The New York Times: Reports on the latest move by the Russians to remove South Ossetia and Abkhazia from Georgia. One has to ask, is all this worth it for Russia, is it worth be thrown out of the G8, barred from Western Trade, the Ukraine becoming part of NATO. Those former Republics will want even more to become part of NATO, as this will give them protection from Russia. The old countries of the Warsaw Pact who are part of NATO have that card in their dealings with Moscow. The next few years are going to very cold between the West and Moscow. If this is still an Issue next will week will be very surprised, Moscow can not be that foolish, there is winning and a hollow victory.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
NYT and the War
The New York Times: The second time VIEWS has agreed with the Liberal New York Times up to a point, the NYT writes the following, " Europe and the United States must make clear to Mr. Medvedev — and the real power player, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin — that more aggression and lies will not be tolerated. They must make clear that Russia will pay a price, in diplomatic standing and economic relations..." Georgia as a going concern might be finished, lets be clear its not fair but that might be the reality. Thus what is the next move, that is simple, get the Ukraine in to NATO as fast as tomorrow. Make it clear to Russia, that any move on the Ukraine is not on, that its a red line, that if they move an eyebrow over the Ukraine it will be seen as a threat to the West and NATO. The Bush Administration should have been tougher with Russia, the bear is strong but the eagle soars and can hit in many targets.
3-1 to the Clintons
Politico: Reports that the name of Hillary Clinton will be placed in nomination at the Democratic Convention. The press release is pure spin, the Clinton wanted a Cathartic moment for her supporters, Obama on his plane was not for that moment, lets see Hillary and Bill will speak and Hillary Clinton will have her name placed in nomination. Obama has been rolled by the Clintons, he gets one day and he hope it does not rain as his speech will be at a no roof convention, got to give to the Clinton they are ruthless, nod of the hat to the Clintons.
The End of the War ?
BBC News: Reports on the Stern critic of Russian actions by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates but also the statement that the USA would not be sending in the the US Military. The US Military is already there, and civil aid can be turned around in a second. The War is coming to an end, the last few days we have seen the occasional skirmish but the Russians will want to mend fences with the West over the next few months, they don't want to be thrown out of the G8, they want to be part of Western Trade. Thus expect Russia to be very quiet when Israel attacks Iran and is supported by the USA. Georgia is not worth WW3 but Russia has to be taught that it can not pull this kind of action in the 21 Century. The next few months are going to be very cold between the West and Russia.
Aid for Georgia
Fox News: Reports that Aid has started to arrive in Georgia. The next few hours will be interesting, it can be argued that Russia should start to withdraw troops, it does not want by accident to get in to a shooting war with the USA. The USA is sending in the Cavalry, the Russian bear should know when its got enough honey, to much and a victory can turn in to rout. The USA is not Georgia, the USA could decide to to send in the Marines for a holiday, a long term holiday. Russia has made her point, lets hope she gets out, Bush it seems from the Fox Report was being told by the State Department that Russia would not take this action, Presidents should never listen to the State Department. Bush will want to make a point, expect the Fleet to turn up soon to make a point to Russia.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Ukraine Next Flash Point ?
The Times: Reports on the next flash point of the Ukraine, the President of Ukraine is supporting Georgia and is threatening to throw the Russian Navy out of the Ukraine. NATO should make the Ukraine a member quick, this would prevent any mistakes by Russia. The success so far in Georgia could make the leaders in Russia think that they can move in to former Republics or countries that made up the Warsaw Pact. This is the time to be firm with Russia, this War between Georgia and Russia is not over yet, one gets the impression from the TV and print media that this is over and Russia has won, its not how a War starts it how is finishes.
The Cavalry in Georgia
Courtesy of the White House
13/8/08
BBC News: Reports on the strong reaction by President Bush to the latest developments in Georgia. The President was highly critical of Russia and stated that USA military forces would help the civil population, the Cavalry has arrived in Georgia. The President stated the following, " I've also directed Secretary of Defense Bob Gates to begin a humanitarian mission to the people of Georgia, headed by the United States military. This mission will be vigorous and ongoing. A U.S. C-17 aircraft with humanitarian supplies is on its way. And in the days ahead we will use U.S. aircraft, as well as naval forces, to deliver humanitarian and medical supplies. " This is a strong message to Russia to get out out of Town, in a press Conference the Secretary Rice stated that the USA would not control the ports, but since the Georgian Army has been defeated and the Russians are the only game in town, the USA will have to take over these links in Georgia. I thought this crisis was over, what does Russia want, why risk being in the Cold over Georgia. Has Putin started to think that his press statements are true.
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