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Guest Post: NATO Is Building Up For War

Tyler Durden's picture




 

Submitted by Brian Cloughley via The Ron Paul Institute for Peace and Prosperity,

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The German city of Frankfurt is continental Europe’s largest financial center and host to the country’s Stock Exchange, countless other financial institutions, and the headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) which is responsible for administering the monetary policy of the 18-nation Eurozone. The place is awash with money, as demonstrated by the plush new ECB office building which is costing a fortune.

The original price of the bank’s enormous palace was supposed to be 500 million euros, about 550 million dollars, but the bill has now been admitted as €1.3 billion (£930 m; $1.4 bn). This absurdly over-expensive fiasco was directed by the people who are supposed to steer the financial courses of 18 nations and their half billion unfortunate citizens. If the ECB displays similar skill sets in looking after Europe’s money as it has in controlling the cost of constructing its huge twin-tower headquarters, then Europe is in for a rocky time.

Intriguingly, the Bank isn’t alone in contributing to Europe’s bureaucratic building boom. There is another Europe-based organization of equal ambition, pomposity and incompetence which is building a majestically expensive and luxurious headquarters with a mammoth cost overrun about which it is keeping very quiet indeed.

The perpetrator of this embarrassing farce is NATO, the US-Canada-European North Atlantic Treaty Organization which is limping out of Afghanistan licking its wounds, having been fighting a bunch of sandal-wearing rag-clad amateur irregulars who gave the hi-tech forces of the West a very hard time in a war whose outcome was predictable. But the debacle hasn’t dimmed the vision of the zealous leaders of NATO who are confronting Russia in order to justify the existence of their creaking, leaking, defeated dinosaur. Their problem is not only do they lose wars, but they then look for another one to fight — to be directed from a glittery new and vastly expensive building whose cost has soared above all estimates.

Just like NATO’s wars.

NATO’s operation "Unified Protector" to overthrow Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi involved a massive aerial blitz of 9,658 airstrikes which ended with the gruesome murder of Gadhafi — and caused collapse of Libya into an omnishambles where fanatics of the barbarous Islamic State are now establishing themselves.

In spite of the horror of NATO’s Libyan catastrophe one does have to have a quiet smile about Ivo H. Daalder and James G Stavridis whose deeply researched analysis in the journal Foreign Affairs in 2012 was titled "NATO’s Victory in Libya." These sages declared that “NATO’s operation in Libya has rightly been hailed as a model intervention . . . NATO’s involvement in Libya demonstrated that the alliance remains an essential source of stability . . . NATO may not be able to replicate its success in Libya in another decade. NATO members must therefore use the Chicago summit to strengthen the alliance by ensuring that the burden sharing that worked so well in Libya — and continues in Afghanistan today — becomes the rule, not the exception.”

Not much is working well in either Libya or Afghanistan two years after the Daalder-Stavridis advocacy of “burden sharing” and it is obvious that NATO has been the opposite of a “source of stability” in both unfortunate countries.

In October 2005 I wrote that “NATO is to increase its troop numbers in Afghanistan to 15,000 and its secretary-general states that instead of acting as a peacekeeping force it will assume the combat role of US troops, which is insane . . .  The insurgency in Afghanistan will continue until foreign troops leave, whenever that might be. After a while, the government in Kabul will collapse and there will be anarchy until a brutal, ruthless, drug-rich warlord achieves power. He will rule the country as it has always been ruled by Afghans: by threats, religious ferocity, deceit, bribery, and outright savagery when the latter can be practiced without retribution. And the latest foreign occupation will become just another memory.”

The number of US-NATO troops in Afghanistan has been reduced from a high of 130,000 to 13,000, of which some 10,000 are US, but NATO’s new headquarters building in Brussels is expanding in both size and cost. The budget for the immense complex was approved at 460 million Euros (500 million US dollars) in 2010 but has now surged to over 1.25 billion Euros, about 1.4 billion dollars.

Germany’s Der Spiegel reported in January that the scandal of the cost overrun was being kept secret by all governments contributing to this redundant organization. A leaked cable from Germany’s ambassador explained that at a meeting of NATO representatives last December they “pointed to the disastrous effect on the image of the alliance if construction were to stop and if NATO appeared to be incapable of punctually completing a construction project that was decided at the NATO summit of government leaders in April 1999 in Washington. The risk of a further cost increase is already palpable.”

The solution to NATO’s self-imposed image problem was simple : the people responsible for managing the affairs of a military alliance involving 28 countries, 3.5 million combatants and 5,000 nuclear weapons decided, as asked by the staff of its Secretary General, to deal with the matter “confidentially.” In other words, the cost overruns and delays in construction are being deliberately concealed from the public in the hope that NATO’s executives will not appear incompetent.

Meantime, while trying to conceal their flaws, faults and failings in management of basic administrative affairs, NATO’s chiefs are squaring up to Russia in an attempt to persuade the world that President Putin is about to mount an invasion from the east. The focal point of NATO’s contrived alarm is the corrupt and chaotic regime in power in Ukraine, which has serious disagreements with Russia and is therefore energetically supported by the United States to the point of distortion, menace, and mendacity.

As reported in the UK’s Daily Telegraph on March 4, the commander of US troops in Europe, General Frederick “Ben” Hodges, has accused Russia of having 12,000 troops inside eastern Ukraine, which was irresponsible nonsense.

Hodges was formerly the army’s Congressional Liaison Officer in Washington where he obviously acquired a taste for political grandstanding, as in a political speech of the sort that generals have no right to make he declared that “We have to raise the cost for Putin. Right now he has 85 per cent domestic support. But when mothers start seeing their sons come home dead, when the price goes up, domestic support goes down,” which was as offensive as it was hostile.

In February the Wall Street Journal reported Hodges as saying “I believe the Russians are mobilizing right now for a war that they think is going to happen in five or six years—not that they’re going to start a war in five or six years, but I think they are anticipating that things are going to happen, and that they will be in a war of some sort, of some scale, with somebody within the next five or six years.” Just what President Putin was supposed to make of that is anyone’s guess — but it is certain that Hodges’ bellicose meanderings did nothing to persuade Moscow that there would be any attempt by the US-NATO coalition to modify its policy of uncompromising enmity.

Other pronouncements by NATO leaders have been equally threatening and intended to convince the public of western Europe that Russia attacked Ukraine.

But even if Russia had indeed invaded Ukraine, it would have had nothing whatever to do with anyone else.

The US-NATO coalition willfully ignores the fact that Ukraine is not a member of either the European Union or NATO and has no treaty of any sort with any nation in the world that would require provision of political, economic or military support in the event of a bilateral dispute with any other country. Yet NATO has seized upon the Ukraine-Russia discord to justify its policy of unrelenting hostility to Moscow.

NATO should have been disbanded at the time of the collapse of the Soviet Union because that threat was the sole reason for its existence; but it decided to multiply membership and extend its military presence closer and closer to Russia’s borders. There is little wonder that Russia is apprehensive about NATO’s intentions, as the muscle-flexing coalition lurches towards conflict.

NATO’S Supreme Commander, US General Breedlove, has also contributed greatly to tension and fear in Europe by issuing dire warnings about Russia’s supposed maneuvers. On March 5 he indulged in fantasy by claiming, without a shred of evidence and no subsequent proof, that Russia had deployed “well over a thousand combat vehicles” along with “combat forces, some of their most sophisticated air defense, battalions of artillery” within Ukraine. This pronouncement was similar to his downright lie of November 18, 2014, when he told the German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung that there were “regular Russian army units in eastern Ukraine.”

The swell of anti-Russian propaganda, confrontation and attempted intimidation by NATO has increased, and if it continues to do so it is likely that Moscow will take action, thereby upping the stakes and the danger even more. It is time that NATO’s nations came to terms with the reality that Russia is a major international power with legitimate interests in its own region. Moscow is not going to bow the knee in the face of immature threats by sabre-rattling US generals and their swaggering acolytes. It is time for NATO to forge ties rather than destroy them — and to build bridges rather than glitzy office blocks.

 

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Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:50 | 5962109 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Duh....they're not building up for peace. NATO is obsolete so they're moving to war for validation and our demise. FUCK THE NEOCONS.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:55 | 5962126 TeamDepends
TeamDepends's picture

NEOCONS = Progressives = Common barnyard dung.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:08 | 5962159 johngaltfla
johngaltfla's picture

Uh, after purging everyone with experience in the US military and replacing them with Pretorian Guards, plus buying a bunch of crap weapons systems the last decade, this will not end well.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:45 | 5962239 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

The article was all anti-NATO bluster without facts to support the headline at all. If you look at the NATO country defense budgets, you cannot say they are preparing for war. In fact the only country in NATO to have increased its military budget as a percentage of GDP since 2010 is Estonia, and then from only 1.7% to 1.9%. Every other NATO member country has seen a stable or decreasing defense budget. All the large countries have seen decreases, to include France, UK, Germany, Spain, Italy and the US.

Meanwhile, Russia has increased its expenditures on its military forces from 3.7% in 2011 to 4.2% today, and therefore is devoting more GDP to its military than any NATO country, including the US, and at a rate over twice the average across NATO.

So, if anyone is preparing for war, it's Russia, though I think they will need quite a bit more than 4.2% to get a real party started.

 

http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:49 | 5962271 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

I love how people down arrow facts on this site. But if I post an insane conspiracy with nothing to substantiate it except wild speculation, then let the up arrows fly.

Another way to get up arrows on this site is say something nasty about Jews. That's the most popular of all. Look at HonyShogun's post below.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:52 | 5962276 farmerbraun
farmerbraun's picture

" if anyone is preparing for war, it's Russia, "

It might have been that line . It's not entirely factual.
Just a thought.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:58 | 5962290 Latina Lover
Latina Lover's picture

Hey Stupid (BraveSirRobot),  the US spends more on the Military than the next 8 ranked countries combined:

"We currently spend more on defense than the next 8 countries combined. Defense spending accounts for about 20 percent of all federal spending — nearly as much as Social Security, or the combined spending for Medicare and Medicaid. The sheer size of the defense budget suggests that it should be part of any serious effort to address America's long-term fiscal challenges. National security threats have evolved over the past 50 years, changing the nature of U.S. commitments around the world. We need a defense budget that matches these new security challenges, not the threats of the last century. We should also recognize that a strong economy is essential for providing the resources to meet future threats, and addressing our long-term structural debts will keep our economy strong. Indeed, as Admiral Mike Mullen, the past Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has said: "The single greatest threat to our national security is our debt."

http://pgpf.org/Chart-Archive/0053_defense-comparison

So who is preparing for war, USSA or Russia?

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:19 | 5962340 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

I'm sorry, but if a nation is preparing for war, it would stand to reason it would be increasing its military expenditures. In the whole NATO / Russia mix, the ONLY countries increasing their military expenditures are Russian and Estonia, and Russia is by far the one increasing it's military expenditures to the greatest extent. 

If the US were preparing for war with Russia, you would probably see a near doubling of current military expenditures. That the US spends far more than anyone else is rather irrelevant. If you plan to go to war, you increase spending. Please see what happened to the US military budget going into war with Iraq and Afghanistan, for example. 

Again NATO copuntries, with the exception of Estonia are decreasing military expenditures, so the article and its headline are simply anti-NATO garbage. If you want to make an argument, please at least try and use facts that have relevance to your point. The author of this article does not, so he complains about cost over runs at a ghastly expensive palace for military industrial complex bureacrats. 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:23 | 5962345 Latina Lover
Latina Lover's picture

The USSA is already at war with multiple nations:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_the_United_States

The only reason why the USSA is bothering the NATO countries to spend more is because we are going broke.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 04:17 | 5962636 gold-is-not-dead
gold-is-not-dead's picture

BraveSirRobin - Queen, is that you on ZH? What an honor madam, how's that child groins I've sent you, tasty?

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:39 | 5962728 Headbanger
Headbanger's picture

A major global war will start soon whether you mooks like it or not!

Because the fucking elite ALWAYS start a war when they get backed into a political corner as they are now.

And they will always find or create a villain for the sheeple to hate for their troubles instead of them

Putin is the Bad Guy now cause he's got the most nukes in the world but the elites will create another Evil One if he keeps avoiding the role.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 07:00 | 5962746 NidStyles
NidStyles's picture

You should state it clearly. The Zionists that wish to rule the world always start a war when their serf's start thinking for themselves too much for their desires.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 07:13 | 5962759 gold-is-not-dead
gold-is-not-dead's picture

The Zionist's children will be eaten when shtf! Just like they eat regular children.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 09:49 | 5963110 Arnold
Arnold's picture

Sick post.

 

 There is less chance of subsequent Trichinosis infestation however.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 04:39 | 5962649 Squid-puppets a...
Squid-puppets a-go-go's picture

Bravesirrobin, i am in the process of copying your posts and pasting them over the entries in online dictionaries under the word 'fatuous'.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 05:17 | 5962663 XuscitizenSweden
XuscitizenSweden's picture

@ B____S_____robin, meaning Bullshitter-robin

fat·u·ous (f?ch?o?o-?s) adj. Foolish or silly, especially in a smug or self-satisfied way: "an era of delicious, fatuous optimism shaped by the belief that enough good will on the part of people like ourselves could repair anything" (Shirley Abbott). thefreedictionary.com/fatuous
Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:33 | 5962359 Anusocracy
Anusocracy's picture

You are confusing pushing for war with preparing for war and your comments are nonsense. The US couldn't nearly double current military expenditures without blowing up the world economy.

The West's neocons believe they are ready for war and that they will prevail. Granted, most of it is just bluster, but that is how wars start.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 10:54 | 5963321 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

I do not get your logic. "The US couldn't nearly double current military expenditures without blowing up the world economy." Yet, the US is preparing a war that will actually and literally blow up the world economy, so in your view, the US is preparing to blow up the world economy no matter what. 

But FACTS do not support you. US AND NATO military spending is decreasing and military readiness is also decreasing. Again, look what happened after 9/11. Military spending ballooned, and the US was only at war with Iraq and Afghanistan. What do you think would happen with a war with Russia. The stuff you need to fight them is a lot more expensie than the stuff used to fight insurgents.

So you think the US leadership is so stupid it would plan a war against a nuclear power after reducing troop strength, numbers of combat aircraft, combat vessels, etc? Not even Obama is that stupid, maybe.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:20 | 5962447 Abitdodgie
Abitdodgie's picture

The differance is that Russia is spending more on it's military because they know they are going to be attacked by the biggest threat to world peace , you know that country that has invaded , Iraq ,Lybia , Afganistan , Somalia , Yemen, Syria, et al .

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 11:04 | 5963356 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

The difference which like all the others here fail to address is US and NATO military spending is decreasing, along with force levels and readiness, while Russian military spending is increasing. Russia may legitimatly dislike US and NATO, but there is no evidence they are preparing for war against Russia which is the basis of the article. And just because the US has "invaded" Yemen, which it has not (military presence does not equate to invansion which is a hostile movement of forces) does not mean they should be afraid of invasion by NATO.

In addition, the US has not invaded Lybia, Somalia, Yemen, or Syria. Lybia was bombed for undescernable reasons, Somolia has been attacked because of terrorist and pirate activity, but not invaded, Yemen was until recently, a cooperative ally taking US help to fight an internal insurgency, and Syria, perhaps some arms transfer to God knows who, but niether invasion or bombing. Facts are facts. Stop making them up.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:45 | 5962479 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

Anti NATO .. sorry that ship has sailed.. NATO is a dead duck .. irrelevant .. lived past it time .. now is nothing but a shit stirer . from the Balkans to Ukraine with a few stops in between .. Doubling US expenditures.. . spare me .. the US has the biggest military budget in the world doubling it would bankrupt us more than we already are .. they are sendin in resources to stir up the borders countries around Russia . even Gen. Wesley Clark who does not know a war he has not liked. admits that .. the US and NATO has been trying to topple Russia since the end of the Cold War . .in a thousand ways .. the Baltic states and Poland are the last 'allies' in this mess . and do not count on them for squat . any American still demanding we keep poking the RUssia bear is either delusional or suicidal. You bring up Est4onia... poor little Estonia . .the Russians do not want it . why should they . the only reason WE want it is to hem Russia in . and anyone with two functioning brain cells understands Russia is not going to put up with it ; . NOR SHOULD THEY . this coutnry AND NATO are run by lunatics..

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:46 | 5962535 TheReplacement
TheReplacement's picture

Count me out of this "we".  I want a trade deal with Russia that brings their oil/gas here in exchange for whatver.  They can have Califorinia, Detroit, and Chicago and a couple dozen other stains on the flag.   At least that gets us away from the middle east.  I'd rather have Russia as a partner than Saudi Arabia, Israel, or Turkey.

USA and Russia would be the most dynamic duo ever conceived.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 02:32 | 5962585 Urtica ferox
Urtica ferox's picture

I beg to disagree. Russia and GERMANY would be the most dynamic duo ever conceived ... and the overlords of the USSA are abso-fucking-lutely terrified of it happening. That's without even adding China to the mix. Hence the current situations in the Ukraine et al.

If a single peaceful market on the Eurasian landmass eventuates (I believe the quote is "from Lisbon to Vladivostok") then the USSA will be left out in the cold. End of story.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 18:27 | 5964283 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

No

Germany and Russia is natural

many Germans in Russia

 

 

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 04:36 | 5962646 cnmcdee
cnmcdee's picture

The elite need someone to watch YOU when global UN martial law is brought in and the nation states dissolved in exchange for a metric 10 region FEMA system we will see by 2019.. NATO as a label will go I believe but it will be worse than it is now...

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 08:33 | 5962907 Fun Facts
Fun Facts's picture

Suggested new labels:

ZATO Zionist Atlantic Terrorist Organization

TKC The Khazar Club

USB Untouchable Satanic Bastards

Slogan:

"We borrowed some folks armies for our NWO holocaust project"

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 15:45 | 5964328 angel_of_joy
angel_of_joy's picture

...NATO is a dead duck .. irrelevant

Sorry, but I have to disagree. NATO might hold little relevance as a military organisation, but it is a very relevant welfare institution. Just check how many people work as NATO bureaucrats (in various countries) and what salaries are they making (all budgetary expenses). They might be incapable of fighting a real war against Russia, but they are more than capable of scaring their own civilians into paying for their fat checks...

In other news (for your entertainment), please see below:

http://graphics.latimes.com/missile-defense/

or

http://www.foxnews.com/world/2015/04/06/from-students-to-lawmakers-easte...

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 09:33 | 5963071 Omen IV
Omen IV's picture

NATO=USA ...............everyone else is a Beard and Showtime!

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:41 | 5962377 roadlust
roadlust's picture

Don't confuse Zero Hedge's Putin propaganda for serious "arguments."   Mere facts don't exist in the universe of silly love letters to Fearless Leader V. Putin. 

Of course the truth is Putin has invaded neighboring countries repeatedly over the last decade and murdered thousands of poor innocent people valiantly trying to defend their small nations from this regional bully.  

But in ZHLand, it is NATO that is "planning" war.  (Technically true, since Putin has been actually fighting wars for years). 

While NATO "plans," Putin will have already put thousands into the ground who dared to stand up to his megalomaniac vision of a "new" Soviet Union.  

Don't forget "what fits into Russia!"  (Hint:  Lots of Fascists). 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:51 | 5962398 Anusocracy
Anusocracy's picture

Judging by your comment, I see that your dementing process is complete.

And apparently irreversible.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:49 | 5962482 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

At least he keeps it to his borders . we go and invade countries 10,000 miles away. You must not read the military blogs . .or have a clue . .this administration is slowly but surely heading towards WAR .. go look up Wesley Clark's speech at Atlantic Council . they are spelling it out for you . if you are not to fucking stupid to understand it.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 03:42 | 5962559 ebworthen
ebworthen's picture

What does that Ron Paul and his Institute know about anything anyways!

It was vital that the U.S. support a neo-Nazi putsch in Kiev, Ukraine.

That Putin attends mass at church, and defends Christians!

Never-mind that the U.S. is rolling tanks on Russia's borders!

We have too!  If we don't, who will!?!?  Germany!?!?

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 04:49 | 5962652 cnmcdee
cnmcdee's picture

The real 'biggie fear of the day' is McCain's speech to Israel telling them they need to go 'rogue' and attack Iran.  Of course the goyim despising Israel's might take the interpretation of 'rogue' to mean detonating a nuke on US soil so the US does the heavy nuking for them thinking those pesky Iranians did it..

People might not notice but Bibi and Obama hate each other with a meet at the bicycle rack mentality. Bibi would get a two for one deal out of it destroying conman Obama's legacy...

On a long enough time scale a World War is like a built up sex release - the world just has to do it and get it out of their system..

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 05:41 | 5962622 anonymice
anonymice's picture

Russia has been invaded in the past; whether it's the Poles (1612), Napoleon (1812) or Hitler (1941). Each time the invasion began in Ukraine.

In 1918 the US sent  5000 soldiers to Arkangelsk, Russia,  and 8000 soldiers to Vladivostok, Russia.  If a century later we're sending "instructors" to Ukraine, we're not fooling anyone. Our motives are clear now as they were clear then.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 15:00 | 5964181 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

you imply aggression...

please back your claim and

list the neighboring countries invaded "repeatedly"

first the "countries" and then how many repeats each...

 

maybe "invaded" is too big word for your understanding...

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 09:52 | 5963127 will ling
will ling's picture

it is prepared, and it 'll be over so quick it won't constitute a war per se.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:54 | 5962283 TheMeatTrapper
TheMeatTrapper's picture

Are you that fucking stupid? 

NATO isn't preparing for war - it is waging war. That is a fact. A fact that small minded people such as yourself wish to ignore. 

The United States had no business invading Iraq, no business killing Gadhaffi and no business overthrowing the government of Ukraine. 

We have no business defending Europe and South Korea. We had no business fighting in Vietnam, bombing Cambodia or anything else. 

We do have business defending our own borders - which the criminals in Washington refuse to do and the syncophantic FedGov bootlickers like yourself remain curiously silent about, so take your small minded, flag waving bullshit and shove it up your ass.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:16 | 5962331 acetinker
acetinker's picture

Not sure about syncophantic- other than that, carry on soldier, with all the blessings I can bestow.

Yes, this is a war.  The Russians know it.  Glazyev calls it WW4.  I believe he is right.

Acton's issue that has swept down the centuries is being fought, but most don't realize it.

As an American, born in Mogodbile Aladamnbama, the hard part is realizing that Russia just now, are the good guys.

Man!  My heart bleeds!

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:37 | 5962364 Anusocracy
Anusocracy's picture

The Soviets were the sane ones, relatively speaking.

The Evil Empire has been evil for quite a while.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:58 | 5962545 Freddie
Freddie's picture

I do not watch Obola TV and avoid NeoCon/Obala radio.  Tonight I tuned in because I was stuck in the car. John Batchelor was on.  He does book reviews with authors and they are always fantastic.

Tonight he had an Aussie prof from Western Australia who wrote a book about historical global demographics.  He said the major countries know the issues of population decline.  The global population has exploded since the 1950s but it is unsustainable.  He said 2008 was the first shot around the world.  Sort of like the Harry Dent demographics.  This Aussie fellow talked about Rome, Napoleon.  How these changes create undemocratic monsters. He talked about Obaola's decrees as well.

He said big cities will not be able support their populations.  I also wonder if this defense ship with huge radar that is useless is not a mobile HARP machine to destroy California and finish it off.

The Aussie author also pointed out that China, Russia and Germany will join together with the Silk Road to counteract these demographic changes. 

He said NATO is finished and Germany will pivot east.  It is a done deal.   He had names for each type of country.  Germany will be or is the leader of Europe.  Less desirable geograph areas like Spain, Italy, Grrece will fare poorly.  The USA and Australia will need to increase as naval powers to survive these demographic changes.  Obviously, the train system, silk road and high speed rail from Western Russia through China, Russia to Germany will not be as effected by seapower.   Russia will help power it all with their energy. 

It did not appear that Britan will fare well.

http://johnbatchelorshow.com/schedules

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:38 | 5962368 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

Too bad you have been decieved into thinking Russia are the good guys. What ever you think of the US, it does not necessarily follow that the Russians are the "good guys." Putin is corrupt fascist cleptocrat. Do they have those in the US? Yep, but that does not make Putin or the Russians the "good guys."

Your argument would be like Hitler sucks, so Stalin is the good guy. nope... ain't so.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:02 | 5962412 Anusocracy
Anusocracy's picture

I would never say Putin is a good guy. Under the current circumstances, he is definitely the much less bad guy.

If you can't see that then you are thinking emotionally and have little to offer any argumentation.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:04 | 5962496 edotabin
edotabin's picture

Fair enough.  I can go with that.

What I don't understand is why ZH and the vast majority here simply refuse to consider the fact that Putin may be another "excuse" to get things going over there. Again, it may not be true. I have no proof one way or the other but to flat out deny any possibility of this occurring and to view him as the "good guy" is a bit simplistic. I just say let's wait and see.

For me, the "nuclear alert" and installing nuclear missiles in Crimea announcements about a month ago by Putin really made me suspicious.

 

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:15 | 5962509 gonetogalt
gonetogalt's picture

Putin blames the 70 year hell of communism on the western bankers, the same bunch we ZH'rs used to rail on regurlarly.

Putin hates zionist Russian oligarchs like I hate zionist Neocons...

Putin gets it...

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:54 | 5962488 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

As oppoded to our fascist cleptocrats . WE have spread more horror worldwide the last 20 years than Russia in its wildest dreams . we have spent tirlllions of dollars to destablize countries leaving NOTHING behind but chaos death and destruction . IRAW is a case in pont .. NO one is saying PUTIN is a saint. but if he is playing games he is doing it in his sphere of influence while our plotocrats and oligarchs not only took down OUR country . they are taking down any country that gets in its way..

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:22 | 5962514 edotabin
edotabin's picture

I believe the motto is: Order out of Chaos.

I called the war in the  Middle East quite a while back. I call complete bullshit on the Iran talks.  They are being hyped to suck people in. At this point I say Iran is "in on it".

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 04:56 | 5962654 Squid-puppets a...
Squid-puppets a-go-go's picture

Bravesirrobin, I love your idea of war. I mean, if you dont beleive NATO is provoking a war with russia, then i could punch you repeatedly in the face, slightly harder each time, and if you reacted in any way whatsoever i will call you an expansionist aggressor

Because i havent increased my budget on knuckledusters appreciably. So you are the aggressor, and you have no right to be upset.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:52 | 5964149 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

incoherent

repetitive

                    wrong

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:26 | 5962352 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

"Are you that fucking stupid?"

Hmmm. Can you read? The article states in its headline that NATO is preparing for war, but gives no evidence that this is the case. My contention is that if a country is preparing for war, it increases military spending. It does not decrease it. Please show me contrary evidence to that assumption. taking that assumption, it is clear NATO military expenditures are decreasing and Russian expenditures are going up, and pretty fast. So who is preparing for war? 

You, on the other hand are equally devoid of logical expression. Everything you state happend in the PAST, when the article and my argument are looking forward.

Then you throw in ad hominum attacks but do not address anything I said. Therefore, I won, since you have no logical or factual rebuttal.

This is the state of "argument" these days. And we wonder why we are so fucked up?

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:37 | 5962365 acetinker
acetinker's picture

Yes, you are that stupid.  When an entity declares sanctions on another entity, it is war.  It cannot be anything else.

It is war, and the good guys will win.

Care to guess who the good guys are, Sir Robin?

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:41 | 5962380 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

If you are rooting for a facist cleptocrat named Putin, I truly feel sorry for you. You may hate the United States, but why are you supporting another imperial, corrupt, expansionist country?

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:04 | 5962417 acetinker
acetinker's picture

To the contrary, I love the United States.  On the other hand, I despise the 'industry' that calls itself 'banking' and lives mostly in NYC but has it's roots in London.

You can say that Putin is a corrupt oligarch, and I can't prove that untrue.  However, when he and his cohort are asked a question, they simply answer it.

Can you do the same?

Didn't think so.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:15 | 5962442 Rock On Roger
Rock On Roger's picture

Calling Putin a fascist proves you've drunk the Empire's Kool-Aid.

 

Twenty five million Russians died fighting fascism.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:00 | 5962494 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

YOu ass wipe ..we are not talking about hating the US .. do you not GET IT ./ our leaders have taken us down . taken this country you say you love down through massive malinvestment in wars without end for goals that do not exist . what exactly is our goal either in the ME or Ukraine . doubt if you know . you just think another 2 or 3 trillion on war cause WE are doing it . is fine .. talk about imperial expanionist country . where have you been the last 30 or more years . its US that have been expanding empire . and not even in our own backyard.. Brave sir robin sounds more liek a fuckign chicken hawk . and be careful whom you accuse of not loving their country . .. some of us have given more than or fair share in a thousand ways . we love our country . but we are led by LUNATICS . doubt is you will gte that . you would need massive deprogramming for a year to get through the defensive bullshit screen you put up.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 02:43 | 5962596 Urtica ferox
Urtica ferox's picture

To get a handle on "Brave Sir Robin" you need to know your "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". Spoiler alert - the term Chickenhawk does indeed sum it up.

Sat, 04/11/2015 - 02:19 | 5981472 acetinker
acetinker's picture

It' s merely a fleshwound!  Come back and fight, you coward!

He must be a king.

Why do you say that?

He hasn't got shit all over him.

But I ain't dead yet!

That kind of awesomeness in comedy hasn't been visited in decades Urtica ferox, thanks for reminding me!

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:47 | 5964127 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

That is your most simple minded post yet

You know nothing about Putin Administration

 

 

 

 

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 04:11 | 5962634 Parrotile
Parrotile's picture

Whilst "Sanctions" are not an act of war as such, the way the US has implemented these "sanctions", via the penalties they are prepared to impose on other Nations who don't do things "The US Way", is in effect an embargo, or blockade, which of course IS an Act of War.

So, Ukraine or no Ukraine, the US HAS "Declared War" on Russia by these actions, which seem to have been overlooked by the MSM, who seem to have better things to report on these days . . . .

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:41 | 5964113 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

"Therefore, I won..."

you are funnie goat

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:29 | 5962456 Miffed Microbio...
Miffed Microbiologist's picture

I can't decide what has damaged this country more. The porous borders with endless streams of illegals or the insane whacamole foreign policy promulgated by the NeoCons. This country seems hell bent on its own destruction.

When the last of the productive have been stripped all their wealth to support said foolishness, this will end badly. Some will not go quietly into the night and not all have such short memories. At some point the die will be cast.

Miffed

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:06 | 5962702 7againstThebes
7againstThebes's picture

Good post, MeatTrapper,

And oh, by the way, where was Brave Sir Robin when the Israelis attacked the Liberty and killed 33 men?

Good question.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 08:22 | 5962872 Beowulf55
Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:09 | 5962311 teslaberry
teslaberry's picture

funny, i am the first to call out nazi's on the comment boards in zh. you are a nazi troll using anti-semitism to race bait when you are clearly a paid fucking poster from some goon squad. 

 

i agree with you thayt the propoganda might work here if it is putin or anti-semitic propoganda BUT WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU KIDDING YOU PAID FUCKTARD. NATO IS MOST OBVIOUSLY DIRECTING WAR IN UKRAINE AND PREPARING FOR MORE WAR SO SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU TROLL FUCK. 

 

YOU DO PEOPLE LIKE ME A DISSERVICE, PEOPLE WHO ACTUALLY PAY ATTENTION TO NAZIS. 

 

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:28 | 5962355 acetinker
acetinker's picture

You just went full retard.  Never go full retard.


Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:48 | 5962393 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

"funny, i am the first to call out nazi's on the comment boards in zh."

Then why silence on Shogun's post, but hate towards me, your ally?

"NATO IS MOST OBVIOUSLY DIRECTING WAR IN UKRAINE AND PREPARING FOR MORE WAR SO SHUT THE FUCK UP YOU TROLL FUCK."

This is not most obvious at all. Why are military expenditures in NATO going down if they are preparing for war in Ukraine, or anywhere else? I throw a ract on the board and no one can counter it, so they call me names. What does that say? Perhaps it says you do not have a open mind willing to debate on fact and reason. And your facist tendicies to try and silence anyone who may dissagree with you by resorting to nasty name calling is something you need to examine. And writing in all caps - try not to break your key board. 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:11 | 5962503 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

NOt that you will pay attention but ..........http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/ukrainian-u-s-officials-prepare...

http://news.sky.com/story/1251250/ukraine-us-and-nato-build-up-worries-r...

http://www.rferl.org/content/balkans-see-selves-ukraine/25286891.html
l

Finally the Dutch Court of Audit has published today its preliminary findings on NATO’s budget and spending. To no surprise at all a lot of money remains unaccounted for. Without any doubt, the blood of at least 1.5 million deaths that is also on NATO’s hands has something to do with the missing money. It’s really no secret that NATO is guilty of war crimes [1, 2].
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/13/us-nato-hq-idUSBRE9AC0ST201311...\\\\
https://truthnewsinternational.wordpress.com/2014/06/10/black-hole-billi... ust like the EU’s enshrined and wide-spread fraud and corruption, the US Pentagon that has a black hole in its books that amounts to at least 25% of its spending [1, 2] – amounting to 2.3 trillion dollars in 2001 – and the UN (who even has the nerve to cut back on investigating its own fraud) whose books are also filled with at least two black holes – one from the Iraqi oil-for-food program [1, 2] and one from its dubious “peace” missions [1 , 2, 3] – so does NATO’s same pattern of missing funds perfectly document and confirm how these kinds of institutions don’t give a damn about the public that they are supposed to serve and represent.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 03:02 | 5962607 Urtica ferox
Urtica ferox's picture

Brave Sir Robin, you are deliberately using percentages to try and confuse the issue. Standard disinfo ploy. Some of us recognise what you are trying to do, but for any who don't here are some of your beloved facts ...

 

NATO spends approx 906 billion dollars on its military p.a. (minimum)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Member_states_of_NATO#Military_expenditures

 

Russia spends approx 70 billion dollars p.a.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_military_expenditures

 

Based on these figures, who looks to be preparing for war?

 

You will have to do better. Check out  How to Beat Internet Trolls | Zero Hedge to see where you can improve.  While advisable not to feed the trolls (literally, as I know you get an extra potato for every post in reply) in this case it's worth making an exception.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 05:51 | 5962683 gold-is-not-dead
gold-is-not-dead's picture

In case war happens, Russia will prevail, because they'll fight for their country not for some democracy demagogy bs.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:13 | 5962438 lesamourai
lesamourai's picture

They're not down arrowing facts, they're down arrowing you because you seem to be a moron.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:27 | 5962454 _Doomsayer
_Doomsayer's picture

Don't let these clowns get you down. Any article that has Ukraine, NATO, or RUSSIA in it draws the FSB trolls, the effeminate Putinistas, and the hate circle jock jumpers like shit draws flies.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:15 | 5962508 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

And what entity do you serve DOOM .. be carful hwere you lay the FSB brush . .you have no clue .. anyone who does not want to encourage another WAR is hardly an agent for Dr. Evil .. or Russia . some of us have been in a postion to know what the wars of choice for the USA have been about at least since the BALKANS.. you must work for Dyncorp or a troll or just stupid . hopefully you are simply a trol.. would hate to think one more America needs a map and flashlight to find his balls. DOOM.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 05:59 | 5962688 Nexus789
Nexus789's picture

People are putting down arows because you have no idea. Firstly, Russia's defence spending has indeed gone up. This is a largely as result of a need to replace old Soviet assets with less but more capable assets. Secondly, if you bother to look the Russians are 're-engineeing' their armed forces and moving to a professional force as they end consciption. This plan is in the public domain and would mean less men under arms (it is an interesting read). These are not the actions of a nation that is about to go walk about across Euope. In fact given Russia's pivot to the East they are pobebly sick of the perfidious West. Hence Putin's continual reference to 'our friends in the West'. Perhaps Putin has a vey dry sense of humour.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:35 | 5964092 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

useless talkings

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:59 | 5962288 Latina Lover
Latina Lover's picture

+10

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:12 | 5962325 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Incorrect. The movement of military assets is also seen as preparation for war. With the bloated budget of the US, you're still talking about trillions, regardless of budgetary decrease. As for Russia, they have seen an influx of neighboring nations beef up supplies and war assets in what many believe to be a push for taking them on. IF all of your neighbors started coming home with advanced weapons, you'd think about acquiring a few yourself.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:33 | 5962358 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

I agree that the movement of military assets could be precurssor to war. The article does not go there, however. As far as NATO assets moving east, there have been no substantial movements. Certainly nothing that could constitute an offensive threat to Russia. I do not see a 5,000 man ready brigade making it from Poland to Moscow, for instance. If you want to be fair, these are more likely trip wire movements meant to show support to NATO's eastern countries that have a legitimate historical fear of Russia, many having been invaded and occupied by them many times over the milinea, which drove them join NATO in the first place.

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:44 | 5962384 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

Fair enough, I agree with the 5 year time frame. I just see a collision course and no cool heads prevailing.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:51 | 5962399 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

I think a collision could indeed happen too, but I do not see NATO preparing for that poitential at the moment. Idiots could take us in a bad direction, and we have, collectively, marched a bit down that path, but really, no one is making plans to attack Russia. But, as you say, things do get out of hand with out cool heads, or smart heads.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 10:55 | 5963324 Max Steel
Max Steel's picture

YOUR BUTTHOLE IS LEAKING WAY TOO MUCH

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:02 | 5962697 Nexus789
Nexus789's picture

Only your opinion. People in European countries are not as hostile Russia as you assume. 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:15 | 5962327 Flybyknight
Flybyknight's picture

There is a few facts there. For a start Hodges and Breedlove are fuckwits.It is not their place to determine policy it is their place to act on the orders of the politicians that"control" NATO. The cost overun on their new building is a fact as is their incompetance in managing the building of their head-quarters

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:34 | 5962463 Icelandicsaga.....
Icelandicsaga...............................................'s picture

THE US IS NATO . just as the IMF is the US or the fed central banks with a few add ons. Ding bat . the US has outspent both Russia and China . they spent 5 billion by admission to topple the elected govt. of Ukraine .. you are eithre and idiot or a govt. troll.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 08:54 | 5962969 sandman.s
sandman.s's picture

You dope, that's cause we're footing the bill. 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 11:26 | 5963413 fleur de lis
fleur de lis's picture

@BraveSirRobin Who Is Not So Bright and Clearly Ill Read,

 NATO is well past its sell-by date and is seeking a reason to justify employment. It was created as a counter weight to the USSR which was itself created by the same psychopaths. Now the Russians have rid themselves of parasites so NATO has turned into a parasite. Why do you insist upon feeding parasites? Why don't you and your friends feed it with your own money instead of ripping off the rest of us?

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 09:41 | 5963080 Dr_Snooz
Dr_Snooz's picture

The West is destroying itself properly. Russia is where empires go to be mortally wounded and Afghanistan is where they go to die. NATO can't win wars already but the starving peasants keep showing up to recruiters' offices, so there's still plenty more cannon fodder to be disposed of.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:57 | 5962289 SilvertonguedAngel
SilvertonguedAngel's picture

FUCK THE ZIOCONS...TFIFY

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 03:59 | 5962626 Farqued Up
Farqued Up's picture

Cream may rise to the top, but turds float, too. I've always thought that the Joint Chiefs were mostly suckasses to get there but we now have the Pussy Purges where Homobama has chased off the mediocre in favor of the incompetent. It is a Hitlerian replay and scares no one, bullshit bluster. They all go to work with op and maintenance manuals for drones in their briefcases. Their choir leader is McStain.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:52 | 5962110 shiftless
shiftless's picture

I heard the U.S. Army is looking for a few bright new faces. Any of y'all need a job with a steady paycheck? There's even a $10,000 sign-on bonus.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:57 | 5962130 nmewn
nmewn's picture

Is that like a Obama solar energy sign-up bonus or what?

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:47 | 5962536 Kirk2NCC1701
Kirk2NCC1701's picture

What's the age limit?

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:50 | 5962111 HonkyShogun
HonkyShogun's picture

Every war is a hymie's war.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:52 | 5962116 A Lunatic
A Lunatic's picture

NATO, turning nations into shambles since 1949......

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:53 | 5962119 stant
stant's picture

They are broke so war is the only way out and keep power.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:06 | 5962308 SilvertonguedAngel
SilvertonguedAngel's picture

 

 

 

Thats what we must understand. Governments don't give up power, they take it any way they can get it and do anything they have to in order to keep it..

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:54 | 5962123 Ginsengbull
Ginsengbull's picture

It's not about the war, it's about the money.

 

They don't need war. They just like the wealth.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:55 | 5962124 nmewn
nmewn's picture

"It is time that NATO’s nations came to terms with the reality that Russia is a major international power with legitimate interests in its own region."

Exactly, thats why I'm calling for Bay of Pigs II!!!

I mean if we're gonna go all Tri-Lat, full retard Kissinger-Brzezinski descriptive, why not go all the way?

Bitchez ;-)

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:24 | 5962197 Hulk
Hulk's picture

But we cant call it bay o pigs II nmewn, that would be giving away the name of the game !!!

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:44 | 5962257 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

The how about call it the Aybay ofway Igpay II. Then no one will know.

And yes, I we are to recognize that countries have legitiate regional interests that allow them to invade their neighbors, then game on indeed. Global war free for all.

And please don'r give me crap about the US or NATO invading people. I'm not saying they should. But if you want to grant that right to Russia, then everyone gets it, too and that ain't good is my point.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:59 | 5962292 TheMeatTrapper
TheMeatTrapper's picture

And please don'r give me crap about the US or NATO invading people. 

Yes - I will give you shit about this. Why? Because it was done by taking my tax dollars from me at the point of a gun, by printing money out of thin air and sticking my young son with the bill - and now dickheads like you want to ignore it and say "don't give me shit about it" and get a free pass. 

 

Sorry asshole - there is no free pass. We did it. We brought it on ourselves and our children will pay for it. And that fucking pisses me off. 

You seem to be one of those do what I say and not what I do assholes. Sorry, the real world doesn;t work that way and it's going to suck when all this bullshit comes home to roost.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:58 | 5962409 BraveSirRobin
BraveSirRobin's picture

"Sorry asshole - there is no free pass."

So, you think every country has legitimate interests and should be allowed to invade other countries as they deem required, or not? I don't get it. You complain about the US doing it, so if they US should not, how about everyone else? 

My point is, if you grant the right of Russia to invade and meddle in other countries, then you need to grant that right to everyine else, such as the US. And the argument works both ways - grant the right to the US and everyone else gets the same right. And where does that lead us? Global war. So I do not see what problem you could possibly have with me

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:06 | 5962424 farmerbraun
farmerbraun's picture

You continue to insist that there was not an EU/US-backed coup in Ukraine.
Why?

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:43 | 5962478 DipshitMiddleCl...
DipshitMiddleClassWhiteKid's picture

Hes most likely a US gov't shill or Israeli shill.

 

They are getting desperate to change the narrative because the paradigm is changing and the US dollar is on it's last leg.

 

Once it deflates and loses value, many basket ball Americans are going to wonder where there EBT is

 

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:48 | 5962481 SquadronVBF94
SquadronVBF94's picture

Ah my Brave Sir Robin or should I say Brave Don Quixote.  But I'm sure you know you are tilting at windmills.  There are two types in abundence here;  FSB plants with only marginal skills in English and a plethora of intellectually and emotionally immature children who have been fed a decades worth of propagasnda that Christianity, Western Culture and particularly America are evil and  such poison having been fertalized with the lie that fascism, national socialism, is a product of the political right (i.e. capitalism, self determination rum amok) and that communism/international socialism, is a product of the political left (egalitarianism/altruism rum amok).  The reality is of course is that there is not a dimes worth of difference between them.  Well except perhaps that the communist are even bigger hypocrites than fascists.  I have seen greater intelectual depth and historical knowledge  in a rain puddle than I've seen in most of the commentary on ZH.  The situation has been degrading rapidly for the last 2 years or so.  That the leadership of the west has devolved into a bunch of self serving moralless bureaucrats and greedy huxters and flesh peddlers has allowed these people to envision Putin's brand of 21st century fascism into Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  Just watch how many down votes this post gathers.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:20 | 5962717 7againstThebes
7againstThebes's picture

You got down voted because your post is incoherent.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:55 | 5962737 SquadronVBF94
SquadronVBF94's picture

For coherence to appear one must possess the intellectual and emotional matureity to comprehend a knowledge oh history that spans  deeper than their own age obtained by independent research not to communist proffessors lecture hall. 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 07:15 | 5962763 Max Steel
Max Steel's picture

comment, I see that your dementing process is complete.And apparently irreversible.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 08:10 | 5962823 Arnold
Arnold's picture

Botlike,

despite the name of a short lived squad of Corsairs off of the Lex.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:24 | 5964052 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

learn spell before critic others

or just go away

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 09:17 | 5963026 StormDrain
StormDrain's picture

The situation has been degrading rapidly for the last 2 years or so. 

 

 

 

History
Member for
33 weeks 2 days
That's enough said!
Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:07 | 5962705 Nexus789
Nexus789's picture

You're funny. What about all the US empire's interventions into other countries affairs since the end of WW2. 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:21 | 5964043 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

that is some squirrelly argument...

 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 08:40 | 5962929 Beowulf55
Beowulf55's picture

"And please don'r give me crap about the US or NATO invading people. I'm not saying they should. But if you want to grant that right to Russia, then everyone gets it, too and that ain't good is my point."

Oh that's right Robin Red Breast....only the US has the right to pre-emtivily attach another country. Richard Perle layed the groundwork for the new Bush Doctrine of pre-emptive/preventive invasion of other nations whenever and wherever it pleases.  Thanks for reminding me......

http://www.globalresearch.ca/pre-emptive-invasion-and-international-law/...

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:58 | 5962127 Paveway IV
Paveway IV's picture

It was time to put a stake in the heart of that cold-war relic a decade ago. It's a colossal waste of U.S. taxpayer's money an serves no other purpose than an attempt to justify an unconstitutional and illegal war against Russia using paid proxies in Eastern Europe. NATO is and always will be an attempt by the U.S. to control Europe militarily without actually invading them. It's hard for the U.S. lackeys and stooges (Romania, Poland, Lithuania, etc.) to say 'No' when the person doling out their military welfare want's something done. 

They should announce NATO membership for what it is: ceding your nation's sovereignty to the U.S. MIC.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:11 | 5962168 25or6to4
25or6to4's picture

Paveway IV

It was time to put a stake in the heart of that cold-war relic TWO decades ago. Fixed it for you.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:32 | 5962222 Paveway IV
Paveway IV's picture

You're right. Time flies when you're being screwed a dozen other different ways. It's all a damn blur to me nowadays.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 21:58 | 5962129 Chupacabra-322
Chupacabra-322's picture

"When all else fails, they take ypu to war."
-Gerald Celente

N. orth

A. merican

T. erroist

O. rganization

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 00:48 | 5962134 tony wilson and...
tony wilson and saturn zion devils's picture

the problem is the soros zionist

transgender agenda.

western vaccines and food with

human dna,monkey virus, corn syrup and hormonal disrupters in.

soon nato will have to  fight using   psycho simpletons from poland and girls and flat footed queers from the rest of europe.

 

them russians gonna get kissed analised at best

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:02 | 5962139 Wahooo
Wahooo's picture

Bring all those soldiers home and put them to work in the solar energy industry.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 08:16 | 5962849 Arnold
Arnold's picture

Successful neutralization of small flying objects, time to scale up.

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/solar-farms-threaten-birds/

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:02 | 5962142 Let them eat iPads
Let them eat iPads's picture

It's time for Putin to settle down in a bunker and do the right thing.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:03 | 5962143 Miketheterrible
Miketheterrible's picture

Wont happen, not with Russia.  They are attempting to surround Russia to isolate it physically from the rest of the world but will may only work in Europe and not in Asia since Asia seems to be more geared towards Russia (Vietnam and China to name a few, with North Korea (not much of an ally mind you) and India) thus will only force Russia to pivot to them, which is already happening.  While in the end, US and EU will keep up the rhetoric.  But the key here isn't to destroy Russia, because they cannot and they know they cannot as the more they antagonize them, the more they are united (don't forget, Iran was sanctioned, rhetorics flew for over 30 years, and surrounded by US bases yet it still stands today), but it is to keep Europe in check.  The US wants to take control of the gas flow from Russia to Europe.  Instead of outright attacking Russia, which would end in devistation all across the board due to nukes, is that they control the pipelines to Europe, which in essence, makes Europe reliant on US and will prevent any form of a EU powerhouse because in the end, everyone wants to have the power.  Russia will simply be surrounded on its western borders with enemies, which is no biggie as the western borders will simply be built up in military terms for Russia.  No US Anti Nuke system will work, nor will their electronics in a major conflict with Russia or China, and US knows this (they are not stupid in terms of militarily).  But if anyone wants some brief history, US has not been very successful militarily, and I think they know it would be even more difficult to go up against a nation whom was a super power and still holds the second largest airforce and largest arsenal of nuclear warheads.

There is also the idea to keep up stemming up anti Russian rhetorics to keep the nations around Russia either destabilized or poor or anti Russian, to prevent Russia from obtaining these nations in groups like EEU which ultimately gives Russia more power.  But all of this seems to be backfiring as these politicians in Europe whom are rabid anti Russian (with the exception of the Baltic nations, as those nations are always rabid anti Russia) are unpopular with their people and many are already antagonized.

tl;dr

No war will break out between Russia and NATO.  It will devulge to more proxy wars between them, and NATO's ultimate goal to control Russia's energy flow to Europe.  But Europe isn't important anymore, Asia is.  So Russia has already turned to the other market.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:42 | 5962243 Paveway IV
Paveway IV's picture

"...The US wants to take control of the gas flow from Russia to Europe..."

Well, yeah... or at least to run interference for their Israeli masters for a few more years.

The only nation on earth OTHER than Russia poised to make a fortune in a EU gas monopoly is Israel. All that Leviathan gas has to get sold somewhere. If Russia already owns the European gas market, then use underhanded tactics and deceit to make it illegal or impossible for them to continue to sell gas in Europe. They even coined their own NLP phrases 'Energy Security and Energy Diversity' (= Jewish gas monopoly) for Europe.

If you don't have a monopoly and guaranteed profits, then steal some goy's market using whatever means necessary.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:40 | 5962245 ILLILLILLI
ILLILLILLI's picture

Long "drums of war"...

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:05 | 5962149 25or6to4
25or6to4's picture

"and caused collapse of Libiya into omishambles where fanatics of the barbarous Islamic State are now establishing themselves."
Ghorius, who regularly posts here, claims the Nato operation in Libiya was a resounding success and is a shinig example of the good Nato can do.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:14 | 5962172 Peter Pan
Peter Pan's picture

I believe that it is a dangerous combination of sabre rattling and fear of attack that is driving the current song and dance by each side. The strange bit is that they all know deep down that this time round there are no real victors just victims if someone presses the wrong combination.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:12 | 5963983 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

not song and dance if you there

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:17 | 5962177 Jack Burton
Jack Burton's picture

NATO is several millions of people with steady secure good paying employment and full unlimited benefits for life, in a Europe that is beginning to wallow in austerity, and clearly is headed for a major economic and fiscal crisis, equal to or worse than the 1930 depression. The NATO forces have more people in offices across the whole European complex than they have guys with guns in barracks and on board warships. There are hundreds of thousands of well paid tech jobs dependent on NATO spending, all workers are highly paid and secure in full benefit jobs.

Given this FACT! How much fear is there that NATO will run out of missions, run out of enemies? I say LOTS OF FEAR!

To any intelligent reader, it must be obvious the huge financial stake that many millions of highly paid Europeans and Americans have at stake here. While the EU rots from within, austerity combined with illegal mass immigration makes the daily life of Eruopeans seem more and more under real threat. The fiscal crisis coming will put millions more out of work.

But in the halls of NATO headquarters, a bright and long future of high pay and massive luxury benefits are locked in and totally secure. All that is needed is some jumped up nuckle head Generals to threaten the only guy around with a military, that is Russia.

Ukraine was engineered by the USA, with it's puppet NATO. The coup allowed NATO to attack Russia via a proxy war. Now the fighting is going on, NATO can claim it's place as the only protector of 500 million scared and threatened Europeans, whose only hope to avoid Russian invasion os the bullwark of defensive NATO.

The proxy war will be fueled to white hot this summer, as NATO trained and armed Ukrainian soldiers make another go and cleansing Eastern Ukraine of all Junta opponents. NATO knows this will fail, and that is all the better. For NATO can use corporate media to scream and whine. NATO will spend billions more on arms and build up army divisions and air forces on Russian borders. Then send their Kiev army into attack again, hoping to bait Russia into moving into East Ukraine, where upon NATO will flood into West Ukraine on a rescue mission. Once occupied by NATO, Ukraine will operate as an active front line military base as NATO tries other Coups and Terrorist Attacks to push Russia further.

The author above is right about one thing. He said Russia is preparing for a real full scale war within 4-5 years. In fact, they are. They have concluded that NATO will attack and Russia will be forced to fight. One way or the other, NATO will force Russia into a war. So YES, Russia is preparing on the basis of War within 3-6 years. Most likely a proxy war at first, using the Baltics or Sweden in some prestext using a false flag. Once war between Swden or the Baltics is under way, NATO has treaty rights to join in.

Why does the west want to risk full scale war? Because total economic collapse and depression is coming. Dollar hegemony is under threat, if the $ falls, then world war three will start the next day. The USA stakes everything on dollar hegemony, it is the only way to afford the empire, without it, we have no money to spend on the military and welfare.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:34 | 5962223 fudge
fudge's picture

So YES, Russia is preparing on the basis of War within 3-6 years

Russia and partners are preparing for a war that has already started, it started 12 months ago. They only wait now for the first causalities on Russian soil, once that happens EU will feel great pain. The DUMA will ensure that Putin reacts with appropriate force, Putin cannot disobey DUMA and remain in his position, the hawks are strong.

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:11 | 5962303 Latina Lover
Latina Lover's picture

Jack Burton, this is one of your best posts, a classic.  Most commentators don't get that NATO employees receive very high, tax free salaries for doing absolutely fuck all. As long as there is 'woar', these despicable parasites continue to enjoy job security, bleeding the EU. 

Despite the pollution by Ukie trolls, the ZH comment threads are still worth reading, due to clear thinkers like yourself. In fact, I like the Trolls , despite their rankling mediocrity, since I get to watch  Stooge turn them into soap.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:20 | 5962341 old naughty
old naughty's picture

ditto.

Thanks for sharing, JB.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:10 | 5962709 Nexus789
Nexus789's picture

The DUMA has already, I believe, given Putin authority to respond to any attack Russia.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:34 | 5962229 rockface
rockface's picture

Haven't seen much austerity...

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:41 | 5962247 Miketheterrible
Miketheterrible's picture

I don't think that will happen.  What I think will happen is Russia will have troops in eastern Ukraine, in a much more sizeable force, than NATO can in western Ukraine in a much shorter time (since western military district has 40K troops and that is just what is available in short term, in long term, a lot more).  So Ukraine will end up back to what it once was, a split country.  Eastern Ukraine will end up as a Russian vassal and Western a Polish vassale.  It wont change much but US will have a heck of a lot more control over Western Ukraine and its energy, and then the flow of energy to Europe.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:59 | 5962291 Paveway IV
Paveway IV's picture

"...Eastern Ukraine will end up as a Russian vassal..."

Russian vassal? They'll have jobs and pensions and electricity and won't have to answer to neo-NAZIs in Kiev. If by 'vassal you mean they can legally use the Russian language in state affairs and watch Russian-language television, then they could probalby care less what you call them. Russia and Putin have no - zero - intention of EVER annexing Eastern Ukraine and have said so many times. 

"...and Western a Polish vassale..."

Poland is already a shameless vassal to the U.S. - as such, they can't lord over anyone else. That's exactly what the U.S. intended when it killed their top political and military leaders - leaders who were not so quick to sell out Poland to U.S. interests. They were quickly replaced with dual-citizen-approved U.S. lapdogs.

Kiev Ukraine is clearly a vassal to the U.S. as long as the current government can remain in power. Ukraine and Poland will have to settle for being co-vassals, each living on their knees and fighting each other for scraps dropped from their Zio-U.S. master's table. 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:12 | 5962324 Latina Lover
Latina Lover's picture

Well said.  The Poles are nothing more than butt boys for the USSA state department minions.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 06:18 | 5962713 N57Mike
N57Mike's picture

Thank you JB and LL, great comments, I have posted this may times before but a must read essential to this story..... Edgar Casey one of the greatest prophecy seekers, made this prediction about Russia over 70 years ago ... "In Russia there comes the hope of the world, not as that sometimes termed of the Communistic, of the bolshevistic; no. but freedom, freedom! That each man will live for his fellow man! The principle has been born. It will take years for it to be crystallized, but out of Russia comes again the hope of the world. Guided by what? That friendship with the nation that hath even set on its present monetary unit “In God We Trust.” (3976-29)

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 14:02 | 5963961 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

I was gonna say similar...beat me to it

pollacks come butt first...

                   and normal accept it  

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:44 | 5962383 fudge
fudge's picture

I don't think that will happen.

You should re-think your position, it will indeed happen.

Also, you're seriously under-stating the military strength, no not think in terms of 'troops' instead look at the combination of Ground, Air and Naval forces available at moments notice, do you see the big picture here ?

 > Kaliningrad [ cruise ] - Russian Border - Black Sea Fleet [cruise]<

 = devastation for Northern EU.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 01:25 | 5962516 Miketheterrible
Miketheterrible's picture

And this is the very reason why it wont happen, because I am pretty certain many in EU wont allow that to happen as there are plenty of people who are smart.  Czech Republic's people comes to mind.  If anything, maybe they (NATO) will lose much support and others simply not partaking.  As well, the fact that the world would end if Russia or USA used their nukes, is a pretty good indication that it wont happen.  I mean, it is no secret Russia was ready to sink the US ship that was in the black sea with a tactical nuke as a case of shock and awe in order to deter the US and others in actually going full out or it will be more than just a ship and its crew cooked.  But cooler heads prevailed and it didn't happen.

 

I was also referring to troops readily available in western region to easily walk on over to eastern Ukraine.  There is of course the troops in Crimea now and not to mention southern district can easily be moved through the black sea fleet from Sochi through to the Azov sea.

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 05:18 | 5962665 fudge
fudge's picture

because I am pretty certain many in EU wont allow that to happen as there are plenty of people who are smart.

Sure there are cool heads, but I see none in the 'right' places, the last chance to avoid confrontation is Minsk II and that is almost certain now to fail. We are at the crossroad, if Germans and French don't revolt against US push for more action EU is in big troulbe.

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:01 | 5962297 TheMeatTrapper
TheMeatTrapper's picture

Jack Burton is one of the few commenters left here worth reading. I consistently find myself in agreement with his thoughts. 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:16 | 5962332 Paveway IV
Paveway IV's picture

He's a CIA plant, just like me. In fact, his cubicle is across the aisle and down a bit from mine, but he's like a GS-14. He sneaks in early and always gets the first cup of coffee from the big coffee maker. The first 'golden' cup has like twice the caffine and half of the bitter oils. It should be treasured and shared among colleagues equally, not HOARDED by the crafty, early-arriving Burton.

Yes, Jack - us bitter, low-octane java plebes are on to you. Where's your CIA mousepad, huh? Isn't this like the third one you lost this month? What do you figure is happening to those damn things? [snicker]

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:37 | 5962366 IridiumRebel
IridiumRebel's picture

I'm bringing donuts tomorrow boys....

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 23:50 | 5962397 Atomizer
Atomizer's picture

Jack Burton nails it again. Bravo my friend 

Mon, 04/06/2015 - 13:54 | 5963927 Volkodav
Volkodav's picture

Yes  its like that...

and more dead Ukrainians, doesn't matter from either side of fight or innocents is main...

makes possession take over easier

Kiev already sells land that does not belong to them, but locals

 

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:38 | 5962208 BadDog
BadDog's picture

The Czeh Republic President has banned the U.S. ambassador from Prague Castle. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/czechrepublic/11517662/...

Put this together along with close U.S. allies joining the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and it's pretty clear that the U.S. is losing clout across the board.  So, the U.S. is in a race for time in getting WWIII in full swing before the dollar, and by extension the country collapses.

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:30 | 5962213 Chad_the_short_...
Chad_the_short_seller's picture

This smells like racism

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:33 | 5962224 Victory_Garden
Victory_Garden's picture

Woar?

What's it good for??

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX7V6FAoTLc

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:35 | 5962230 q99x2
q99x2's picture

Arrest the neocons and redistribute their stolen assets. Wait a minute. Who did you say was going to save us from NATO?

Sun, 04/05/2015 - 22:35 | 5962231 JoJoJo
JoJoJo's picture

NATO ran out of missions years ago so it  needs some busy or make do work. No commies (except for American  socialists) left so threaten Russia.

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