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The West's Reckless Rush Towards War With Russia

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Chris Martenson via Peak Prosperity,

For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time, the US and Europe have embarked on a concerted program to demonize Putin, ostracize Russia, and bring the world as close to a major conflict as it's been since the Cold War, a time hardly memorable to many in the current crop of our elected officials.

Within hours of the MH-17 plane crash, the United States pinned the blame on Russia generally, and Putin particularly. The anti-Putin propaganda (and if there were a stronger term I'd use it) has been relentless and almost comically over-the-top (see image above, and those below).

The US and the UK in particular, are leading the charge. Indeed, the UK's Daily Mail managed to crank out an article on the MH-17 affair within just a few hours on the very same day it occurred with this headline:

The blood on Putin's hands...

Jul 17, 2014

 

The world may have averted its gaze towards Israel and Gaza, but this week the rumbling warfare in eastern Ukraine has been erupting into something growing daily more dangerous.

 

Meanwhile the Russian bear, still pretending to be an innocent party despite blood dripping from its paws, has begun stealthily rebuilding its forces on the border.

 

Now we may well have witnessed the kind of shocking event that happens when heavy armaments are placed in the hands of untrained and desperate militias.

That's really an amazing piece of journalism to have managed to have figured out the who, the what and the why of a major catastrophe without the benefit of any evidence or investigation.  One wonders who the author's source was for obtaining what have become very crisp talking points that both the US and Europe are echoing as they exert increasing pressure on Russia?

Nearly two weeks later, neither the US nor Europe has provided substantial evidence of any sort to support their assertions that Ukrainian separatists and/or Russia are to blame for the MH-17 catastrophe. There's literally been nothing. 

In the meantime, very important questions surrounding the shoot-down have gone entirely unaddressed by US officials and the western media. Why? Perhaps because they raise the possibility that there could be an alternative explanation:

So far, the entire case made by the US State Department and Obama administration boils down to a few highly-questionable social media clips gathered right after the incident, plus several out-of-date low-resolution satellite photos taken from a private company (DigitalGlobe) along with a bevy of 'trust us' statements.

Nonetheless, despite the lack of solid, verified and credible evidence, the current narrative has now been embedded firmly in the media cycle and nearly everyone on the streets of the US, UK and most European nations will tell you that Putin and/or Russia was responsible. 

Similarly, in 2007, years after all the facts were verified and known, when asked  "Do you think Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq was directly involved in planning, financing, or carrying out the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001?"  41% of Americans answered 'yes' when the proper answer was (and remains) 'Absolutely not.'

It's a fact of modern life that most people really don't pay close attention to important world events. Due to that lack of engagement, even the most patently obvious lies can quickly become entrenched in the public mind as truth if touted by mainstream news outlets. 

Here now in July 2014, there is a rush towards war similar to those that proceeded Afghanistan in 2001 and Iraq in 2003. Important questions are not being asked by the media, our once again missing-in-action fourth estate, and unsubstantiated and unverified political talking points are simply being reprinted as facts.

But this time the war fervor is being directed at a nuclear powerhouse, not a derelict Middle East country. And the stakes could hardly be higher. For Europe, even if things don't progress much further than they already have, economic damage (we don't know how much yet, or how much worse it may get) has already been done to its fragile recovery. The people of Europe really ought to be asking what exactly they're hoping to achieve by attempting to box Putin into a corner. 

After all, that might not even be possible. He enjoys an 83% approval rating in Russia, a level beyond the fantasies of most western politicians, plus his country supplies a vast amount of Europe's natural gas and a hefty percentage of the world's exported oil. Temporary loss of either would be a painful body blow to Europe, while a sustained loss of oil exports would be crippling to the world at large.

In all of the thousands of column inches I've read demonizing Putin over the developments in Ukraine and MH-17, I've yet to identify a single compelling answer to this question: What vital US interest is at stake if Russia keeps Crimea and helps to defend the Russian-speaking people along its border?  To my knowledge, it's not yet been articulated by anyone at the State Department or White House. 

At this stage, all we know is: the West thinks that Russia is bad, and Putin is worse. But, given the stakes involved, we all deserve to know more than that.  A lot more.  We deserve proper and complete answers.

There's a lot of context to this story. It involves broken promises, desirable resources, power plays, and a dangerous lack of diplomatic sophistication by the current US administration.

Diplomacy and Statesmanship

My greatest concern in seeing the this rush towards judgment before the facts are in -- or worse -- war, is that the people running the show in the White House and the US State Department are not cut from the same cloth as the old-school diplomats that preceded them.

After all, extremely dangerous conflicts transpired in the past (the Cuban Missile crisis, anyone?) and yet talks between sides were held and resolutions reached, preventing the more dire of outcomes from coming to pass. 

In that spirit, I found this recent piece by Pat Buchanan (someone I've not always agreed with in the past), to be spot on:

Is Putin Worse Than Stalin?

 

When then did this issue of whose flag flies over Donetsk or Crimea become so crucial that we would arm Ukrainians to fight Russian-backed rebels and consider giving a NATO war guarantee to Kiev, potentially bringing us to war with a nuclear-armed Russia?

 

From FDR on, U.S. presidents have felt that America could not remain isolated from the rulers of the world's largest nation.

Ike invited Khrushchev to tour the USA after he had drowned the Hungarian Revolution in blood. After Khrushchev put missiles in Cuba, JFK was soon calling for a new detente at American University.

 

Within weeks of Warsaw Pact armies crushing the Prague Spring in August 1968, LBJ was seeking a summit with Premier Alexei Kosygin.

 

After excoriating Moscow for the downing of KAL 007 in 1983, that old Cold Warrior Ronald Reagan was fishing for a summit meeting.

 

The point: Every president from FDR through George H. W. Bush, even after collisions with Moscow far more serious than this clash over Ukraine, sought to re-engage the men in the Kremlin.

 

Whatever we thought of the Soviet dictators who blockaded Berlin, enslaved Eastern Europe, put rockets in Cuba and armed Arabs to attack Israel, Ike, JFK, LBJ, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan and Bush 1 all sought to engage Russia's rulers.

 

Avoidance of a catastrophic war demanded engagement.

 

How then can we explain the clamor of today's U.S. foreign policy elite to confront, isolate, and cripple Russia, and make of Putin a moral and political leper with whom honorable statesmen can never deal?

(source)

That's really an amazing piece of context. Past US presidents managed to hold dialogs with Stalin, who killed millions, and Khrushchev, who directly threatened the US with nuclear missiles.

What exactly has Putin done to surpass the excesses of past Russian/Soviet leaders? What the US still refers to as the "illegal annexation of Crimea" was actually the result of a heavy turn-out vote by the Crimean people where 97% of the votes cast were in favor of rejoining Russia.

So, to recap, Crimea's people voted overwhelmingly to shape their future in the way they best saw fit, and not one life was lost during the annexation. That sounds pretty peaceful and democratic if you ask me. What would Washington DC prefer? To undo that particular vote and have the people of Crimea be forcibly reunited with Ukraine? For what purpose? To prevent map makers from having to once again redraw Ukraine's wandering borders?

More likely -- and this is the part that concerns me -- is that the current people in power in Washington DC are just not the equals of the statesmen of old.

In researching this piece, I came across this 1998 interview with George Kennan that I found both illuminating and troubling:

His voice is a bit frail now, but the mind, even at age 94, is as sharp as ever. So when I reached George Kennan by phone to get his reaction to the Senate's ratification of NATO expansion it was no surprise to find that the man who was the architect of America's successful containment of the Soviet Union and one of the great American statesmen of the 20th century was ready with an answer.

 

''I think it is the beginning of a new cold war,'' said Mr. Kennan from his Princeton home.

 

''I think the Russians will gradually react quite adversely and it will affect their policies. I think it is a tragic mistake. There was no reason for this whatsoever. No one was threatening anybody else. This expansion would make the Founding Fathers of this country turn over in their graves. We have signed up to protect a whole series of countries, even though we have neither the resources nor the intention to do so in any serious way. [NATO expansion] was simply a light-hearted action by a Senate that has no real interest in foreign affairs.''

 

''What bothers me is how superficial and ill informed the whole Senate debate was,'' added Mr. Kennan, who was present at the creation of NATO and whose anonymous 1947 article in the journal Foreign Affairs, signed ''X,'' defined America's cold-war containment policy for 40 years.

 

''I was particularly bothered by the references to Russia as a country dying to attack Western Europe. Don't people understand? Our differences in the cold war were with the Soviet Communist regime. And now we are turning our backs on the very people who mounted the greatest bloodless revolution in history to remove that Soviet regime.

 

''And Russia's democracy is as far advanced, if not farther, as any of these countries we've just signed up to defend from Russia,'' said Mr. Kennan, who joined the State Department in 1926 and was U.S. Ambassador to Moscow in 1952.

 

''It shows so little understanding of Russian history and Soviet history. Of course there is going to be a bad reaction from Russia, and then [the NATO expanders] will say that we always told you that is how the Russians are -- but this is just wrong.''

 

(...)

 

As he said goodbye to me on the phone, Mr. Kennan added just one more thing: ''This has been my life, and it pains me to see it so screwed up in the end.''

(source)

The master statesman pretty much nailed it.  Instead of bringing Russia into the fold, a petulant strain of 'diplomacy' took over that goaded and threatened Russia and now we are, in fact, being treated to endless repetitions of oh you know - that's just how Russians are. Instead we might also note that the current debate seems superficial and ill-informed.

As I recently wrote in the piece on the Ukraine Flashpoint, the expansion of NATO to the east towards Russia happened even though the US had previously struck an explicit agreement not to progress any further. Not one inch, was the vow. That vow was consciously and repeatedly broken.  So who exactly is it that has cause not to trust the other?

The West had the opportunity to bring Russia and its extensive abilities and resources closer into partnership. But for some reason (Military industrial complex anyone?  Campaign contributions from same?), the decision was made during the Clinton administration to violate the NATO agreement instead and move many millions of inches eastward. 

The last encroachment both brought NATO right to Russia's borders and placed millions of culturally-Russian people under the heavy-handed rule of Ukrainian ultra-nationalists.  Some of these same ultra-nationalists were caught on tape recommending that the 8 million Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine should be "nuked".

Perhaps an idle threat. However, one of the first actions of Kiev's new government this February was to immediately revoke legal equality for the use of Russian language:

Perhaps the most obvious of the new Kiev government's mistakes came last week, when deputies in the nationalist party Svoboda, or Freedom, pushed through the cancellation of a law that gave equal status to minority languages, such as Russian.

The previous law had allowed regions across the country to use languages other than the official national language, Ukrainian, on commercial signs, in schools and government documents. When it passed in 2012, it was seen as a victory for the areas where Russian was the dominant language, particularly in the east and south. 

(source

Suffice it to say, there's a very long list of very good reasons why the Russian-speakers in the east of Ukraine might want nothing to do with being under the rule (thumb?) of western Ukraine.

Propaganda

Propaganda is information that is designed to mislead and provoke an emotional response. The covers of western newspapers and magazines have been absolutely choked with anti-Putin propaganda. After such yellow journalism, what sort of dialog, what rapprochement, can be proposed with Putin?

Would not Obama (or any other leader) be seen as 'siding with the enemy' if he engaged in dialog with Putin after all this?

That Newsweek cover with the darkened face and mushroom clouds reflected in the glasses is especially ominous.  Exactly what's the message being represented there? Well that's easy. It's Armageddon.

Before you take Newsweek's views too seriously, you need to know that the once respectable publication went through some hard times, went out of print for while, was bought and is now run by these folks:

Moonies, Messiahs and Media: Who Really Owns Newsweek?

Aug 4, 2013

 

On Saturday, news broke that IBT Media, a company that runs the online business (at least, in theory) newspaper International Business Times, had purchased Newsweek from IAC. So IBT Media now owns Newsweek. But exactly who controls IBT Media?

 

IBT Media’s corporate leadership site lists two cofounders: Etienne Uzac, the company’s CEO, and Johnathan Davis, its chief content officer.

 

But some say that the company is actually controlled by—or at least has very close undisclosed ties to—someone whose name appears nowhere on the site: David Jang, a controversial Korean Christian preacher who has been accused of calling himself “Second Coming Christ.”

 

Before founding IBT, Mr. Davis was the journalism director at Mr. Jang’s Olivet University

(source)

So Newsweek may or may not have a larger agenda to push beyond just getting the facts out. It's another case where knowing that an editorial slant exists can be helpful in maintaining a healthy stance of skepticism.  

But beyond Newsweek, the entire suite of publications ranging from the NYTimes, Washington Post, Financial Times, and nearly every other main pillar of the Fourth Estate have been running with the "Putin's responsible" meme.

And, it bears repeating, all without any solid evidence, none(!), plus a host of legitimate serious questions that are being met with zero investigative vigor by the mainstream media and complete radio silence from the government agencies that should be examining and addressing them.

This relentless campaign of propaganda directed against Russia (generally) and Putin (specifically) is now at a fever pitch. My caution to you is that you should be actively suspicious of any media outfit that chooses to run this propaganda.

Perhaps their travel and dining sections can be trusted; but I'd advise reading the front section with a huge grain of salt.

Poking the Bear

With all of that background, we're now at the point where we can understand just how annoyed Russia must be at the sanctions that have been recently levied against it, various of its industries, and in certain cases, specific wealthy and influential citizens.

Since the MH-17 downing and all of those resulting accusations of Russian responsibility, Russia has been accused of firing artillery and rockets across its border into Ukraine. The only "evidence" to this is the aforementioned crude satellite photos taken by a private company. These photos were then drawn upon (literally) to show trajectories the missiles *could* have followed. These very non-rigorous images were then tweeted out of the account of one Geoffrey Pyatt as hard fact. If his name isn't familiar to you, he's the US Ukrainian ambassador who was famously caught on tape with Victoria Nuland (Asst. Sec. of State) discussing the imminent coup against then-Ukrainian President Yanukovych.

Next, a western tribunal in The Hague suddenly ruled that the former shareholders of the dismantled Russian oil giant Yukos were entitled to $50 billion in compensation to be paid by the Russian government. Surprise!

In chilling response, a person close to Putin reportedly said,  “There is a war coming in Europe. Do you really think this matters?”

Following that,  the US accused Russia of violating the 1987 nuclear arms treaty by testing ground based missiles in...wait for it...2008. I'm sure the timing of this is in no way connected to the dust-up over Ukraine...

And most recently, both the US and the EU levied additional sanctions on Russia and certain Russian individuals:

Obama Joins Europe in Expanding Sanctions on Russia

Jul 29, 2014

 

WASHINGTON — President Obama announced expanded sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, just hours after the European Union imposed its most sweeping measures yet penalizing Moscow for its role in supporting separatists in neighboring Ukraine.

 

The latest American actions took aim at more Russian banks and a large defense firm, but they also went further than past moves by blocking future technology sales to Russia’s lucrative oil industry in an effort to inhibit its ability to develop future resources. The measures were meant to largely match those unveiled earlier in the day in Europe.

 

“Today is a reminder that the United States means what it says and we will rally the international community in standing up for the rights and freedom of people around the world,” Mr. Obama said on the South Lawn of the White House.

(source)

While one could be forgiven for thinking that the "rights and freedom of people" might include the freedom to vote for the future one wants, and the right not to be ruled over by people hostile to one's language and customs, apparently the Obama administration has other ideas for the people of Crimea and eastern Ukraine.

The final act of hostility by the US towards Russia that bears mention here concerns a Senate bill introduced by the ranking member of the foreign relations committee, Sen. Bob Corker, that outlines what would happen if Russia does not 'comply' and leave Crimea and Ukraine entirely within seven days of the act's passage:

A GOP Ultimatum to Vlad

Jul 29, 2014

 

Corker’s bill would declare Moldova, Georgia, and Ukraine “major non-NATO allies” of the United States, move NATO forces into Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, accelerate the building of an ABM system in Eastern Europe, and authorize U.S. intelligence and military aid for Ukraine’s army in the Donbass war with Russian-backed separatists.

 

U.S. aid would include antitank and antiaircraft weapons.

 

S. 2277 would direct the secretary of state to intensify efforts to strengthen democratic institutions inside the Russian Federation, e.g., subvert Vladimir Putin’s government, looking toward regime change.

 

If Putin has not vacated Crimea and terminated support for Ukraine’s separatist rebels within seven days of passage of the Corker Ultimatum, sweeping sanctions would be imposed on Russian officials, banks and energy companies, including Gazprom.

 

Economic relations between us would be virtually severed.

 

In short, this is an ultimatum to Russia that she faces a new Cold War if she does not get out of Ukraine and Crimea, and it is a U.S. declaration that we will now regard three more former Soviet republics – Moldova, Ukraine and Georgia – as allies.

(source)

Poor George Kennan. Once again the US Senate is operating without the benefit of either humility or historical perspective.

The people of Russia are not in any mood to be bullied by the US Senate, just as the US Senate would refuse to be dictated to by the Russian parliament.  That's just common sense.

It's completely obvious that the impact of any such Act passed by the US legislature would be to further erode, if not collapse, relations and economic ties between Russia and the US.

The main conclusion here is that not only is the US poking the bear, but it is doing so with increasing frequency and upping the ante dangerously with each step.

In Part 2: How The Coming Confrontation Will Unfold, we examine the most likely scenarios for where the current tensions between the West and Russia may head. Whichever path we head down, there will be at least some degree of pain experiences by the West, which Europe will feel first and worst (though the US will not be immune). And, sadly, it's safe to say that this East-West conflict will only accelerate the coming correction of the unstable over-leveraged, bubblicious world markets.

Click here to read Part 2 of this report (free executive summary, enrollment required for full access)

 

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Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:32 | 5030064 Savyindallas
Savyindallas's picture

We would have to do a massive mobilization, far bigger than WW2  -but that's impossible. Americans would never tolerate it  -they will figure out this war is a bankster war  -and we would destroy the Banksters.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:33 | 5029812 hot sauce technician
hot sauce technician's picture

Putin 2016

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:28 | 5030056 Savyindallas
Savyindallas's picture

I have 3 new T-shirts which say this

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:50 | 5029819 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

The MSM Rules for evidence:

 Don't Believe Your Lying Eyes
A German Analyst says bullet-hole evidence clearly shows MH17 was shot down by Kiev SU25 jets.

photo of entry and exit impact holes of SU25  30-mm bullets in the MH17 cockpit area:
http://www.anderweltonline.com/fileadmin/user_upload/PDF/Cockpit-MH017.pdf

http://www.globalresearch.ca/german-pilot-speaks-out-shocking-analysis-o...

You Don't Need to Hear That
A Spanish air controller says he overheard that the Ukraine Interior Ministry ordered the shooting down of MH17.
The Kiev Interior Ministry has seized the air controller tapes and not released them for independent analysis.

http://www.globalresearch.ca/spanish-air-controller-kiev-borispol-airpor...

See the TV interview in Spanish
http://actualidad.rt.com/actualidad/view/127516-amenazar-controlador-esp...

It Doesn't Pass the Acceptability Smell Test
Just because Russian president Putin's plane (kind of) looks like MH17,
and because it was flying (sort of) in the general area,
that proves nothing.

Just because the Ukraine Interior Minister Arsen Avakov  is a long time
 key supporter of the proven corrupt Yulia Tymoshenko,
and Yulia has repeatedly stated she would like to murder all Russians,
that proves nothing.

Furthermore, the Ukraine Interior Ministry has been taking guidance from the CIA director John Brennan in person.

They wouldn’t do anything despicable, because
Yulia is an honorable woman, so are they all, all honorable men and women.

Stuff Like This Should Not Have Been Reported
http://www.globalresearch.ca/deleted-bbc-report-ukrainian-fighter-jet-sh...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:30 | 5030061 Winston of Oceania
Winston of Oceania's picture

So um you never considered that those holes could have been "shot" into the wreckage? I think you did but don't want to mention it huh? Go drink some more of your shitty vodka...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:06 | 5030234 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

Your accusation about what I have considered is groundless.

It is clear both in my comments and elsewhere that it is US-Kiev (not me) that are withholding evidence which could uphold or discount the SU25 bullet-hole narrative.

What is unclear from the tenor of your remarks is whether YOU can consider that a Kiev SU25 shot down MH17.

Those drunk with pseudo-patriotic swill, of course would not be able to consider that.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:38 | 5031305 Radical Marijuana
Radical Marijuana's picture

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b67OGUsQC44

Flight MH17 - What You're Not Being Told

It seems to me that majority of people who bother to post comments on Zero Hedge are already painfully aware that the probable answers to the issue that: "For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time, the US and Europe have embarked on a concerted program to demonize Putin, ostracize Russia, and bring the world as close to a major conflict as it's been since the Cold War ... " ARE THAT THE RULING CLASSES THAT DOMINATE THE ANGLO-AMERICAN (ZIONIST) EMPIRE HAVE BECOME CRIMINALLY INSANE.

However, almost none of the featured articles actually address that issue directly, but rather appear to deliberately dance all around that. My response to articles by Chris Martenson, as well as most of the other articles featured to be republished on Zero Hedge, is that they always tend to be too optimistic, or to understate how bad things actually are.

In my opinion, there ARE "rational explanations" for how and why the ruling classes that dominate civilization have become criminally insane. Similarly, there are "rational explanations" for the phenomena that almost all the featured articles republished on Zero Hedge dance around those, without addressing them directly.

Meanwhile, it seems to me that the majority of people who routinely publish comments on Zero Hedge have a sufficiently macabre sense of understanding of the degree to which the world is being dominated by CRIMINAL INSANITIES. However, the overall social situation continues to be that the vast majority of people are political idiots, while some of those post their kinds of stupid, superficial comments here on Zero Hedge, with new obnoxious new ones popping up from time to time.

Anyway, rwe2late, I thought your links were useful information, to attempt to figure out the probable facts regarding Flight MH17, despite my overview that we are committing to going through a criminally insane civilization driving itself through psychotic breakdowns ... which abstractly make theoretical sense, as the ways that history has developed, despite how tragic that may well be.

The basic problem is that the sequences of short-term successes of backing up lies with violence have been building and building, at an exponential rate, for thousands of years ... while we appear to be now living nearer the times when that tops out ??? Therefore, we are living in a society whose ruling classes have become criminally insane, while they can continue to count on the vast majority of people being Zombie Sheeple. Meanwhile, I appreciate that a significant number of people who post comments on Zero Hedge, indeed, it appears to me to actually be a majority, have already understood that problem ... despite that none of us have been able to figure out any practical ways to prevent that continuing to get worse, faster ...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:39 | 5030761 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

Holes made before the crash and fire will appear different than holes made after the crash and fire, don't you think Sherlock?

Sat, 08/02/2014 - 10:42 | 5037350 Winston of Oceania
Winston of Oceania's picture

Not if you use a little fire as well dipshit.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:21 | 5030294 Jorgen
Jorgen's picture

This corresponds with the statement of the now missing Spanish controller ‘Carlos’ that has seen two Ukrainian fighter aircraft in the immediate vicinity of MH 017.

Interesting. I've been trying to find some details from the Internet on the diappearance of 'Carlos' but cannot find anything on this piece of information. I wonder where globalresearch.ca got this info from?

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 03:19 | 5031541 Aussie V
Aussie V's picture

Initially from my website!

I was the 1st or one of the 1st to publish what Carlos had put up on Twitter which went everywhere from both sites.

Carlos has gone missing.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 07:47 | 5031849 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

 hiding?

or "disappeared"?

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:36 | 5029827 Duc888
Duc888's picture

 

 

How's this gonna work out for us?  We can't even lay waste to some 2nd century rejects in Trashcanistan.

 

LOL

 

Imagine we actually try to go up against someone with at least 20th century armament and a clue?

 

But hey, Krugman is jizzing his pants and that's all that counts.

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:27 | 5030051 Winston of Oceania
Winston of Oceania's picture

You must have your head up your ass and I know a few ground pounders who would be happy to fix it for you.  You probably have never even been near a soldier so how would you know what they are capable of, fucking hump. Those boys kicked ass every time they were asked to, it is just the leadership that fucks things up. Rules of engagement and shit like that can even kill the best and brightest regardless of whose military you are in. But remember this you maggot infested ass sore the soviets had none of those rules and left the same place. So I don't think the russians will strike fear into the eyes of any of the men and boys wearing the US flag.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:44 | 5030460 W.M. Worry
W.M. Worry's picture

Don't get your panties in a twist, it's not the soldiers' fault that they were sent on a fools errand.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:58 | 5030535 Vidar
Vidar's picture

The only thing the "men and boys" wearing the US flag are pounding are each others asses. The US military can't win in Vietnam, can't win in Iraq, gets driven off by a bunch of mountain tribesmen with 50 year old rifles in Afghanistan. Its big victory was what, Grenada, maybe Panama? All the US military is about is justifying the billions spent on weapons to line the pockets of the merchants of death in the MIC. Anyone stupid enough to join any state military gets what they deserve, and deserves no respect. If they want to fight for freedom they should be fighting against the state, not for it.

Sat, 08/02/2014 - 10:41 | 5037347 Winston of Oceania
Winston of Oceania's picture

I hope you live "in the way" so that you may soon enough find out...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:47 | 5030805 Anarchy 99
Anarchy 99's picture

volunteers.........fools!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:25 | 5031130 August
August's picture

Conscripts.........fools!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:16 | 5031096 Boogity
Boogity's picture

Hey pal... Calm down.  You write like you're getting serious wood talking about those manly "ground pounders".   Get a kleenex so you don't mess your computer screen.   And for heaven's sake, put down those damned Sgt. Fury comic books and stop wacking off to all of those stupid American penis war flicks (e.g. Saving Private Ryan and just about any John Wayne flick).      

BTW... The last time I looked, the USA's mighty LGBT-infested military freak show (i.e. your "ground pounders) just got its sorry azzz handed to it by Afghan Muslim idiots using 30 year-old re-built Ak47's and IED's built out of used cell phone parts.  Hell,  for that matter the American freak show military hasn't won a war since WW2, and even then it was with considerable help from the evil Russkies.   

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:12 | 5029840 Mr. Ed
Mr. Ed's picture

Would the banking and political class of the Western world start a war just to cover up the stench of the economic and social mess they've made of things?

A psychopath would.  That is the very definition of a psychopath.  Take a look at I AM FISHEAD.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:42 | 5029841 Manipuflation
Manipuflation's picture

No, we aren't doing any war with Russia.  I just walked in from work and cracked a beer.  Mrs. M was on the skype with her cousin from St. Petersburg.  He had just remodeled his flat there and because I am in that mode right now I wanted to see it.  His name is as near as I can tell  "Dennis" and he speaks some English too.  I like the molding work he did so I told him that I will pick him up in Minneapolis tomorrow.LOL  He also likes to drink so he just HAD to show me his liquor cabinet and he had some good single malt scotch in there. 

I have talked to the guy before and I have never seen him wear a shirt yet.  He told me that I should get a ticket and come there and that we will drink up all of his booze.  Fuck sakes, that is a tempting offer.  Fuck it, leave the wife behind and fly into Pulkovo 2 with a half drunk bottle of liquor in hand and get it done.

I tried to trade him Obama and Hillary for Putin but he wasn't so sure that was a good trade.  I had to add Nancy Pelosi and Barbara Boxtop as well as Moochelle.  We won't be fighting any Russians.  They really are nice people if you get to know them.  I can't believe that I was so terrified of Russians when I was a kid in the 70's and 80's then end marrying one and having children with her.  They are human beings just like us and they see corruption just as we do on ZH.  I do not think any Russian thinks much of their politicians either.

I have done my best to let my Russian in-laws know that not all Mericans are fucking full retard stupid.    

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:56 | 5029921 Mr. Ed
Mr. Ed's picture

It would nice if you are right.  The banking and political class has always tried to demonize the "enemy" while starting wars that serve their own private ends

I wonder if the internet can get in the way of that enough to matter.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:42 | 5030764 Manipuflation
Manipuflation's picture

Oh, I know that I am correct.  Average Russians could give a fuck less about their .gov.  They do not seem to watch much mainstream media there either.  I can't tell you how many times I have heard the statement "We don't give a fuck about them, or that, here."  I am known to openly disregard the law here in the UNtied States.  They don't give flying fuck at a rolling donut what the .gov says and neither do I really.  The .gov policies of any country are shit and we are not going to listen to any of it.

But that is how I get along with the Russians.  Westerners would think I am an ass for some of the things I say but Russians don't think I am.  They laugh.  They like what I say to them.  They know that I am real.

There is one other thing you all might want to know.  In the U.S. we always associate "rednecks" with being in the south.(I always got along with those southern boys)  In Russia, the rednecks are in the north and there is a different dialect there.  I have been to both the north and south.  I can only say that you better be ready to tip that bottle if a Russian male invites you because it is part of their culture.  It is also a challenge. 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:05 | 5029950 TeethVillage88s
TeethVillage88s's picture

Manipuflation;

Hey do you understand heraldry? I see your logo.

Just thinking about all the Symbols in USA, Washington DC, Washington Monument, and how all churches seem to have Egyptian, sumerian, or Roman symbols. You know about the All Seeing eye on the US Dollar with the Pyramid.

In heraldry you have a Fasces on the Dime, Winged Liberty Head ("Mercury") (1916–1945). It is a bundle of sticks with an Axe that the Roman Empire used. The Roman Goddess is on the front with the Mercury or Hermes Helmet. Why?? Why does the USA have all these symbols which also are part of Our European Military Traditions in our Armed Forces. We were clearly a Christian Nation up to the 20th Century, why would money, churches, and state use pagan symbols.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fasces

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:15 | 5030284 Manipuflation
Manipuflation's picture

I am aware and I plussed you just for your astute observation. 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:05 | 5031580 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

Founding Fathers were Freemasons not Christians

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:28 | 5031139 August
August's picture

...not all Mericans are fucking full retard stupid.

Just a solid working majority.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:55 | 5031342 Radical Marijuana
Radical Marijuana's picture

The same applies to the majority in every nation, as far I am aware.

The ruling classes have been successfully engaged in a war on consciousness for thousands of years. The majority of people have adapted for generation after generation to living inside of systems based on enforced frauds. The majority of people are more or less the descendents of slaves, of one sort or another, to one degree or another. I tend to believe that less than 10% of the general population have enough self-respect to want to become educated, while the remaining 90% are well adapted to remaining "fucking full retard stupid."

After all, since the real world has been controlled by systems of lies backed by violence for thousands of years, getting worse, faster, the basic ways that most people become "educated" are to be indoctrinated to believe in the biggest bullies' bullshit social stories. The has been a constant schedule of reinforcement wherein people were punished if they did not agree with absurd lies, while they were rewarded if they would agree to absurd lies.

WE ALL LIVE INSIDE OF SYSTEMS OF ENFORCED FRAUDS. Only a small minority begin to understand that, and then, they are still not able to do anything significant to change that situation. The "solid working majority" of people in the world are the survivors of prolonged social slavery systems, in which the selection pressures were to favour political idiots who believed in bullshit to become the vast majority of the general population.

In particular, the majority of Latin Americans have genetics which can be traced back to the European invaders breeding with the native women. The previous several Centuries of the population selection pressures taking place throughout most of Latin America (with significant geographical exceptions, of course) were rather typical ways in which the majority of people are the descendents of those who survived through severe social slavery systems, by adapting to develop psychological attitudes consistent with their social conditions.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:39 | 5029844 kurt
kurt's picture

Chevron gave Nudelman Five Billion Dollars. She was celebrated for talking those jooz out that kind of money, lauded as a public/private partnership, yahoo! Then, she installed her pet joo, who now has disappeared out of fear for his own life and Chevron is mad because they think they are still owed something. Both sides called their own friends in the Mossad. Money was handed to Academi and $50/day drunks. All these amateur fucks are now mad at each other. The latest, largest atrocity they could manufacture has failed. Being multitaskers, Mossad used the timing of the airliner shoot down as a cover for the Gaza massacre. All directly responsible parties passports have been exchanged for new ones with different names. Obama has been fast talked into backing a complete failure in Ukraine and would be wise to get the hell out.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:59 | 5030543 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

"Mossad used the timing of the airliner shoot down as a cover for the Gaza massacre." 

 

I think you have the tail waging the dog.

The air assalt of Gaza by the IDF began on July 8.  The later ground invasion required much more planning and was delayed until July 16 - 17.  That would have been the date Frau Nuland ordered Poroshenko to down an passenger airplane over Donetsk. 

The IDF decided that July 7/16-17 would be their ground invasion and Nuland passed that order to Kiev.

A plane full of innocent people had to be brought down and blamed on the separatists, EVEN IF UKRAINE HAD TO SHOOT IT DOWN ITSELF.

All to remove the bad publicity from Israel's slaughter in Gaza.

Nuland probably picked Malaysian Airlines because MH370 gave it an edgy reputation and it had a flight over Ukraine that day.

But she didn't cosider there would be 193 Netherlanders on the flight and that the Dutch would care any more about 193 than she cared about 193 American lives.

Now all Europe knows now that at the beck of the US, Obama, and Kerry, Ukraine is responsible for a major air disaster with the loss of 300 lives.

And this was to further John Kerry's great peace plan: THE DESTRUCTION OF GAZA. 

Yesterday we read: "Gaza UN shelter attack 'totally unacceptable' - White House."

It's not hard for us to believe everything else is acceptable

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:39 | 5029845 tumblemore
tumblemore's picture

"For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time, the US and Europe have embarked on a concerted program to demonize Putin, ostracize Russia, and bring the world as close to a major conflict as it's been since the Cold War"

 

There is a perfectly rational if evil explanation: the BRICS are de-dollarizing and the banking mafia need to terrorize them into backing off which means scaring or toppling Putin. It's the same reason as Saddam, Iran, Libya etc - the banking mafia using US military power to protect the dollar and petrodollar.

 


Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:18 | 5031265 Aussie V
Aussie V's picture

Yep, it nearly is as simple as that!

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:59 | 5031352 Radical Marijuana
Radical Marijuana's picture

Probably so, except that kind of old-fashioned "rationality" has actually become runaway criminal insanity!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:43 | 5029861 Joe Tierney
Joe Tierney's picture

Yeah - the antagonists desperately need an enemy and a cover story to distract from the absolutely impending (I would even say ongoing) collapse of the entire Western order.

 

I'll give them a little credit and say that they are not so dumbass stupid as to actually want a shooting war with Russia - instead, they are sure they can produce a demonized common foe for distraction from the collapse in the West, but at the same time avoid a war with Russia. It's a very dangerous and asinine strategy. It carries real risk of spinning totally out of control with horrendous consequences for the West mainly.

 

These idiots are all eating their own propaganda shit and they can no longer tell the difference between their fantasies and reality - that's what makes this so very dangerous. The situation demonstrates how incredibly desperate they are and that the collapse has already started in the West.

 

And you thought Bil Klintoon's cruise missile attacks on the African "aspirin factory" as distraction from his sex scandals was outrageous! That two-bit crook (cigar terminology) had nothing on these perps. Pretty soon, Putin's gonna 'light us up' with a petrodollar bonfire.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:31 | 5030388 espirit
espirit's picture

Not so sure Putin has to do anything.  These dumbfucks (Obamao included) are shooting themselves (and others) in the foot constantly.

Idiots can't keep track of their own lies and are losing credability quickly.  So far, the G-7 is buying the bullshit but the G-20 is not so gullible when confronted on the world stage.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:43 | 5031183 El Vaquero
El Vaquero's picture

Unless there are contractual obligations that prevent him from doing so, Putin just needs to see to it that gas and oil prices are raised at the onset of cold to "make up for the sanctions."  If he really starts feeling froggy, he could start telling the Europeans to settle in Euros or Rubles.  

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:07 | 5031364 Radical Marijuana
Radical Marijuana's picture

I tend to agree with your analysis, Joe Tierney, except I lean much more towards the probability of "real risk of spinning totally out of control," because I think that "they" have become criminally insane!

By and large, guys like Chris Martenson are not willing and able to think the kinds of thoughts which would be required to face the facts about the degree to which the world is dominated by criminal insanities!

Pretty well none of the featured articles republished on Zero Hedge appear willing to publicly do that, while it seems to me that the majority of the people who post comments are tending to accept that is the real situation.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:50 | 5029869 CactusLand
CactusLand's picture

The masters of the Matrix have decided that Vladimir Putin is the new Sadam/Osama, it is in the script.  Hollywood loves remakes, and this the Cold War II.  Understand the matrix, and you are free from it.  This articles explains how it was made, and how it works: http://www.thecactusland.com/2014/07/the-seven-pillars-of-matrix.html

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:52 | 5029900 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Awesome article.
Here is the bottom line:

THE CURRENT CYCLE OF DEBT VIA THE OLD PARADIGM CREATED BY THE BRETTON WOODS AGREEMENT HAS RUN ITS COURSE. WAR IS ALL THAT IS LEFT.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 18:52 | 5029907 The Alarmist
The Alarmist's picture

Countries go to war on flimsier evidence all the time ... what's the big deal.  You gotta break a few eggs to make a nice omlette, no?

/sarc>

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:37 | 5029939 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

The official Pentagon doctrine of "full-spectrum dominance"

is an insidious doctrine that implicitly defines everyone as a potential enemy

who must be of necessity be dominated in all aspects.

As such, it methodically finds the self-justification of its suspicions,

since anything less than full submission is regarded as a critical threat.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:05 | 5029956 world_debt_slave
world_debt_slave's picture

not restless, calculated, banker 101

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:14 | 5029990 smacker
smacker's picture

"The anti-Putin propaganda (and if there were a stronger term I'd use it)"

"venomous propaganda" accurately reflects the tone of comments made.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:18 | 5030001 royal
royal's picture

There isn't going to be a war with Russia.

Just a lot of shit-talking and new weapons contracts.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:41 | 5030111 luckystars
luckystars's picture

Im still waiting for that attack on Iraq.

Funny how gas went up and stayed up.

 

*BWACK*

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:09 | 5030602 tvdog
tvdog's picture

That may be the plan. Cold war pays just as well as hot war. But these people are not as brilliant as they imagine; things can go wrong, then - boom.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:20 | 5030018 Canucklehead
Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:26 | 5030045 TweedleDeeDooDah
TweedleDeeDooDah's picture

Oil dipping towards under $100....

That Bear's about to hibernate.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:38 | 5030096 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

Oil under $100 is a sign that the global recovery is in another dip of the global recession. 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:27 | 5030050 SharkBit
SharkBit's picture

Hear, Hear. Obummer really does bum me out.  Worst US spokesman ever.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:29 | 5030059 George Washington
George Washington's picture

Thanks, Chris.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:35 | 5030084 WTFUD
WTFUD's picture

' THE WEST ' too broad, better header would be ' a minority of WESTERN GOVERNMENTS ' and even at that ' a small minority within that minority of Western Governments ' are pushing WAR.
For every Russian, Chinese, Iranian who gives a shit about the Western Governments at least a hundred citizens ( domestic terrorists ) of said Western Governments are hugely pissed at their Government ; AND THERE THE CONCERN SHOULD LIE.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 19:39 | 5030105 luckystars
luckystars's picture

From Bird Flu to Gaza genocide to World War lll.

 

*BWACK*

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:01 | 5030176 Duc888
Duc888's picture

Winston of Oceania:

You must have your head up your ass and I know a few ground pounders who would be happy to fix it for you.  You probably have never even been near a soldier so how would you know what they are capable of, fucking hump. Those boys kicked ass every time they were asked to, it is just the leadership that fucks things up. Rules of engagement and shit like that can even kill the best and brightest regardless of whose military you are in. But remember this you maggot infested ass sore the soviets had none of those rules and left the same place. So I don't think the russians will strike fear into the eyes of any of the men and boys wearing the US flag.

 

Thanks for proving my point.  The common soldier does not want this war.  My head is not up my assApparently the "ground pounders" never got the notice and they are not smart enough to know they are not fighting for good ole' USA. 

  So if you or one of your friends are one of dem dar "ground pounders" well, the joke is on you.  Don't come crying to me comrade.  You picked the occupation, you eat it, sleep with it roll with it and die from it dummy.

 

More peeps here have been killed by "peace keepers" domestically than all the US KIA's in the Iraq war.  Let that sink in chump.

 

sux bein' u.

 

You're a puppet.

 

But hey... go don your silly costume and go kill some peasants for ExxonMobil...


Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:03 | 5030212 MasterOfTheMult...
MasterOfTheMultiverse's picture

Tip for the author: read WWI-II history. In Europe, we don't like leaders redrawing their own borders. In his time, Adolf Hitler had a very high approval rating (just like Putin now) among his people and wanted to establish a German Reich by annexing German speaking parts of Europe that were not part of Germany. Likewise, Putin wants to establish a Russian empire by annexing Russian speaking regions. In 1939, Hitler invaded Poland after Germany was defeated in WWI. Hitler thought Britain and France would not strike back (they did eventually). This is much like Putin's Crimea invasion and now eastern Ukraine. Downing of MH17 has parallels to the assasination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria that directly led to WWI. The fear in Europe seems really a WWI-WWII Hitler style annexation and escalation and potential military expansion of Russia into Western Europe and beyond. Whether it will come to fullblown war is another question, depending on Putin's response to the economic sanctions put by EU/USA. I predict he may eventually go with a nothing-to-lose attitude much like Hitler in WWII did after Germany's WWI defeat.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:37 | 5030752 froze25
froze25's picture

Hitler only became enemy number one when he stopped borrowing and started printing his own currency.  That was when he went too far.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:50 | 5030941 Mr. Ed
Mr. Ed's picture

"read WWI-II history."... (Hitler) "wanted to establish a German Reich by annexing German speaking parts of Europe that were not part of Germany

 

Is there some parallel with Putin here?

Q: Were the areas annexed enclosed by liquid borders that were once part of Germany?

A: Austria in 1938, maybe.  Otherwise, no.

Q: Were the annexed portions of Poland predominantly German speaking, ethnic Germans?

A: I think not in the main.  At present, Poland is home to 0.07% ethnic Germans.

Q: Did the annexed areas contain a class of persecuted Germans forced to use a foreign official language?

A: Which area would that have been?

Q: Did the Nazis' step in to protect the physical safety of any ethnic Germans anywhere from someone (like Yulia Tymoshenko) who would have "nuked" them (if that had been possible circa 1939)?

A: Don't think so.

 

Most of what you've said is just blather and does not support your base case that Putin parallels Hitler and the Third Reich..

But, if you can support what you've said with some details, please do!

 

PS: to the downvoters - the above is not an expression of sentiment and this is Fight Club, not FaceBook.  If my viewpoint is incorrect, and you know the truth of the matter... please tell me what you know!  I welcome it, and I deserve to be given the truth.  I believe that's how FightClub works.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 08:36 | 5031983 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

Recognize the full jingoist mantra:

"Russia would do if they could do, and they might do
what the former Soviet Union did do.
(And why do you hate the USA?)"

It is xenophobia and hubris implicitly backed by a false generalization that defending Russian government policy in one area means blanket approval of everything Russian. Or that the disapproval of certain US government policies means rejection of everything about the USA.

It is paranoid fear, projection, and denial that since you want to kill them to be "safe", they must want to kill you, and for no reason you can fathom.

But in reality:

Russia does not have hundreds of foreign military bases, special forces and drones executing perceived enemies throughout the world, a global network of black sites, or missile bases bordering the US. It is the US-NATO, not Russia, that has been invading, occupying, and annexing countries into its military empire.

If Russia begins doing those things, I will join in protest . But until then, the realities of what is being done in the present must take priority over the fear-filled imaginings about what others might do in the future.

The worst atrocities and crimes have historically been committed with the excuse that an imagined future is thereby being made better. The evidence for that argument is sorely lacking.

Shakespeare wrote "the evil men do lives after them".
That line appears closer to the truth.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:51 | 5031206 TNTARG
TNTARG's picture

I think you'll have to go back for further analysis. It isn't Putin who is trying to redraw Russia's borders.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:38 | 5031296 Mr. Ed
Mr. Ed's picture

My comment was a reply to MOTU, not the article.  I suppose NATO has an interest in the matter, but please expand on your point of view.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 10:12 | 5031916 rwe2late
rwe2late's picture

 you "suppose NATO has an interest" ???

Are you really that obtuse or uninformed?

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:08 | 5030230 Duc888
Duc888's picture

 

 

Winston of Oceania:But remember this you maggot infested ass sore the soviets had none of those rules and left the same place. So I don't think the russians will strike fear into the eyes of any of the men and boys wearing the US flag.

 

Oh and another thing butt boi.... where you gonna roll out? Over there?  Good luck with that clown.  

Those people will be fighting for their "homeland" and you'll be the invaders.....

 

How'd that work out in Viet Nam?

Iraq?

Trashcanistan?

Those troglodytes are still there while we're trying to figure out how to secure the pipelines and poppy fields.

History is not on your side although that might have escaped your cheesy bravado.  

But hey, you got Krugman MSNBC, CNN and liberal media watching your back....hahahahahaha 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:32 | 5030391 vincenze
vincenze's picture

It's the fight between socialism in the USA and capitalism in Russia.

It seems that Russia is winning; especially, if you compare it to the communist times. Russians are happier, Russians are richer.

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:27 | 5030949 Mr. Ed
Mr. Ed's picture

Spot on!

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:58 | 5031349 falconflight
falconflight's picture

that's quite impressive if true since the average life expectancy of a russian is about 62 years.  Pretty incredible.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:45 | 5031656 messymerry
messymerry's picture

Alcohol is deadly.

In Russia, you often drink to your own health and say "????? ???????!" [bóo-deem zda-ró-vye"], which can be translated as "To our health!"

Tyler:  You see the ?s above?  Your effing comment editor previews foreign character sets and then give you ?s when you post.  Please fix your cheesy comment editor.  ...and as I said before, the font size is microscopic.  Thus, a good percentage of the typos.  Tyler, your comment editor stinks a big one!!!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:34 | 5030403 Reaper
Reaper's picture

The stupid American sheeple know Obama's lied about almost everything else. Now, at the direction of their media, they'll follow him into war? That is the eternal flaw of sheeple to so desperately crave a leader, that they blindly ignore the stupidity of their choice.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:44 | 5030456 Stuck on Zero
Stuck on Zero's picture

I disagree with the Author that the U.S. wants to go to war with Russia.  The U.S. is at war with everyone.  Name a country that we haven't tried to antagonize and provoke in the last five years.

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:18 | 5030646 messymerry
messymerry's picture

What the U.S. really wants is to sit in the front of the room on a little stage with a gavel and glower down at the rest of the nations saying, "SIT DOWN AND SHUT UP!".  Megaloeffingmaniacs!!!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 20:44 | 5030457 gorillaonyourback
gorillaonyourback's picture

They r desperate to keep the dollar as reserve currency. Some believe we r preparing for a first strike nuclear attack, then using the nato bases for icbm defence. Pretty fucking scary. The elite fascists don't want to give up the printing press

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:00 | 5030553 rsnoble
rsnoble's picture

Actually there are a gazillion rational explanations as to why there is a push to war.

What's not rational is how any of them could be justified in the first place when taking human casualties into account.

Welcome to the mind of the likes of John McCain jungleboy.  What ashame this clown was ever rescued.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:26 | 5031651 messymerry
messymerry's picture

Human casualties don't mean squat to the hegemons.  We are on the vertical part of the population curve.  They are desperately trying to figure out how to get rid of two-thirds of us. 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:02 | 5030558 Buck Johnson
Buck Johnson's picture

This war is being pushed and pushed for one reason.  And that reason is the Western economy is on the verge of imploding and they need someone or something to blame for it and a war or warm war with Russia would make it possible.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:43 | 5030788 TeraByte
TeraByte's picture

Yes, sovereigns´ magic trick, when desperate,  an extern enemy,  when your are totally screwed up hoping to turn the focus away from catastrophic  domestic bottom lines and the inevitable.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:07 | 5030586 messymerry
messymerry's picture

I wrote this in my journal yesterday:  "They need the war to start soon or the BRIC nations will be too strong combined.  Especially with China ramping up the way it has.  The Man Who Would Be King knows he's running out of time...and the Banksters are getting worried."

They can see the future and theri faces are ashen...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:34 | 5030727 froze25
froze25's picture

Economically that alliance is a powerhouse.  Militarily its a force you have to take very seriously. 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:01 | 5031631 messymerry
messymerry's picture

Yup, and the West sat on it's collective asses and watched them humbly accept our manufacturing and services outsourcing while behind our backs, they laughed and said, "Soon those arrogant self-serving pricks will be under our control." 

On another note, today, people are becoming a commodity that is in abundant supply and the psychopathic hegemons are saying to themselves, "What are we going to do with all these useless people???

This does not bode well for a prosperous and comfortable retirement.  Damn, and I'm just turning 60...

Dammit Tyler, why am I editiing my posts in some ridiculous microscopic font.  Are you trying to make me go blind!!!!!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:08 | 5030588 gcjohns1971
gcjohns1971's picture

The idea that Russia was responsible for MH17 is ridiculous.  There is no evidence to support it.

The answer was and is in Ukraine.  Though as time passes it is increasingly unlikely we'll ever know whether it was the Western Ukrainians or the Eastern ones.

Obama and his crowd are just being the petulant children that they truly are.  They seek crises to exploit.  And the muscle-movements of the state machinery indicate that Russia is not really the target.

No.  The mobilizations of resources, informational, Paramilitary, Economic and social -  have been in the United States and not in Europe.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:30 | 5030683 froze25
froze25's picture

If some one/group wanted to change the way the people of the United States fundamentally lived, take away the freedom they have and bring in a total control fascist totalitarian state. Starting a war with Russia would be one way to go about it. If I'm not mistaken Clinton changed the rules for our military so that the US has to absorb the first strike in a nuclear attack and then retaliate. The Generals said, "retaliate with what?". That rule has not changed so we get nuked then nuke back. Then our American way of life officially changes and the Fascist nation emerges, homeland security in the streets. State Governments gone only the Feds ruling in a martial law police state. Those cameras were never ment for the boogie men (terrorist) they were ment for anyone that dares to stand up for liberty when this shit happens. 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 21:41 | 5030776 crazybob369
crazybob369's picture

"Retaliate with what?". How about the couple thousand nukes we have floating around on 'boomers'.

"Our American way of life officially changes." Really? Our American way of life changes into death. Let's be clear: AN ALL OUT NUCLEAR WAR IS NOT SURVIVABLE.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 03:39 | 5031561 Aussie V
Aussie V's picture

I agree 100%

To add to what you write, the greatest change to the way US people live is economically not nuclear and, that is happening. The opposite of that argument is "How do we stop the American people realising that their standard of living is dropping continually and dramatically?"

That would be by finding an exterior enemy and focusing the hatred. This is what seems to be happening.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:25 | 5030948 jomama
jomama's picture

Didn't Rand Paul endorse Ritt Momney?

Yeah, uh.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:21 | 5031171 August
August's picture

>>>If I'm not mistaken Clinton changed the rules for our military so that the US has to absorb the first strike in a nuclear attack...

That is no longer US military/poltical doctrine.  A US First Strike is definitely on the table, and has been for some time.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:04 | 5030882 BeerMe
BeerMe's picture

What are you going to say when the draft is reinstituted for WW3?

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:52 | 5031337 falconflight
falconflight's picture

I would hide anyone refusing to participate.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:04 | 5030886 Siouxwestern
Siouxwestern's picture

"For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time,"

 

Umm....invasions of Crimea and Ukraine (as a second act to Georgia....)

 

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:08 | 5030897 Cabreado
Cabreado's picture

"For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time"

If you look for rational explanations in a state of chaos, you either do not understand chaos, or do not understand what state we are in.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:12 | 5030908 Fix It Again Timmy
Fix It Again Timmy's picture

The USA will get away with things until it doesn't and we're getting close to the "doesn't'...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:14 | 5030911 anti-republocrat
anti-republocrat's picture

Martenson contrasts past Presidents reaching out to Soviet leaders after bad Soviet behavior with the current habit of escalation and increased demonization.

 

A big reason for this is the belief among many in the USG that the US can "win" a nuclear war with Russia by eliminating most of Russias retaliatory capability in a surprise first strike, the relying on an ABM system to knock out the remaining missiles as they rise from their silos.  Unfortunately for humanity and most higher life forms on earth, detonation of only a small fraction of US and Russian arsenals will create an extended nuclear winter several years long.  Those not killed outright will die of hunger and cold.

 

Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan lived with and believed in MAD.  US triumphalism after the Soviet collapse has bred a belief that Russia can not competently defend itself and therefore the adoption of a first use doctrine and ultimately a belief the the US can win a strategic first strike.  Heaven help us.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:02 | 5031358 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

"by eliminating most of Russias retaliatory capability in a surprise first strike, the relying on an ABM system to knock out the remaining missiles as they rise from their silos."

Apparently many in the USG still underestimate Russia's response capability after the US's first strike.

 Russia did not spend many rubles on stationary silos, but rather put its ICBMs on 16 wheel mobile launchers which twist and turn through the shadows of the forests of Russia's 12 time zones.

Good luck, Tzarina Nuland.

Cotch us if you can.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:27 | 5031485 markar
markar's picture

not to speak of the largely undectable subs with nuclear warheads roaming our shores

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 03:53 | 5031572 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

 

and the imminent arrival of the

Dooms Day Machine

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:57 | 5031451 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

How many containers are unloaded in US ports each day ? What is in them ?

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:58 | 5031633 Victor999
Victor999's picture

For anyone who has any doubts, there was a peer-reviewed paper showing that the evidence is there that a 'mutual' exchange is not necessary to trigger nuclear winter - indeed, a first-strike by the US even if unanswered by Russia  would be more than sufficient to trigger such a reactin, thus potentially destroying most life on earth ina few short years.  They term it, as opposed to 'Mutually-Assured Destruction', 'Self-Assured Destruction'.  No one wins, everyone loses in a first strike.

 

http://climate.envsci.rutgers.edu/pdf/RobockToonSAD.pdf

 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:16 | 5030926 q99x2
q99x2's picture

"the people running the show in the White House and the US State Department are not cut from the same cloth as the old-school diplomats that preceded them"

Of course not. They have no loyalty to the US as a nation. To them it is a nation-state subject to the UN. Some Arab pays them to blow it up or take it down and down come the World Trade Centers or however they plan to attack the people that live in the U.S. Very plain to see what is going on.

What I'm fairly sure about is that the foreign nations or should say the people that control the BRICS are at war with the oligarchs that are working out of London. They pretty much know that the people that live in the United States of America don't have much to do with controlling the military forces. They also know that it would be a lot easier to assassinate British and American oligarchs to accomplish what they need than it would be to go into a physical war. Not the same with the western oligarchs because they see control over the military that is centered in the US as a means to an end and without consequences should the United States be physically destroyed.

So that is one difference between the military and diplomatic relationships during the cold war compared to now. Before the United States was a Nation, now it is a nation-state to be used by those that control its military and financial systems. Today the ones in control will attack the US no different than they would attack any mid-east country. And, they are doing that through asymmetric warfare at the same time they are on the offensive to acquire global resource control.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:28 | 5030961 Hannibal
Hannibal's picture

"Revelations of German Pilot: Shocking Analysis of the “Shooting Down” of Malaysian MH17. “Aircraft Was Not Hit by a Missile”

'The tragedy of Malaysian MH 017 continues to elude any light of clarity being cast over it.

The flight recorders are in England and are evaluated. What can come of it? Maybe more than you would assume.

Especially the voice recorder will be interesting when you look at the picture of a cockpit fragment. As an expert in aviation I closely looked at the images of the wreckage that are circulating on the Internet...."

more:

http://www.globalresearch.ca/german-pilot-speaks-out-shocking-analysis-o..

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:36 | 5031657 conscious being
conscious being's picture

Hasbras say this cannot be true, thereby making the story all the more credible.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:30 | 5030963 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

To George Kennan.  May he rest in peace because his legacy and the rest of us certainly won't with what the American people keep bringing to Washington!

Isn't it amazing that at his age in 1998 he pretty much sized up where the U.S. was taking it?

To the U.S.A. ...

The most culturally inept egocentric and dangerously arrogant community that history ever created!  The only thing that will save this planet is if every other Country boycotts it as they are now attempting to do with it's "mini-me" in Tel Aviv!...

If this world is to have any kind of lasting prosperous future, may the BRICS reign supreme!!!!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:37 | 5030991 taketheredpill
taketheredpill's picture

 

 

 

Beyond the energy issues the US needs a new "Hitler" after Syria faded into background.  Got to distract the people while the country is auctioned off. 

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:40 | 5031006 are we there yet
are we there yet's picture

WHy is the UK taking so long with the MH17 voice recorders release. It is not hard.  Really, I can download my pocket voice recorder 20 plus hours in digital form in 20 seconds. Even Nasa space probes on the other side of the soloar system have a faster baud rate download than UK. Al I can imagie is that they want time to help friendly to UK politicians form a public response. Do we think the FAA is immune to political pressure?

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:40 | 5031662 conscious being
conscious being's picture

After 9/11 the captured status of the FAA became clear to all.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:48 | 5031033 blindman
blindman's picture

two words, suicide bankers.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:57 | 5031038 Circle of DNA
Circle of DNA's picture

Stupidity is a disease, it cannot be contained in some hermetically sealed ghettos . Sooner or later it spreads from brain to brain, eating it thought by thought, cell by cell until there is nothing left but a gray mass that only knows hunger. This is what is happening in the US. The elite believed that they can dumb down everyone "who doesn't matter", while they ingratiate themselves with an unreasonable wealth and illusion of immortality. Unfortunately for them, the microbes of stupidity penetrated their gated communities and demolished their brains. Now, they're all universally moronic, believe in their own lies and cannot tell what is real and what isn't. The US "deep state" perfected every tool of ignorance and stupidity; TV, Hollywood, mindless consumerism and omnipresent illusion of superiority. They believe that the world is a video game and if they press the "right key" they can keep playing it forever. This shit will not end well.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:51 | 5031040 Son of Captain Nemo
Son of Captain Nemo's picture

From President Obama, John Kerry, Vicki Nuland and "Big Daddy" Soros and their protege the "Choco Jew".

Pleasant Dreams!

P.S.

After witnessing the carnage and the weapons they are now using because of all the defections from their military after the coup, if Russia ever wanted to take it to "Defcon 1" here and now they would have every reason and right to do so!

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:35 | 5031160 Circle of DNA
Circle of DNA's picture

Some truly horrifying stuff in this link...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 22:53 | 5031044 AdvancingTime
AdvancingTime's picture

 In reality America has few military options in Russia's backyard unless it has the backing of a full and enthusiastic NATO and that is very unlikely. Europe has reason to be unexcited about a possible long and expensive conflict. While still trying to recover from a recession Europe would face fuel shortages and a massive spike in the price of natural gas. 

Currently Russia supplies much of the gas used in Europe, this gives Putin a great deal of leverage. If an actual ground attack were to occur few see the Russians as likely to rollover as other armies have when America approaches. More on this subject in the article below.

http://brucewilds.blogspot.com/2014/07/putin-holds-all-cards.html

 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:50 | 5031334 hedgiex
hedgiex's picture

The one with the least chips on the table has the call i.e. Europe. Hope that you are right that they provide a temporary respite in following their own Oligarchs. This shall keep the game going for negotiations of markets, resources, debt restructures, etc. All with no trickle down benefits to the 99%.

 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:31 | 5031607 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

While still trying to recover from a recession Europe would face fuel shortages and a massive spike in the price of natural gas.
________________

A recovery? People in power, including 'americans' must deal in reality.

A recovery fueled on what inputs? Where could those extra inputs, necessary in an 'american' economics recovery, come from?

At the moment, servants to the WeThePeople aka the 'american' middle class do what they always do: managing the moods of their master as they go through the necessary downsizing of the 'american' middle class.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:27 | 5031138 pupdog1
pupdog1's picture

Agree with them or not, the guys who surrounded Kennedy during the Cuban missile crisis, their differing views notwithstanding, were brilliant and they loved their country.

None of us would want today's analogous gang in our living rooms,  anywhere near our children, or within 500 feet of the schoolyard. They are  half-witted sociopaths who are bought-off for frightenly small sums, and who bathhoused their way to the top. The oaths they swore mean nothing.

They are what the founders feared the most.

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:33 | 5031155 Dublinmick
Dublinmick's picture

I certainly have my opinion on it and I am not selling anything.,

https://dublinsmick.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/rothschilds-papal-and-royal...

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:41 | 5031178 nostromo17
nostromo17's picture

Pipelines pipelines pipelines...just a stupid gambit to get Ukraine pipelines.

Given me Crimea and I'll give you gas...

Europe will deal because it has to...Putin Giving up something to retain what he has that his...very reasonable.

Obama has no evidence and allowing him silence in the aftermath of the debunking of the evidence is not

good enough. He needs to admit he is working the Neo-Con agenda for absolute lack of a better idea.

Incredibly dishonest. Who's paying off the President?

Thu, 07/31/2014 - 23:42 | 5031180 TNTARG
TNTARG's picture

No one won a war against Russia's region/nation/people.

Not Napoleon, Hitler, etc.-

Going nuclear? Then we're toasted. I mean, all of us.

Is the West playing Russian Roulette?

 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:11 | 5031472 JoJoJo
JoJoJo's picture

The US has thousands more nukes than Russia according to reports. Just like we have more gold. Wait a minute. . .

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:15 | 5031254 pitterrier
pitterrier's picture

I imagine that Putin is just finishing up the organizational details with Castro on another Mariel boat lift.  But this time the numbers are in the millions and include the Venezuelan’s empting their prisons on our shores.  The entire state and federal social and security system would breakdown in a weekend.  This is not going to end well, no matter what happens over the short-term, because the die has been cast.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:18 | 5031261 Ignatius
Ignatius's picture

A really fine summary.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:29 | 5031292 Quantum Nucleonics
Quantum Nucleonics's picture

Russia's reckless rush to war with the West.

There, fixed it for you.  Junk away.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:42 | 5031314 The_Prisoner
The_Prisoner's picture

Your avatar picture shows us what you stand for. You represent well all the US has consisted of for a while:

- Moral relativistm;

- Ascribing to their enemies that which they are themselves guilty of;

- Violence and the threat of violence.

- Orwellian perversion of language;

So, yes, those russkies are really dangerous.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:21 | 5031598 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

- Moral relativistm;
_________________

'Americans''permanent assault on moral relativism with stuff like moral absolutism comes from the fact that by relativizing the acts of one and another, it does not work to the advantages of 'americans'

'Americans' score lower/higher than anyone else in terms of moral relativism. Therefore, one way to dismiss that scale is to build a new one, one grounded in fantasy if possible, like moral absolutism.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 05:29 | 5031652 August
August's picture

>>>So, yes, those russkies are really dangerous.

The fuckers have military installations all over the planet!

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 00:54 | 5031330 falconflight
falconflight's picture

The West isn't going to war with the Russians  We bomb 3rd world tribal areas or Serbia and Kosovo for offending muslims.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:14 | 5031373 bid the soldier...
bid the soldiers shoot's picture

""For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time,"

I suppose I am precluded from saying that the US wants to possess all the crude oil on the planet the way Jeffrey Dahmer wanted his freezer full of body parts for future consumption, as that would be a rational explanation. 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:25 | 5031391 Angry Plant
Angry Plant's picture

One of the worst articles ever posted on zerohedge.

Blatant illegal Russian teritorial expansion is the reason there a confrontation between Russia and the West.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:38 | 5031411 Ward no. 6
Ward no. 6's picture

rubbish

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 03:32 | 5031554 MsCreant
MsCreant's picture

It does admit what it is in its screen name.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:50 | 5031432 Boogity
Boogity's picture

Yawn....    So when are the USA, NATO, and the EU going to sanction and threaten war against Israel for illegally occupying the West Bank and invading Gaza?    You can't have it both ways without reeking of hypocrisy. 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:52 | 5031437 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

When Netanyahu gives permission - probably he will fire Kerry first

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:23 | 5031601 AnAnonymous
AnAnonymous's picture

Things are different.

Gaza is a colonial expansion of Israel. 'Americans' are colonialists.

Ukraine was and still is a sovereign nation.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:55 | 5031443 Bdelande
Bdelande's picture

Put away your USA USA USA pompoms, the only thing expanding is NATO.  Blatant encroachment.  

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:55 | 5031447 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

Twaddle. Go learn some history. Crimea was Russian even before American Colonists stole British territory in Treaty of Paris 1783 and then proceeded to attack Canada

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:09 | 5031587 basho
basho's picture

blatant stupid comment from the blatantly stupid.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:35 | 5031406 Pundit
Pundit's picture

I'm Russian. Just an ordinary guy with a family and a nine-to-five job. I have nothing to do with oligarchs and corruption and I must say that I 100% support Putin and his attitude to the aggressive and unscrupulous American foreign policy and their self-proclaimed role as the world police. There's nothing so exceptional about the US that would give them the right to impose their will on others, spy the whole world and invade sovereign nations under false pretext in pursuit of their political and economic goals. The disgraceful practice of removing inconvenient leaders and installing puppet regimes is disgusting. In my view the cold war had no winners the USSR collapsed and the US having lost it political, ideological and military counterbalance couldn't cope with its swollen ego and turned from the leader of the free world into a kind of "necromonger" empire. As for the sanctions if I have to choose whether to kneel and have advantages or not to kneel and have disadvantages I prefer the latter. Just hope this botched hysteria won't push us into the nuclear abyss. But then again it's a righteous fight so come what may! 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:54 | 5031441 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

The US is experiencing a neurological breakdown and is floundering like a rampant elephant

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:06 | 5031466 One of We
One of We's picture

I'm an American.  Just a regular guy with a family and I agree with you 100% tovarish.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:18 | 5031594 Aussie V
Aussie V's picture

It is righteous for you guys but, it's NOT righteous for us guys!

I agree with you mate. We are being led blindly down the dunny path.

We're gonna end up with shit all over our arse and no dunny paper to wipe it off with.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:57 | 5031626 Pundit
Pundit's picture

Sorry. The comment doubled

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:53 | 5031627 Pundit
Pundit's picture

It's righteous for you first and foremost. Just kick the snobish banksters and belligerent arseholes out of power and believe me the world will be a much better place.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:46 | 5031422 JoJoJo
JoJoJo's picture

The New York Times has pronounced Putin is Hitler. As long as the NY Times says so be prepared for the Fourth Reich.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:52 | 5031435 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

When Ukrainians watch what the US has set loose in Gaza they will fight to the bitter end rather than be butchered by Tymoschenko's mob or gangsters hired by Oligarchs dressed in Ukrainian Army uniform much as the 14 Waffen-SS ended up as the Ukrainian National Army in 1944.

I wonder which US cities Washington EXPECTS to lose in any war ? Might be interesting for those voters to find out

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 01:58 | 5031453 One of We
One of We's picture

Clearly the leadership in the administration and congress are:

 

a. Deranged

b. Evil

c. Being effectively blackmailed with real or fabricated "dirt"

d. All of the above

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:30 | 5031488 Lin S
Lin S's picture

I vote for "D"

What do I win?

 

 

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:08 | 5031464 socalbeach
socalbeach's picture

Some very good posts on this thread, especially those of you who picked up on the opening sentence of this article, and offered your take,

"For reasons that have no rational explanations at this time, ..."

Here's the opinion of Andrew, one of the best posters at Saker's blog, who agrees with a lot of you, but offers some additional flavor,

I have been saying many times now here that the end game is the overthrow of the present regime in Russia (not just Putin, but the entire current Russian state structure) and the decomposition of the Russian federation into nearly two dozen pieces which would obviously be much more managable for the Anglosphere in terms of imperial domination and resource extraction.

It is very foolish to think in terms of armies invading across the plains of Europe towards Moscow and I can assure you NATO and the US are not even beginning to contemplate that. Hitler made this terrible mistake, and even with eventual mobilization of over 10 million men at arms could not defeat Russia. But the mistake was not thinking that he could conquer Russia and achieve his goal of a border on the Volga on the line Astrakhan-Arkhangelsk, but to even force a contest for such a worthless piece of real estate. There is literally almost nothing of real value west of the Urals in the present Russian Federation. A little coal in Rostov and some iron ore in Kursk. Hitler knew this too. His serious war aims were conquering Ukraine and the Caucusus, not Moscow, which he only contested half-heartedly. This is also why the west has not bothered contesting Belarus. There is nothing there worth contesting.

No, the real vaue in Russia is in the geopolitical prize she won for herself at the start of the game in the 1600's - the Urals and Siberia. Here is minerals and oil and gas and timber and hydropower and fresh water beyond much of the rest of the earth combined. Better yet they are almost uninhabited and connected to European Russia by little more than a thread of the Trans-Siberian Railway.

So now we have a clear goal - attaining a front line along the axis Astrkhan-Arkhangelsk - but from the east. European Russia will then become a normal European state, on par with Germany in population, as big as about 2.5 Ukraines in size, and totally isolated from the sea except through the pinch points of Denmark and Turkey. South Siberia will be a seperate and poor useless agrarian state. Siberia and the Urals will be cut up into a series of "Native" states with "free" peoples like the Yakuts, Khanty, Nenets, Buryat, Evenk, Dolgan, Ket, Chukchi, and Komi. All under Anglosphere domination. The Russians in these states will be expelled as colonizers who have overstayed their welcome, just as has happened to Russians throughout the former Soviet space.

Once these three goals are clearly understood - regime change, isolation of Russian back into Europe, and decomposition of the Russian state, we can then proceed to consider what methods will be used to accomplish them.

01 August, 2014 01:52

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:21 | 5031483 i been out the ...
i been out the back again's picture

How many people have seen this is by CM and moved on?  This guy is depressed and depressing.

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 02:50 | 5031515 Aussiekiwi
Aussiekiwi's picture

How come its Putins fault when Russian speaking separatists accidentally shoot down a commercial aircraft killing 300 people with Russian made weapons, but  Obama can give hundreds of millions of dollars of aid to Israel used for buying shells to deliberately kill Palestinian men woman and children and shell schools, hospitals and  safe sites full of children despite being notified 17 times of its location, but that is considered OK and there is no calls from  anywhere in the world to place sanctions on the US or to brand Obama a war criminal, if fact he takes no responsibility at all?

Just curious

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:06 | 5031582 basho
basho's picture

"Russian speaking separatists accidentally shoot down a commercial aircraft killing 300 people with Russian made weapons,"

you know this?

u r full of kiwishit

Fri, 08/01/2014 - 04:13 | 5031590 Sandmann
Sandmann's picture

It was an American built aircraft Boeing 777 like MH370 and with R-R Trent engines - this suggests US/UK supplied the target..........the Oligarchs funding Ukrainian Army units of their own (see Bloomberg reporter comments on ZH) clearly have a few BUKs supplied years back by the USSR and enough drugs and booze to keep them happy.

Kerry has not protested at SS-21 rockets from the USSR being fired at Tores-Snidzhe presumably because US satellites were closed for maintenance that day......but surely he could blame Putin for that ?

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