U.S. military planes take to Russian skies
Published: 07 September, 2009, 09:02
Edited: 22 May, 2010, 10:40
TAGS: Military, NATO, Russia, Politics, Terrorism, Drugs, USA
American military planes will soon be seen above Russia after a new transit agreement with the U.S. came into force. It allows America to airlift military equipment to Afghanistan via Russian airspace.
Two months after President Dmitry Medvedev and his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama pledged to press the reset button, some of those plans are coming to life.
Washington is now allowed to send military aircraft to Afghanistan through Russia’s airspace. More than four thousand flights per year are scheduled to deliver troops and various types of cargo, including military hardware.
Officials on both sides of the ocean have called it an important step, which proves that Moscow and Washington can cooperate in spheres of mutual interest.
Many analysts say the current Pakistani transit route Washington uses is dangerous and unreliable, while Moscow gets to add some color to its relations with the West without having to send troops to Afghanistan.
“Russia will not participate in the Afghan war, because this is a war that has to be ended through negotiation,” said Richard Sakwa of the University of Kent. “Russia is maintaining its independence, but on a basis of its sovereign status, it is cooperating with Western powers.”
Opium is a major cash crop in Afghanistan, which is exported in the form of heroin – much of which goes into Russia. It is one major reason why Moscow is keen for the foreign troops to gain greater control over the country.
Meanwhile, according to the Washington Post, the agreement also lets the U.S. save more than $130 million per year on fuel and transport – so the deal appears to be a win-win situation for both sides.
06.09.2009, 22:35
3 comments
“Afghan war has to be ended through negotiation”There’s no military solution to the Afghan war, as the Soviet Union found out in the late 1980s. The conflict has to be ended through negotiation, University of Kent professor Richard Sakwa told RT. |
07.09.2009, 10:42
1 comment
“U.S. war in Iraq is based on false pretences”There was no reason for the war in Iraq. No weapons of mass destruction were found, nor was it connected to Al Qaeda, says Leslie Kielson the head of the United for Peace and Justice coalition. |
Is this "Flights for REDUCING heroin (sent by CIA) to Russia" contract rally worth so many words?! It shows all ugliness of diplomacy. Going into bed with USA&NATO and after that trying to make feature movie out of that story, can only end up as cheap porno movie, be cause that what diplomacy is... In bigger picture I don't know if Russia is trying to buy time and consolidate her positions in power game with USA&NATO. One thing is sure; "reset" button (nipple?) has brought some new positions in diplomatic Kama Sutra. Strongly advised for above 18 (to understand) watch - so not to be disillusioned in life to early!
Rules for resolutions in ignomiousness, less mess. I propose a track, of Olympic proportions, to be found and utilised in the heart of London, for the purpose in reintegration of delegates. The millenium dome is ideal. So needing of such a venue we are, that I implore our Good Mother Queen, to intervene, and provide assistance. Special forces will be tasked with finding the delegates, so the Portcullis will be shut, temporarilly. A sliding scale of punishment doled for the distance run. Application and location of remedy being relative, and where the implementation of punishment require duration, that full medical oversight be provided. As can whips on a basis per mile. 4 miles minimum, to a maximum of 24. Mini and maxi molegrips for the use of dragging manequins with to be remodified in stainless steel with ball bearings for beaks. Delegates with moon shaped mouths may also require this version. Styptics and antifphlogistic can be used. Mankini's wll be provided. Penaltys for not completing the run before sundown or trying to loose the planet during the games, will be subject of nocturnal investigation by internal introduction of invetagative insect. Absolutely no detentions past sunrise for immoderations. Transitions will be live. wahey!
The dumbest decision taken in Russian history for the past 50 years. An insult for the thousands decent young Russians killed by US made weapons, in Afghanistan in the 80s. I won't be surprised if for thanking your leaders, American planes drop as a reward a few tons of heroïn to your people for free. Also, it is a warranty that more terrorist actions will take place in your cities...Medvedev and Lavrov luck more and more like typical US imperialist politicians... Sorry Future Russian Generations. Your friend: Jean-Claude Meslin