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Previewing Putin's "Moment Of Truth" Annual Press Conference And Address To Russia
For those wondering how Russia managed to contain the rout in its currency today, when it dropped from highs of USDRUB 80 yesterday to about 60, and leading to the biggest stock market surge in decades, the answer will be revealed tomorrow at noon Moscow Time, when Putin's annual address press conference will take place. As the rumor goes, both the central bank, the finance ministry and the Prime Minister, did everything in their power to stabilize the Ruble ahead of Putin's appearance, both through direct sales of dollars as well as with the already noted 7 measures to stabilize the financial system.
And this year, perhaps more than ever, Putin's role will be simple: restore confidence. As Bloomberg reports, citing Mashla Lipman a political analyst in Moscow, "This is a moment of truth. It’s no longer possible to go on in the same fashion. The economy is tumbling. The time has come for a definitive choice. Doing nothing won’t solve the problem."
However with the live webcast starting at 4 am Eastern, it is unlikely that many Americans will be awake to watch it. So for those who are willing to wait for the cliff notes, and are happy with the preview, here are two clips prepared specifically for Putin's annual press conference. In lieu of the just cancelled The Interview, these may be a good replacement considering their Hollywood-worthiness as dubbed by the Telegraph.
As caught earlier by Marketwatch, here’s the video that’s been running on Russia 1 television station’s website.
The narrator’s line, "A year of tough decisions," is interjected as Putin intones, “We took upon ourselves enormous responsibilities and risks,” Again, the narrator: “And long-awaited victories” — against a backdrop of Olympic winners. And then more tough talk about “politically motivated sanctions represent a mistake and they [the West] should not have broken a mechanism of checks and balances.” And a menacing note: “Our American friends are cutting off the branch they are sitting on.”
Scenes of Ukraine, flags flying, world leaders, terrorists, explosions, missiles firing out of the ocean, a polar bear.
And in case the dramatic effect was lost with the first clip, here is another.
So the tension and the dramatic build up is there: the question is can Putin live up to it at a time when he may have no choice but to step up to the plate.
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Er derp a derp a derpa derp GOLD.
I'd fucking write in Russian if Z/H allowed it BITCHEZ
I tried> ?????? ??????
Declaration of war?
Public announcement of just how hard he's going to fuck America right in the cunt.
Suck that Barry, you homo
There's nothing wrong with being a homo, unless you're married. But if you marry a Wookiee..
Michelle/Michael/Wookie is likely a man:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvuulZPbfBg
Restore glory to the Russian Federation. Rebuild the Soviet Union.
Alliance with the Chinese Republic against the Empires of the West.
Putin can now make the case to purge Russia of westward leaning atlanticists. The russian liberals are being crucified by their media, and most russians are convinced that their country is under attack by the west, particularly the US. Every day, the hostile statements made by the USSA Kiev controlled Junta are repeated endlessly by all forms of russian media. Considering that the Ukies are threatening Russia with terrorist attacks and nuclear war, russians are taking it seriously. If the intent of smashing the ruble and imposing sanctions was to dethrone Putin, it was a big mistake.
Putin will not allow a good crisis to go to waste
putin sold his balls and country to the chinese. they glad handed the crap out of the old puter.
Nope. He just allied himself with a nuclear power that doesn't want to slide down the currency black hole with the Fed.
This currency attack is Obama's last gasp. Not allowing banks to roll over corporate debt has caused a dollar buying spree by Russian corps, but it doesn't effect the basic fundamentals of the ruble or the Russian government, as the Russian treasury has more than enough USD to make it's USD debt payments ... in fact, they wish they had a lot less of it.
And if the Russian corps are forced to default, Putin will protect them from reprisal.
This financial weapon is only pointed at one group of investors: The bankers and speculators who loaned the money to these Russian corporations. When Obama pulls the trigger, a bunch of western bankers are going to take the bullet.
Smart Siberians will learn Mandarin.
Siberia will go to China, the parts China chooses.
They are already leaning it. Most of the customers in Siberian bordellos are Chinese workers on vacation.
+ 1 Thank you for that. Chinese "guest workers".
Step One...
.gov shills are flocking to ZH i see
You people are gonna get fucked real hard soon enough :)
Um, I probably dislike Obama and .gov shills as much as the next guy here.
Care to provide ANY quotation of mine supporting .gov?
You are probably right that we will get it good and hard soon enough.
You do seem to have a Siberian obsession... which is kind of curios for somebody hailing from Peru...
what about YOU?
Who are YOU areally?
What are doing here playing the police?
Siberia is Alaska/north Canada on steroids-to cold and harsh for the Chinese. They are more interested in S/E Asia, Australia and maybe in Pacific.
Sorry, this is just wrong. The Chinese don't limit their plans to warm places. The entire eastern half of Russia is mentally claimed by China, with the goal of physically claiming it by 2050.
Wrong, mentally only Mongolia is theirs. If they colonize eastern Russia and Mongolia then only by economical means, because it is to cold and harsh for them.
Do you know what natural resources are? National expansion?
You really think the Chinese don't want the entire eastern half of Russia because it's cold? Sure, they will ignore all the natgas, diamonds, rare earths, etc just because, you know, they have to don cold weather gear...
Back to the kiddie table for you.
Putin days are numbered. He is on a run. He does not control Russia any more. He reminds me the former Ukrainian President Yanukovich only has nowhere to run and hide.
Putin is a looser regardless of what he says. Russian economy is in ruins, Ruble is useless, Ukraine is another Russian "Afghanistan". He is a thief and a thug but he is not a statesman.
But, but, but, he is worth $40 billion dollars! And his buddies Timchenko and Rotenberg are billionaires too!
So what?
Obama isn't worth a broke dick.
The context of my comment is in regards to Putin being very corrupt and very bad. Putin fans neglect his awesome stealing from his own people.
Yes, completely right re Obama.
Putin is an advanced black belt in Judo, a master chess player, and a devout Orthodox Christian.
Judo (and virtually all classic martial arts for that matter) have a deep philosophy and each disciplines methods expresses such; look at Putin and his words and actions from a Judo/martial arts experts perspective and you will have a better understanding of where Putin has been, what he is actually doing and the direction he is going.
Combine this with his deeply held Christian Orthodoxy, chess players mindset and you have a far deeper, complex and more difficult individual to label, contain and defeat. What's more, he has a significant clique of profound Russian thinkers and "doers" around him advising him.
For some reason 99% of writers and commentators on ZH and across the media spectrum forget all this with their 2 dimensional "Putin is a thug" mantra
I hope and suspect that you're correct. I could also see myself being underwelmed, given VV's tendency to issue a very mild warning then slamming with a fist those who were not paying attention.
I plan to stay awake to watch.
BTW, I admire your choice of calibers.
I'm of the opinion that the oil-bust was inevitable (as evidenced by Stockman's article earlier today) and the western banking syndicate is using it as cover for economic warfare. (since they have yet to get their hot war in Syria to cover for the next bust)
I'm a huge putin fan and admit i HATE the LEADERS, the media and the entire system(jewfucking us all) in Amerisrael but when is he going to live up to being a badass and do something? I'd surely like to see something.
Dethrone Putin whatever/however, and have a go at Russia like
Khorodovosky still insists, and may find the hard Russians, and communists come power.
Don't confuse with Marxistst Bolshies, these are Russian hardliners
with no much patience
A long read but worth it - http://valdaiclub.com/near_abroad/71040.html
Interesting that the rural newspapers (including the independent Novaya Gazeta ) have run op.ed pieces heavily hinting that the "feeling on the Street" is that if Vlad the Bad doesn't deliver, then there are plenty of others who WILL deliver - and a few of the more hawkish are pretty keen on "restoring the might of the old USSR", which might ring alarm bells in those of a certain age . . . .
CIFO, I think Russia may be moving towards a war footing. Only an idiot can fail to see that the West is at war with Russia.
Not just any war, but World War 3, Total War. Biological, Chemical, Conventional, Thermobaric, Nuclear, Everything.
Warmongers, ain'tcha?
Calm down, no one is going to war w/ Russia.
The war has already started, the Financial War. It will end in Total War.
The Elites have their bunkers, it is us who will die for their will.
I'm sure the elites have plans to ensure that every spent fuel pool in the world will be properly tended. Either that or they plan to be in their bunkers for many millenia.
Publicus
No.
The Elite would have a terrible life after a WWIII (Total War). Living in a bunker for more than a month would get old. Not having "Little People" (that would be us) would also mean no fun for them.
They would have to work very hard to grow their food without us Little People around. They know this. Life would suck for them.
Think about it.
You have people wishing for the re-establishment of the Soviet Union and you expect them to be logical? From behind a keybpoard theories are great but you will never find these people where the rubber meets the road. There is no point in reminding them how pathetic and difficult peoples' lives were in the Soviet bloc. They are too busy wearing Che Geuvara t-shirts and being highbrow faux commies.
I know our country is being systematically dismembered and being turned into a shithole. I know the foreign policy and lies are way over the top at this point. If things keep going like this who needs a new Soviet Union? This place will collapse on its own.
Either way, having been through East Germany (west Berlin) and having heard many stories from eastern europe in the 80s (parents of classmates) I am very glad I am not from the Soviet bloc and I am very glad I am not in Russia.
Hate to dissapoint you mate, but West Berlin was NEVER part of East Germany (aka DDR). It was under Western control for the duration of the entire Cold War.
Please re-read that sentence more closely. You may be disappointed at the conclusion you have drawn. It may not have been part of it but it was IN it. To get to West Berlin you had to go through East Germany......the checkpoints etc.....
Don't be so sure about that idea DCRB that "they" NEED us, do some serious reseacrh it may surprise you...there is so much very advanced secret technology involving robotics, 3D printing, power supply, chemistry, medicine, food production, materials (eg graphene), transport they have, that in their estimation a 3-5 billion human cull may very feasible to them.
The NWO needs/wants the full control of all planetary resources under one directorate (one world government) to fulfill its grander designs.
Mad Max , Beyond Thunderdome, The Final Sequel.
"One nation enters, one nation leaves..........
a mushroom cloud."
So thats whats under Denver airport......
Along with millions of lost suitcases.
Their bunkers are Israel. Why do you think they use, steal from and destroy america to build up israel?
War with Russia has long since started, on the economic, geopolitical and propaganda fronts. This is insanity. As Von Clauswitz said, no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. You can game theory all you want, but Russia will not bend the knee to the scum, and it has the power to bring down the Empire, along with everyone else. The Beast stalks the earth today with unprecedented energy.
First Lady or First "Gentleman" ??
Enquiring minds want to know...
First Beard.
An American, not US subject.
Good video link ....thanks LL.
ummm being a homo-sexual these days is so 1985 man! LOL
These days its more about being a TRY-SEXUAL....lol...meaning you as a young person should just TRY anything sexual. LOL>
The one thing I cannot understand is the market right now....everyone is screaming for more down, but this vix chart hinting a HUGE rally is coming => http://bit.ly/1fMcakI
maybe the market is gay, but at least it is doing what its always doing, fucking over people left right and center, all the way into XMAS. :-) not gay, but not shocking at the same time.
Looks like BEARS got eaten up alive again in 2014. OUCH.
Love your way with the English language. I am a non-native speaker and I always struggle with coming up with lines like that.Short and to the point. They never taught us the secrets of speaking like that in school.
You guys should hookup...lol
"fuck America right in the cunt."
Where is the cunt? I am thinking the asshole is right around LA.
It's been that way for awhile.
Google translate should be renamed google " question mark".
Uhhh Ohhh, here comes the NSA " Boogy Man" lets dance bitchz.
War has already been declared on russia.
He will publish Obamas true birth/citizenship records to throw America into a Constitutional crisis, if anyone in America still remembers what that piece of parchment is about.
Long form or citizenship....jeez - that´s just an old piece of paper. Like the constitution. Why so worked up about that?
LOL - that would be........awesome
It was parchment to bake my thanksgiving pie? whoops....
But can he make the greens in regulation?
Gold backed Ruble? or
New shirtless horseback photo?
Well, he´s got 40% of worldwide palladium production under his control. I wonder if he is going to do something with that tinkertoy. Stacking comes to mind.
China sure pushed back on the sanction talk when they decided to restrict the export of rare earth minerals several years ago.
What's really hilarious about the whole rare earths bottleneck Obama was bitching about is that it is caused entirely by US domestic policy. The US has even more Monazite ore than China.
Rare earth mining results in a huge pile of Thorium metal being created. Thorium is on the list of nuclear proliferation materials, because a Thorium fired reactor makes U233, an isotope no one can actually make a usable bomb out of, despite theory ( 100+ kg mass to go supercritical, and it emits enough gamma to fry any bomb it's put in ).
The Chinese just haul the Thorium away from the metal refinery in PLA trucks, store it, and call it done.
That´s Chinese can-do attitude for ya. Just like those mobile execution vans.
The US has a larger percentage of its polpulation in prison. We just store them in rapetoriums instead of shooting them.
It's a game of Putin take, he putin and we taken
So the tension and the dramatic build up is there: the question is can Putin live up to it at a time when he may have no choice but to step up to the plate.
So, if he does fuck all we will all know who he is playing/paying for.
Philo Beddoe
Yes, NOW is a good time to get out the popcorn.
Things now may finally be getting very interesting after so much foreplay...
Not sure, DoChen. This is like watching the Love Boat in slow motion, Just when you think it is about to end...it does not.
Really, my analogy makes no fucking sense. But, it fits.
That is true! Bearing Guy has been waiting for a TEOTWAWKI since, mmm let's see, the 1980s!
Watch " High Plains Drifter" & " For A Few Dollars More" then get back to me Philo.
The Clint eastwood I've met PERSONALLY, and I'll furnish pictures, Is nothing like your persona.
He stands about 6' 3" and I almost 6' 2".
Why don't you say what you're really thinking Clyde?
You know who the players are. (1) month
Let's hope that President Putin has the good judgement to come clean to the Russian people in great detail who is doing it and how it is being done!
Even with subtitles that is one interesting interview!
I think he will do nothing. No treasury dump, oil for gold....nothing.
My bear towel has been thrown in and I yield to Mr Yellen and Skynet.
That is my guess. Red team vs Blue team on a global scale.
Good insights.
Useful talkings.
Gracias, amigo.
My guess is that you're running around picking up spoiles with your biodegradable shopping bag.
Right Turn cClyde>
Philo I have a little challenge for you.
We'le call it the spore hunt. Are you game?
We track eachother for one month. The first one to find the other guy gets a good " roto rooter"
If you're game for the challenge, just let me know.
You can post On, Z,H. Don't worry. I'll still find you.
Marduk versus Inanna.
Older than human.
I don't know. It feels like Russia and Putin are taking so much flak... Surely they must be close to the target.
Think about it... Did Chavez, Ahmadinejad, Kim Jung Il or anybody else ever faced that kind of pressure from the U.S.?
I don't anticipate anything huge, to an extent they like appearing weaker then they truly are - Sun Tzu style. I am going to take a guess say he will announce the live implementation date for Russia's new NPS (National Payment System)
Anybody remember back in 2005, Senator Obama and Senator Richard Lugar, who was skooling Obama, were detained by the Russians at an airport in Russia. They were there for START negotiations or disarming old nukes.
Nobody ever had an explanation why that happened. Foreign countries do not detain Senators. A Congressman but two Senators?
What really happened? This site said it was because Obama was a British spy.
https://americanreporter.wordpress.com/2009/09/06/russia-holds-obama-for...
I had also read somewhere that Obama did not have a proper passport.
People in the past, would make fun of the KGB. I think they were no dummies. The questions is, does Putin have some dirt on Obama or will he really lay the cards out.
Interesting.
The KGB was, and still is, very good.
KGB was Soviet
Soviet is defunct
You meant FSB
Different wrapping
Same fish
(Of course you are right re FSB, but they're still the same old gang)
Of course he knows. He´s got the whole kit and kaboodle going back to before 2001. Not that he will televise it.
Hopefully, in the moment of truth, will be this truth. Dollar trading dwarfs trading in rubles or yuan/renminbi, and interest rate policy of the Federal Reserve rolls the world economy. De-dollarizing the global economy is much more than Russia and/or China can make happen in any short period of time.
empires do not go down easy
but they do go down
it's nice that America has lots of tricks
but that's all they are
and they will wear off
Leaders( evangelists) always sacrifice their followers first.
+ 1
The same will be done in Russia. Putin and his billionaire cronies will milk Russia dry and let the Russian people rot.
Same as always. Red & blue. Televangelists and their followers.
"There is nothing new under the sun."
-- Ecclesiastes
Thanks Do Chen. Keep those bearings rolling.
Yep but America seems determined to no longer be the reserve currency, at least that's the way it's playing out.
The global economy is broken. All Russia and China have to do is break enough, not even close to all, of it away to keep themselves afloat. The dollar requires that not to happen.
If they can do that (survive without the dollar) the rest of the world can dedollarize accordingly.
In theory Russian and China could dump all of their TBILLS tonight and the world would effectively be de-dollarized in less then 24 hours. They could simulataneously and automatically convert their USD reserves and their citizens USD denominated assets into a combination of their own currency and at this time, pretty damn cheap hard assets. Will they do this now or in a few months? No they will be patient, fairly quiet, and play the game, gradually divest from the dollar/TBILLS like they have been, gradually convert USD into 'real money' and 'real projects' like they have been, all while continuing to quickly build their military tech and prowess; especially Chinese Naval and Air Force fleets - until the time is right to pull the trigger whether forced or not. I believe de-dollarization will occur within China's 2-3 year time table. It may occur sooner if WWWIII breaks out beforehand.
In theory Russian and China could dump all of their TBILLS tonight and the world would effectively be de-dollarized in less then 24 hours. They could simulataneously and automatically convert their USD reserves and their citizens USD denominated assets into a combination of their own currency and at this time, pretty damn cheap hard assets. Will they do this now or in a few months? No they will be patient, fairly quiet, and play the game, gradually divest from the dollar/TBILLS like they have been, gradually convert USD into 'real money' and 'real projects' like they have been, all while continuing to quickly build their military tech and prowess; especially Chinese Naval and Air Force fleets - until the time is right to pull the trigger whether forced or not. I believe de-dollarization will occur within China's 2-3 year time table. It may occur sooner if WWWIII breaks out beforehand.
Gold looking weak
http://investfts.blogspot.co.uk/2014/12/gold-update-for-week.html
Gold will be at $1100 by YE15.
It will make for interesting viewing.
I expect Putin to say that Russia is under economic attack and that his government will do whatever it takes to rebutt all attacks against the Motherland.
Sadly, I do believe that you are correct in your expectations.
Irishcyclist
considering that the west has declared war on russia via sanctions and speculative currency attacks, he would be a fool not to state the truth. Moreover, he has an obligation to protect the Russian State.
I agree with you. But he's not obliged to state publicly what he intends to do to reciprocate the economic attacks on his country.
It would be stupid to spell out what he intends to do, especially so given that his country's enemies will be analysing what he says.
Much better for him to allow his country to retaliate in a more clandestine way.
Putin will only state that they are under attack, and will be responding.
si vis pacem, para bellum
Great quote. But I prefer:
To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill." - Sun Tzu
If it were a tete a tete, I would bet hands down on Putin over Obama. Unfortunately for Russia, Obama is only a puppet.....and the empire does strike back!
Depends on the contest. I'll bet Obama can run faster.
Could I have but a line a century hence crediting a contribution to the advance of peace, I would yield every honor which has been accorded by war.
War's very object is victory, not prolonged indecision. In war, there is no substitute for victory.
both from Douglas MacArthur
But the wheels are going to turn regardless. It is not a question of a fight, but of what kind of world emerges from it.
Agreed. The only certainty is the subsequent death and destruction.
Only the dead have seen the end of war
Plato
That is how Russia always did it. Says something vague and then.... something happens.
Anyway, I imagine it will be about de-dollarization and seeking loans from BRICS nations in their respective currencies. So far, if China is willing to loan Russia 15B Yuan's to use as liquidity for the Ruble, then I imagine that will be one of the things will be mentioned. Or increasing FOREX is other currencies other than USD and EURO.
There was also talk about new laws passed for industrialization of Russia (re-industrialization to be specific). So I imagine this will be the talk. Or that if they do decide to default against $600B in private loans, that the state will provide support by buying up majority stock of these defaulted companies.
Regardless, everything will still be churning away. What I was told by some family and friends in Russia, they are going to demand raises in the companies they work, and that is happening all over Russia to meet inflation (or come close to it). Average wages grew 2% then dropped by 4% depending on which place of work.
"I expect Putin to say that Russia is under economic attack and that his government will do whatever it takes to rebutt all attacks against the Motherland."
Yes, bla, bla, bla. He and Russia have been taking a lot of flack from NY and DC, and yet they've done NOTHING about the enemies at the gate, i.e. US non-stop air shipments of advanced weapons into E. Ukraine.
If this is another Russian motherhood and apple-pie speech, I'm gonna puke and ask the Russian Army to remove him for being a noodle.
Go Big, or Go Beg. Go for the Gold Medal or go home!
Ok, here's my follow-up, based on the simul-translation I'm hearing from his Live Conference...
I hear exactly what I expected: No major move, but simply a PR exercise in this Q&A session. Time to hit the hay and wait for the ZH Cliff Notes. Good night!
What if he came out with charts and graphs and showed point by point how the ruble, oil, and their economy in general was under assault by the Western Bankers?
The truth will never rise to the surface. Nobody gives a shit about the truth anymore. People love their bullshit, baby.
The TRUTH is always just below the surface. The good guy just gets killed exposing it.
The problem is the thickness of the surface and a lack of miners.
The problem is / I like to keep things situational.
The problem is that you are too smart for your own good. Take a break and enjoy the view.
The problem is I know the real Clint Eastwood, and can prove it.
He's nothing like your High Plians Drifter persona.
Philo, give me a chart. Any chart or trading idea will do. The problem is you have absolutely no idea who you're talking to.
Philo I'm looking for you. Something tells me you don't live in Pebble Beach.
Don't worry, I'll just spank you. NO LIVE ROUNDS
Here is the chart MsCreant requested:
Percentage of US and EU banks refusing to roll over Russian corporate bonds this month
--------------
100% - **
50% - **
0% - **
--------------
Ummm? Keep stacking those rounds. Do I really need to DO the homework for lazy people again?
What good are those rounds if they can't be spent?
First of all, off the top of my head, I'd say the default rate is about 2-3%. Bitchez
One month Filo!
Rounds as in silver or rounds as in 7.62?
The problem is you run the company store.
I made you an offer. (1) month
A little while back putin was yapping about nationilizing the RCB (which is a tentacle of the fed) and since this would be a show all of whom he really works for or against I'm still saying that he is just controlled opposition.. this shit is just smoke and mirrors on a grand scale. It's nice to dream that there is some better "polotician" or "statesman" who will put the knives to the jew bastards (not white washing the facts the fucking jews are vermin and they run the show) but in reallity he has had many chances and done nothing,,, so yeah a dream. Sure there's always hope that I'm wrong but reallity points to the light of the truthes.
As a side note look at putin and russias views or lack of views towards israel, might just be a bitch slap ya don't want to face, so do so at your own risk LOL
Fact: Israel and Russia get along great!
Must burn a few butts around here, LOL!
Actually they are Frenemies.
OK, I'll accept that characterization.
Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.
The truth is that Obama could end this crisis tomorrow by giving in.
The truth is that Putin could end this crisis tomorrow by giving in.
The truth is that this crisis will not end tomorrow because each of them thinks the other guy needs to give in.
The truth is that Obama looks at Putin as an arrogant, ego-maniacal, strutting dictator.
The truth is that Putin looks at Obama as an arrogant, ego-maniacal, strutting dictator.
The truth is that they are much more alike than they are different.
And each would deepen the crisis rather than admit that this is true.
GMC, baby.
Respectfully, wrong.
It's the economy, not the players.
There is nothing these two could do to "end this crisis."
It is only a matter of how it will go down, not if.
Those two would have to be Buddhist monks to even make a dent it this. They ain't. There is no heading this off.
But that's my point exactly. They are not going to climb down and thus things will play out. Since neither of them will do so, the outlook is dim.
You suggested a course of action for Grandmother Putin that basically encourages him to stick to his guns and double down. The same for most everyone else.
I agree that this is most likely what he will do but I do not believe that it is in anyone's ultimate interest, particularly for the people of Russia, for him to do so.
Because I believe that Obama and Putin are both stubborn men who detest each other, I am suggesting that the crisis will not be solved, at least not without a further appeal to financial or military arms in some fashion, because of their similarities in this regard. It will take a bigger man than either of them to wind this down. One or more of the players will have to give up their seat before de-escalation occurs.
Perhaps Putin is really in control of Russia. However, I do not think the same can be said of Obama. He follow the script written for him. This is not a mano y mano battle of egos.
Nobody is an entirely free agent, but the reality is that these two men are the ones who serve as the champions for their respective sides and both are digging in for trench warfare.
That is the choice they want, and presumably that is the choice for whomever their backers might be, if any, as well.
But their respective personalities make it unlikely that they can successfully disengage even if their friends had a change of heart about going forward on this. Both would resist the concept of backing down due to their own respecitve views of themselves.
Many people here are encouraging Putin to stand his ground and no doubt believe he is right to do so.
I will repeat what I said up above. Neither of these guys are spotless and both of them could stand to take a little more empathetic view of the consequences and show a lot more humility.
Not happening, ergo, we have problems on the horizon-- regardless of who is closer to right.
Right, like how Obama took a stand on attacking Syria or his Red Lines for Iran? Her does what he is told. You should worry more about Valerie's ego.
The GOP and Dems are run by the Neo Libs and Neo Cons. They did standing ovations on every word from Bibi and Porschenko aka Porky from the Ukraine. Fat boy is a fellow tribesman.
This is not a fair fight nor is it meant to be. Putin is limited and judging by what I saw in Crimea "that's no dreaded Red Army.". And indeed....nothing but a disaster since.
The only reason I would advise him to attack is because he has to. Unlike POTUS Putin has talked a big game but is FAILING.
Having said he should attack and attack now my target would be Minsk. Any attack on Moscow would have to come from there and a: he is friends with Minsk and b: it can serve as both a defensive and offensive " menacing."
Overall the strategic situation is pretty bad. I think he has lost Ukraine...certainly Kiev...and he might soon get rolled back in Crimea and Donetsk. But it sure could start eyeballing Poland "with an attitude problem" and this would probably go over well at home.
The USA should continue with Operation Anaconda North....so if Putin is looking for any trouble that's where he will find it. But if NATO starts pouring forces into Kiev I'd say the die is cast on this one.
The Brits are without a doubt pouring forces into Poland right now. Certainly the war games will be extended....
For a dsabled Vet, you really know shit about knowledge of terrain, interior supply lines, troop morale, Russian military doctrine etc. A rag tag group of novorossiyan irregulars were able to beat back and defeat the Ukie army, with superior resources and manpower, backed by USSA advisors.
As for rolling back Putin in Crimea, pull out a map instead of talking shit. Ask yourself how long a mechanized force will last on an open plain where the Russkies have dominant air power, and tactical nukes.
The worse part is, that tens of thousands of innocent Ukies will die because of USSA power games.
The worst part is no matter what happens, the Ukrainians will get fucked. IMF'ed, or gentle love, Russian style.
You know, I read that Costa Rica got its declaration of independence in the mail. Spain simply gave up after the rest of her empire revolted and severed the bond unilaterally.
Unfortunately for Ukraine, it's going to have to be born as a real nation rather than just a geographical boundary the hard way. Some of them are fighting for one ideal and some are fighting for another.
God willing, a true national identity will eventually emerge and they can shake free of everyone who wants to control them.
For their own sake, I hope that they aspire to more than being a Russian concubine as the lesser of two evils.
Buddhist monks?
I think they'd have to be full blown Buddhas. So much for
Illuminati conspiracies, as TBTB don't seem all that illuminated.
Jim Carrey's got it nailed; Illuminutti conspiracy
http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/84366074/
I don't like to sling mud but after reading alot of your previous posts maybe you should change your handle to dumb bell do you know what disconnect means? because you def are not "connected" to the real world and whats at play.
Okay, now that you've gotten the ad hominem attack that makes you feel better about yourself out of the way, offer an assessment as to what is happening and what is going to happen.
My take on it is that these two guys will not agree and each is going to harden his position relative to the other. And so it goes.
I do not think either of them is in the right.
You apparently beg to differ. If so, how?
First off It wasn't an attack LOL there is far more going on than a "pissing contest" It seems that you are a master of Truthes as every line in your post tries very hard to force your "truthes" upon the reader, simply put that those truthes are simplistic in nature and offer no constructive analogy or input to the situation nor the ongoing thread(s) does your head hurt yet? because mine does for having to explain this.
Okay, so I'm an idiot in your eyes. No problem.
I asked you to share your viewpoint as to what the true situation is and you can only respond that I'm still an idiot.
So I got that. I'm an idiot, I'm still an idiot, and I'm going to be an idiot when I wake up tomorrow-- primarily because I don't see things your way.
Now provide your sage assessment of the situation under discussion, you grand and glorious thinker, you.
All I can say is did you read the article? Have you been following any of this for more than 5 mins? Most of allhave you thrown out your teevee, if not please do so. The conversation is on going read along as everything your asking is being discussed at length here from various angles and views,
ps don't assume it's a bad practice and have more self esteem I never implied nor called you an idiot... merely poked fun at your screen name and pointed out that you're missing the "big picture". Smile ya only live once make the best of it!
All I can say is did you read the article? (evasion)
Have you been following any of this for more than 5 mins? (patronization)
Most of allhave you thrown out your teevee, if not please do so. (command from above)
The conversation is on going read along as everything your asking is being discussed at length here from various angles and views, (more evasion)
ps don't assume it's a bad practice and have more self esteem (more patronization)
I never implied nor called you an idiot... (false claim)
merely poked fun at your screen name and pointed out that you're missing the "big picture". (even more patronization as well as an evasion)
Smile ya only live once make the best of it! (command from above)
I don't like to sling mud but after reading alot of your previous posts maybe you should change your handle to dumb bell do you know what disconnect means? because you def are not "connected" to the real world and whats at play.
First off It wasn't an attack LOL there is far more going on than a "pissing contest" It seems that you are a master of Truthes as every line in your post tries very hard to force your "truthes" upon the reader, simply put that those truthes are simplistic in nature and offer no constructive analogy or input to the situation nor the ongoing thread(s) does your head hurt yet? because mine does for having to explain this.
You just confirmed my previous post start with this "the treaty of Versailles" then move along to the "Jewish boycott of Germany" after that you're on your own FFS read more
(Thank you for being so kind to me, master)
The truth is that Obama is a puppet and makes no decisions.
The truth is that we don't know about Putin, yet.
The truth is you still don't seem to get it.
Maybe not, but where does that leave everyone?
What if you are right and Grandmother Putin is the George Washington of the 21st Century against the forces of Leviathan?
Can Russia fend off the US/EU forces arrayed against it and at what cost to the general population of the country?
Russia celebrates the victory of the Tsar over Napoleon in 1812, but was this really in the country's best interests? Napoleon knocked loose a lot of monarchial and aristocratic deadwood in his efforts to bring the populations of Europe over to his side. Russia might have been better off losing.
Same for Germany. Would it have been better for the German people if they had won WWII?
The outcome of a determined siege of Russia is not likely to be of much real benefit to the citizenry, regardless of who ends up sleeping in the Kremlin afterwards.
I don't know that there is another way than the one we are currently on, but the time to find a different path is getting short and people better start opening their minds to the idea.
Putin needs to declare a state of emergency, dissolve the Parliament and call new elections, fire the head of the Central Bank and all the top bankers, impose strict currency and customs regulations, go after the billionaires that have been selling Russia out to the EU and US banks and corporations and those who have been offshoring Russia's wealth for no good reason and sieze their property, round up all the top staff of the US-supported NGO's and deport them, shut down the US-controlled corporate media - and declare that all sales of gas, oil and other natural resources must be paid for with Roubles.
This is his moment of truth. If he wimps out, he - and probably Russia - are finished. But he knows that, and he won't.
It would be interesting to know what the US and EU have threatened to do if Russia follows this course. Whatever it is. Putin has to call their bluff..
At the very least he should kick out the U.S. Ambassador after this new round of sanctions.
Anyway... Surviving in the face of much worse sanctions can be done as Germany demonstrated in the 30s for those who know true history.
It is precisely because they had demonstrated to the world that anglozionist banking was not needed that they had to be destroyed.
Now, whether Putin has the balls to go all in is a different story.
You'll have to provide a source for that claim that Germany was heavily sanctioned in the 30s.
It is true that the Allied blockade during WWI effectively weakened Germany's will to continue, particularly after the kohlrubenwinter, but success on the field of battle kept them going until the military tide turned-- at which point the nation lost its will to resist and everything fell apart.
On the other hand, Germany's great faith in the Fuhrer during the rematch, strengthened by his many miraculous escapades early in his career, caused the German people to stick with him right up to the moment of ultimate catastrophic dismemberment.
Neither of these citations offer much guidance or hope to the Russian people currently in extremis.