Ukraine

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Stealth Moose
I'm assuming some of you have seen the rioting and such going on. Apparently now sanctions are being imposed.

Thoughts, folks?

Shakyamunison
The USA is too weak to do anything, and Russia knows it.

Stealth Moose
I'm not sure the US is the sole determining factor here.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
I'm not sure the US is the sole determining factor here.

Are we not the world police? (note: turn up sarcasm to 11)

Stealth Moose
http://gifsoup.com/view6/3804732/team-america-in-paris-o.gif

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Shakyamunison
The USA is too weak to do anything, and Russia knows it.
Well there are two issues with your statement here.

(1) It isn't a question of "strength" rather one of political will. I'm not sure what would happen if Russia invaded Ukraine and how the USA would react, but if the USA did decide to lead a Desert Storm style campaign I don't doubt that the US military could utterly extirpate the Russians from Ukraine. Russia would likely pull out before risking an all out war it knows it couldn't win. But, the more likely scenario were Russia to invade is that the USA and EU impose an economic embargo on Russia and relations plummet to Cold War levels. In any case, Putin IS NOT going to do anything overt around Olympics time. He's worked hard to try to project an image of Russia as a modern, strong, and not antisocial country through the Sochi Olympics, and overt intervention would ruin what little progress has been made on that front. The international backlash against the invasion of Georgia will be NOTHING compared to the reaction to an invasion of Ukraine. It would be like if America invaded Mexico.

(2) The crisis is more Europe's problem than the USA, and Russia is more concerned about the EU than the USA.

Robtard
Originally posted by Omega Vision
It would be like if America invaded Mexico.


I'm all for it thumb up

Stealth Moose
Originally posted by Omega Vision
(2) The crisis is more Europe's problem than the USA, and Russia is more concerned about the EU than the USA.

The article even implies this is the case. The US would offer support, but it is primarily an EU issue.

The problem is that previous EU issues of a martial nature involve some US muscle. Like Kosovo, in which the EU was largely unprepared to cooperate and work as a single unit together and required US forces to conclusively find a resolution. Or at least, that's what I recall. It has been some time.

Bentley
Originally posted by Omega Vision
The international backlash against the invasion of Georgia

So there was a backlash? Putin probably doesn't even remember it anymore.

Omega Vision
He remembers it enough to be sinking billions of dollars into creating a Russian GPS system, because during the South Ossetia War the USA blocked Russian access to the GPS system, so in a big way they were forced to fight blind.
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
The article even implies this is the case. The US would offer support, but it is primarily an EU issue.

The problem is that previous EU issues of a martial nature involve some US muscle. Like Kosovo, in which the EU was largely unprepared to cooperate and work as a single unit together and required US forces to conclusively find a resolution. Or at least, that's what I recall. It has been some time.
The thing about the EU is that its military component only really exists on paper as an entity separate from NATO command.

I think France and Germany are both for greater European military integration outside of NATO (probably more than ever after the NSA spying revelations) but the UK is staunchly against an independent EU military, most likely because they may no longer be the most important European military (given their close relationship with the USA) were that to happen.

Stealth Moose
Originally posted by Omega Vision
He remembers it enough to be sinking billions of dollars into creating a Russian GPS system, because during the South Ossetia War the USA blocked Russian access to the GPS system, so in a big way they were forced to fight blind.

The thing about the EU is that its military component only really exists on paper as an entity separate from NATO command.

I think France and Germany are both for greater European military integration outside of NATO (probably more than ever after the NSA spying revelations) but the UK is staunchly against an independent EU military, most likely because they may no longer be the most important European military (given their close relationship with the USA) were that to happen.

It would erode the UK's overall strength in the area and I think that will always be an issue. So when push comes to shove, the EU will likely have to either ask for UK/US support, or Germany/France will have to take charge.

I'm not sure if the latter would even happen.

Omega Vision
Germany has been on a pacifist footing since the end of the Cold War, but it's only a matter of a serious crisis coming along before it makes military spending a priority. It's already arguably the most powerful non-nuclear military on the planet.

Stealth Moose
Yeah, German troops have avoided active combat roles in the War on Terror because of unfortunate implications. That can't last forever though.

Of course with the crackdown on human rights in the Russian Federation, the dismissal of non-propaganda news casters, and the general corruption of the state, you can't help but think if Ukraine might be a future battleground for another Cold War.

Bentley
The french army is already spread thin in our own african wars. The population wouldn't see an army movement with good eyes, specially with nationalistic parties gaining influences. But to be fair, Ukraine is pretty damn near.

ArtificialGlory

Omega Vision
Bottom line, Russia should be careful about provoking the EU, they have leverage in the form of natural gas exports but the nature of natural gas (it literally evaporates after you tap it, whether you extract or don't extract) and the existence of potential competitors (if, for instance, Iran does become more moderate and becomes a trading partner of the EU, it has enough natural gas to offset a Russian embargo, not to mention Qatar) makes that a volatile card, and if the EU thinks it might have to confront Russia militarily at some point, it has the economic and technological capability to make Russia's military look pathetic (really, only the USA or China would stand a chance against a unified, militarized EU with a population of over half a billion and the largest GDP in the world).

Bardock42
Yay, team EU!!!

Stealth Moose
Socialist hippies.

Robtard
Team EU = New World Order. The conspiracist were correct!!!1!!

Stealth Moose
MURICA: Challenge accepted.

Robtard
Team EU coud be taken from the inside out without firing a shot, inserting double agents in key locations to stoke the old fires of hatred between the nations.

As a top CIA official, I know. Operation Undertoad smile

Omega Vision
Are you partnering with Mindset on this one?

Robtard
Who do you think laid the foundation for Operation Undertoad.

dadudemon
The Ukraine protests/revolution make me sad because there are probably hot Ukrainian chicks that are dying...

Omega Vision
I would think they'd make you happy, because right now godfearing gunowners are standing up to police tyranny with hunting rifles.

Stealth Moose
Or AKs.

Omega Vision
So, apparently the parliament has turned against Yanukovych and passed a number of measures that have directly challenged his ability to call for a State of Emergency, which would be the only way that Yanukovych could call on troops to put down the protests.

He's losing the support of many important allies, including the mayor of Kiev. Doesn't look good for El Presidente, in fact it's looking as if he'll either step down or attempt to circumvent the parliament, at which point he may as well go Al-Assad on everyone's asses.

dadudemon
Originally posted by Omega Vision
I would think they'd make you happy, because right now godfearing gunowners are standing up to police tyranny with hunting rifles.

You believe Symmetric Chaos' posts about me, too much. He thinks I'm like that (or, in other words, a gun-toting libertarian).

I'm not.


But I am all about a people overthrowing a government. I just don't think it is possible, anymore, for people to do that to a modern nation (Ukraine does have modern military infrastructure but not as much as say, China, Russia, or the US).


So, maybe it's possible to overthrow the Ukrainian government by force? If so, good for them. As long as it brings the people more freedom to do as they want (without harming others).

jaden101
Ukraine is one of the 2 most important transition countries in the world between western and eastern cultures. The other being turkey. There will always be divisions in Ukraine between those who want to integrate with Europe and those who want to maintain old ties to Russia. In Turkey it's between Arab countries and the West. If the Ukraine had dealt with this early and became a more representative country of all sides it wouldn't be in the situation it is now. Unfortunately these things tend to take on a snowball rolling down a hill element to them and it doesn't matter what the government do now they won't be able to stop the protests and the people will polarize much like they have in Egypt. Either side completely unacceptable to the other. It'll take a very strong will to prevent complete breakdown.

Bentley
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Bottom line, Russia should be careful about provoking the EU, they have leverage in the form of natural gas exports but the nature of natural gas (it literally evaporates after you tap it, whether you extract or don't extract) and the existence of potential competitors (if, for instance, Iran does become more moderate and becomes a trading partner of the EU, it has enough natural gas to offset a Russian embargo, not to mention Qatar) makes that a volatile card, and if the EU thinks it might have to confront Russia militarily at some point, it has the economic and technological capability to make Russia's military look pathetic (really, only the USA or China would stand a chance against a unified, militarized EU with a population of over half a billion and the largest GDP in the world).

We have military technology but morale is sh_t in the EU.

Omega Vision
So, under the new agreement, the constitution is to be overhauled to limit the president's power, a new government is to be formed within ten days, and elections are to be held no later than December of 2014 (rather than March 2015, as originally planned). Also, Yulia Tymoshenko may be released now that the crime she was convicted of has just been decriminalized.

Two issues:
(1) Russia refused to endorse the deal, which either means they're being the sullen child or they're not done putting the squeeze on Ukraine, they've just decided that Yanukovych isn't their man
and
(2) Many protestors are NOT happy with a deal that not only doesn't mention any criminal proceedings for Yanukovych but also sets elections most of a year off--they want elections now.

With those aside, this is a huge victory for the protestors and the EU and looking like a stinging defeat for Putin and Russia.

Bentley
Putin has been wary of Yanukovych for sometime now, he's unreliable as an ally. Of course, the pro-russian Ukraine politicians are going to have a very hard time to be represented at all in a new government, that has to sting for Volodia.

Bardock42
Originally posted by Omega Vision

With those aside, this is a huge victory for the protestors and the EU and looking like a stinging defeat for Putin and Russia.


Yay, team EU!!!

Stealth Moose
Wow, nearly a year before elections?

Tzeentch
Decided to google this Juliia
Tymoshenko chick. She's pretty fine for 53.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/GeorgeBush-Juliia_Tymoshenko_(2008)-Ukraine.JPG/426px-GeorgeBush-Juliia_Tymoshenko_(2008)-Ukraine.JPG

Dat hip-ratio.

Robtard
I'd slap her with it.

Omega Vision
Yulia Tymoshenko is a gorgeous woman, and also very intelligent, progressive, and shrewd. It's why her supporters are so faithful.

In a way, the relatively late "early" elections might benefit her, because if elections were held next week she'd probably still be in prison, but by the time winter comes around she'll likely be a free woman and eligible to run, at which point she'll probably win convincingly.

jaden101
STICK IT IN 'ER ARSE!

Robtard
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Yulia Tymoshenko is a gorgeous woman, and also very intelligent, progressive, and shrewd. It's why her supporters are so faithful.

In a way, the relatively late "early" elections might benefit her, because if elections were held next week she'd probably still be in prison, but by the time winter comes around she'll likely be a free woman and eligible to run, at which point she'll probably win convincingly.

So she's trying to be a Nelson Mandela type.

In that case:Originally posted by jaden101
STICK IT IN 'ER ARSE!

Tzeentch
Nelson Mandela was pretty gorgeous, yah.

Omega Vision
laughing out loud you guys

Nephthys
Originally posted by dadudemon
So, maybe it's possible to overthrow the Ukrainian government by force? If so, good for them. As long as it brings the people more freedom to do as they want (without harming others).

Expecting an overthrow of a government without significant casualties is silly. Barring everyone receiving a Guy Fawkes mask, that is. But I guess it doesn't count if its evil government dogs.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Nephthys
Expecting an overthrow of a government without significant casualties is silly. Barring everyone receiving a Guy Fawkes mask, that is. But I guess it doesn't count if its evil government dogs.
It happened in Ukraine in 2005.

Nephthys
Ah man. I knew putting that bit about the masks was just asking for irony.

Anyway, I meant an overthrow by force, as DDM said. It just seemed odd and unrealistic to say that you're totally for an overthrow by force as long as no-ones harmed.

Robtard
DDM means they'd pillow-fight it out.

Nephthys
Most bloodless coup ever: All smotherings!

jaden101
Originally posted by Robtard
So she's trying to be a Nelson Mandela type.

In that case:

You'd **** nelson Mandela?

Even now?

Actually scrub that. Knowing you, especially now.

BackFire
Only now.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Nephthys
Ah man. I knew putting that bit about the masks was just asking for irony.

Anyway, I meant an overthrow by force, as DDM said. It just seemed odd and unrealistic to say that you're totally for an overthrow by force as long as no-ones harmed.
There are such things as bloodless coups where a show of force is enough to compel governmental change, but these mostly happen in weak nations where a second lieutenant has the standing of a senator and the people who wrote the national constitution are still alive.

jaden101
Originally posted by BackFire
Only now.

Bit early for you is it not? Thought he'd need a least a year festering before you'd tap that.

dadudemon
Originally posted by Tzeentch
Decided to google this Juliia
Tymoshenko chick. She's pretty fine for 53.

upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5e/GeorgeBush-Juliia_Tymoshenko_(2008)-Ukraine.JPG/426px-GeorgeBush-Juliia_Tymoshenko_(2008)-Ukraine.JPG

Dat hip-ratio.

WTF, man? People are dying and you are thinking about your dick?

313


Originally posted by Nephthys
Ah man. I knew putting that bit about the masks was just asking for irony.

Anyway, I meant an overthrow by force, as DDM said. It just seemed odd and unrealistic to say that you're totally for an overthrow by force as long as no-ones harmed.


I think it is far easier to assume I meant something other than the contradiction you perceive, here. I mean...there wasn't any other possible interpretation of my words other than this contradiction?

Robtard
Originally posted by jaden101
You'd **** nelson Mandela?

Even now?

Actually scrub that. Knowing you, especially now.

Who wants a struggling body to deal with or having to use drugs all the time.

wilco
Personally, I don't give a 2 ass f**k about Ukraine. It's Europe's problem and Putin (the dictator)

The yanks are worse in the regards to - under the table deals. People don't know what happens the US....the USA citizens. As they're complete morons - Australia is no better also.

BackFire
Originally posted by jaden101
Bit early for you is it not? Thought he'd need a least a year festering before you'd tap that.

I'm not a patient man.

Omega Vision
So now parliament voted to remove President Yanukovych from power and to move elections to May 25th. Yanukovych is believed to have fled Kiev. This latest turn is potentially ominous, because if Yanukovych sets up a government in exile in Kharkiv in the east it could mean either civil war or a soft partitioning of the country similar to what happened to Cyprus, or in Palestine where Hamas controls the Gaza Strip and Fatah controls the West Bank.

Lord Lucien
So, could much, if not all of the situation be defused by the president resigning?

dadudemon
Originally posted by Lord Lucien
So, could much, if not all of the situation be defused by the president resigning?

Seems like it. Seems like the president is a Megalomaniac. confused

Bardock42
It does not look like he has any desire to do so, if he fled the city.

Clovie
He was trying to escape.. According to our tv he has escaped to far east part ot ukraine.
And in our hospitals are a lot of ppl injured in riots.

but what is most evil is that they used snipers against civils. that's just pure evil.

killerqueen83
It's a murderer on the conscience not only killed on the Euromaidan, but also a lot of people from Donetsk, where he started his criminal activities. I watched a movie about the Donetsk mafia to which he belongs.

Utrigita
And now they have placed a arrestorder on him, interesting. Makes me wonder why exactly he didn't resign in the first place, if this somehow was his plan all along.

Omega Vision
Border security has already thwarted a few attempts by Yanukovych to escape the country by car, plane, and boat. Funny that they were able to stop him from leaving but not able/authorized to detain him.

I imagine he's probably escaped to Russia by now.

Utrigita
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Border security has already thwarted a few attempts by Yanukovych to escape the country by car, plane, and boat. Funny that they were able to stop him from leaving but not able/authorized to detain him.

I imagine he's probably escaped to Russia by now.

I just heard plane, wasn't aware that he had tried the other routes as well. I think the arrestorder came after his attempted escape, with plane atleast.

That would be the most sensible form of action, if he is interested in avoiding arrest, trial and prison.

Stealth Moose
I love disposed leaders. Their inability to accept defeat with grace is pretty amusing.

"Herr Leader, the peasants are revolting! They have overtaken the walls! Sue for peace?"

"No! I am a legitimate leader! This is criminal behavior!"

"But... they are protesting because you decided to not act in their best interests and furtheer failed to mediate the response as a result of your actions. Also, you have ordered your stormtroops to fire upon them."

"Yeah but I am their leader!"

"K, I'm going to check on the car and probably disappear without a trace. Good luck, sir!"

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
I love disposed leaders. Their inability to accept defeat with grace is pretty amusing.

"Herr Leader, the peasants are revolting! They have overtaken the walls! Sue for peace?"

"No! I am a legitimate leader! This is criminal behavior!"

"But... they are protesting because you decided to not act in their best interests and furtheer failed to mediate the response as a result of your actions. Also, you have ordered your stormtroops to fire upon them."

"Yeah but I am their leader!"

"K, I'm going to check on the car and probably disappear without a trace. Good luck, sir!"

You could actually think they were human. wink

Lord Lucien
Hey, I'd be loathe to give up national rule as well. Do whatever mental gymnastics are needed to hold on to that sweet presidential suite at the Hilton.

Stealth Moose
Yeah, but just lie and placate them. Don't overtly go against their wishes and then stonewall them as they climb the gates. That's full retard.

Utrigita
So it looks like Russia is going to take a part of Krim and say "ty Ukraine", thoughts?

Stealth Moose
This doesn't look good.

That's my understatement for the day.

Utrigita
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
This doesn't look good.

That's my understatement for the day.

And quite a good one.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Utrigita
So it looks like Russia is going to take a part of Krim and say "ty Ukraine", thoughts?

Unfortunately, he will get away with it.

Stealth Moose
Mother Russia is a he now?

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Mother Russia is a he now?

Putin!

Stealth Moose
Putinstan.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Putinstan.

Am I missing something, or are you just being you? big grin

Stealth Moose
Not enough data to speculate, clearly.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Not enough data to speculate, clearly.

It now clear to me. stick out tongue

Omega Vision
So, as of now there are unknown troops standing guard over two airports in the Crimea. They have no insignia, and they appeared out of nowhere, but two things are clear: 1) they're pro-Russia and 2) they're well-disciplined, equipped, and organized, I.E. there's no way these are just pro-Russian militia men who decided to tear shit up--these are either Russian troops or professional mercenaries.

So far Ukraine has yet to send forces to confront them, but they're accusing Russia of invading Ukrainian territory.

FinalAnswer
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/globe-in-kiev-ukraines-new-government-declares-russia-has-invaded/article17183580/

Stealth Moose
Good thing I filled up my gas tank.

Omega Vision
So, Putin has just asked the Russian parliament for permission to deploy troops into Ukraine.

Bardock42
I don't like this, I'm way too close to the Ukraine...

Stealth Moose
They're considering recalling their ambassador from the US.

Clovie
Originally posted by Bardock42
I don't like this, I'm way too close to the Ukraine... oh really? so where am I?

Stealth Moose
Next door to a burning house.

Clovie
more literally than you think erm

Bardock42
Originally posted by Clovie
oh really? so where am I?

Far too close?

Clovie
96km messed

Tzeentch
Mexico?

Clovie
huh ?

Lord Lucien
Originally posted by Clovie
huh ? Why do you care about Ukraine if you live in Mexico? F*cking plot hole much?

dadudemon
Originally posted by Lord Lucien
Why do you care about Ukraine if you live in Mexico? F*cking plot hole much?

George Lucas and Ridley Scott write her posts.

Akira Toriyama proofreads any continuity issues.

Damon Lindelof submits the final post.

Stealth Moose
Time to rewatch Red Dawn.

Mindset
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Time to rewatch Red Dawn. Time to move to Mars.

Clovie
Originally posted by Lord Lucien
Why do you care about Ukraine if you live in Mexico? F*cking plot hole much?
WTF?
I live 100 km from Ukrainian border. and I DO care about it.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Mindset
Time to move to Mars.
Mindset, we need to impose Martian Law on this forum.

Mindset
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Mindset, we need to impose Martian Law on this forum. With us as the Imperial Overlords.

Nephthys
Boo! Martian Independence! Down with the Emperor!

Lord Lucien
Originally posted by dadudemon
George Lucas and Ridley Scott write her posts.

Akira Toriyama proofreads any continuity issues.

Damon Lindelof submits the final post. In a shocking twist, it turns out she's actually M. Night Shyamalan, writing from Kiev while denying Mexicans their independence from Ukraine.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Mindset
With us as the Imperial Overlords. Originally posted by Nephthys
Boo! Martian Independence! Down with the Emperor!
Help me oppress this nerd, Mindset.
Edit:
http://video.adultswim.com/sealab-2021/martian-law.html

Omega Vision
My comment got Editor Picked:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/world/europe/ukraine.html?hp&target=comments#commentsContainer

cool

Mindset
Originally posted by Omega Vision
My comment got Editor Picked:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/world/europe/ukraine.html?hp&target=comments#commentsContainer

cool Cool, I'm gonna tell people it was mine.

thumb up

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Mindset
Cool, I'm gonna tell people it was mine.

thumb up
As co-guarantors of Martian Law, our actions and voices are as one. thumb up

Mindset
Originally posted by Omega Vision
As co-guarantors of Martian Law, our actions and voices are as one. thumb up One Nation, Under Gods.

Omega Vision
Got that right, brobeans.

dadudemon
Originally posted by Omega Vision
My comment got Editor Picked:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/world/europe/ukraine.html?hp&target=comments#commentsContainer

cool

Which comment was yours? There are 21 editor picks... sad

Omega Vision
Originally posted by dadudemon
Which comment was yours? There are 21 editor picks... sad
I'm Jonathan

Edit: The Western powers should totally kick Russia out of the G8 and give its place to Brazil or China. (Though while we're at it, Italy is looking pretty weak too...just sayin...)

Bardock42
Originally posted by Omega Vision
My comment got Editor Picked:

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/02/world/europe/ukraine.html?hp&target=comments#commentsContainer

cool

That's aweso...oh NYTimes, nevermind.

dadudemon
Originally posted by Omega Vision
I'm Jonathan

Edit: The Western powers should totally kick Russia out of the G8 and give its place to Brazil or China. (Though while we're at it, Italy is looking pretty weak too...just sayin...)


Canada
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
Russia
United Kingdom
United States


We should replace Italy with Brazil.

BackFire
Did World War III start yet? No? I'm leaving, then.

Clovie
Russia is one of 5 countries with Veto power in the UN erm

Omega Vision
Originally posted by dadudemon
Canada
France
Germany
Italy
Japan
Russia
United Kingdom
United States


We should replace Italy with Brazil.
I agree on that, but I also think it's ludicrous that the second largest economy isn't represented. Surely they could occupy the "we're not a Westernized nation with your gay-friendly democracy" role that Russia seems to fulfill currently

Originally posted by Clovie
Russia is one of 5 countries with Veto power in the UN erm
If that's in reply to me, I should point out that the G8 and UNSC are completely unrelated, thus Russia's veto power is irrelevant to the matter.

Bardock42
Originally posted by Clovie
Russia is one of 5 countries with Veto power in the UN erm

Personally I think Germany should get that seat.

Stealth Moose
Germans are strong versus Russians, except when Mother Winter buff is applied to the latter.

Bardock42
Burn.



Or in this case "Freeze"

Clovie
It was in relation to the fact that Ukrainian temporary goverment asked UN for help..

and Russia can veto whatever UN decides erm


Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Germans are strong versus Russians, except when Mother Winter buff is applied to the latter.
Polish army was the only one to conquer moscow.. in 17th century.. erm maybe they were cold-resistant.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Clovie
It was in relation to the fact that Ukrainian temporary goverment asked UN for help..

and Russia can veto whatever UN decides erm



Polish army was the only one to conquer moscow.. in 17th century.. erm maybe they were cold-resistant.
Napoleon took Moscow (though the Russians set it on fire during their retreat), he was just forced out by winter, lack of supplies, a persistent guerrilla effort by the Russians, and trouble back home.

And lets not forget the Mongols, who for a few centuries kept Muscovy as a pet.

Russians make a big deal about the vastness and impenetrability of their country to make up for the fact that historically their armies have been shit.

Colossus-Big C
Russia is superior. The Soviet Union Советский Союз was the greatest empire on earth

Tzeentch
Not even trying anymore.

Stealth Moose
Playing as Russia in Axis and Allies is like being a naked dwarf in a Turkish prison, cuz they are so weaksauce.

Lord Lucien
Playing as Russia in Medieval 2 is freaking hard cuz their military is shit and the Mongols always come riding in.

Omega Vision
I love playing as Persia in Victoria II, cheating to make them a great power. I always ragestomp Russia in every war, they only survive because France comes to help them. They send their armies into the mountains where they starve to death, then I just cross the border and start conquering all that sweet, sweet farmland. By 1900 I generally control all of Caucasia, most of Kazakhstan, have Ukraine as an independent country within my sphere of influence, and Russia knows damn well that I can take Moscow whenever I feel like it, and France can't help them now because I'm allied with the German Empire.

Also I have woman's suffrage before America does.

dadudemon
Originally posted by Omega Vision
I agree on that, but I also think it's ludicrous that the second largest economy isn't represented. Surely they could occupy the "we're not a Westernized nation with your gay-friendly democracy" role that Russia seems to fulfill currently.

The list is antiquated, for sure. It was based on how shit was decades ago instead of how shit is now.


Brazil needs to move in and so does China.


But who's spot does China get (in other words, Italy drops off and x drops off...find x).


I don't remember off the top of my head the top 8 economies other than the 10 countries I already listed.

Omega Vision
If we're going by actual largest economies, Russia would still be in, while Italy would be out and Brazil would be knocking on the door. But if Russia gets removed and Italy were to lose its place by virtue of economic weakness, then China and Brazil could both move in. The order would be USA, China, Japan, Germany, France, UK, Canada, Brazil. Though in the near future China may overtake the USA and the UK may overtake France. Somehow I don't see Canada still being in the top 8 or even top 10 by 2050. India is the next big contender, followed by South Korea and maybe Turkey.

Edit: Reviewing the list, it actually looks like Canada should get the axe if any country should be bounced for economic "weakness." It's number 11 right now.

Stealth Moose
Originally posted by Omega Vision
I love playing as Persia in Victoria II, cheating to make them a great power. I always ragestomp Russia in every war, they only survive because France comes to help them. They send their armies into the mountains where they starve to death, then I just cross the border and start conquering all that sweet, sweet farmland. By 1900 I generally control all of Caucasia, most of Kazakhstan, have Ukraine as an independent country within my sphere of influence, and Russia knows damn well that I can take Moscow whenever I feel like it, and France can't help them now because I'm allied with the German Empire.

Also I have woman's suffrage before America does.

thumb up

I need to play some rts games. It's been too long.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
thumb up

I need to play some rts games. It's been too long.
Last I checked, vanilla Vicky 2 is available for download for just 10 bucks on Amazon.

Stealth Moose
Might get it then. The trolling potential seems strong.

Bentley
Originally posted by Colossus-Big C
The Soviet Union Советский Союз was the greatest empire on earth

Not even close.

Epicurus
Originally posted by Bardock42
Personally I think Germany should get that seat.
thumb up

Though I doubt that the powers be at the UN will ever get over WW1/2 paranoia-induced hangover and trust Germany with greater power on the global political spectrum than it already has.

The 5 top dogs of the UNSC will also never allow for a 6th nation to get that kind of power either.

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Might get it then. The trolling potential seems strong.
Fair warning: it's overwhelming at first, and if you start enjoying it you'll see your hours just sink away.

Stealth Moose
Originally posted by Omega Vision
Fair warning: it's overwhelming at first, and if you start enjoying it you'll see your hours just sink away.

Dearly wish I could play at work then. Here, I typically have nothing but time.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Dearly wish I could play at work then. Here, I typically have nothing but time.

My day is so boring that I read your post for entertainment. stick out tongue

Bardock42
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Dearly wish I could play at work then. Here, I typically have nothing but time.

Just start playing at work, soon your job shouldn't be holding you back anymore.

Bentley
I was jokingly discussing with my wife about an international conflict between Europe and Russia, with a conspiracy minded idea. By entering in such a conflict Europe would be forced to have a federal government for once, eventually phasing out local governments in the economic/defense areas.

Fun stuff thumb up

Epicurus
Totally off-topic and unrelated, but the sight of a french dude mentioning something about his wife randomly reminded me of the movie "In the House".

Omega Vision
Originally posted by Bentley
I was jokingly discussing with my wife about an international conflict between Europe and Russia, with a conspiracy minded idea. By entering in such a conflict Europe would be forced to have a federal government for once, eventually phasing out local governments in the economic/defense areas.

Fun stuff thumb up
I think a sort of Confederation similar to the first iteration of the USA would be more likely, where each state/country is still more or less independent but pull together for national defense.

Stealth Moose
AMC is showing Rocky IV, no doubt in case we need motivation.

Lord Lucien
Oh f*ck I'm getting pumped already. Make sure you annex Canada so I can be gangpressed in to your Paratrooping Boxer Corp.

The Renegade
Originally posted by Shakyamunison
My day is so boring that I read your post for entertainment. stick out tongue

My day is so boring that I acknowledged you exist.

Just kidding. No boring days for me. I'm perfect.

Stealth Moose
Originally posted by Lord Lucien
Oh f*ck I'm getting pumped already. Make sure you annex Canada so I can be gangpressed in to your Paratrooping Boxer Corp.

Prepare to be USsimilated.

Lord Lucien
Liberate me until I LOVE IT.

Stealth Moose
You will love freedom and eagles and hot dogs and shit.

BackFire
And drone strikes.

Lord Lucien
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
You will love freedom and eagles and hot dogs and shit. I think I might already be a closet American. Cuz I love all that. Including drone strikes.


Especially drone strikes.

Stealth Moose
Even Pizza Hut uses drones. It's the Murican way.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
You will love freedom and eagles and hot dogs and shit.

Wouldn't hot dogs made from eagles be the ultimate Merica food?

Stealth Moose
Only if they are delivered by drones.

Shakyamunison
Originally posted by Stealth Moose
Only if they are delivered by drones.

Of course! wink

Lord Lucien
You guys ever want to pet a bald eagle, come up to Canada. We don't prosecute that shit.

Stealth Moose
At least until you're annexed.

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