Untimely Thoughts

12 February, 2010, 12:13

What's all the complaining about the man just because he makes his position known. Yeah we expect an interview host to be neutral but take a look at Fox News and see how biased the presenters are and dare anyone try to get an opposing point across without being ridiculed and slandered.

Peter Lavelle is a man who speaks his own mind but still entertains any argument even if he doesn't necessarily agree with it an this is the hallmark of true an transparent hosting.

Yes he shoots from the hip from time to time but that is what makes his style unique and addictive to most viewers.

I've only been watching RT for about 3 months now and see a whole new perspective but they are going to have to stay true to their stance on being non biased and remain independent from political bias etc or they will become just another sellout like the rest of the world's private commercial or state sponsored media.

The power of true media lies in its independence and freedom of expression.

02 December, 2009, 15:31

The lens by which both the United States and Russia view the word is distorted. Distorted by way of the separate experiences both nations encountered in identical events. Take for example, “Socialism With a Human Face”. The Prague Spring of 1968 brought hope that a socialist society could exist in The Warsaw Pack. All that would be required was a functioning “Bill of Rights”. The “Czech” society would continue with its socialist plan while encouraging the western nations to buy “Czech” products. In simple terms this was unacceptable and Warsaw Pack came in to establish order. In the end candles were lit and a dream came cashing down to an end.
Chile is no different. An election is held and a divided parliament and divided electorate brings about the first freely elected Marxist president. His numbers would be close to Bill Clinton’s numbers in 1991.America and American business interests are not amused as nationalization of the economy takes hold. Many of the things Allende would do to save his country’s economy President Nixon would employ to fight off “The Arab Oil Embargo”. Chile is just a chess piece in a global game that brings about the Yom Kipper War, and the World steps up to the edge of “Mutually Assured Destruction”. Allende is over thrown. People are rounded up and shot, exiled or are made to go away.
I have often wondered what it is that makes socialism or better yet socialized capitalism that makes people so afraid. It will be awhile before things really change. For now the policy of looking out for ones own best interests seems to be at play.

12 November, 2009, 16:03

Listened to Medvedev's speech...
It is good for Russia that it has a young, smart, honest, vigorous, and ambitious leader. I hope, Medvedev would be able to change something and make the country being more attractive place to live and work. But, oh, boy -- how many times I have already heard similar speeches. How many times such inspirational voices blasted from the Kremlin, echoed across the country and then... peacefully died never being turned to the long term actions and not producing any long lasting results...

Though, -- comparing Medvedev and Obama -- I think, that the situation is little bit better for Medvedev. Firstly, Medvedev has a more coherent country -- the environment where he could find more support from the vast majority of Russians. Secondly, the goals are more clear (though, not easy to achieve). I would reiterate them in the simple way -- to catch up with US. At least, this is how I derived them from the speech. So, if Medvedev sets up prover forces, then he may have good chances to succeed. Partially. Though, that would require an incredible efforts from all Russians. Probably, comparable with those made by the young Soviet Russia.

Obama, from the other hand, is being kicked from all direction. And the line of kickers getting longer. (I guess, Peter, has recently joined that line as well. :-)). This is Obama's first problem. Second problem -- it is much more difficult for the US to set up the goals. Being on frontiers of human civilization, you have to determine your next move by yourself. There is no one around to copy it from. And as such, there is a big chance what you may miscalculate your steps and fail. Like the Soviet Union did. The country made a great effort to move the humanity to the next step of the social and technological progress, influenced the whole world and reshaped it. But, being ahead of others it exhausted itself, lost, and, finally, bitten the dust. And never was accordingly credited and appreciated by those who currently uses those principles and ideas born during that dramatic Communist experiment.

10 November, 2009, 13:53

Peter,

I am tired. Much older than my years.

Gene

10 November, 2009, 01:58

While I tend to agree somewhat with Robert Walters and Kierkegaard, I must say that Peter's Crosstalk show is very well done. I watch all that I can and the discussion is usually on a high level and covers some topics that I don't hear in the USA, or don't get the same perspective. Yes, you can tell his opinions on most subjects, but so what. The Crosstalk program is on a higher level that his blog... that tends to bait people to bring out USA bashing.

09 November, 2009, 18:58

Getting back to Peter's blog. In which way this blog departs from the Russian point of view, or author's percieved Russian interests? This is, clearly, an oppinion. But it is not about US, but about Russia's perception of how US change/lack thereof in foreign policy might impact Russia's national interests. Hence, RTV.

Such views, and the resulting free and uncensored discussion, are valuable to all those that seek to learn and understand. Knowing full well that there is no single springwell of "truth", and that there are many springwells of interests.

If we cannot appreciate such different points of view, then we are all in the need of a hearing aid.

09 November, 2009, 10:52

I have to laugh when I scan through some of the comments - and indeed the more recent main articles on this blog. Of course it is good to get an "alternative" view of US foreign policy, US/Russia relations, etc, , off the wall though it might be. But kierkegaard is absolutely right: those of us who look to RT for enlightenment or even debate about Russia are often disappointed. But it is hardly surprising: RT's mission statement is unashamedly to advance a positive image of Russia to the west. And there is nothing wrong with that per se. Unfortunately part of that positive image would include being more open about the problems that the country faces, and less deferential to the monolithic enigma that is Russia's ruling elite.
Frankly, America bores me. Russia is a far more interesting country in my opinion, and it would be nice occasionally to have a forum for debate which didn't reflect everything back onto the good old US of A.

Please??

09 November, 2009, 08:50

@ Aleksandar Hranov

Exactly, the Opel thing is another example of USA's cold war mentality. They cannot afford Opel anymore, the workers don't want GM anymore, but they will run Opel to the ground before they sell it to those Russians. Obama has failed period.

09 November, 2009, 07:44

Hi Peter,
Your comment:
"I had hoped for a new American approach toward Russia. It hasn’t really happened. Operation “re-set button” was a public relations ploy – and a cheap one at that. Nothing has really changed. When Hillary Clinton was in Moscow she couldn’t refrain from the usual Washington lecturing on how it was a pity Russians aren’t like Americans – as if America is a beacon of human rights with Gitmo still open and “processing” suspects".
America as well as Britian are still practising the CNN Effect. This Deplomacy, Freedom of the Press, Human Rights, The American way of doing things is part of " Devide and Conquer" strategy.
Why Clinton and the British are allowed into Russia is beyond my comprehention. Remember Mr Putin saying "Russia is Russia - Leave us alone and we will leave you alone" but they do not listen.
Also and this may sound off the wall, Kentucky and MacDonnalds are not fast food outlets, they are part of the American Indoctrination process.

09 November, 2009, 07:18

Hi Robert@ Robert Walters,
I agree,

"I think RT is one of the best forums available, try BBC, CNN or Aljazeera"
BBC, SKY, CNN and Aljszeera are American and British "Disinformation and Propoganda" networks. From what I see, they are controlled by the CIA and the MI5.
Peter's comments are factual.

07 November, 2009, 10:13

@ Robert Walters

I think RT is one of the best forums available, try BBC, CNN or Aljazeera forums and move beyond the engineered hate speech to real probing questions, it doesn’t get onto the forum, its so censored I couldn’t be bothered with them anymore, they present a single face, and don’t allow deviation, its simply not real news.
I read RT because it does allow for debate.

Peter has just started cross talk, give him a break, besides I like RT’s style, the reporter is allowed to ask that dumb question (that we were all thinking anyway) and its not this safe reading from a pre-prepared “marketing a cause” script you see on CNN.

@ kierkegaard

Bianca is one incredibly knowledgeable person and sometimes I think she is Leon Panetta’s boss, what she seems to know, I’ve never read anywhere.
But yes I agree with you, its hard to buy the Russia versus USA stuff when every country in the world seems to be divided, even the face of RT is half American, so one does get a sense that what is really going down is “beyond sovereignty”.

I get a real sense that there are two power poles battling it out and that both Russia and the USA are merely jokers in the pack of cards.
I think the only difference is that Russia is strategically situated and is open to attack from either power pole, not to beat evil Russians as depicted by CNN, but to win at a bigger game, which makes Russian governance ever more challenging.
I think the USA is in survival mode and swinging between the poles, it can’t seem to decide which side it is on.

I’m not sure if a new order is taking out some tyrants, or the old order tyrants are just rearranging the world, like you, I wish someone would whisper in my ear.
If it’s the first case, then I’m an eager soldier, if it’s the second case, I want to build a space rocket and take the good people left, to another planet, this one is poisoned.

I think intelligent people in general are becoming apathetic because they have realized as JohnX always says that this is really a proxy war, and the real poles of power are clandestine.
I think lethargy is setting in with normal people like myself because it doesn’t feel like my war, after all, I cant even figure out who the good guys are, if any.
Bianca is up in the strategic stratosphere, but what everyone is asking is “why”.

It’s a good question, Peters article seems to indicate that the USA is swinging between the power poles again, selling out, and my question is just what does happen exactly when “patience runs out”.

07 November, 2009, 08:22

kierkegaard wrote (about foreign policy makers): " In, say, the US, you know the cast of characters". Or, do you? You know only tip of the iceberg -- the "representatives". And, by the way, those representatives may have very little in common with those whom they represent and who put them at front line. Most probably they are used just as decoration or avatars or those "fat and ugly" who are really in charge. Just to fool you. And to cover their dirty games by destructing your attention from them.

I hardly believe that you know well those in the US who are cooking policies and determine the course of the American political ship. For that matter, I really do not understand why people in the US are so paranoid about Putin. He is not a superman. He doesn't control Russia. He is also a representative. So, Medvedev. They were put in the Office by the same group of "black Cardinals". Bankers. So, kierkegaard, if you, really, want to understand who is running the country and the country's political mechanics, the last place you should be focused on -- the Kremlin itself. Read Russian financial news and bulletins of jail/prison traffic. And learn to read news between the lines. The primary information is in there. Learn to distinguish important stuff from masquerading.
-------
Holmes and Watson went camping. In the middle of the night Holmes wakes up his friend and asks: "Tell me, Watson, what does this starry sky tells you?" -- "Well, it tells me that the weather is going to be nice in the morning" -- "And to me it tells that someone has stolen our bloody tent!".

06 November, 2009, 20:26

@Kierkegaard,

I see what you mean now. In fact, come to think of it, I see a lots more of Russian movers and shakers and policy people being interviewed on RTV, but I do not always see them on the web site! This may explain why I did not think of it. I'll do some more checking of the website for those interviews.

06 November, 2009, 19:14

“Operation “re-set button” was a public relations ploy – and a cheap one at that. Nothing has really changed.”
I say ‘nothing has changed at all’ Peter.

How do you like the Opel story that just came out?
Yes, the cold war is so over.. 

When I was playing football (“soccer” dear Americans) I was told to look at the ball, and to ingore the oponent’s legs and body language. I think the same can be applied to politics, or put otherwise:
“Actions speak louder than words.”

Now, do I believe a real change (not the Obama type) can happen? Yes, I do. I know, must be this naive Eastern gene, but I actually think there is a slight chance. How?
One way is that somebody who speaks what he thinks gets elected in the US. Somebody honest to be more exact: somebody like Ron Paul.. let’s say in 2012. It promises to be interesting.
The other way is that we’re faced with “some outside, universal threat.. .” Or was Reagan just too old and talking nonsence?..

And that “..universal threat..” does not have to be necessarily an exotic one. We have a few very real, very earthly, very urgent and quite unavoidable ones it seems: for example ‘global climate change.’ Yes, the term has gradually replaced the more friendly ‘global warming’, but in fact to reflect reality it has to be ‘global climate nightmare.’
Time will show.

It’s just too bad we need to suffer in order to become human.



BR
Aleks

06 November, 2009, 14:49

JohnX and Bianca,

Good points, but my critique is that I am not getting enough news about Russia. It's nice that Peter is willing to critique his own country, about which I am sure he knows a great deal. But I would like to know who the major decision makers are when it comes to Russian foreign policy. That's the only reason why I might read a Russia-focused news site. In, say, the US, you know the cast of characters. But Russia? Who are the policy makers in Russia? Has Peter, or anyone else on this site, produced critical commentary of Russian foreign policy debates?
You see, we are talking about Clinton and Obama. But what about Lavrov and Putin and Medvedev? JohnX provides good analysis of the Western "Illuminati," but who are the key players in the Russian "Illuminati." Or should we just believe that Putin controls everything because he is just so wise (and in great shape!)

06 November, 2009, 10:03

Obama's failure has never been so clear as it was yesterday. The Palestinian President, Abbas will not run for re-election even though he would have won by a large margin with Hamas not participating. The Palestinians had placed all their faith and hope in Obama and he has left them frustrated, disillusioned and at a total loss. I blame Abbas for this, he must know that the international community cannot help. South Africa freed herself, and Palestine must also free herself. You cannot rely on America, they will never change their foreign policies.

05 November, 2009, 23:21

In regards to Obama goes things have gotten tens time worse under his administration with a push in western backed terrorism into Eurasia sphere Russia, Central Asia and China, more bases and NATO military presence in Europe against Russia which they are rehearsing war strategy and Afghanistan which they are using as a front with the excuse of fighting the Taliban against Russia as well as studying Russian army capacity in Britain and the US and increase in military budget.

Points of which I referenced Eugenes Friendly Fire blog.


http://www.russiatoday.ru/About_Us/Blogs/Friendly_Fire/agent-provocateur.html

@Kierkegaard

What about Russia's foreign policy as I can tell apart from a defensive US/NATO proxy war against Georgian satellite state Medvedev although he should have done it sooner in my opinion has been negotiating oil and gas and trade deals with Africa, Latin America Central Asia and China unlike or Islamic terrorist sponsoring/organised crime, colonial war driven British foreign policy which is just the same as EU, NATO and the US because they and controlled by that special 2% minority.

05 November, 2009, 22:40

@Robert Walters.

I have not seen the interview, but on the strenght of your comments, I would really like to know what is it that you find so appaling. For example, what were in your oppinion the most appalling misrepresentations of facts, or absence of facts? Why did it sound so lacking in objectivity to you? I am aware of the lack of information on the subject in the West, but your comments lead me to believe that you are well informed, and that in your oppinion, facts were misrepresented. I would really appreciate any information you can offer.

(In the meantime, I will try to find the program)

05 November, 2009, 20:25

Kierkegaard,

I have not yet seen a US TV Channel that featurs an honest to goodness critique of US foreign policy. Any "critique" that I see (and I have to put it in quotes), is really a wishy-washy analysis that tends to obscure the facts, rather then enlighten the viewer with information. Typically, data that "does not fit" is not ever mentioned. Available data is so twisted, that it is hard to separate fact from the wishfull thinking.

I am not suggesting that I have no criticism on RTVs journalism and the quality of analytical work. On occassions, I have sent scolding remarks when the inadequacy of an interviewer botches up a potentially good interview. I have criticized some analysist for jumping to conclusions, behaving as if they are talking from the first hand knowledge, and generally lacking the data. In today's world, when information is available from reputable sources worldwide --- especially reputable analysts and commentators with longstanding careers in their fields of endeavor --- there is no excuse being unprepared.

But these are mistakes I can forgive. This is just a question of time, and better adjustment to RTV core mission. At times, the enertainment value is given more weight then is warranted. There is perhaps too much emphasis on youth, making some of the interviewers look not just inadequate, but a certifyable airheads!

One can have many a criticism. But, it is still the most open media when it comes to getting the news. There is no "filtering" of news, such as I see in Western TV and print media. World news that goes contrary to the US mantra, is many times not reported at all, or if it is, briefly, erroneously and in a ridiculous context. How many times have I seen that?

Straight forward commenting, as here on this web site --- is rare.

I have to defend Peter's style. He is a professional with a well honed skills that provoke discussion. You will probably like his style --- or dislike --- but you will not remain indifferent.

But what I detect in RTV is something that entirely lacks in US and other Western media. It is optimism. No matter how complicated the relationships are, no matter how ridiculous the cold war mentality still permeates the thinking in the West, Russian media as a whole exudes optimism. Evan when there is so little to be positive about --- one feels that the doors are always open. Even amidst the hostility towards Russian anything, and even when downcast and despondent --- Russian thinking seem to always search for the rainbow.

What bothers me in mainstream Western media? Smuggness. There is always an air of condescending tone, phrase or the choice of word. It is almost as if their word is the last, the supreme knowledge and judgement upon any form of life on this planet.

That is called Hubris. And it is not Russia nor any other country, religion or creed that will bring the inevitable Nemesis to stalk the land. Because Hubris generates its own Nemesis, out of the thousands and thousands of big and small self-deceptions.

However, outside of mainstream media, there is an ever increasing pool of high-quality analysis, research and reporting. Their influence is unfortunatelly marginal in the US. It is more then ironic to find out about these authors in mostly foreign, non-Western media.

05 November, 2009, 16:20

Sorry Peter I can not agree that Russia-US relations are better. Russia is making to many concessions and getting nothing in return. There is much publicity, and praise given to Obama concerning the withdrawal of the planned missile shield, However Russia is ignoring at its peril the fact that Poland is hosting a Patriot surface-to-air missiles, which the United States claimed would be a dummy varietiey, Poland has stated the missiles will be combat-ready. Poland is now having US troops stationed in Poland to "re-train" its army. Also lets not forget the SM-3 mobile missile system, which is to be placed in Poland, Czech Republic "may be" in Ukraine, no doubt will also be in Afghanistan as US will remain there for decades, and despite denials at present also Georgia, and lets not forget Balric States. Russia will find itself surrounded. One can not dismiss the feeling that the CIA with its Polish allies will invent an excuse to strike

21 December, 2009, 10:13

Hi,it's completely agree with this article.

15 November, 2009, 16:19

@ Bianca,

I completely agree and hope that the world will become a better place.

31 October, 2009, 15:55

Okay Peter,

I have been given WAY too much air time on your blog. It is time for johnx or Bianca to chime in. I will shut up for the rest of the day. Our creator gave us one mouth, and TWO EARS. To me that means listen more than you talk.

Your friend,
Gene H., San Francisco

31 October, 2009, 15:42

Peter,

Now the American press is talking about "Power Sharing" before the Afghanistan election. What a FARCE. Let's get the HELL out of that country. How long will it take for the United States to learn from Russia's lesson?...THAT COUNTRY CANNOT BE OCCUPIED BY A FOREIGN POWER. Let them work it out themselves.

Gene H., San Francisco

31 October, 2009, 13:01

Peter,

George Bush and Dick Cheney stole the election from the American people in 2000 and 2004. They tried to turn the United States into a NAZI regime. They failed, but they came VERY close to succeeding. Believe me, I am watching this new administration closely. I think Obama is a good guy. So is Medvedev. (In my humble opinion)

Gene H., San Francisco

31 October, 2009, 12:00

Peter,

I am not afraid to confront the police. I was arrested FIVE times in2005, taken away in handcuffs. One time, I was stripped naked and thrown on the floor of a Police station. No charges were ever filed against me. Hilariously, that was during the Bush/Cheney regime. They did not know who they were messing with. I love the transparency of Obama.

Gene H., San Francisco

31 October, 2009, 11:41

Peter,

You are a friend. But I will say to johnx, come to my country, come to San Francisco. You will be ridiculed, you will be made fun of, you will be called a "San Francisco Liberal" as an insult. I love it. Bring it on you Republican narrow minded beeoches. It takes a man to stand up to the power. Boris Yeltsin is one of my true original heroes.

Gene H., San Francisco

31 October, 2009, 10:40

Hi Peter,

Here is an example of how we do Halloween in San Francisco.

I got off the "underground" train yesterday. I confronted three cops. I said, "Great outfits! They almost look real.". They laughed and one of them said, "You are the FIRST one all day who had the balls to say that". We all laugh at each other on Halloween.

Gene H., San Francisco

31 October, 2009, 09:40

Opie Taylor Lives (From the Andy Griffith Show)

I was walking the WILD AND CRAZY streets of San Francisco tonight. I asked people what they thought of my "Opie Taylor" Halloween costume. They said "Dude, that is righteous, great costume". Funny thing was, I just went out like myself.

31 October, 2009, 06:42

Peter,

Why does johnx get more air time than me on your blog? He is obviously very smart. However, I am no dummy. He is the Yin and I am the Yang. PRINT THIS IF YOU DARE!!! HAPPY HALLOWEEN FROM THE USA.

Gene H., San Francisco

G

30 October, 2009, 23:25

@Peacekeepertwo

It’s worse than that the international Islamic forces fighting in Iraq were diverted from networks created by the CIA/MI6/BND, etc to fight in Chechnya

Just like the September the 11th hijackers, fighters were diverted to Zarqawi networks in Iraq the most famous being the UN headquarters bombing hence why they had the Nord Ost and Beslan terror attacks to bring a quick end before there network unravels by closing them down so the do not fight US lead forces in Iraq.

Nord Ost was definitely organised by MI6 and the moderate leadership as there is financial and video tape evident by Maskadov, the guy who lead the attack and Basyeav in a video date 6 months prior planning the assault and there is strong evidence that Beslan was rehearsed and organised in Bosnia under the supervision of MI6 agents and UN representative Paddy Ashdown as there was a video discovered of militants training through a known Islamic front NGO linked to Chechen terrorism of militants in the spring of 2004 in a terrorist training camp practicing setting up explosives and rehearsing hostage taking in a school gym.

“Cybercast News Service has also obtained a video that terrorism analysts say depicts an active jihad training camp in Bosnia-Herzegovina, a region previously described by analysts as an ideal gateway for terror missions into Europe.

The video, which is over four minutes in length, shows outdoor maneuvers, explosives training and training inside what appears to be a school gym. Exercises in hostage-taking are also shown.”

http://www.aina.org/news/20050817121245.htm

The original article on the CNSnews site with the link to the video (which I have) has been removed

http://www.slobodan-milosevic.org/dfasc1004.htm

US might have had foreknowledge of the attack as documents where discovered in Iraq before the assault of photos of schools in the US.
Did they also have links to the Beslan cell?

Zarwaqi himself was a Jordanian/Chechen terrorist trained in Chechen camp in Afghanistan to fight in Chechnya his cousin were a senior member of the Islamic council of Dagestan in 93.

@Kierkegaard

But Kosovo was not meant to be an independent state it was not engineered that way its purpose is essentially to be a transit point for organised crime and terrorism from Europe into Eurasia for western geo-politics not surprising that Soros and Brezinski were at the forefront of supporting policy in the Balkans

Of course the two Georgian regions were/are never truly independent either being part of Russia or Georgia/US

But there is not much risk of destabilisation coming from the two Georgian regions spreading to other parts of the Caucasus or around the world like what is happening with the Panski gorge unlike Kosovo where terrorist camps and terrorist cells and crime gangs have spread over the border into neighbouring Southern Serbia in it’s 10% Muslim population area and Macedonia as well as being the base for organised crime networks throughout Europe dominating 90% of the sex trade in London and being the prominent in Afghan drug distribution into Europe.

There is only a few countries truly independent due to there size, geographic location, population, military capacity and financial resources.

@Bogdanov

I haven’t actually read the book or even know about the author just read the article.

30 October, 2009, 11:17

Hillary was upset that Mr. Putin didn't bother to meet her. Even the South African President didn't want to meet her, she had to chase him around the country.
She needs to act her age, very immature woman.

29 October, 2009, 15:42

johnx.
I am not very familiar with the work of V.Erofeyev. I heard about him before, read little bit. He is definitely good, but Russia has plenty of other pretty talented writers. I think this is the Russian language which gives this opportunity for many Russians. As Erofeyev himself wrote: "I cannot understand those writers who left the country. Russia -- the paradise for writers. But, I have hard time to understand those readers who decided to stay here. Russia -- the hell for readers".

Anyway, I read your post and decided to learn little bit more about the guy and his work. Specifically, I read "Encyclopedia of the Russian Soul". I think it is fine writing. And I couldn't find anything there which would show Erofeyev as being anti-Russian. Yes, he is very critical of Russia and its inhabitants. Russia and Russians are presented in the satirical and often exaggerated (generalized) way. But, he is far from being alone in this genre. Many famous Russian writers did the same. Including Pushkin, L.Tolstoy, Gogol. It seems, Erofeyev himself was influenced pretty much by very famous F. Dostoevsky.

Actually, I found that this his writing is pretty funny in many places. Though, you should read it in Russian, know the author's biography (why he is writing in certain way), and the context (space-time of Russian reality) very well. By the way, the context is always very important in any Russian literature. And take in account, that he generalizes Russian character from his local point of view. Otherwise, the whole thing may look disturbing and ugly. And misunderstood.

There is a difference in the relationship between the word and the cultures, say, in the USA and Russia. This difference -- the level of trust to the press in the respective countries. There are certain definite newspapers and magazines in the United States that people trust. Russians, from the other hand, get used to avoid taking written and spoken words too literally.

Relationships between Russia and Russians, who had chance to live abroad for some time (like Erofeyev) are pretty complex. Russians are like sailors. They could not stay on land for a long time -- the sea calls them. But, once they are on the ship, they start dreaming about the land. So, they never have internal piece. Or as Erofeyev says about immigrants: "Russia cannot be forgotten. Everything is wrong there. And not just wrong, but miraculously wrong... But, Russian immigration never fits in other country's reality. Everybody complains. Nostalgia is killing them. But, they afraid to death their mother-Russia".

Interestingly enough, but people like Erofeyev (whom I consider as truly Russian patriots) always inspired me personally for actions in my life -- to break the cage of Russian stereotypes and be free from it. They help me to look at myself and my relationships with the world in different way and see those problems which restrain me from moving forward.

28 October, 2009, 23:26

Hi Peter,

Afghanistan is quickly becoming an absolute disaster for the United States. Today's revelation that Ahmed Wali Karzai, brother of Hamid Karzai (President? of Afghanistan) has been on the CIA's payroll for years, is disgusting. I have added an excerpt about this news.

Here is the link:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/33500863/ns/world_news-the_new_york_times

Gene H., San Francisco

By Dexter Filkins, Mark Mazzetti and James Risen
updated 6:18 p.m. PT, Tues., Oct . 27, 2009

KABUL, Afghanistan - Ahmed Wali Karzai, the brother of the Afghan president and a suspected player in the country’s booming illegal opium trade, gets regular payments from the Central Intelligence Agency, and has for much of the past eight years, according to current and former American officials.

The agency pays Mr. Karzai for a variety of services, including helping to recruit an Afghan paramilitary force that operates at the C.I.A.’s direction in and around the southern city of Kandahar, Mr. Karzai’s home.

The financial ties and close working relationship between the intelligence agency and Mr. Karzai raise significant questions about America’s war strategy, which is currently under review at the White House.

28 October, 2009, 19:11

@Alann;

Thank you for kind words.

I do think at times if it is worth taking time to talk about issues that general press just skips over. Partially, many a complex issue is swept under a few, well rehearsed phrases due to the intent to deceive. More often, it is journalistic need for expediency, for reducing complexity to something they can put in a sentence. Either way, public gets a distorted view. I am starting from a premise that most readers are more then willing to learn something new. And in today's graphics driven media, information is in short supply.

In Kosovo, the deception goes much deeper then the denial of its Serbian identity. The most recent history has only put the finishing touches to a process lasting many centuries. It is just that Serbs, weakened by the Ottoman rule and the demographic and economic catastrophies of WWI, WWII and the communist rule, did not comprehend the insidious nature of their cultural erradication.

Unlike South Ossetian or Abkhazian cases that were never part of Georgia until Stalin's generosity to his native Georgia, Kosovo has always been Serbian. Under nearly five hundred years of Ottoman rule, and various war-time occupations, Serbian majority population has never been in question. And in the same time, Methohija is a significan Serbian heretage, as these were endownments of Serbian rulers and aristocracy to the Serbian Orthodox Church. Methohija, literally means "church lands". The demographic picture started to change dramatically only in WWII, as Hitler favored Albanian quzlings, against the Serbs. However, while such wartime alliances are damaging, that was nothing compared to the communist rule. For some, still not quite known reasons, communists were eager to prove that their brand of communism was better then the austere communism of Albania. All sorts of propaganda was unleashed accross the border, attracting Albanians from Albania to come over the mountains to the "promised land". And indeed, at that time, it was a land of plenty. In Kosovo, Albanians had the freedom of religion, economic advantages, generous social services and health care, not to mention that Yugoslav passport at that time allowed the holder to travel visa free to Europe! The immigration overwhelmed Serbian population. The new immigrants had little patience for Serbian complaints. Serbian churches, monasteries, farms, graveyards --- all became target under the very communist noses. They scratched their heads, wondering what happened! The trickle of Serbian exodus turned into a stream. NATO entry under the UN flag, resulted in the open ethnic cleansing of the remaining Serbs. Over 300,000 fled the violence that NATO purposefully unleashed on Serbian population to curry the favor with the Albanians.

The point that I have raised here is simple: is the mankind moving in the direction of the rule of the law, or is regressing to the laws of the jungle? One can always say that the international law has been implemented in a very spotty manner. I agree. However, there are aspects of international law that are well observed -- especially in issues of trade and transport. On the other hand, other international laws have been respected only by the weak, but not by the strong.

The history of mankind has shown a remarkable progress in the development of the rule of the law. It has never been a steady, ascending path. There were setbacks and centuries of backslide. But the progress is undeniable. The trouble is that today the countries with the most developed societal structures based on the rule of the law, are backsliding in a spectaclular way. Internally, the populace has arrogantly thrown away centuries of gains by allowing cuts in liberties at home, and gross violations of laws abrad. When the world leading countries show such disrespect of the laws --- their own or international agrements --- that bodes ill for the advancement of the culture of the rule of the law. US policy makers made a serious mistake at the end of the cold war. Instead of seizing the day to establish stronger rule of the law accross the world, they sqandered it on the assumption that by pressing their economic and military advantages, US would be better served. That is history, and cannot be reversed. With all the push by Obama administration to try to recover US leading position, it will take a miracle. Trust has been broken.

Backsliding in global affairs is where we are at. In one and only body where a semblance of consensus can be found, UN Security Council, the arrogance of the West is still the coin of the realm. But the pride comes before the fall, and the pridefull never even see their fall until well down that slide.

The question is, what will happen as the part of the word that was most instrumental in building the rule of the law in human relations, falters and looses its economic and military might? The rest of the world that was always weak on the rule of the law in their own cultures, will be left with picking up the pieces. But how will this be done, will determine the fate of mankind. If the world proceeds in the direction of fighting for the pieces of imperial hubris, we will enter a dark phase, indeed. But if the wisdom prevails, international law and order may become stronger and more credible. That would require that the international law is extended from the realm of trade and transport, into other burning issues, such as a seccession.

We can all sit and cry that the world is the way it is. But let us remember that not that long time ago, little feudal estates also fought each other over many misunderstanding, from the rights of hunt to the fate of fair maidens. Yet, many a nation overcame that state of affairs, with universal laws applicable to the nation as a whole. There is nothing to prevent the same process applying to the world as a whole. The tighter economic interdependence may force the process along.

It is very possible that the strongest nations may see this as infrigement on their freedom to do what they please. And it may well be up to others to forge a more equitable legal environment, in spite of the non-conforming nations. That may as well become a natural evolution following the crash of post-cold war order.

28 October, 2009, 13:17

Peter,
As a fighter and soldier- I admit as manipulated one- you and I are equal. Has money destroyed you, like me or are there other obstacles, which for me are irreverent. In a way I want to down grade you to my level, which is human. In the beginning of you carrier at RT I thought I met my double. What the hell has happened during the time past? I have written numerous articles in my country as Lieber Putin! What the hell is going on in the horse trading RT? Do you have a problem to voice your opinion? I’m one of those believers who want believe the gossip. Peter, I’m a media connoisseur and can evaluate your worth for RT. And therefore you are only a valuable soldier. Welcome in my world.

26 October, 2009, 19:36

@Bianca,

As always you are a real pleasure to read. The ease with which you put all things straight is mesmerising. Thank you again for it!

As for trying to explain the differences to some people on this blog between the Kosovo and Metohija and South Ossetia and Abkhazia issues, I am afraid it is pointless as it is "throwing pearls to pigs".

By the way, Kosovo in Albanian does not mean a thing, nor do the toponyms in Kosovo have their meaning in Albanian but only in Serbian. One more crucial proof that Kosovo and Metohija (the real name of Kosovo is Kosovo and Metohija) has always been and will be Serbian land regardless of the current "elephant in a china store" called the U.S. of A. and its henchmen.

26 October, 2009, 14:33

When I learned of the most recent Bombing in Baghdad Iraq, I ask who benefits from this event. I am an American, and it is painful for me to ask this question, Could the US army be Paying Insurgents to do this? There are Always people who will disregard the Human life, to increase profits. We have been lied to so many times, to us locked into never ending war. I hope the American people will wakeup. I am so discouraged by the Power large Corporations have on our Defense Dept.

26 October, 2009, 07:48

Until the parent state accepts the independence of its former territories, they will never really be legitimate, independent entities.

I believe this is true in Kosovo as much as in Abkhazia. Moscow can get a few friends to recognize their independence, and the West can do the same for Kosovo, but without Tbilisi or Belgrade's blessing, each territory has a big question mark over it.

They will remain 'disputed territories' until such status is changed. And I don't see any legitimate Georgian government (or Serbian one for that matter) changing their policy for years and years to come.

Peter and others here can call them independent states. But they are not. As independent, at the most, as Freetown Christiania.

So, let's drink to the disputed territories of Abkhazia, South Ossetia, and Kosovo. The stillborn states of the multi-polar world.

26 October, 2009, 07:41

Bianca,

The Matrix? You must be joking.

Søren

12 December, 2009, 14:19

Wrong, wrong, wrong! This is a world hostage situation! Like a game of chess! Your move, my move! Winner takes all! EXCEPT! This is not how it plays out is it?

22 October, 2009, 21:15

@ from Poland,

“Most people understand that Poland is a pawn in American strategy and will be sacrificed when time will come.” – then why do it? Are you suicidal?..
I think then “most people” should elect themselves a government in Poland that thinks like them, because from what I see the current one does not represent these “most people.” Also I agree fully with this statement above as US government has already made it quite clear that in the case of any territorial disputes between Poland and Germany (and they’re more than likely as you know..), it will stand on German side.

Further, “Most people understand..” this, simply because it’s common sense: Polish have nothing to do with Americans, but have same Slavic origins with Russians and majority of rest of E. Europeans. No matter how much you deny it, origins have everything to do with politics, and the only time when Slav people as a whole will be doing well (instead of being pawns of this or that superpower..) is when the largest one of us – Russia (half of all Slavs) – stands firmly on its feet; what Anglo-American interest is doing today is exactly the same as what the Romans were doing with very divided German people during their time: namely, sending their emissaries there to make sure there’s always some kind of conflict..to make sure the Germans were permanently in a state of war with each other for god-knows what reason – this way they had no time to turn to Rome. Look at Slav world today: Poland vs Russia, Ukraine vs Russia, Croatia vs Serbia, Serbia vs Bulgaria, Bulgaria vs Macedonia and a mild Czech Rep. vs Slovakia. I mean how long are Polish people going to play this game?..

“..- after the breakup of soviet system "the west" was just much more attractive.” – Why?.. Because it was richer? The answer is ‘Yes.’ There’s absolutely no other reason but money and the hope of some of this western money.. – too bad we proved to be so materialistic, obviously half a century of socialism/communism did not affect us much. The East (Russia) was now offering far greater freedom, but nobody was listening: Russia disintegrated the USSR and nobody else, let that be remembered! Russian led USSR disintegrated the Warsaw pact and took its troops back from all over Eastern Europe, and that’s a fact too - without Russian led initiative there would have been no freedom in E. Europe (The ones who really resisted Stalin and the USSR after WW2 were long free already – and bombed in 99 for not giving away their freedom in the face of new ultimatum). What did the Anglo-American interest do in return? Reoccupied E. Europe, this time with its own troops, organizations, and plans.

“Poland is far too small and weak to be fully independent ..”
I disagree.
Examples proving you can be small, but independent: Switzerland, Yugoslavia (1945-1990), Finland (post WW2).


BR
Aleks

20 October, 2009, 16:55

Dear johnx,

I know about Brzezinski policy - it would be very difficult to classify him as a Pole, but he is certainly more American. Most of his strategy has no real impact on Polish security and its only role is to maintain USA supremacy on the cost from other countries - which is typical for any superpower (USSR did the same). Sometimes his policy even contradicts with Polish national interests - for example Poland had very good and long relationships with Cuba, Iraq and Iran (after the Islamic revolution) but those were sacrificed and not compensated by good relations with USA. This is why I am so sensitive about not building good relations on sacrifice of someone interests - the mistakes that happened in 90s like those should not happen again - and it applies both to Russia and USA.

Maybe You don't know that but in Poland there is very small sympathy for USA itself - with the exception of families that have relatives there. Most people understand that Poland is a pawn in American strategy and will be sacrificed when time will come. This confronts with strategy of our government which must balance between voices of Russophiles, Russophobes, Americanophiles, Americanophobes and newly established Europhiles and Europhobes - You cant just appease everyone.

Dear Pauline,

Poland is far too small and weak to be fully independent - after the breakup of soviet system "the west" was just much more attractive. Even after collapse of soviet economy Russia was still a major power in the region, and both government and people didn't want to fall into Russian sphere of influence again. The decision to integrate into NATO and EU was chosen from the start - there was no debate on that. Poland as a pawn between two powerful magnets had to choose. I think that for the time it was chosen well but now with slowly emerging EU as a another magnet, priorities should be revised.

20 October, 2009, 01:30

Hello From Poland:

What I want to ask you is why can't Poland actually be independent, including from so-called "west"? If you do not want to be a buffer state, like some ball in the air between hands, then really, really be independent! Do not allow NATO to take you over! Do not allow US missiles any more than Russian ones! Etc.

P.S. I think Polish people are great and I'd love to see your culture un Russianized BUT certainly not Americanized either. Please. Just POLISH would be so nice.

19 October, 2009, 23:25

@Bangdov

Poland does not need to be nuked and it is pretty ridicule to compare the situation of Poland or the Baltic States under the USSR to what there are now where no sovereign states including Russia and based on an imperial system. Although it did have a good educational system from what I understand.

If you’re arguing based on states geography, size, population, education, industrial capacity and natural resources that there are only a few countries able to exert independent policy I would agree.

I think these include of course the US and Britain, Israel, Iran, France, Germany ( I am not so sure after all post war allied laws are still in place in there), China, India although limited due to security, population and geographic location, Russia and Japan.

I think the next super power will be JAPAN.

“It is naive for Poles/Balts to assume that they could build their life without keeping Russia in the back of their mind all the time. They always have to remember if their actions will be approved by Russia or not. If they are careless with this -- they are asking for troubles. And that is the price they have to pay for being "independent" from Russia.”

I can’t tell if you’re a Russophile or a Russophobe.

@from Poland

What about Zbignew Brezinski?

Can't just ignore the fact that he and his family clan aligned with George Soros have been in positions of power and his accomplices like his front man Khalizad who oversaw the Afghan war operation as well as establishment of the Taliban now UN ambassador directing policy against Russia for the past 3 decades from Afghanistan to the Balkans, Caucasus, Europe, India, China, etc.

Events and strategy that directly correlate what he laid out in his 97 book The Grand Chessboard.

19 October, 2009, 23:00

Bogdanov, I enjoy reading your comments, but from time to time I have to object. Just off the top of my head..:

I would think 100 times before saying some country should be nuked, no matter how stupid its government may be acting; reasons:
- Because 99.99 % of people in this country are not the government
- Because it has such horrible consequences I’m not sure I want to inflict them even on my worst enemy (Please check some documentaries on Hiroshima and Nagasaki..)
- Because these consequences are so long-lasting and so grotesque that without being religious I actually believe these ready to use them are in fact ‘evil’
- Because it’s the best way to make an eternal enemy.. if your strike is limited..
- Because if you’re so free about use of nuclear weapons I see no difference between you and people, and governments you’re so much against (and I’m with you on the role Britain, the US, Balts, Polish and some Scandinavians have chosen to play in regards to Russia..)
- Because there’s a huge, huge difference between talking of shooting somebody and actually doing it – the difference between talk and action is much greater when hundreds of thousands (to be conservative) are involved

I would reserve such weapons only for defense purposes: eg to strike back if I’m attacked first with them – we have to thank nukes for these now 64 years of relative world peace. Second, and the most positive I see in them, to use them for humanity’s common good – against external threat if one day. I’m against Obama’s recent talk of world free of nuclear weapons; it’s not the weapon that is the problem, it’s the one that chooses to use it.


BR,
Aleks

19 October, 2009, 16:45

"from Poland". You wrote: "I think now it is unique moment to rebuild good relations...". That is exactly what I am thinking about! So, at least, two of us have found common ground. :-)

19 October, 2009, 12:01

Well said Bogdanov. This is all correct but you also need to keep in mind that the polish present line is represented by the ultra stupid parties PO-PiS who unfortunately govern. At least 50% of poles do have positive opinion about Russia. The government however is stupid enough to think that once embraced by the Great Evil they are in position to create trouble for Russia. It is due to recognize the calm with which Russia is treating them despite provocations and obstacles they pose.
Poland and the Balts are the Evils’ Trojan Horses in Europe, still unable to recognize that the Great Evil cannot afford policy of confrontation and therefore has to find peace with Russia.
But the time will come.

19 October, 2009, 11:57

Hi Bogdanov,

If You check history Poland was not fully independent country 20/40/60 years ago - not in terms of military, economy, civic freedom and politics in the same spectrum as now. NATO is not the same as Warsaw Pact and EU is not Comecon. Both Poland and Baltic states should and can decide on their own what they want and pay consequences for that of course. I still didn`t read any concrete facts why Poland should deserve a nuke in the head - but assuming that You dont like our independence from Your country and prefer Poland as a CIS or RBU member, then know that Polish authorities are much concerned what Russia has to say (which for me is too paranoid). Poland didnt build nuclear power plants, because Russian goverment occused those plans as a step for building atomic weapons (sure!) and it might anger Russia. Poland does not host any NATO forces on its territory because it might anger Russia. Poland is not a member of NATO nuclear sharing program because it might anger Russia. Almost everything is taken into account from russian side much more that it is needed in my opinion - I would change policy of polish goverment in relations to Russia, but not resign from overall "go west" policy for sake of good relations if this will be the price of them.

On the other side Russia is also far too paranoid on its security and schizophrenic about its shrinking sphere of influence, which was ultimately lost after the Cold War - a fact that russian goverment wants to forget. Any kind of revival for those structures will be on the expense of those countries that are now independent. I think no nation has right in the modern world to declare any third nation a part of their sphere of interest - this includes both Russia and USA. Poland and Batlic states are not russian property or any other - those countries are on their own to decide where they want to go.

You can completely diss me as a russophobe, but I think this maybe far from truth - mostly Poles including myself have very high level of sympathy for Russians and many aspects of russian culture and great achievements of it. This was stormed by nationalist sentiments after Warsaw Pact dissolution, as those sentiments where incubated for the sake of good relations inside the soviet block not only in Poland. I dont have this kind of sentiment myself - I know that the only guarantee of having a border on Odra river was a soviet presence nearby. I know that millions RKKA troops died in Poland fighting Germans - and that without Stalin objections to Roosevelt there would be no Poland at all. Those facts are omitted because they do not fit to stereotypes, but gladly they are slowly swimming up after the tiring flood of polish messianism in the 90s.

I think now it is unique moment to rebuild good relations - Poland and Russia do not have any territorial disputes nor ambitions towards each other. Polish-russian both business and cultural exchange is going well. But those relations cannot be build healthy on the expenses from one or both sides.

19 October, 2009, 05:15

"from Poland". You are asking why Poland deserves a nuke? Because, Poles are asking for it. I wouldn't give such valuable stuff (a nuke) for free to anyone. But, I am very kind person, and my heart melts from compassion when somebody is begging very much about it...

Now, regarding "independent" Poland. It is independent now as much as it was 20, 40, 60, ... years ago. No more, no less. Let me explain you why.

Lets imagine a situation, that you are the computer nerd (not like Bill Gates, though, but relatively young and poor) and it happened that your neighbor is Mike Tyson. In this situation, the last thing you want to do in your pathetic life is to create any conditions which will disturb Mike. Say, generating noise in the middle of the night (party with other nerds), or bringing barking dogs (to protect yourself from Mike), or spitting on or trashing Mike's property, or giving him lectures about freedom and democracy. Because, what may happen next -- you may find yourself being just a wet spot on the wall of your house.

From the other hand, if your friend is Mohamed Ali, then you, probably, would have a chance to look straight in Mike's eyes. Sometimes. Or even open your mouth. But, this is only with the conditions that Ali is right behind your back and you have worked out your portion of the friendship with him. With Ali as your friend, you could afford to unload the part of your brain from constant thoughts about Mike. But then, immediately, you have to occupy it with the thoughts about Ali.

Long story short, my point is -- you are not completely free to determine your lifestyle in this world. You always have to remember about your neighbors, friends, and enemies. And the smaller you are the bigger part of your brain should be devoted for this purpose. You always have to think and remember about Mike's or Ali's opinions before you make any move and always be sure that at least one of them is happy with you. The situation is pretty much the same between Russia and Poland (By the way, Baltic States are also in the same weight category with Poland). It is naive for Poles/Balts to assume that they could build their life without keeping Russia in the back of their mind all the time. They always have to remember if their actions will be approved by Russia or not. If they are careless with this -- they are asking for troubles. And that is the price they have to pay for being "independent" from Russia.

By the way, may be you are a good guy. I don't know. I hope, though. And if so, please, convince your government to use brain when they are building their relationships with Russia. This is for your sake. Not mine. At the end, Russia is not your enemy. But, you could make it be one.

18 October, 2009, 21:39

Bogdanov, I did not say that Iran had bloody hands. I said that Americas operations in Afghanistan will be forced to come to an end. As not only US troops but all the troops from NATO. Meaning that they will have to leave as what they are doing is not sustainable. I mentioned Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran, that, the US and its allies, should keep their hands off and leave them alone.
I am very much on the side of Iran, as I see the western countries bludgeoning them with threats and sanctions over their nuclear program which has already been proved is for peaceful purposes. Iran has attacked no one, but the US and their allies have. Iraq and Afghanistan.
Iran stands in a peculiar position, with Iraq on one side and Afghanistan on the other, both under US led occupation, both unstable. The weapons Iran has managed to create for self defense also come under scrutiny by these occupying powers. It is perfectly clear that the US and its NATO allies wish to subjugate Iran politically and economically.
Concerning my statement that Mr Medvedev said quite bluntly.... This I must apologise for It was not Mr Medvedev, But Nikolay Petrushev, secretary of the Russian Security Council, in an interview with the Russian newspaper Izvestia. "Russia to broaden nuclear strike". dated 14th oct. Mr Medvedev please accept my apology. Given the strange situation Russia finds itself in with US and its NATO allies wishing to place missiles near its borders, with the missiles aimed at Russia, it is of no surprise to me that Russia gives such a response. I see Russia as a peaceful country minding its own business getting on with economic realities and not going into aggressive wars with anyone, as the US is doing.
NATO should have been disbanded years ago, when the reasons it was created for disappeared some years ago. The EU had decided to create the EU Defense Force for its defense and no more. This was cried down by Britain and the US.
In 2010 there will be a crossroads for the EU, concerning the US wars led in Iraq, Afghanistan and US led belligerence against Iran and the present wold economic situation. The EU holds huge reserves of dollars. The dollar is still plunging and it may reach the levels 1 Euro = $2. This would suffocate the EU economy. Most countries in the world are selling their dollar reserves for Euro holdings. In 2010 the EU will have to confront the US with this situation and use its economic clout to band together with other countries to make the much needed basket of currencies to repair the world economy. If not and they stay with a sinking dollar then the EU will find itself in a situation where it could disintegrate and become an appendage of the USA.
Latin America plans US dollar replacement in 2010. Nine countries have agreed on using a new intra-regional trading currency. It is called the SUCRE. It is named after Jose Antonio de Sucre who fought for Spain's independence alongside Simon Bolivar. The countries involved are, Cuba, Dominica, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Honduras, Saint Vincent, Antigua, Bolivia and Bermuda. That is according to Presstv.ir.
Bogdanov, I do enjoy your posts they are very much to the point and sometimes amusing. You are a good writer.
Starlight.

18 October, 2009, 17:23

And why do You think so Bogdanov that Poland deserves a nuke? Only because it choose to be independet from the likes of You?

17 October, 2009, 20:53

starlight.
Why makes you believe that Iran has "bloody hands"? We haven't seen any evidence of that yet? From the other hand the United States and Britain seems sinking in the blood... Also, when I am comparing speeches of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadi Nejad with many of Western top politicians, I sadly conclude that it is the Western countries (their governments) which are in the state of insanity.

You said: "Mr Medvedev has stated quite bluntly...".
It was a "cry of desperation" in the attempt to conduct the message the deaf (the West). The reason why Russians did it, because the NATO countries behave like a swarm of snakes, which from one hand seems like backing from the original plan of attack, but, at the same time, preparing for the next unexpected and poisonous strike. As I said already many times -- Americans and some Europeans are not trustworthy and Russians should stop being so naive about NATO's real intentions. Therefore, I do not agree with Medvedev, that Russians should reserve rights to use nuclear capabilities. Instead, in response to every new NATO's move in the Eastern direction, Russians should respond with installation of new nuclear-based system on the Western boarders and make those systems ready-to-combat and at any second. And not reserve rights, but, just use them if necessary. For example, Poland, clearly deserves at least one such "mushroom". May be then they wake up from that hypnosis the West put them in. They are lucky, that I am not Russian President -- they would quickly get what they are asking for.

16 October, 2009, 18:43

Peter, America's operations in Afghanistan will be forced to come to an end, and no matter who is left to rule Afghanistan. I believe it will be a bloodbath. As not only US troops but all the troops from NATO countries who are present. Not only Afghanistan but also Iraq, not withstanding, hands off Iran, leave them alone.
Recently I read a report on RT, in which Mr Medvedev has stated quite bluntly that Russia would use nuclear weapons if pushed into a corner. The present world situation combined with the world economic situation and western countries persisting in trying to bring a failed economic situation back to life, is heading to a world confrontation. Which leaves a question. Which side do you want to be on?
Having followed much of this, for a long time now, its politics and economics are leading to disaster. "You can lead a horse to water, but you'll never make him drink. You can lead a man to slaughter, but you'll never make him think."
For everyone go to http:/www.leap2020.eu/ and read GEAB No 38.

14 October, 2009, 23:27

Russia’s going East, or making some major steps in this direction if I have to be more exact – wow! It’s all over the news these days. And I also like the timing chosen: the message to the West seems to be ‘we’ve waited long enough for your good will, now you’re late and we’ve gone East.’
And not only East, but all, East, South and North, look like ways leading to the future for Russia; the West is the past. Now I believe also that going externally to the East, will help Russia do something about its own, internal, huge East – and this should be considered the most important goal I believe.
China is by far the most important country to be engaged by Russia and the relationship can be both long-lasting and mutually beneficial if done with mutual respect – I believe both sides are well capable of that; both should be however well aware of external provocations. Next, India should be brought into the same relationship with both Russia and China: here China and India have to work hard to repair some damaged trust due to China being somewhat aggressive towards India (as seeing it as its major competitor in Asia I guess..). I see these three (with China playing the central role) as coming into an almost EU type relationship in the future: with post Soviet space republics, Mongolia, Nepal, Iran, Turkey.. also joining at some stage. One desirable side effect of such scenario will be very positive influence on Pakistan and Afghanistan. But if anything like that is to happen, I think structure should be closer to that of the Suisse regions/cantons rather than to that of the EU of today.

BR
Aleks

14 October, 2009, 21:13

Good points re: Afghanistan.

14 October, 2009, 18:47

I like your programs and comment just briliant

13 October, 2009, 00:29

@007
Unfortunately I agree. I can feel this “big bang” coming with my skin now for years, and this is the main reason why I’ve come home (to my native Bulgaria); home I think is where we need to be in critical times. I could feel it even before, but what came as my final and Big wake up call was the bombing of Yugoslavia exactly 10 years ago – this is when I came to the conclusion that either sanity has left this earth or some very urgent factors were behind this aggression: either way, the ship is sinking and we ought to be thinking of our own, individual salvation. As I don’t have too much belief in our leaders’ ability to cope, arranging some small, self-sustainable farm (+other facilities) in a home region (isolation is also very necessary) seems like a good idea to me.., as you’ve suggested.

Yes, I know.., but it has also been said that when surrounded by crazy people the one that is not, in fact looks like the crazy one. I think most people on this forum know what I’m talking about, and what seems really stupid to me is to put my head in the sand just to be part of the crowd: I owe it to my kid at least not to.

What I’m afraid of? Short list is:
1.That the current economic crisis is just a hickup before the real deal..
2.The US debt.
3.A possible single terror act with a WMD that will be the end of the world as we know it (there’s more WMDs and more people ready to use them today than at any time in history..)
4.A possible real global conflict. (danger spots, created almost..on purpose, at this point in time would be: Pakistan-India, Israel-Iran, Russia-Ukraine ..)
5.Global Climate Change due to human and Natural causes (I’m afraid with consequences much exceeding what we’re ready to cope with..)
6.Geometric progression/growth of global population
7.Aggression due to ending global resources (water, food, land, oil, metals..)
8.Globalization (I’m not sure the ones promoting it realize the dangers.., just blinded by shot-term profits.. – unless short-term is all we have left..)
9. Exactly this: that when I take into consideration points 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 it seems to me everything is short-term planned these days. But Why?.. If I’m to believe in a conspiracy theory, then I’ll say our great leaders know something we don’t. If I’m more down to earth, I’ll say our great leaders are themselves setting the time bomb ready to go off in the very near future, simply by seeing just the short-term. Either way we’re cooked: this or max the next generation.

BR
Aleks

11 October, 2009, 23:16

You are correcti nyour assessment of using the Northern Alliance.

11 October, 2009, 15:03

Bogdanov, we’ve thread jumped, but I’ll just say one more thing and hopefully our leaders pick up on it, this idea of a “no/all country” global currency can be used to take the entire world green.
But my reason for wanting to do that is very different to the current bankers idea.

This “global warming” thing is also a scam, and if you research the Clean Development Mechanism, you’ll see it.
Basically the bankers print some money, do some project that is really not economically feasible, but it saves carbon.
This carbon credit saving is then priced at something like $30 dollars a ton “saved” and sold to polluting nations (the ones making the goods) who will be otherwise fined.
It doesn’t actually reduce carbon, what it is, is another siphon that sucks on developing countries, its really just another slave tax, working through a carbon credit exchange, that bankers will make a profit on.

The system itself cannot work on a global scale because those costs will simply reflect in the price of goods… zero sum game actually.

But if this technology were applied to thousands of self sustaining green villages, applying solar, biogas, etc, each of which has a small transparent democratic bank, it does many things, it takes the pressure off dwindling oil, gas and fish stock.
It allows the world to move to a one-child policy so we get back some nature and our kids see wild animals again.
But most importantly, and it’s the thing that any plan must implement, it builds communities because this is the real problem, this banking system has broken down society and even it cant run without it.

Getting people closer to nature will also create food security and reduce unemployment, and in a way its a social contract, you bankers keep the big cities, use it to drive your oil empires, but give us our planet back, and make happy people.

Its abundantly clear that this system cant look after its people now, but its also abundantly clear that its breeding “bankers”, a whole generation of lost souls.
When I read this thread, Afghanistan is as clear as mud, if they said that Obama’s generals were smoking the poppies, I’d get more of a Eureka, but what worries me more is that highly intelligent people are saying, “if we pay those guys to kill those guys, we win”, carry on with that thought, soon your suburb will also be a chess pawn in this bankers game.

I think that even after the war these bankers create, its still not going to work, the only thing I’m sure of is that the world is now fighting the wrong war.
Here’s my prediction, if they start this war, the terrorism veil will come down, the system will unravel completely, billions of people will start starving everywhere, and they’ll have to have another war, and another war… like Einstein said, the war after this one will be fought with sticks and stones.

And that’s my final word… probably a good idea to get a job on a farm now because I cant see any good coming out of where this world is going.

If there are any sane leaders out there, don’t let the bankers do this… fix it.