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Apparently Egypt is not allowing US military warships through the Suez Canal in case of war.
Do you think it is a credible threat? Do the USA-NATO need to transit through the canal in case of an attack against Syria?
http://french.irib.ir/info/moyen-orient/item/272184-aucun-bateau-de-guerre-n%E2%80%99a-le-droit-de-passer-par-le-canal-de-suez,-pour-attaquer-la-syrie-ministre-%C3%A9gyptien-de-la-d%C3%A9fense
@astabada
Good thing about Egypt and the military regime is that they will not be as willing to support the Muslim Brotherhood in Syria when they are opposing them in Egypt and might have some talks and agreements with Russia.
@astabada: Do you think it is a credible threat?
No, because I am confident that most USN warships are already in position and because CENTOM has enough “reach” throughout the region to strike Syria from all sides. Also, consider this: cruise missiles are already all around Syria while bombers (B-1, B-2) could be sent in from Diego Garcia and even the USA.
No, the Egyptian military is just playing to the internal politics of that country.
Cheers,
The Saker
@Vineyardsaker
I had that suspicion, in particular given the economic support that Egypt enjoys from Saudi Arabia.
However I do not have your knowledge of militaria to jump to conclusions.
Thanks
@astabada: my pleasure! FYI:
US cruise missile ranges: 1300-2500km (depending on the model).
B-1B/B-2 range: about 12’000km
Cheers!
From alternative news sources I’ve read that Russia is also sending warships to the Mediterranean.
Do you reckon this to be true?
Sorry to say, but I feel disgusted to see Putin quickly backing off in face of danger and abandoning Assad recently… I can only hope the news about Russian warships joining the party are true.
You see, I feel Russia thinks its nuclear weapons are enough of a deterrent, when, really, they aren’t. One only needs to remember Bush threatening Pakistan after 9/11. Recent news about the NATO GenSec’s statements in Serbia, about it belonging in NATO, would be a good read in the Kremlin also.
Divide and conquer ACTUALLY WORKS!
Been proven time and time again.
@Anonymous: Russia is also sending warships to the Mediterranean. Do you reckon this to be true?
Yes, and it appears that this time this will be big ship, including possibly one or even two missile cruisers. Very powerful stuff.
Sorry to say, but I feel disgusted to see Putin quickly backing off in face of danger and abandoning Assad recently
And what would you have him do? Use military force to protect Syria and thereby start a war with the US/NATO? Do you realize that simply because of geography Russia *CANNOT* win a war in Syria? Yes, the Russians could make the Americans pay, but at the price of being defeated. Or are you suggesting that they start, or threaten to start, a nuclear war?!
Besides, since when does Russia have the obligation to protect the entire planet from Uncle Sam? You say you are “disgusted” with Putin: would you be ready to sacrifice YOUR country for Russia’s sake?
And why do you – and American politicians – pick on Russia anyway?! Why not demand that China also commit its military to protect Syria? Has Russia EVER promised something beyond what China has committed to, i.e.: to use all political means to prevent the US Empire from attacking Syria?
Forgive me for saying so, but it’s all very well for you to sit at the keyboard and tell the two biggest nations on earth how they should act, but responsible heads of state like Putin or Xi Jinping are first and foremost responsible for the safety and welfare of THEIR people. They are not “rent-a-cops” which can be dispatched all over the planet to fix the many wrongs out there under the threat of eliciting somebody’s “disgust”.
Lastly, I would notice that Russia and China have ALREADY done WAY MORE than the so-called “Muslim world”, then the so-called “Arab world” or all the countries of the Middle-East except Iran which, by the way, will ALSO not start a war over Syria.
So if Putin makes you feel disgusted, I wonder whom you admire and respect?
The Saker
@Saker
And what would you have him do? Use military force to protect Syria and thereby start a war with the US/NATO? Do you realize that simply because of geography Russia *CANNOT* win a war in Syria? Yes, the Russians could make the Americans pay, but at the price of being defeated. Or are you suggesting that they start, or threaten to start, a nuclear war?!
I would have him stand his ground!
I would say to him: ‘Why don’t you put your money wher your mouth is’?
And, YES, I would have him threaten the US in the SAME way that the US threatens Russia!
Besides, since when does Russia have the obligation to protect the entire planet from Uncle Sam?
I was talking about Russia defending ITSELF actually, we saw how it defended Serbia already… I was thinking (and I still hope) that wiser heads than mine in Russia know that this isn’t about Syria at all…
You say you are “disgusted” with Putin:
I’m also disgusted by politicians in my country, but see:
would you be ready to sacrifice YOUR country for Russia’s sake?
I told you divide and conquer ACTUALLY works!
And why do you – and American politicians – pick on Russia anyway?! Why not demand that China also commit its military to protect Syria? Has Russia EVER promised something beyond what China has committed to, i.e.: to use all political means to prevent the US Empire from attacking Syria?
Yes, Russia committed itself FAR MORE than China in this particular situation, and I don’t see why should we avoid being objective about it. If you don’t like my comments, please say so, and I will comment on your blog no longer.
Forgive me for saying so, but it’s all very well for you to sit at the keyboard and tell the two biggest nations on earth how they should act, but responsible heads of state like Putin or Xi Jinping are first and foremost responsible for the safety and welfare of THEIR people. They are not “rent-a-cops” which can be dispatched all over the planet to fix the many wrongs out there under the threat of eliciting somebody’s “disgust”.
Sorry, am I talking to an actual warrior on the battlefield here?! Are we not exchanging ideas on the internet?! Is this not a blog where you write your thoughts, and expect people to voice their opinion?! Or am I not worthed to comment because I fire words instead of bullets?!
And come back to me with that “rent-a-cops” thought when ‘The Empire’ is at the gates (God forbid).
So if Putin makes you feel disgusted, I wonder whom you admire and respect?
Rather a personal question, but I don’t mind answering it:
All of the people I respect and admire took the same example, you can find their names in the Orthodox Calendar. Each day – we commemorate a different Saint. Most of them went (humbly) against ‘The Empire’ of that time – The Romans, until the Empire was defeated with the weapons of humility and sacrifice. Sadly, words that have little meaning in todays world…
I’m disappointed that you chose not to publish my comment.
I shall take my leave now…as a Gentleman should:
“a Man should know when to leave the party…”*
:)
*Sorry I couldn’t resist, I love that film :)
British MPs just voted Cameron’s proposal for Syria military intervention down… I hope US follows suit.
(No hard feelings for your censorship of my comments)
:)
@Anonymous16:36: I would have him stand his ground!
Define this is practical terms, not just as a slogan. Would you have him attack US/NATO forces using Russian warships?
I would say to him: ‘Why don’t you put your money wher your mouth is’?
His mouth, and that of his diplomats, ALWAYS said that Russia would NOT resort to military force.
I was talking about Russia defending ITSELF actually, we saw how it defended Serbia already… I was thinking (and I still hope) that wiser heads than mine in Russia know that this isn’t about Syria at all…
Agreed. But Russia would hardly “defend” itself by starting a war with the US/NATO.
Yes, Russia committed itself FAR MORE than China in this particular situation,
How so? Please give an example of that.
If you don’t like my comments, please say so, and I will comment on your blog no longer.
I do not agree with your view, but that sure does not mean that I want you to stop posting. Now if *you* want to stop – that is your prerogative, of course.
Sorry, am I talking to an actual warrior on the battlefield here?! Are we not exchanging ideas on the internet?!
Neither of us is on the battlefield, but you are disgusted by the fact that Russia does not want to start a war whereas I say that it is unfair to tell others to go and fight and die.
All of the people I respect and admire took the same example, you can find their names in the Orthodox Calendar
Does that include Saint Alexander Nevsky who CHOSE not to fight the Mongols who were too powerful to be beaten and with whom he joined forces to boot out the Papists? Does that include Saint Mikhail of Chernigov who accepted the humiliating obligation to submit the Khan except in matters of faith?
Christ told us to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt 10:16) not stupid like a lemming or aggressive like rabid bobcat.
@Anonymous17;12:I’m disappointed that you chose not to publish my comment.
Euh?! Which comment did I not post? It has been weeks since I did reject somebody’s comment, what are you talking about?! I have as a policy NEVER to reject a comment unless it is an advertisement/spam, or really rude towards somebody besides me, or unless its just a link without any explanation. I always post all other comments…
Define this is practical terms, not just as a slogan. Would you have him attack US/NATO forces using Russian warships?
Is that the only alternative at his disposal than? I should think not!
No, he could’ve been less vocal about the S-300, and actually deliver it to Syria (and Iran for that matter) without the media pompousness. He could not back down in the face of Western pressure. He could put do many things that I am not aware of, since Russia has a powerful military/Espionage/Diplomacy. Must everything be black and white?! Must all solutions be radical? See US policy, he could act similar, but from a high moral ground. That would’ve been admirable (in my more-than-humble opinion).
His mouth, and that of his diplomats, ALWAYS said that Russia would NOT resort to military force.
I would have him be more of a Lavrov, and less of a Medvedev. As I’ve said before, there is more than brute obvious use of force.
Agreed. But Russia would hardly “defend” itself by starting a war with the US/NATO.
Again, you use the extreme option to illustrate… What I’m saying is that Russia shouldn’t wait until WAR is the only option. And, it is sure to come to that (if millenniums worth of Empires history is anything to go by).
How so? Please give an example of that.
I know I’m speaking with someone smart enough to know, so I’ll live this unanswered.
I do not agree with your view, but that sure does not mean that I want you to stop posting. Now if *you* want to stop – that is your prerogative, of course.
It’s your blog, you’re the host, so I’ll be acting by the rules you setup (kinda like being a guest in your house). And not to nitpick, but prerogative’s definition is “privilege exclusive to a particular individual or class”…as you can see – I have no class. Just a barely literate man asking questions here…
Neither of us is on the battlefield, but you are disgusted by the fact that Russia does not want to start a war whereas I say that it is unfair to tell others to go and fight and die.
Well, to be fair, I never said that (nor do I want that) and you’re just making silly/baseless accusations (one could say – you’re USing me:) )
Does that include Saint Alexander Nevsky who CHOSE not to fight the Mongols who were too powerful to be beaten and with whom he joined forces to boot out the Papists? Does that include Saint Mikhail of Chernigov who accepted the humiliating obligation to submit the Khan except in matters of faith?
Yes, both of them, and also Saint Paul the Apostle who wanted to be judged in Rome because he was a Roman citizen. See, all of those actually had ‘a higher goal’ than what was obvious…
Christ told us to be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves” (Matt 10:16)
True, I thought I was suggesting just that.
not stupid like a lemming or aggressive like rabid bobcat.
That’d be your theological comparison/view, I never read that particular comparison from any of the Holy Fathers.
Euh?! Which comment did I not post? It has been weeks since I did reject somebody’s comment, what are you talking about?! I have as a policy NEVER to reject a comment unless it is an advertisement/spam, or really rude towards somebody besides me, or unless its just a link without any explanation. I always post all other comments…
Must be a Blogger glitch or something, my first comment was up in a minute, while my other comments didn’t seem to appear until an hour afterwards…though in my defense, I DID say ‘No hard feelings’ on my part…
:)
@Anonymous: No, he could’ve been less vocal about the S-300, and actually deliver it to Syria (and Iran for that matter) without the media pompousness.
First, nobody knows where the S-300s are. According to my info, 1-2 battalions are already in Syria, 1-2 are still to be delivered. Keep in mind that if Russia sends them, say, by ship or aircraft and the US/NATO intercepts it, this would put Russia in a very dangerous situation – to accept that or “do something”. What that “something” is you anybody’s guess…
He could put do many things that I am not aware of, since Russia has a powerful military/Espionage/Diplomacy
And what makes you think Russia (and Iran) have not already done all that?! Do you think the Syrians turned the tide of war just by themselves? Not even they claim that…
I know I’m speaking with someone smart enough to know, so I’ll live this unanswered.
That is a cop out
Well, to be fair, I never said that (nor do I want that) and you’re just making silly/baseless accusations (one could say – you’re USing me:) )
Not true. You wrote One only needs to remember Bush threatening Pakistan after 9/11. Recent news about the NATO GenSec’s statements in Serbia, about it belonging in NATO, would be a good read in the Kremlin also. Then you asserted (with no evidence) that Russia did not use other non-military means, you then claimed (with no evidence) that Russia mde but did not deliver on these promises, then you claimed (with no evidence) that Russia was more committed than China – and now you tell me that I am using you?!
But ok, let set it all aside, maybe its a communication issue.
So let’s make it really simple:
Can you give a FACT-based and LOGICAL-reason to express “disgust” with Putin?
The Saker
@Saker
Please don’t play the ‘words out of contest’ game. If I wanted that, I’d comment on the BBC/CNN/DT/Guardian website…I should come clean that I only came to comment here because I respect your opinion(s). My offer of not commenting here still stands though.
Not true. You wrote One only needs to remember Bush threatening Pakistan after 9/11.
I wrote that in the context that even a nuclear power can be threatened. (Threatened to oblivion it seems it was).
Recent news about the NATO GenSec’s statements in Serbia, about it belonging in NATO, would be a good read in the Kremlin also.
Yes, I wrote that in context of American NGOs playing with popular opinion. This vis-a-vis Russia and ‘foreign agents’. Something that should keep the Kremlin alert.
Then you asserted (with no evidence) that Russia did not use other non-military means,
Please point to where I’ve said this?
you then claimed (with no evidence) that Russia mde but did not deliver on these promises, then you claimed (with no evidence) that Russia was more committed than China – and now you tell me that I am using you?!
Russia was indeed more committed than China, and I felt I needn’t show evidence since this is common knowledge, and as to the ‘you are using me part’, sorry I played a word game, what I meant is you are US(as in United States)ing me…
Yes, I know – my humor is not that of John Cleese..I bow my head in shame here :)
But ok, let set it all aside, maybe its a communication issue.
Indeed it might be. Certainly was on my humor part.
Can you give a FACT-based and LOGICAL-reason to express “disgust” with Putin?
That might prove to be tricky.
How can I point to a fact, that makes me feel in a certain way?! After all, I’m only human. My feelings might not be proven by a forensic.
I can only say – in this instant, I’m disappointed in the man. After all he has done for Russia in the past decade, I thought he gave it much more thought before going with a bluff on Syria – one which might backfire and make Russia look weak and pitiful. Another point for the Anglos to laugh at Russia (and use against him personally also).
@Anomyous:That might prove to be tricky. How can I point to a fact, that makes me feel in a certain way?!
Not at all. Example: Obama promised to close GITMO in the first 100 days of his presidency. He did not do that even halfway through his 2nd presidency. I therefore feel lied to and disgusted. (the “I” here is theoretical – I never believed a word Obama said).
So yours could go like this:
Putin promised that he would never allow NATO to use military force against Syria. Now that this appears imminent, he is reneging on his promise and doing nothing.
Or, a practical case:
When Russia backstabbed Iran and refused to deliver the promised S-300 or when Russia abstained on the vote at the UN to use “all necessary means” to “protect the Libyan population” I was totally disgusted with Russia. The first time because this was a reneging on their written agreement (contract) and in the 2nd case because it was clear that NATO would use that to overthrow Gaddafi.
So twice I was disgusted with Medvedev for FACT-based and LOGICAL-reasons.
But with Putin?
Try!
Cheers,
The Saker
@Saker
Of-course that would be easy if Putin said what you say explicitly…
How about this:
Putin NEVER said that he would bring Russia back to be a major world player, and yet HE DID! I truly like and respect him for it!
Did he lie?!
Not really, he tried his best and succeeded. Now he tried again, and seems to have failed and I hate that he didn’t think it trough.
Yeltsin tried many things, one was putting Russian soldiers in Chechnya and Kosovo, and he failed MISERABLY
Do I respect him for tying?
Somewhat, but I couldn’t say I’m disappointed in him either, since he never was a true Russian leader.
Putin I believed in, but on this issue he (seems to) have let me down.
But seeing how you seem to be OK with recent developments, and Russia’s/Putin’s role in them, I’ll refrain from further comments on the matter…
Cheers,
The Anonymous
:)
Couple of links to share:
Interesting summary from an Iranian MP as to why the rebels resorted to the current course of action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pxbohco9JiU&feature=share&list=UUOqzOYGNh47N2hziGID2DSg
George Galloway in Parliament today:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0jp1-mzPHg
There’s a humdinger of a debate going on in current thread of the GTT blog (there usually is on all the threads) http://goingtotehran.com/obamas-looming-war-of-aggression-in-syria-and-the-pathologies-of-americas-iran-debate#comments
It terms of the current discussion I fail to see how it helps *anyone* if Russia gets pulled into WWIII by getting militarily involved directly in Syria.
I think it would be more productive to discuss how to *avoid* WWIII whilst struggling against the nutjobs in the empire whilst they pursue their satanic policies. (otherwise what’s the point?! total war is going to leave the world ruined)
There’s plenty to work still that can be done to put firewalls into place:
Economic: http://rt.com/op-edge/brics-economy-us-dollar-118/
Social: http://rt.com/politics/gay-russian-donors-law-993/
Political: actually, this seems to be going well, Russia and China are standing firm on their vetoes, I think more needs to be done to turn India and Brazil away from the empire but right now I’m not hopeful.
Defense: hard to know what’s really going on here but at least one would imagine, Russia and Iran are up to their eyeballs in military and intelligence assistance to Syria.
Sorry, am rambling! just my 2p.
Obama is getting really stupid advice right now. After the vote in the UK, he should have told his aides to shut up. Instead they are now talking about ‘going it alone’ with very ‘limited’ strikes, just a ‘shot across the bow’ to ‘send a message.’
At this point, I can’t help but think that Obama must be fuming mad and just wants to save face — but probably knows that it’s all futile.
It’s amazing to watch the total lack of professionalism and intelligence in Washington — a sign that the US has lost the capacity to generate the talent to reproduce its old hegemony. Just recall Susan Rice’s angry rant after the Palestine vote at the UN. The Obama administration is now behaving in a similar fashion — lashing out like an embarrassed schoolyard bully and insisting that it can still do as it pleases.
What do you think: are we seeing the reality of multi-polarity asserting itself on the global battlefield of public opinion *and* strategic balance?
On another note, please see this article:
http://english.al-akhbar.com/content/syrias-assad-western-military-strike-we-shall-be-victorious
It suggests (towards the bottom) that the Syrian military has learned the lessons of the past decades of US/NATO wars — i.e., that air strikes will not win major conflicts and thus can be countered with smart decoys and disguises. This is the lesson which you have written about in the past.
@Anonymous Lurker:I fail to see how it helps *anyone* if Russia gets pulled into WWIII by getting militarily involved directly in Syria. I think it would be more productive to discuss how to *avoid* WWIII whilst struggling against the nutjobs in the empire whilst they pursue their satanic policies.
Exactly.
Political: actually, this seems to be going well, Russia and China are standing firm on their vetoes
Yes, and that is absolutely crucial, without that stance there would have been no international opposition to an attack at all, nevermind at the UK House of Commons!
Russia and Iran are up to their eyeballs in military and intelligence assistance to Syria.
Of course they are. And Hezbollah too, and they are small, but very savvy and very well informed too.
@Anonymous:Obama is getting really stupid advice right now. After the vote in the UK, he should have told his aides to shut up. Instead they are now talking about ‘going it alone’ with very ‘limited’ strikes, just a ‘shot across the bow’ to ‘send a message.’
Yes, its the entire Neocon cabal which is at it *again*…
are we seeing the reality of multi-polarity asserting itself on the global battlefield of public opinion *and* strategic balance?
Yes, at least the beginning of it. That the Brits refused to go alone is simply earth shattering and a true historical event of deep significance. If the US cannot even get the Brits on board – what are they left with? Hollande in France?! Peuhleeeze – he is a joke and everybody knows that.
So yes, the truly multi-polar world the Russians and the Chinese are slowly but constantly trying to push for is very gradually coming about, and that is a great cause for optimism IMHO!
Cheers,
The Saker