I'm amazed at those who say that Russia is irrelevant. Russia is still a member of the Quartet, the group who most often mediates conflict in that happy land called the Middle East. That's not even mentioning Russia's still considerable diplomatic clout, and their significant military might. It isn't the Soviet Union, but it's still important, especially in cases where American diplomacy fails, such as in Iran.
Originally posted by Czarina_Czarina
Why do you allow them to use you? First you are so glad that I started a thread exposing that blacks were slave owners as well, then you are calling me racist, make up your mind. I already know the blacks on here don't like me and they get their white conduits to help along...I guess I'll ignore your comments too.
You were reported by the way.
That's too bad, because I actually liked you, but you misquoted me and that's not good.
I don't really know any "blacks on here", but I don't like you either.
Originally posted by Schecter
the cold war was nothing but rhetoric as well. i understand that nobody is going to get nuked by russia, but fail to relate to the general blase attitude toward a renewed breakdown in diplomatic relations between 2 world powers.
Putin is little more than a thug (albeit, an intelligent KGB trained thug) and Bush is gone in 2008, I do not think we'll be returning to Reagan era Cod War style anytime soon. America is aiming missile "defenses" towards Iran, Putin is allies with Iran, he's just flexing some nonexistent muscles to impress Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollahs.
Originally posted by Robtardthe implication is the push for anti-missile defenses against iran is actually a disguised defense against russia, considering the mutually strategic location.
Putin is little more than a thug (albeit, an intelligent KGB trained thug) and Bush is gone in 2008, I do not think we'll be returning to Reagan era Cod War style anytime soon. America is aiming missile "defenses" towards Iran, Putin is allies with Iran, he's just flexing some nonexistent muscles to impress Ahmadinejad and the Ayatollahs.
Originally posted by lil bitchiness
American officials still look at Russia as a failed power, and as its still in Cold War.Yeltsin was a suck up to the west, and was easily bought - Putin is not. And I really doubt he is suicidal either.
Any organization which is working and operating in Russia, independent of the government must show where it gets funding, if it cannot, it is automatically closed - another rather favourable step taken by Putin in his country.
Russia is far from a failed power, it isn't as strong as it's former self anymore either. Anyway I would hardly call Putin good for a democratic Russia. Might be good for Russia and incredibly popular but his moves and his decisions aren't really beneficial for the rest of the world.
The situation can't be compared to the cold war, too much has changed. The USSR fell apart, the Warsaw Pact was dismantled. The EU and NATO expansion took away the chances of the Warsaw Pact being reestablished (however small that chance was to begin with).
So as Fishy said Russia will not attack any NATO country.
Russia will continue to do what it has done ever since Putin came to power = proof that it still is a 'superpower'. Using diplomatic tools (explicit or implicit use of its veto in the UNSC) or using economic tools (natural gas)
Russia has two reasons to proof it still is a 'superpower'
A)to improve its role in international organisations, where Russia feels it is treated as less than it is.
B)The policy of the close neighbour.
Since the collapse of the USSR there have been problems in the weak belly or Russia. Smaller states have become increasingly bold in there stance toward Russia. Trouble with separatist movements (Chechnya for instance). And not to forget the middle east is only a stones throw away from Russia. Russia needs to appear strong to make sure its sovereignty stays intact.
(Ofc these are only my views -influenced more and more by 'realism'😉
ok...click this link and check the video out (cant find it on youtube)
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Fox_Analyst_Space_aliens_kidnapped_president_0604.html
this is the twilight zone. the conservative rips bush apart while the democrat supports him.
Originally posted by Schecter
ok...click this link and check the video out (cant find it on youtube)
http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Fox_Analyst_Space_aliens_kidnapped_president_0604.html
this is the twilight zone. the conservative rips bush apart while the democrat supports him.
The democrat is right in this case, that conservative woman is an idiot...
If the US can't stop Iran which might very well be the case then a missile defense system is a brilliant idea for them. She just hates Bush and refuses to see that. Criticism of the defense system is fine, but her criticism just plain sucks.