he is attacked and I find that disgusting. All you men and women of Russian descent abroad and in Russia, do you understand what this infighting looks like to someone who is not Russian? I find it ridiculous. No one-dimensional approach is possible for a powerful country like Russia. Show some respect for the greatest statesman of this time, Vladimir Putin, and show respect for each other. Unite, if you love your country. If you bash Putin, you only serve the US/EU/NATO. Stop the infighting and get the respect of the rest of us. What I see now reminds me of a sandbox in a Kindergarten.
New Russia is a wound also in the Kremlin and not only among armchair warriors around the globe. However, if Putins critics on this blog were in power in Moscow, I would gladly leave for Mars to survive.
What are you all thinking about the BRICS being more like the R-C’s
Forget South Africa. Neoliberal kleptocracy. Another “black” Neoliberal R2p’er about to win in Brazil since Soros “Wellstoned” the guy who would lose to Rousseff.
Modi comes to America soon to get his marching orders.
Are the BRICS just China and Russia and is that enough? If Modi the Neoliberal pulls out, will they swap Iran for the I?
It’s hard not to get discouraged sometimes that too many forces are arrayed for the status quo of the Empire of Chaos.
Emperor Obomber has become so lazy he doesn’t even need to get Congressional approval to bomb a new Muslim country.
Anyone else feeling depressed as I am? When your central bank just keeps printing green toilet paper it will never end
Put even simpler, the intention is to place Putin in an impossible situation. Putin’s horrific weakness was shown when he took advice from traitors in his midst, and chose not to send peacekeepers into Ukraine at the beginning, and force Ukraine to divide into new nations as Czechoslovakia did a number of years earlier. Putin hates decisive actions, but thinks the slow, sneaky, well-calculated approach is best. =====
Anon: I feel your frustration but am trying to embrace The Saker’s input that Putin is in on the long march and it’s a give and take of elastic response rather than every action needs an equal and opposite reaction
But when people are dying and Nazis were in full retreat over Mariupol my impatience turns to cynicism.
I’m withholding final judgement at least until Syria falls or see what happens during the Uki elections.
The first counter sanctions were brilliant but lately I feel like he (PUtin) is placing a lot of effort into this ceasefire with the Nazis and Moskal haters. How do you reason with people who want alll of your people dead for UkIsrael
But Putin is cagey where Obama and Kerry are hamfisted bullies. So maybe I should be more patient but not naive that Putin is some sort of Saint.
Marvelous talk — Hudson is like an amazingly bright boy nonchalantly walking around around pointing out all the naked emperors, such is his straightforward clarity. The information and insights pour from him like a waterfall. Very easy to listen to.
Paradox is a sign of phantasm impending. We have forgotten in the West but not so in the East. Paradoxically Vladimir Putin appears to have abandoned Novorussia, just as he breathed this lifeless historical entity into existense some months before.
The enigmatic Russian leader knows all to well: the utterance of a single word can not make a nation. His unwillingness to repeat the word Novorussia Novorussia Novorussia in the context of an agreement, or whatever it was unresponsible people accomplished in Minsk, is a paradoxical indication of undying committment. The faithless who sorround him do not understand the meaning of this apparition.
Picture him now as he stands in the current of a great Russian river: only imagine him as a latter day John the Baptist. He is holding the near lifeless body of Novorussia beneath the surface of the holy Dnepr but he is doing so for much too long. So long in fact that this unresolved being fears it is drowning. In panic and sensing betrayal it struggles to free itself and it is in this moment, for the first time in history, Novorussia fears for its very existense.
As one hand reaches to the surface, then weakens and slips under again, a vortex of white light appears beckoning with the promise of release. Only then, just as awareness of eternity replaces fear of death, Novorussia is suddenly pulled to the surface and a nation is born.
After that, all is well until Novorussia sees her ugly twin;)
Anonymous at 20:34 Thank you for your comments you have nailed it. Putin’s bashers will understand this situation later or never because they support the Empire and it is also a choice……………..
It is incredibly interesting that the ISIS is attacking only Muslims? They never have mentioned about the Israel? Isn’t it funny? It looks like that Israel has a specialty fence…
It is no surprise, I see the benefits for the whole world:<<<
. . . . . . Hi bro, thanks for the shout out but you mis-read my comment on Crimea thread at 24 September, 2014 14:24
“Surprise, Surprise” relates to my posting on the publication in U.S. media of photos and Video shows Ukrainian soldiers wearing Nazi symbols = = = = =
“I predicted the ‘war on terrorists’ pretext as Syria’s fate 2 years ago on numerous sites; in this instance it sucks to be right”
Didn’t take a soothsayer to figure that one out. And being Anonymous, it’s hard to take credit for something you said way back under the Anonymous handle.
There is a set of subtle assumptions that runs through this blog/commentators that is subtle and destructive.
In the desire of most people commenting here to be free of the policies and creeping control of the empire (AZ, the West, etc) there is a willingness to fix all hope and attention on one player/leader (in this case Putin). Aside from the obvious disappointment such a fixation inevitably generates (as no one gets it right all the time), there are two extreme dangers that this form of thinking generates.
1) First, the focus on one leader is exactly what makes the empire so corrupt. In the shadow of the emperor a whole range of dark forces are able to hide and carry out their schemes. The sheeple end up confused and overwhelmed thinking they are up against a monolithic evil and feel they cannot do anything – so they sink themselves in apathy and the distractions of entertainment.
Little do they realize that once those dark figures are exposed, they are not so big and fearful and people can make a real difference.
2) As I mentioned some time ago, there is a profound danger in returning to a bi-polar world. In a bi-polar world, most of the world (like many in the Donbass) sit back and watch the two big boys slug it out. They think they can jump on the bandwagon once one gets the upper hand – little realizing that once there is an empire – all the world ends up in a kind of increasing slavery. If we return to a bi-polar world, it will be the same no matter who wins – the West or Russia. The result will be the same: an empire that increasingly enslaves the rest of the world.
The solution to such a situation is to move beyond a bi-polar world to a multi-polar world (which is what Putin is calling for). In a multi-polar world, we all need to be active and involved – we all are required to be pro-active in understanding our world while working to protect our communities and families. In a multi-polar world people are drawn out of the ‘sheeple’ stance to become more fully human.
Let us realize once again that there are other leaders who have stood against the empire longer and with less resources than Putin. Let us realize once again that no one person can become the single focus of anti-empire hope: for in that act we give the empire a powerful weapon to use against us – the assassination of that person.
Let’s take the focus off Putin, let’s look out across the vineyard and “see” the others involved in this task; to encourage them, to celebrate their victories, to mourn the defeats and to call each other to real hope.
Obama’s words are beyond disgust… if I remember correctly when he accepted the Peace Prize he said ‘I like the idea of Peace’…
Regarding the mass graves … Yats said the UK army was not in that position — it was the rebels.
With talking heads like these, can NR expect any sort of fair international investigation?
On a positive note… there are so many great contributors here with insightful comments. However I wish Anons would take a name – don’t they know that many regular readers just skip over Anons.
Like most people, I was not happy with Syria’s military and verbal. non response to the US “bombing”. What struck me as very strange was the lack of any anger or threats of retaliation. Was there really a bombing or was it the same as Iraq with nothing but a “show of force” with no real substance. A couple of things could have occurred. First if there was a bombing then theUS did have Syrian approval to do it. They would not want to fight the Syrians, Russians, Chinese and Iranians (don’t forget the military reservists that were called up)by themselves. If IS were really in Raqaa, it frees the Syrian army to deal with the terrorists in other areas of the country. Second and I am leaning heavily towards this idea that the bombings were all for show as it was in Iraq. It’s an excuse to go into Syria and fight the terrorists but the real target was always regime change. This article from 21st century wire believes the US bombed “empty buildings”. If it is true it does not surprise me.
I have been called on this forum a Nazi, a fascist, a troll,naive, sayan, fool, Putin basher, closet Banderite, fifth Estater and even The Saker chastised me for an idiotic comment this week
Yet every utterance popular or unpopular I submit under the same nickname
I don’t take any of it too personally. I am consistently on the side of the underdog. When Putin does good I applaud him. When he does things that go against my championing of NR to retain his Atlanticist preference, I say that even tho I know it outrages many here
I am not here to pick fights or troll. But every insult I endure because this is the best site on the New Cold War II and I stick around for the good stuff – Saker’s commentary and many others’ comments and links
I could cloak myself as an Anon but I choose not to bc I think it is lame when people trash talk behind a cipher
I don’t bother with critical or insulting Anon comments bc if you believe what you write pick a nickname and post accordingly
To be honest, with a few flare ups, this is a very good site for the signal to noise ratio of comments
Most political sites devolve into Right Wing faux libertarians vs Obama’s Cult of Personality.
I am struggling knowing what to teach my family about the world these days when all around us there are so many contradictions:
Laws of physics now are what the media and politicians say they are, not the scientists ( WTC / Pentagon / Shanksville )
Nobel Peace Prizes are given to the perpetrators of the worst crimes.
Biology too – people beheaded with no blood! Amazing! These ISIS folks could teach surgeons a thing or two.
Business leaders and politicians lie continually and most don’t seem to notice.
Standing ovations for mass murderers!
Terrorists are only bad when they are not OUR terrorists.
Elections are won on not the votes cast, but on who counts the votes.
Truth in MSM is the rare exception now.
Money is created like cheap confetti and thrown from the virtual digital helicopters into the laps of the 0.01% who already have more than they know what to do with.
“I believe this is called ‘flipping the script’, a well used propaganda technique used in arguments to accuse your opponent of doing in fact exactly what you are doing and put them permanently on the defensive.”
Flipping the script is a broadcasting technique that some conflate with imposing agenda.
No flipping takes place if the targetted audience is not flipped – doesn’t interact in the ways expected by the broadcaster.
Smart audiences may give the impression of being flipped in order that the broadcaster becomes further enmeshed in his/her own conflation.
Perhaps this will help to illuminate at least some strategies.
Regarding the aidar battalion motto I referred to on wikipedia.org only about 2 hrs ago, it has been changed back from the correction I posted there, which was ‘satan with us’. So is somebody monitoring your site Saker, because I only mentioned it here?
” “…this is all very troubling because I cannot make any sense of the European position, and I know there has to be a very compelling rationale lurking just out of sight somewhere. “
I suspect that “compelling rationale” is “lurking” in Washington, DC. If and when the US ever succeeds in arm-twisting the EU into finally placing a complete embargo on Russia, their own economies will crash even harder than Russia’s. America’s economy, however, will be less affected than those of either of the other two parties. This will leave Washington, relatively speaking, in a stronger position vis-a-vis both Europe and Russia. At that point, once Europe is cut off from Russian oil and gas, Washington will have a much easier time convincing the other NATO countries to rearm and help America finish their conquest of the middle east. After all, where else will Europe get its oil/gas now? They’ll have no choice but help the US finish the job! Washington’s ultimate goal there is to help Saudi Arabia and Qatar build a pipeline up through Iraq and Syria into Turkey. Meanwhile, Russia will find itself, at least for a while, in a much more difficult position. That will hamper their ability, the neocons hope, to do much to help Iran, Iraq or Syria. And if Washington is really on top of its game here, they may even be able to use the ensuing economic crisis in Europe as a tool for more aggressively marketing TTIP: ‘More free trade with the US is the answer to all your economic problems in the EU!’
I am not saying this strategy is guaranteed to work. In fact, I can think of several points where it might break. But it seems to me that that is what’s going on here. “
They have been bombing “oil fields inside Syria, but taken by ISIS”; that oil sold by ISIS, makes a profit for them. Iran was told about it, and Russia later, and that is why Putin is silent. Even if they do not like Assad, who was ready to say that he would “cooperate” with the “coalition forces” to exterminate the extremists, at the moment US and friends do not plan to bomb Syria.
“Let us realize once again that no one person can become the single focus of anti-empire hope: for in that act we give the empire a powerful weapon to use against us – the assassination of that person.”
“Let’s take the focus off Putin, let’s look out across the vineyard and “see” the others involved in this task; to encourage them, to celebrate their victories, to mourn the defeats and to call each other to real hope.”
I understand what you are saying, but fear not. Putin is like a Czar of old, that is true, but I don’t think he has ever acted alone. He surrounds himself with good advisors and he represents the only force strong enough to get his country on its feet again – the old KGB. He is the visible head of a group of people we know little about, but he is certainly not alone and he can be replaced. He knows it. If it serves his country, he will retire and spend his last years in Sochi or Crimea. If the situation deteriorates, a new President of Russia can mend what has been broken.
As I understand Putin, he demands excellent analyses of every possible move before he makes a decision. I have heard European military experts, retired most certainly, express their admiration for the elegant takeover of Crimea. Putin does not work alone. One man is never enough for such a project.
For a couple of years, Western media have claimed there is a confrontation between Putin and Medvedev, who is said to be an atlanticist. I believe no such thing. Appearances matter and Russian analysts know how to create appearances in politics. Take a look at old USSR.
Some say Putin is a billionaire, an individual who steals from his people. This is a completely crazy idea of Western origin. Imo, he is one of few Christian politicians who has clean hands.
As for Vladimir Putin acting like a Czar, that is what has made Russia strong again and given the country a future that is not limited to the next elections. Kings and Czars in Europe used to plan for centuries. I can name a country not unlike Russia where oak trees were planted more than a hundred years ago to secure raw materials for the navy in the late 20th century. Two men worked full time for more than a century to make sure the trees grew exactly right. These absolutely unique straight oak trees, which no other country could provide, were sold with a profit in the 1990s. The navy had no need of them of course, but the investment paid off. I believe in Czars and Kings and not in todays Western politicians, who have lost their minds most of them.
“let’s look out across the vineyard” Yes, a strong leader like Putin is nothing without his people. There are everyday heroes in most families. Men and women, young and old, who do good work. People of little importance in todays world, but heroes in my eyes, build the future with tears and muscle ache. I am a man and I especially admire the grandmothers. Never underestimate the willpower of a woman, young or old, that vis my advice. My babushkas were heroes.
“I suspect that “compelling rationale” is “lurking” in Washington, DC.”
Hope never dies. The US has turned Europe into a colony, but hope never dies. Your nick is only understood by those who understand German. I see the problems, but I believe in a future for this old continent, where the sun sets. Abendlandes, Evening land, with all that means for the US being in darkness. Never give up hope.
Anonymous 19.09, you may not be a student of history, but those who are know that Yankee aggression is insatiable and relentless (it is a psychotic need to dominate and win every time. Compromise is, for these lunatics, equivalent to castration). And their ‘word’ is the epitome of worthlessness. Some ‘Incident’ will be contrived to turn this assault into a full ‘regime change’ operation, you can bet on that. If Assad escapes his Gaddafi moment, then who will fear the Great Satan in the future?
I just recalled a lovely illustration of Washington’s perverse machismo. LBJ was known to have at one point grabbed his organs of generation by the hand (whether unclothed or not, I am not certain) and, shaking them angrily, declared, ‘No goddammed son-of-a-bitch Vietcong is goin’ to get their hands on these babies!’, or words to that effect.
Dearest Saker,
A suggestion, I know you are very bus! ~:)
How about posting Obama latest speech, today’s speech at UN and then let us discuss it?
Best regards,
Mohamed.
What is this about?
http://fmf-eng.ria.ru/docs/about/registration.html
Part 1:
The US attacks in Syria mark a terrifying escalation by the West. International law is thrown out of the window, even as the monsters use ‘international law’ as the basis for their escalating sanctions against Russia. Hypocrisy is the founding principle of the Modern Empire of the West.
And look at the ‘Arab’ nations Blair and Obama boast as ‘partners’ in their attacks in Syria. Jordan, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Each of these four have the STRONGEST links with the UK and Tony Blair, and senior serving British police officers have been overseeing the crackdown on pro-democracy protests in each of these dictatorships.
The treatment of homosexuals and women couldn’t be worse in each of these nations, yet the Jewish controlled mainstream media of the West never says a word.
Obama and Blair have already said, again and again, that their real target is Assad and the secular regime in Syria. And what they say they MEAN. But Syria always (sadly) fell in the true political sphere of the West (look at any map of Ancient Rome- what was Roman then is the property of the West today). Iran, Pakistan and the regions around Russia’s European borders are the real targets.
The ‘coalition’ of vicious, intolerant, Whabbi-led ‘Arab’ nations that have joined the USA set a new pattern for NATO and the West in other ‘conflicts’. We know NATO/EU/USA are crafting a similar coalition in Central Europe to assist the Ukraine stooge government in a new round of massive attacks against Novorussia and Crimea.
The logic goes like this: Crimea and East Ukraine are still legally part of Ukraine, so the ruling government in Ukraine is free, under international law, to bring in whatever foreign forces it so wishes to restore control over regions within Ukraine.
Put even simpler, the intention is to place Putin in an impossible situation. Putin’s horrific weakness was shown when he took advice from traitors in his midst, and chose not to send peacekeepers into Ukraine at the beginning, and force Ukraine to divide into new nations as Czechoslovakia did a number of years earlier. Putin hates decisive actions, but thinks the slow, sneaky, well-calculated approach is best.
But, when you act slowly, you give a very intelligent enemy all the time in the world to discover all the cracks and weaknesses in your unfolding plans. And worse, and enemy that can move at lightening speed, unhindered by morality or decency, will always gain a significant advantage by doing so.
People with an IQ in double figures at least know the illegal bombing in Syria has been justified by the laughably fake false-flag ‘beheading’ videos – but such black propaganda works and even here, most visitors believe the videos real.
The same merciless exploitation of Edward Bernays-style psy-ops has successfully demonised Putin and Russia. If and when Putin finally gets round to acting decisively, such an act will be successfully characterised as ‘proof’ that the demonisation of Putin was appropriate. The West loves to put their targets into the “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” situation.
Anti-Russian sanctions drive rapid de-dollarization
http://failedevolution.blogspot.gr/2014/09/anti-russian-sanctions-drive-rapid-de.html
Gold Finger: US finally bombs Syria at last! bit.ly/1xgbPUX Well the Teleprompter is golden to the military industrial complex!
the spooks at stratfor have an article on the chechens fighting against ovorossia.
http://www.jamestown.org/single/?tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=42653&no_cache=1#.VCLSNtaXsUR
I have just listened to his presentation at the UN, it looks like this is his last desperate attempt to make the attention. “I’m still here, my boss he send me to make the last Boo, Boo, Boo to the world”
Looking at the facial expressions of the attendees it was obviously clear to most of them, that he is totally out of his power and he has just ridiculed himself after sending so many innocent Americans to die like after receiving his Nobel Peace prize sent 50 000 soldiers immediately next day to Afghanistan. Nice try Oby, all world is just laughing on this theater, but your pretention was probably worth it to try, who knows?
By attacking Syria the Empire demonstrates its immense power and global reach. This is difficult for Russia and China to counter. Particularly with Russia tied up in Ukraine.
This is the strategy. Enmesh Russia in endless, multiplying violent and chaotic challenges to to its security/ economic interests around the globe.
Preoccupied with the Ukrainian conflict Russia has permitted the door to the destruction of Syria to be opened. Putin has definitely been out maneuvered by Obama on this one. Chalk one up for the Empire.
Whats worse is that it is a crucial point. As Thierry Meyssan argues in the post below: The Islamic Emirate is targeted at Russia and China and its leadership and officers are being changed to Georgians and Chinese to prepare for that. http://www.voltairenet.org/article185364.html
It remains to be seen whether the Syrian Arab Army can remain steadfast, as it has for 3 years, in the face of this latest developments.
Part 2:
So consider Russia’s position now (today) with reference to Ukraine and Syria. Within a short time, US forces will be attacking government positions in Syria. What will Putin do then? Putin, after all, is an active and willing partner with the unthinkably evil regime of Saudi Arabia, and ISIS is simply the West created force building Greater Saudi Arabia.
In reality, the best Russia can do is fall to its knees, and beg the West to allow a tiny Syrian rump state to continue centred around the cities that Russia has an existing interest in. So Syria is lost, just as Russia lost Afghanistan decades ago.
Now lets consider the more important (to Russia) Ukraine. It’s a few months from now, and a coalition of Central European states, led by Poland, is officially assisting Kiev in ‘restoring order’ to Novorussia and Crimea. Putin has stated, again and again, the East Ukraine must find peace with Kiev while remaining very much a legal part of Ukraine. Under International Law, this has a single meaning. Russia has no rights in Novorussia, and Kiev has every right to do as it can.
So now Putin, fool for not entering East Ukraine on day one and forcing the Ukraine to divide into two or more new nations, is now faced with directly confronting the LEGAL military forces of multiple nations that border or near border with Russia. Kiev’s coalition will NOT be an official NATO force, but most will be members of NATO.
The ‘covert’ nonsense no longer has meaning. Putin has to choose to either go to war with the (weak) armies of many neighbouring nations, with unthinkably horrid political fallout, or allow Kiev to take back Novorussia and Crimea. Notice, at no moment is Russia threatened with a credible military opponent- this is the trick of the West. If Russia chooses to fight, it’ll slaughter Europeans with an even greater kill-ratio than we have seen in the defence of Novorussia.
Obama and Blair will win in Ukraine NOT by military victory, but by rallying an army from so many key European nations that Putin cannot afford to destroy it. With the loss of Syria and the loss of Ukraine, Putin’s legion of traitors that whisper daily in his ear will say “screw the West- let them have everything West of Russia’s borders, and we’ll turn Eastwards. After all Russia is still the world’s largest nation landmass and we still possess a ‘killer’ army.”
You’ll notice this is the same as the West successfully driving out all other influences from lands the West never traditionally controlled, giving the monsters an unthinkable historic victory. And the emboldened coalition of nations that joined with Kiev and forced defeat on Russia will now see the ‘Bear’ as old, weak and senile.
And I’ll remind everyone that all this flows from Putin’s decision not to send in the peacekeepers into East Ukraine on day one. Russia’s political complications are multiplying, as a consequence, exponentially. The West’s war against Iran and Pakistan is drawing ever closer. The depravities of Israel (more partners of Putin) are preparing a Holocaust in Lebanon that will murder 100,000+ within a month, so they can build Greater Israel in co-ordination with the creation of Greater Saudi Arabia.
China doesn’t care (not their sphere). Russia’s going to be forced to shrug its shoulders as well. Meanwhile the sheeple will focus on all the small, meaningless ‘details’ while the big picture I’ve outlined goes unnoticed as usual. The monsters of the West win because no-one is ever prepared to make immediate strong counter-moves.
West beating the retreat in Ukraine
“Are we seeing the signs of Obama all but counseling Poroshenko to sort out issues with Moscow? Seems so.”
And:
“All this may go a long way to explain certain intriguing developments relating to Ukraine in the recent weeks: a) European Union’s decision to put its hurriedly-signed Association Agreement with Ukraine in the deep freeze at least until end-2015; b) The robust EU backing for the Minsk dialogue between Kiev and the separatists in southeastern Ukraine; c) the top secret meeting between the foreign ministers of France, Germany and Russia on the sidelines of the recent international conference in Paris regarding the Islamic State; d) NATO’s belated acknowledgment that Russia has pulled troops back from Ukraine border; and, e) meeting between the foreign ministers of Russia and US in New York today.”
http://blogs.rediff.com/mkbhadrakumar/2014/09/24/west-beating-the-retreat-in-ukraine/
Mikhas.
Well, this time there are no more excuses: Putin just threw Assad under the bus.
http://fr.ria.ru/world/20140924/202521329.html
He’ll probably receive a “welcome to the club” card from Strelkov in a couple days.
Sickening.
I guess they might give Nobel Peace Prize to Mrs. Victoria Nuland?
Talk about rich; from USA Today:
” In his speech, Obama said that “Russian aggression in Europe recalls the days when large nations trampled small ones in pursuit of territorial ambition.” “
I believe this is called ‘flipping the script’, a well used propaganda technique used ina arguments to accuse your opponent of doing in fact exactly what you are doing and put them permanently on the defensive.
Hypocrisy.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2014/09/24/obama/16149911/
Anon Mongoose said on Crimea thread… 14:24
Reuters: “Obama says if Russia takes the path of peace and diplomacy with Ukraine ‘we will lift our sanctions.'”
It was an ah-hah moment for me when some EU person spilled the beans earlier on – sorry can’t
remember name or date. They want Russia to restore to Ukraine all the financial supports promised to Yanukovich. That’s why all the times Russia “sat at the table” or “took the path to peace” simply led to expanded sanctions. The words don’t mean what you think they mean.
On Syria: interesting report by CBC correspondent Neil Macdonald last night. He said that Assad had claimed that the US had alerted him of the airstrikes and that the US reacted furiously by denying giving him any warning. There is a slightly different version online in a segment titled “middle eastern irony” quoting Jen Psaki: “we did not request the regime’s permission.”
(http://www.cbc.ca/player/Shows/ID/2528918438/)
So the US is brazenly insisting it broke international law? Even the CBC is treating this with skepticism? Is Obama again at war with Kerry’s state department?
Recall the “secret arrangements” revealed at consortiumnews.com (“Reported US-Syrian Accord on Air Strikes”), and this also on CBC “ISIS airstrikes: U.S. told Iran of intent to strike targets in Syria”: “The United States informed Iran in advance of its intention to strike Islamic State
militants in Syria and assured Tehran that it would not target the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a senior Iranian official told Reuters.”
See http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/isis-airstrikes-u-s-told-iran-of-intent-to-strike-targets-in-syria-1.2775656
Meanwhile Russia is taking the high road on international law. Did Russia just win this one?
So what’s happaning to Novorossiya? Is it dead meat or still kicking? What deal Vlad could done with Porky, who knows. They are both billionaires.
It appears the US-imposed sanctions are hurting the wrong nations as Obama said in his UN speech he’ll lift them if Russia pursues peace in Ukraine, http://en.ria.ru/politics/20140924/193240838/Obama-Says-US-to-Lift-Sanctions-if-Russia-Backs-Ceasefire-in.html
Clearly, his lies are an effort to save face in the situation. Meanwhile, Lavrov in an interview put the blame on the US regarding the whole IS situation where it belongs, http://rt.com/news/190200-lavrov-isis-west-miscalculation/
I can’t persuade myself that Obama is an active part of imperial deep state. It would be logic, but there is virtually no evidence for it. He seems to be very unwanted intruder in this WASP nest instead. Terror against him in imperial media is at least at the same level as in Putin’s case. Impeach, impeach, impeach! Of course people in Russia, Novorossiya, Syria, Libya etc. can’t be happy from his decisions but could you imagine John McCain or Sarah Palin in his seat? It would be much worse for all the world. He isn’t omnipotent in USA, so he must do some compromises with the anglo-jewish deep state. Why the heaviest sanctions against Russia weren’t introduced in March immediately after joining Crimea to RF? Because Obama perfectly knows any war or major conflict would strengthen his major enemies in empire – banksters and weapon producers. Now, forced by brutality of Islamic State’s masters, reluctantly started some war in Syria. BTW, do you think it was just by chance he was invited to this war in perfect English (of the executioner)? Hardly, he must know to whom capitulate. In English. So he started war – bypassing Imperial Congress again.
How Obama got his post against will of the deep state at all? He is brilliant speaker, cynical manipulator and is well introduced into rules of these deep state games. Something like Stalin amongst his Jewish comrades…
In the Ffs category;
Today at the U.N., Obama states that after Ebola, Russia is the No:2 threat facing the world?
FM Lavrov: Russia ranked second on Obama’s list of threats
UNITED NATIONS, September 24. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia has earned a second ranking on the list of threats mentioned by U.S. President Barack Obama, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Wednesday in a comment on Obama’s speech at the UN General Assembly session.
“As for the U.S. President’s speech, we earned the second place among the threats to international peace and stability,” Lavrov said. “Number one is the Ebola virus, number two is the so-called Russian aggression in Europe.”
. . . . .
And right along, Reuters obliges the demonizing
As Ukraine’s debt tangle unwinds, Russia holds the key thread.
~ ~ ~ ~
To put this article in the trash bin will be an insult to the bin.
– There is nothing controversial about the $3 billion bond. Here is a nugg from an article I posted in a previous thread. The article trashes Prof. Anna Gelpern’s promoting the very idea: the Ukraine “odious debt” meme.—“ But an even greater danger in trying to declare Ukraine’s debt “odious”: It may backfire on the United States, given its own support for military dictatorships and kleptocracies.”
That $3 billion Eurobond is under UK law. What is not being reported by western presstitutes; Mr. Putin is at extreme lengths to keeping steady the Ukraine’s finances. He nstructed Russian banks to maintain their presence in Ukraine, to ensure the economic stability. It is in Russia’s interests to do so, considering:
• $3 billion bond is due payable in 2015
• @ June 2014 Gazprom is owed $5.3 billion for gas supplies
– The article speaks of Ukraine reserves. What reserves?
= = = = =
Edward Snowden wins Swedish human rights prize ‘for courage’ http://en.itar-tass.com/world/751094
Obamacare Architect, Dr. Emanuel (Rahm Emanuel’s bro) posits; society would be better off if people die at 75.
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-09-24/obamacare-architect-says-society-would-be-better-if-people-only-lived-age-75
= = = = = =
Btw, quite sure many here will suggest a place for O’bomber’s finger
AM
@Anonymous said: Meanwhile Russia is taking the high road on international law. Did Russia just win this one?
My response to Anon Mongoose was as follows:
It is no surprise, I see the benefits for the whole world:
1. Putin gets to keep Crimea.
2. Putin gets Federalized Ukraine according to his wishes.
3. Poroshenko gets to keep his Chocolate Empire in Russia, and maybe gets to double it.
It is win/win situation for everyone! ~:)
Best regards,
Mohamed.
@Miroslav (24 September, 2014 17:35):
“I can’t persuade myself that Obama is an active part of imperial deep state.”
I doubt he is either. I had the exact same feeling about Bush and Clinton, too. I think our modern presidents are just empty suits who are put in the White House to sell us the policies of our REAL rulers, even when they don’t quite understand those policies themselves! And when the shit hits the fan, the people blame the president and vote in a new one, secure the in the ‘knowledge’ that the new guy will be oh-so-different–and then he turns to be pretty much the same.
I think it’s all a big show to keep us entertained… and to keep us from ever starting to wonder who’s really behind the curtain pulling the strings.
The great Nobel Obomber managed at the UN today to include in one sentence Ebola, russian aggression and islamist terror.
So, my dear russian friends, you now know your place. Diplomacy is not the way to handle this classification. I strongly recommend BDS, as with Israhell.
And include Kiev too! I wonder what will be the outcome of the mass-graves found near Donetsk.
Most probably they will blame Putin.
America has great plans for the ENTIRE world.
http://www.state.gov/j/drl/democ/
And they will remain committed until ALL their goals are achieved.
UNrepentant. Absolutely.
Really, I want to be positive, but at the moment I just can’t…. I really don’t see how all this can possibly end well.
Leonard Cohen’s song ‘The Future’ comes to mind.
Dont effing make excuses for droner boy. He is by far much worse than bush who I thought could not be beat.
So bush started the free rendition and prostate exams for anyone who even looked funny. But none other than droner boy sticks a hellfire missile while you are getting an exam. Its like Obamacare on steroids. Free home delivery any place on the planet. School outings are preferred locations compared to Bush doctrine of wedding parties so thats a minus.
Thats no one else.. Its all the boy there!
This time the Elites threw up a surprisingly likable smoothtalker but ultimately fraudulent Asshole Warmonger. He’s just like Bush jr, except for the dark skin and “coolness” factor with the kiddies.
Many people really believed he was a change for the better back in ’08.
The depths of our disappointment with Pres. Redline is bottomless.
And in 2 years, there will be a different disappointing face everyone will be urinating on. “(Insert Name)” will turn a blind eye to the killing of Palestinians. “(Insert Name)” will ignore international law to bomb and kill recalcitrant brown people, mostly the unfortunates in nations near Israel. “(Insert Name)” will bend over for the Zionists and will sit in the Oval Office while the Israeli President (probably Sheitanyahu) insults and belittles him.
“(Insert Name)” will make promises on the campaign trail he/she has no intention of keeping once in office…and going to war based on lies (again!)
I could go on with the pattern, repeat and deceit but see where I’m going with this?
This time the Elites threw up a surprisingly likable smoothtalker but ultimately fraudulent Asshole Warmonger. He’s just like Bush jr, except for the dark skin and “coolness” factor with the kiddies.
Many people really believed he was a change for the better back in ’08.
The depths of our disappointment with Pres. Redline is bottomless.
And in 2 years, there will be a different disappointing face everyone will be urinating on. “(Insert Name)” will turn a blind eye to the killing of Palestinians. “(Insert Name)” will ignore international law to bomb and kill recalcitrant brown people, mostly the unfortunates in nations near Israel. “(Insert Name)” will bend over for the Zionists and will sit in the Oval Office while the Israeli President (probably Sheitanyahu) insults and belittles him.
“(Insert Name)” will make promises on the campaign trail he/she has no intention of keeping once in office…and going to war based on lies (again!)
I could go on with the pattern, repeat and deceit but see where I’m going with this?
-Farflungstar
Zio Occupied AmeriKa
Putin’s been a complete and utter disappointment.
Although the Kiev junta are bumbling nazi scum, Russia taking Crimea exacerbated the situation, ‘inspiring’ the rejectionist movements in Donbass, which he immediately shunned and allowed to be shelled mercilessly.
Re Syria, He had ample opportunity to send air force squadrons and support troops to Damascus; they wouldn’t have had to participate in anything other than to delineate the Syrian borders. If Syria is of such strategic importance, then why does he leave it hanging?
Instead, USA’s bullied its way in, and at any point can conjure up a pretext to bomb the Syrian national troops.
I predicted the ‘war on terrorists’ pretext as Syria’s fate 2 years ago on numerous sites; in this instance it sucks to be right
Assad is clearly not a nice guy, but his secular regime is the only way for millions of Syrians to continue to live in Syria. If it falls then who knows what happens next. Assad’s only saving grace (for now) is he’s the only capable force against the now-hated ISIL
In the 1970s, decisionmakers in the US and the UK made plans for dealing with the Sovjetunion, Yugoslavia and the rest of Eastern Europe. Long term plans we discovered much later. Yugoslavia and the GDR, usually called East Germany in English, were put in debt according to plan. The USSR was dealt with a little differently, but with the same result. I think the people of Serbia can sense what I am talking about. The cruel civil wars was a preplanned event.
When Vladimir Putin came to power in 2000, he had to make his own longterm plans to free his country a little by little. Plans for two-three decades. He took over a Western economic colony, a dying country demographically speaking. I, who studied economics, was chocked at what Western advisors did to Russia under Yeltsin and I voiced my criticism on the net. In order to free his country, he had to make alliances and compromises. He had to find a balance and, if necessary, play his adverseries against each other. He did well.
Nobody should think he is an atlanticist. He never was and never will be. He is a patriot working for russki narodna [Russian people]. However, he understands Realpolitik. Russia needed foreign investments and while the money kept coming in Putin successfully built up his country, avoided a planned colour revolution, boosted China-Russia relations, rebuilt Russias defence and much more. He did the impossible.
Those who only see one issue at a time, New Russia in this case, have no idea about the bigger picture. They want Russia to intervene without having a clue of big power politics and longterm planning. They know nothing about what the Kremlin is up against.Theirs is a simpleminded approach and it is not honourable.
Saker has some understanding of the situation, so he is attacked and I find that disgusting. All you men and women of Russian descent abroad and in Russia, do you understand what this infighting looks like to someone who is not Russian? I find it ridiculous. No one-dimensional approach is possible for a powerful country like Russia. Show some respect for the greatest statesman of this time, Vladimir Putin, and show respect for each other. Unite, if you love your country. If you bash Putin, you only serve the US/EU/NATO. Stop the infighting and get the respect of the rest of us. What I see now reminds me of a sandbox in a Kindergarten.
New Russia is a wound also in the Kremlin and not only among armchair warriors around the globe. However, if Putins critics on this blog were in power in Moscow, I would gladly leave for Mars to survive.
What are you all thinking about the BRICS being more like the R-C’s
Forget South Africa. Neoliberal kleptocracy. Another “black” Neoliberal R2p’er about to win in Brazil since Soros “Wellstoned” the guy who would lose to Rousseff.
Modi comes to America soon to get his marching orders.
Are the BRICS just China and Russia and is that enough? If Modi the Neoliberal pulls out, will they swap Iran for the I?
It’s hard not to get discouraged sometimes that too many forces are arrayed for the status quo of the Empire of Chaos.
Emperor Obomber has become so lazy he doesn’t even need to get Congressional approval to bomb a new Muslim country.
Anyone else feeling depressed as I am? When your central bank just keeps printing green toilet paper it will never end
Put even simpler, the intention is to place Putin in an impossible situation. Putin’s horrific weakness was shown when he took advice from traitors in his midst, and chose not to send peacekeepers into Ukraine at the beginning, and force Ukraine to divide into new nations as Czechoslovakia did a number of years earlier. Putin hates decisive actions, but thinks the slow, sneaky, well-calculated approach is best.
=====
Anon:
I feel your frustration but am trying to embrace The Saker’s input that Putin is in on the long march and it’s a give and take of elastic response rather than every action needs an equal and opposite reaction
But when people are dying and Nazis were in full retreat over Mariupol my impatience turns to cynicism.
I’m withholding final judgement at least until Syria falls or see what happens during the Uki elections.
The first counter sanctions were brilliant but lately I feel like he (PUtin) is placing a lot of effort into this ceasefire with the Nazis and Moskal haters. How do you reason with people who want alll of your people dead for UkIsrael
But Putin is cagey where Obama and Kerry are hamfisted bullies. So maybe I should be more patient but not naive that Putin is some sort of Saint.
He is fallible like all men.
Winter is coming (Game of Thrones anyone?)
[from Blue]
I’m just listening to a talk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcIW_g8gyno
Michael Hudson, Financial Parasites, Left Forum 2014
Published on Aug 13, 2014
Economist Michael Hudson’s contribution to a 2014 Left Forum session: Financial Parasitism: Understanding the “Great Vampire Squids”
And this after earlier seeing the articles
http://en.ria.ru/analysis/20140924/193232688/
Nothing-Left-to-Gain-for-Russia-From-Dollar-Economy-Model.html
Economist: Nothing Left to Gain for Russia From Dollar Economy Model
and another linked in there
http://en.ria.ru/business/20140911/192853015/IMF-Expects-Russian-Economy-to-Grow-in-2014.html
—-
Marvelous talk — Hudson is like an amazingly bright boy nonchalantly walking around around pointing out all the naked emperors, such is his straightforward clarity. The information and insights pour from him like a waterfall.
Very easy to listen to.
__Blue
Paradox is a sign of phantasm impending. We have forgotten in the West but not so in the East. Paradoxically Vladimir Putin appears to have abandoned Novorussia, just as he breathed this lifeless historical entity into existense some months before.
The enigmatic Russian leader knows all to well: the utterance of a single word can not make a nation. His unwillingness to repeat the word Novorussia Novorussia Novorussia in the context of an agreement, or whatever it was unresponsible people accomplished in Minsk, is a paradoxical indication of undying committment. The faithless who sorround him do not understand the meaning of this apparition.
Picture him now as he stands in the current of a great Russian river: only imagine him as a latter day John the Baptist. He is holding the near lifeless body of Novorussia beneath the surface of the holy Dnepr but he is doing so for much too long. So long in fact that this unresolved being fears it is drowning. In panic and sensing betrayal it struggles to free itself and it is in this moment, for the first time in history, Novorussia fears for its very existense.
As one hand reaches to the surface, then weakens and slips under again, a vortex of white light appears beckoning with the promise of release. Only then, just as awareness of eternity replaces fear of death, Novorussia is suddenly pulled to the surface and a nation is born.
After that, all is well until Novorussia sees her ugly twin;)
http://en.itar-tass.com/world/751081
Anonymous at 20:34
Thank you for your comments you have nailed it.
Putin’s bashers will understand this situation later or never because they support the Empire and it is also a choice……………..
http://en.itar-tass.com/world
Please go to Tass. There about a half dozen stories on the mass graves. Not a single effing word in the Corporate Media
It is incredibly interesting that the ISIS is attacking only Muslims?
They never have mentioned about the Israel?
Isn’t it funny? It looks like that Israel has a specialty fence…
@ Mohamed 24 September 18:12
>>My response to Anon Mongoose was as follows:
It is no surprise, I see the benefits for the whole world:<<<
. . . . . .
Hi bro, thanks for the shout out but you mis-read my comment on Crimea thread at 24 September, 2014 14:24
“Surprise, Surprise” relates to my posting on the publication in U.S. media of photos and Video shows Ukrainian soldiers wearing Nazi symbols
= = = = =
always good to see your contributing here.
Anonymous 20:10
“I predicted the ‘war on terrorists’ pretext as Syria’s fate 2 years ago on numerous sites; in this instance it sucks to be right”
Didn’t take a soothsayer to figure that one out. And being Anonymous, it’s hard to take credit for something you said way back under the Anonymous handle.
-Farflungstar
From Zio Occupied AmeriKa
To the saker and fellow commentators:
There is a set of subtle assumptions that runs through this blog/commentators that is subtle and destructive.
In the desire of most people commenting here to be free of the policies and creeping control of the empire (AZ, the West, etc) there is a willingness to fix all hope and attention on one player/leader (in this case Putin). Aside from the obvious disappointment such a fixation inevitably generates (as no one gets it right all the time), there are two extreme dangers that this form of thinking generates.
1) First, the focus on one leader is exactly what makes the empire so corrupt. In the shadow of the emperor a whole range of dark forces are able to hide and carry out their schemes. The sheeple end up confused and overwhelmed thinking they are up against a monolithic evil and feel they cannot do anything – so they sink themselves in apathy and the distractions of entertainment.
Little do they realize that once those dark figures are exposed, they are not so big and fearful and people can make a real difference.
2) As I mentioned some time ago, there is a profound danger in returning to a bi-polar world. In a bi-polar world, most of the world (like many in the Donbass) sit back and watch the two big boys slug it out. They think they can jump on the bandwagon once one gets the upper hand – little realizing that once there is an empire – all the world ends up in a kind of increasing slavery. If we return to a bi-polar world, it will be the same no matter who wins – the West or Russia. The result will be the same: an empire that increasingly enslaves the rest of the world.
The solution to such a situation is to move beyond a bi-polar world to a multi-polar world (which is what Putin is calling for). In a multi-polar world, we all need to be active and involved – we all are required to be pro-active in understanding our world while working to protect our communities and families. In a multi-polar world people are drawn out of the ‘sheeple’ stance to become more fully human.
Let us realize once again that there are other leaders who have stood against the empire longer and with less resources than Putin. Let us realize once again that no one person can become the single focus of anti-empire hope: for in that act we give the empire a powerful weapon to use against us – the assassination of that person.
Let’s take the focus off Putin, let’s look out across the vineyard and “see” the others involved in this task; to encourage them, to celebrate their victories, to mourn the defeats and to call each other to real hope.
Why? Because China knows it is next
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-09-24/china-says-it-will-never-support-sanctions-against-russia
Obama’s words are beyond disgust… if I remember correctly when he accepted the Peace Prize he said ‘I like the idea of Peace’…
Regarding the mass graves … Yats said the UK army was not in that position — it was the rebels.
With talking heads like these, can NR expect any sort of fair international investigation?
On a positive note… there are so many great contributors here with insightful comments. However I wish Anons would take a name – don’t they know that many regular readers just skip over Anons.
Where-Wolf … your words were beautiful …
Why is Russia not backing Syria? Why no S300s?
NewYorker
Like most people, I was not happy with Syria’s military and verbal. non response to the US “bombing”. What struck me as very strange was the lack of any anger or threats of retaliation. Was there really a bombing or was it the same as Iraq with nothing but a “show of force” with no real substance. A couple of things could have occurred.
First if there was a bombing then theUS did have Syrian approval to do it. They would not want to fight the Syrians, Russians, Chinese and Iranians (don’t forget the military reservists that were called up)by themselves. If IS were really in Raqaa, it frees the Syrian army to deal with the terrorists in other areas of the country.
Second and I am leaning heavily towards this idea that the bombings were all for show as it was in Iraq. It’s an excuse to go into Syria and fight the terrorists but the real target was always regime change.
This article from 21st century wire believes the US bombed “empty buildings”. If it is true it does not surprise me.
http://21stcenturywire.com/2014/09/24/us-bombed-empty-buildings-in-raqqa-in-airstrikes-on-isil-in-syria/
@Babushka
I agree. The Anon’s have got to declare a handle
I have been called on this forum a Nazi, a fascist, a troll,naive, sayan, fool, Putin basher, closet Banderite, fifth Estater and even The Saker chastised me for an idiotic comment this week
Yet every utterance popular or unpopular I submit under the same nickname
I don’t take any of it too personally. I am consistently on the side of the underdog. When Putin does good I applaud him. When he does things that go against my championing of NR to retain his Atlanticist preference, I say that even tho I know it outrages many here
I am not here to pick fights or troll. But every insult I endure because this is the best site on the New Cold War II and I stick around for the good stuff – Saker’s commentary and many others’ comments and links
I could cloak myself as an Anon but I choose not to bc I think it is lame when people trash talk behind a cipher
I don’t bother with critical or insulting Anon comments bc if you believe what you write pick a nickname and post accordingly
To be honest, with a few flare ups, this is a very good site for the signal to noise ratio of comments
Most political sites devolve into Right Wing faux libertarians vs Obama’s Cult of Personality.
We have it good here. Knock wood
I am struggling knowing what to teach my family about the world these days when all around us there are so many contradictions:
Laws of physics now are what the media and politicians say they are, not the scientists ( WTC / Pentagon / Shanksville )
Nobel Peace Prizes are given to the perpetrators of the worst crimes.
Biology too – people beheaded with no blood! Amazing! These ISIS folks could teach surgeons a thing or two.
Business leaders and politicians lie continually and most don’t seem to notice.
Standing ovations for mass murderers!
Terrorists are only bad when they are not OUR terrorists.
Elections are won on not the votes cast, but on who counts the votes.
Truth in MSM is the rare exception now.
Money is created like cheap confetti and thrown from the virtual digital helicopters into the laps of the 0.01% who already have more than they know what to do with.
Freedom? What freedom?
Aaaarghhhh.
I really like Assad, and haven’t seen him in the news for a few months. Its good to see him back although the reasons are awful.
I have faith that Assad will outsmart Obama.
I wish Putin would join the fray (diplomatically) …and I hope that Putin speaks up, loud and clear.
Anon said
“I can’t persuade myself that Obama is an active part of imperial deep state”
And I ask, “So who is the deep state and what are their objectives ?”
Doubting Canuck…
That’s a good post !!! Teach your children to appreciate poetry, old and new.
And history, because that may become something of the past…no pun intended…
SanctuaryOne said…@ 24 September, 2014 17:22
“I believe this is called ‘flipping the script’, a well used propaganda technique used in arguments to accuse your opponent of doing in fact exactly what you are doing and put them permanently on the defensive.”
Flipping the script is a broadcasting technique that some conflate with imposing agenda.
No flipping takes place if the targetted audience is not flipped – doesn’t interact in the ways expected by the broadcaster.
Smart audiences may give the impression of being flipped in order that the broadcaster becomes further enmeshed in his/her own conflation.
Perhaps this will help to illuminate at least some strategies.
Have you seen what the aidar battalion’s REAL motto is? See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aidar_Battalion
;)
Regarding the aidar battalion motto I referred to on wikipedia.org only about 2 hrs ago, it has been changed back from the correction I posted there, which was ‘satan with us’.
So is somebody monitoring your site Saker, because I only mentioned it here?
From the comments :
” “…this is all very troubling because I cannot make any sense of the European position, and I know there has to be a very compelling rationale lurking just out of sight somewhere. “
I suspect that “compelling rationale” is “lurking” in Washington, DC. If and when the US ever succeeds in arm-twisting the EU into finally placing a complete embargo on Russia, their own economies will crash even harder than Russia’s. America’s economy, however, will be less affected than those of either of the other two parties. This will leave Washington, relatively speaking, in a stronger position vis-a-vis both Europe and Russia. At that point, once Europe is cut off from Russian oil and gas, Washington will have a much easier time convincing the other NATO countries to rearm and help America finish their conquest of the middle east. After all, where else will Europe get its oil/gas now? They’ll have no choice but help the US finish the job! Washington’s ultimate goal there is to help Saudi Arabia and Qatar build a pipeline up through Iraq and Syria into Turkey. Meanwhile, Russia will find itself, at least for a while, in a much more difficult position. That will hamper their ability, the neocons hope, to do much to help Iran, Iraq or Syria. And if Washington is really on top of its game here, they may even be able to use the ensuing economic crisis in Europe as a tool for more aggressively marketing TTIP: ‘More free trade with the US is the answer to all your economic problems in the EU!’
I am not saying this strategy is guaranteed to work. In fact, I can think of several points where it might break. But it seems to me that that is what’s going on here. “
http://russia-insider.com/en/politics_business/2014/09/25/12-50-42pm/eu_hurts_itself_much_more_russia_applying_energy_sanctions
@Miroslav 24 September, 2014 17:35
If you are the Miroslav I think you are, please start up the blog again.
They have been bombing “oil fields inside Syria, but taken by ISIS”; that oil sold by ISIS, makes a profit for them. Iran was told about it, and Russia later, and that is why Putin is silent.
Even if they do not like Assad, who was ready to say that he would “cooperate” with the “coalition forces” to exterminate the extremists, at the moment US and friends do not plan to bomb Syria.
les 25 September, 2014 00:05 wrote:
“Let us realize once again that no one person can become the single focus of anti-empire hope: for in that act we give the empire a powerful weapon to use against us – the assassination of that person.”
“Let’s take the focus off Putin, let’s look out across the vineyard and “see” the others involved in this task; to encourage them, to celebrate their victories, to mourn the defeats and to call each other to real hope.”
I understand what you are saying, but fear not. Putin is like a Czar of old, that is true, but I don’t think he has ever acted alone. He surrounds himself with good advisors and he represents the only force strong enough to get his country on its feet again – the old KGB. He is the visible head of a group of people we know little about, but he is certainly not alone and he can be replaced. He knows it. If it serves his country, he will retire and spend his last years in Sochi or Crimea. If the situation deteriorates, a new President of Russia can mend what has been broken.
As I understand Putin, he demands excellent analyses of every possible move before he makes a decision. I have heard European military experts, retired most certainly, express their admiration for the elegant takeover of Crimea. Putin does not work alone. One man is never enough for such a project.
For a couple of years, Western media have claimed there is a confrontation between Putin and Medvedev, who is said to be an atlanticist. I believe no such thing. Appearances matter and Russian analysts know how to create appearances in politics. Take a look at old USSR.
Some say Putin is a billionaire, an individual who steals from his people. This is a completely crazy idea of Western origin. Imo, he is one of few Christian politicians who has clean hands.
As for Vladimir Putin acting like a Czar, that is what has made Russia strong again and given the country a future that is not limited to the next elections. Kings and Czars in Europe used to plan for centuries. I can name a country not unlike Russia where oak trees were planted more than a hundred years ago to secure raw materials for the navy in the late 20th century. Two men worked full time for more than a century to make sure the trees grew exactly right. These absolutely unique straight oak trees, which no other country could provide, were sold with a profit in the 1990s. The navy had no need of them of course, but the investment paid off. I believe in Czars and Kings and not in todays Western politicians, who have lost their minds most of them.
“let’s look out across the vineyard” Yes, a strong leader like Putin is nothing without his people. There are everyday heroes in most families. Men and women, young and old, who do good work. People of little importance in todays world, but heroes in my eyes, build the future with tears and muscle ache. I am a man and I especially admire the grandmothers. Never underestimate the willpower of a woman, young or old, that vis my advice. My babushkas were heroes.
Hoffnungstirbtzuletzt 25 September, 2014 13:49
“I suspect that “compelling rationale” is “lurking” in Washington, DC.”
Hope never dies. The US has turned Europe into a colony, but hope never dies. Your nick is only understood by those who understand German. I see the problems, but I believe in a future for this old continent, where the sun sets. Abendlandes, Evening land, with all that means for the US being in darkness. Never give up hope.
Anonymous 19.09, you may not be a student of history, but those who are know that Yankee aggression is insatiable and relentless (it is a psychotic need to dominate and win every time. Compromise is, for these lunatics, equivalent to castration). And their ‘word’ is the epitome of worthlessness. Some ‘Incident’ will be contrived to turn this assault into a full ‘regime change’ operation, you can bet on that. If Assad escapes his Gaddafi moment, then who will fear the Great Satan in the future?
I just recalled a lovely illustration of Washington’s perverse machismo. LBJ was known to have at one point grabbed his organs of generation by the hand (whether unclothed or not, I am not certain) and, shaking them angrily, declared, ‘No goddammed son-of-a-bitch Vietcong is goin’ to get their hands on these babies!’, or words to that effect.