Dear friends,
Ever since I moved to the USA in 2002 I have been listening to Bonnie Faulkner and her amazing show “Guns and Butter”. If you don’t know who Bonnie Faulkner is, then just go through the archives of her show. You can find them here and here. When Bonnie contacted me to ask me to be interviewed I was nothing short of elated: she was a real hero of mine (she fought for 9/11 Truth with tremendous courage) and I immediately accepted. We recorded two shows. I am posting the first one today and I will post the next one as soon as it is mixed and available. I am very, very happy with the result, and so is Bonnie. We agreed to to this more often :-)
Here is where you can listen to the show and download the file from:
You can also do that on the Guns and Butter website: http://gunsandbutter.org/blog/2017/04/26/trump-and-putin-setting-the-record-straight
I hope that you will enjoy this conversation as much as I did.
Hugs and cheers,
The Saker
Glad Bonnie found you, Saker. She’s a good person and you and she deserve more impact!
Saker – Joan Baez was interviewed a few days ago and she was asked about Trump – she said he’s completely narcissistic and that there was absolutely no compassion in there – she probably knows him. I guess billionaires are not like us –
Thank you Saker, it was a joy and pleasure to listen.
Regards
The great powers have always sought to form bridgeheads for smaller target countries, relying on the forces of subversion in these countries. They will find a supreme power supporter that enables them to rise in their own country to power structures. The underprivileged group will have a debt of gratitude and remembers his supporters.
In Finland, this phenomenon appeared when the Fennoman Movement of the Grand Duchy gained the empire’s popularity, and thanks to this support, the Finnish speaking intelligentsia reached the social-rise era by passing a Swedish-speaking bourgeoisie. This happened from the era of Alexander II until the very end of Russian Empire. Another similar situation in Finland took place after the Second World War when the Kremlin began to support the Finnish Agrarian League (later the Centre Party) and its rising star Urho Kekkonen. Even in this case, those who were in power in the elite (conservatives, Swedish…) or who had already had an ideological consensus with the Kreml (Finnish Communists) were bypassed. You actually don’t have to be amazed why Stalin fondled The Centre and even real politics of conservatives (especially Paasikivi) while hazing communists. This system was of course based on geopolitics and Stalin’s idea to keep Finland as it has been for Russia over 200 years – a buffer state.
Moscow supported Mannerheim and insisted on him as a leader. He spoke Russian after many years in Russia, but he also fought the Sovjet Union. The Russians are pragmatists. Kekkonen also spoke Russian. Imo he saved Finland from many woes.
One of Saker’s best. Russia, Putin 101 for the dis-informed. Share widely. Interested teenagers will get it and grandma will love it.
Precise answers to adept questions. Saker at his finest.
A coherence without distracting ideology.
Great SitRep of urgent Current Events.
This will be a gem in the Archives.
I really liked your analysis of the stakes in Syria. I agree with it. And that what a loss in Syria would mean for Russia,Lebanon,Iran,China,and of course Syria itself. But I’m not sure that Putin ( or maybe it is the Russian elite classes) share that analysis anymore.
After reading an article today in RT. I’m coming to the conclusion that what may be happening in Syria is the appeasement of Munich written anew in the 21st Century.After months (years) of rejecting the idea of Western backed “safe zones”,Putin appears to have decided to “rename” them and agree with them. Under the theory perhaps of “a rose by any other names,still smells as sweet”. Though in this case it would be “still smells as sour”
.Everyone “here” on the blog ,and certainly every Western leader knows what safe zones ,or in Putin’s new term “deescalation zones” mean. They mean safe havens for terrorists to survive in. And to be protected by NATO. There to resupply and regroup their forces. Totally safe from the Syrian government’s military. Just as “we” and the West knows what they “mean” for Syria. I have little doubt that Assad,Hezbollah,and Iran,don’t know as well. And that what they are seeing is their “ally” starting to knell to the West. I’m sure the cup of betrayal has a “bitter taste” to it in Damascus and Tehran.
It might be the time for those countries to reevaluate their relationships with Russia,before the hammer falls totally. As I tabled in another post. Syria (Assad) and Iran still have options for dealing with the West.They could come to an agreement with the West. An ugly agreement true. But still one that would work for them. The one country that doesn’t have that option is Russia.Her agreement with the West,wouldn’t be just ugly,but hideously ugly.And in the long run be the end for Russia as a united state.But since those in power in Russia either seem to not see that. Or worse,don’t care very much. Why should Russia’s few allies,not jump ship and try to save themselves.If the main resistance “pardner” is foolish enough to think they can appease the West. Why should the Syrians and Iranians be the ones dying for that resistance.Its enough for the people of Donbass to be dying for a Russia not willing to “step up fully” to the struggle. As we quickly approach another May 9th. A great parade and music concert isn’t enough to mask the scent of betrayal in the air.
https://www.rt.com/news/386981-putin-erdogan-talks-russia/
Yes,you may have sensed how unhappy at this moment I am over this. I don’t suffer historical foolishness well at all. The only hope could be that Putin is just playing with the West. But if so he doesn’t seem to appreciate the power of “words” in the West. Like a dog with a bone.Once words that the West wants said,are said. They won’t let go of that “bone”. And will return to it over and over.
An update: In looking at some other reports. It “may be” that Putin is just playing with the West and Erdogan. But still what I said above is still correct. Once you utter “words” the West wants to hear ,they never let that go. Its overwhelmingly important in dealing with the West that a country “never,ever” seem to accept tricks that the West wants done. In this situation a country’s credibility is vital for both “friends and enemies” to understand. And even the “appearance” of damaging your credibility is almost as bad as actually doing so.Just as your enemies need to know you will stand strong.Its even more important that your friends know that. It is those friends that are making the greater sacrifice (by a long shot) and they must have no doubt that you “have their back”. Or they may be compelled to “not” have your back. That is the message ,Damascus and Tehran,should clearly deliver to Moscow.There is a old joke that fits here ” when a bully is threatening and attacking you. A “friend” councils you to not fight and give in.While a “best” friend grabs a bat and says “lets go”. Which friend will Russia turn out to be. The jury is still out on that judgement so far.
There is some publish to Rumor about Putin and the Chabad Lubavitch Jews.
Being miffed as to why Putin is giving Israel a pass in Syria intrigues,violation of Syria’s
Airspace,support of Takfiri kooks….went a Google to see if there is something to the publish
On Putin and the Oligarch Jews.
Syria Southwest near Israel stolen Golan and Jordan finds Hezbollah and IRGC increasing their
Military presence….
Rumors US Jordan are about to invade Syria South.
If Israel grabs a safe zone in Syria,…they will never give the Golan back.
With Damascus nearby…..it’s probably curtains for Assad and the Alawite.
Russia’s relationship with Iran,…they dragged S 300 out ….now it’s not the deterent to IAF
Or US.
Cannot recall any news from Syria where RuAF bomb near Golan or Daraa.
Nor Kalibre strikes.
SAA,Hezbollah and IRGC are making some progress of late ….
Will Putin put on an SAA Beret? ……or a Lubavitch Fedora ?
I have to say that ‘appeasement’ did flash through my mind when I read the article, but I’m more optimistic of Putin’s ability in this wrestling match that is presently going on between the West and Russia. My faith in Putin is based on my impression that Putin, to borrow the Saker’s phrase, is ‘an officer’, an honourable man (a rare species amongst politicians, I admit) and a patriot, who is earnestly looking out for his country’s best interests. And, so far, he has walked the talk.
In all of their talks about peace talks, the Russians have never failed to insert a caveat that the US/Nato/GCC-sponsored terrorists are open game, peace or no. Putin has not shown that he has lost sight of the big picture with regard to the ‘de-escalalation zone’ either. The caveat about ISIS/al-Nusra and all the other scum-of-the-earth organisations is still there. So it appears that this de-escalation zone is a tactical move on Putin’s part, mainly to get some sort of ceasefire going and stop the bloodletting. Seeing that Turkey is the gatekeeper to the flow of terrorists and materiel into Syria, and the main backer of the SDF, it is essential to get Erdogan onside.
Putin has an interest in ending the war as quickly as possible of course, because Russia has spent a considerable amount of blood and fortune in Syria. Same thing goes for Iran and Hezbollah. They, and Russia in particular, would rather spend their resources on strengthening the defence of their respective homelands instead of expending their resources on fighting elsewhere. But they are there in Syria fighting the terrorists and they most likely will remain there until the threat is stamped out. And I mean stamped out because the CIS countries right now are also facing a threat from the terrorists.
Russian DM Shoygu’s statement that Russia views Nato as a threat clearly indicates that Russia is clued up as to who is who in Syria. The only snag is, everybody, including its allies, think the US is sincere in wanting to stop the war. But all we see are obstacles (eg alleged chemical attacks and subsequent Tomahawk strike) being put in place as soon as there are signs of a US-Russian cooperation on Syria. The truth is the US, starting with President Kushner, err I mean Trump, and all the other Israelis (‘the Chosen Ones’, if I may borrow Saker’s words again) in the Empire’s halls of power want a situation akin to Iraq — a seemingly endless, simmering conflict — in Syria. Syria would be mired in ‘low-intensity conflict’, incrementally destroyed and emasculated. Iran would be next in line to get the same treatment as well. It’s been said by others before but let me repeat it: that would take care of the immediate threats to the homeland of the Chosen Ones. It would bring tears of joy to the Chosen Ones currently residing in ‘the only liberal democracy’ (if you’re Jewish) in the Middle East.
I think Putin (judging from his and Lavrov’s speeches) sees that Israel’s representatives in the US government are not interested in a peace deal for Syria any time soon and that is why he’s willing to discuss a safe zone in the hope that it will at least secure a ceasefire and get the Syrians some respite from the fighting, and perhaps get something more substantial out of the Astana talks.
The “funeral dirge” now begins. But its not like people haven’t tried to warn them:
https://www.rt.com/news/387105-syria-talks-safe-zones/
Here’s my latest analysis about the newest “safe/de-escalation” zone proposal for Syria:
“At this moment in time, there doesn’t seem to be anything that can be done to offset this plan given the momentum that it’s achieved through Russia, the US, Turkey, and most importantly, Syria’s support for this initiative.
While it’s debatable why Damascus decided to reverse its position on “safe” zones and unclear whether it was externally compelled to do so by various means, the inarguable result is that the deployment of international “peacekeepers” to enforce these “de-escalation” areas will further the on-the-ground dynamics working towards Syria’s “decentralization” and possibly even “Identity Federalism”. ”
http://regionalrapport.com/2017/05/04/syria-de-escalation-zones-decentralization-units/
http://www.globalresearch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Screen-Shot-2017-02-26-at-9.05.48-AM.png
Did Putin going into Syria fall 2015,….step up to secure Russia’s piece of the action?.
Erdogan….realizing the Rand Map is the deal,….jumps in for his piece.
Netanyahu Flys to Moscow…..Putin tells him he doesn’t even have to step up,
South Safe zone is a Gift to Chabad Lubavitch.
Genie energy gets to party on, ….as Israel will never have to give back the Golan.
Time to pour a double whiskey and watch Star Trek….A piece of the action *.
Thank you Andrew. I will read this as I have been very concerned about these zones – the RT article gives the impression the zones will be monitored by the guarantor states:
https://www.rt.com/news/387105-syria-talks-safe-zones/
Russia says that they’d like UN “peacekeepers” to play a role:
“Deputy chair at Russia’s parliamentary committee on security and defense says that the United Nations could send its observers to the agreed “safe zones” in Syria.
The United Nations could send its observers to the agreed “safe zones” in Syria, Frants Klintsevich, deputy chair at Russia’s parliamentary committee on security and defense, told Sputnik on Thursday.
Russia, Iran and Turkey – the guarantors of Syrian peace – signed a pact on Thursday on the creation of so-called de-escalation zones where Syrian government and opposition forces will not be allowed to engage.
“It will be very hard to separate the warring parties, identify restraining forces, their mandate and responsibilities… I think this task can be solved collectively with the UN help,” Klintsevich said, adding he hoped the United States would not oppose the move.
He suggested other international organizations could take part in monitoring the situation in the designated safe zones in the Idlib province, to the north of the city of Homs, in Eastern Ghouta and in the south of Syria.”
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201705051053293350-un-fobserver-roles-syrian-safe-zones/
Thanks Andrew.
Just in this morning:
https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/201705051053298592-russia-syria-attack/
Reading into the article the Russian Rep. has clarified that these zones will be no fly zones for all US coalition planes and that they haven’t decided who will be the observers and that the UN’s approval will not be required but they will be informed……so it seems to me they are side stepping the UNSC on this matter.
My view is that the UN will only be involved in humanitarian concerns but not military.
To really understand who’s Mr. President Vladimir Putin:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ecEK6llcucA
Wow. That was 2 hours of my time very well spent, and only confirmed my own sense of the man.
Thank you very much for that link, Carlos.
Many of us wish our own political leader was as intelligent, sincere, and courageous as Vladimir Putin. The man has faced incredible obstacles, and yet he continues to work steadfastly towards the betterment of his people, and the survival of his nation. He richly deserves the often ill-applied term Patriot.
For a long time now, I have considered Vladimir Putin and Sergey Lavorov as the best statesmen the world has seen in a long, long time.
Most of us are “led” by elitists, who ultimately serve themselves, their cronies, and/or the nationalist ideology of others.
From the above video there was an annotated link to another great video, covering the Crimean situation starting with Maidan. Vladimir Putin gives extensive interview footage in this one as well.
The Crimea video has been out on YouTube for 11 months so many here might have already seen it as it was first issued only in Russian, but I hadn’t. The version below has closed captioning in 5 languages: English, German, French. Arabic and Chinese.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?annotation_id=annotation_2534108677&feature=iv&list=PLGIldlPiHRX46kxTJAu3_eTzjfNCAB1mn&src_vid=ecEK6llcucA&v=XeWXs8fLC1I
There is an English-only CC version on YouTube as well, with a much shorter URL.
At 45-47 minutes.
Putin, with 80% of the people backing him, and after 16 years in power has only been able to get 50% of the Russian establishment to support him. Putin is at risk of a coup and is constantly sabotaged.
*****
And yet, The Saker is dissatisfied that Trump is unable to have his way in a situation where Trump, with at best 50% of the people backing him, less than 3 months in power, and established as president in a system that was purposely designed to ensure that the president had minimal power and had to cooperate closely with Congress/Senate to get his way in implementing policy.
Why?
Why such high expectations from Trump but not from Putin?
Saker: any chance for trranscripts from both episodes?
I am really interested in the list of common conditions between the late Soviet and the current (USA) empire.