It should be pretty easy to break up the EU. Germany's Angela Merkel is more allied to Putin than she is to the EU, while Britain's Cameron has never wanted the UK to be in the EU. Greece guards the EU eastern flank with the Muslim world, but the northern Europeans spit on the PIGS as they call Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain and contribute nothing to the onslaught of refugees reaching the islands and beaches of Spain and Italy.
1
The E.U. has a little problem here. If they have foreign policy by consensus but financial policy out of Berlin, you can bet that some of the countries that are weaker economically will be tempted to horse trade in order to get favorable treatment out of Berlin. The big problem is for the Ukrainians to contemplate. Germans and French would care a lot, lot more if the U.S. cut them loose but there's no danger of that.
On a side note, the former V.P. and a principal advocate of the grossly damaging and stupid Iraq War (ongoing and now having spread, in one way or another, to most of the Middle East) is publishing a book! In it, presumably he'll explain how occupying and turning Shiite the main bulwark against Iran was good policy and cheap too at only a couple trillion of dollars and thousands and thousands dead.
On a side note, the former V.P. and a principal advocate of the grossly damaging and stupid Iraq War (ongoing and now having spread, in one way or another, to most of the Middle East) is publishing a book! In it, presumably he'll explain how occupying and turning Shiite the main bulwark against Iran was good policy and cheap too at only a couple trillion of dollars and thousands and thousands dead.
Why we are trying to make a pariah out of Russia (the country that warned us about the Boston bombers, the country that has allowed us to use part of their land for bases for our operations in Afganishtan, and the country which has shared its space station with us repeatedly) is hard to understand. Their support of the separatists in Eastern Ukraine is entirely understandable since we have moved NATO right to their doorstep - disregarding past promises we made not to do so. As an American, I love my country - but man, sometimes we need to back off a bit and think. We are unnecessarily driving a potential ally (with the second most powerful military in the world) into an alliance with China. We need to start electing some smarter people.
3
The West's trying to create a 'pariah" out of Russia - and pushing the world's second strongest military and #1 producer of natural gas and rare earth minerals into the arms of partnership with China (over a very small and strategically insignificant portion of Ukraine) will go down as one of the USA's greatest strategic blunders - along with George W. Bush's invasion of Iraq to capture "weapons of mass destruction". And I say this as a Republican.
2
It's not that hard to break European Unity. You just remember them about their history.
Buying governments to fulfill ideological delusions is all the rage in right wing circles these days.
My mommy always warned me not to take candy from strangers. Cyrprus and Greece's mommies didn't teach them the same lesson.
3
Both European Union and Russia can be qualified as strangers in your analogy.
Vasilis Zertalis says that "the United States will never take a stand against Turkey", which invaded the northern part of Cyprus in response to a coup backed by Greece and divided the island since 1974.
How does Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan feel about Putin, when he sees that Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades and now Greece's Alexis Tsipras are welcomed with open arms by Russia? Putin was in Turkey last December! Erdogan was flattered by his visit, thought they were made for each other!
How does Turkey's president Recep Tayyip Erdogan feel about Putin, when he sees that Cypriot president Nicos Anastasiades and now Greece's Alexis Tsipras are welcomed with open arms by Russia? Putin was in Turkey last December! Erdogan was flattered by his visit, thought they were made for each other!
Turks have no illusions about Russia, with whom they have fought many wars over the centuries. They also know that since the Greeks, Greek-Cypriots and Russians all belong to the Greek Orthodox faith, that "Birds of a feather will flock together".
Nonetheless, all that is no reason why Turkey and Russia cannot conclude business deals which benefit both nations. To paraphrase the famous words of 19th century British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston “England has no eternal friends, England has no perpetual enemies, England has only eternal and perpetual interests”.
Nonetheless, all that is no reason why Turkey and Russia cannot conclude business deals which benefit both nations. To paraphrase the famous words of 19th century British Prime Minister Lord Palmerston “England has no eternal friends, England has no perpetual enemies, England has only eternal and perpetual interests”.
2
What is the U.S. then in your opinion? Today one third of the children in the U.S. live in poverty yet we have special forces operating in 70% of the countries in the world. We have an oligarchy form of government according to a Princeton study and the discarded single payer health care system the majority of us wanted is proof. We interfere in countries on false premises and yet those who led the charge are not held accountable. What would you call a nation who sends their CIA to lead coups all over the world to open markets and acquire resources?
American government and unelected EU leaders prop up NATO and they are the ones posturing by conducting military drills yards from Russia's borders and calling for the formation of NATO military units.
Governments worldwide are mired in debt and rather than admit their mistakes with the grand experiment of fiat money tied to nothing but a warring empire (USA) they lead us into another confrontation. Once this confrontation fought by plebeians, while those who profit from it are safe, is over they will trot out yet another experiment.
They will tell us it is for our own benefit to form a One World Government with a One World currency. Let there be no talk of a New World Order because that implies it to could be replaced. Once we fall under their capital controls every aspect of your life will be regulated and monitored. The NSA is just the beginning.
This situation may seem unplanned but it is orchestrated- do not fall for it.
American government and unelected EU leaders prop up NATO and they are the ones posturing by conducting military drills yards from Russia's borders and calling for the formation of NATO military units.
Governments worldwide are mired in debt and rather than admit their mistakes with the grand experiment of fiat money tied to nothing but a warring empire (USA) they lead us into another confrontation. Once this confrontation fought by plebeians, while those who profit from it are safe, is over they will trot out yet another experiment.
They will tell us it is for our own benefit to form a One World Government with a One World currency. Let there be no talk of a New World Order because that implies it to could be replaced. Once we fall under their capital controls every aspect of your life will be regulated and monitored. The NSA is just the beginning.
This situation may seem unplanned but it is orchestrated- do not fall for it.
3
Putin's intentions are unknown, savior or villain time will tell.
Looking out from Russia:
1. NATO is pushing to it's borders in the Ukraine, on the West
2. Islam is making their third or fourth great expansion as part of Divinely ordered world conquest, this is the South.
3. China, aided by the US, to the South is undergoing a massive economic and military build up, and needs the Natural Resources contained within Russia. China likely possesses all US Military and Industrial Tech.
Russian Options:
1. Russia can go it alone, grossly outnumbered and economically isolated with sanctions.
2. Russia can seek traditional allies and trading partners. The traditional allies of the Russians are those who they saved from Islamic Conquest and Slavery and those who are currently under Islamic Assault with the aid of the Western Powers.
The Something for Nothing Economic model based on borrowed and printed and confiscated money is coming to an end in Europe and the US.
The future belongs to those who produce and earn what they spend.
Looking out from Russia:
1. NATO is pushing to it's borders in the Ukraine, on the West
2. Islam is making their third or fourth great expansion as part of Divinely ordered world conquest, this is the South.
3. China, aided by the US, to the South is undergoing a massive economic and military build up, and needs the Natural Resources contained within Russia. China likely possesses all US Military and Industrial Tech.
Russian Options:
1. Russia can go it alone, grossly outnumbered and economically isolated with sanctions.
2. Russia can seek traditional allies and trading partners. The traditional allies of the Russians are those who they saved from Islamic Conquest and Slavery and those who are currently under Islamic Assault with the aid of the Western Powers.
The Something for Nothing Economic model based on borrowed and printed and confiscated money is coming to an end in Europe and the US.
The future belongs to those who produce and earn what they spend.
4
The US has gotten just what it wanted, but the result didn't turn out the way it expected. US policy for 20 years has been to exclude Russia from the EU and to surround Russia with a hostile military alliance, going as far as incorporating countries right on it's border into NATO. The result has been for Russia to do the logical thing in order to secure it's borders against evident threat. The US has singlehandedly revived Russia's interest in expanding it's power and influence in what it regards as a purely self-defensive move. For it's part the european ruling class - following the American neo-liberal line - has undermined the economies and beggared the populations of it's poorest countries, creating the ground for division and unrest that will ultimately destroy the EU and the euro, and has already brought to power some unsavory authoritarian governments on it's eastern flank. Be careful what you wish for - you may get it.
8
Well said John. Why we are trying to make a pariah out of Russia (the country that warned us about the Boston bombers, the country that has allowed us to use part of their land for bases for our operations in Afganishtan, and the country which has shared its space station with us repeatedly) is hard to understand. Their support of the separatists in Eastern Ukraine is entirely understandable since we have moved NATO right to their doorstep - disregarding past promises we made not to do so. As an American, I love my country - but man, sometimes we need to back off a bit and think. We are unnecessarily driving a potential ally (with the second most powerful military in the world) into an alliance with China. We need to start electing some smarter people.
1
The whole attraction of Cyprus to Russians is that it IS in the EU and IS NOT close to the Russian system. So property and personal safety are secured against "higher order interests of the state", whatever it is on a given day.
So the best interest of Cyprus is actually to be as far from Russia (in a brioad sense) as possible. Get closer to Russia - and all the Russian money and visitors will go elsewhere. I wonder if the Cypriots fully understand this.
So the best interest of Cyprus is actually to be as far from Russia (in a brioad sense) as possible. Get closer to Russia - and all the Russian money and visitors will go elsewhere. I wonder if the Cypriots fully understand this.
5
In the first paragraph, Mr. Higgins give the misleading impression that Putin "denounced" Cyprus for seizing the bank deposits of Russian account holders. In fact, he strongly objected to the IMF/European Central Bank decision forcing Cyprus to seize these deposits. This was the first time bank deposits had been seized in any EU country and most market observers felt that this was done due to the large number of Russian deposit holders which made it politically more acceptible to the Cyprus people. It was not done in the Ireland, Spain or Portugal bail-outs. There was certainly no allegation of wrong doing on the part of the Russian deposit holders who lost all of their money. He did not "denounce" Cyprus which had no choice if it was to get bailout money. By the way, "denounce" is clearly the wrong word to characterize his statements. I hold no brief for Putin but wonder why he must always be characterized as evil (see dictionary definition of denounce).
3
If Putin were such a great friend of Cyprus he could have given them a bailout instead of just sitting back and "denouncing" the EU which gave Cyprus its economically life saving bailout.
If I remember correctly, Greek Cypriot leaders had gone to Moscow asking for Russia's help at the time of their bank crises and had returned empty-handed.
If I remember correctly, Greek Cypriot leaders had gone to Moscow asking for Russia's help at the time of their bank crises and had returned empty-handed.
4
Russia gave Cyprus a 2.5 billion euro loan in 2011 as the first tranche of a series of loans to stabilize the banking system. Instead Cyprus used the money to hire additional government workers and to fund a deficit in money losing Cyprus Air. Russia then refused additional funds.
Having been hidden for many years, the "warts" in the EU are showing up quite well now.
The union is flawed.
The union is flawed.
1
Russia is led by a Strategic Chess Master. Not to say I like him - I certainly don't - But he is skilled, ruthless and absolutely certain of his goals. Someone better wake up at the switch over here. Out leadership wavers between detached and bumbling on the best day. If NATO starts to crack, that is beau coup serious business. We are looking at a lot of very 1960s/70s/80s doctrine here being used by the Russians. I don't believe the group we have in our State Department and Administration are prepared for it. Unless they wake up it will be a long two years for us in the West.
1
THAT message should be sent to Western Europe and the European Union. The switch is over THERE, not HERE.
2
If some Eastern European countries want to swap the EU for a Warsaw pact lite organization, good riddance. Hungary, Greece and the Balkans are corrupt mischief makers who cause more grief than they're worth.
3
I am a first generation Cypriot-American, a filmmaker, musician and dramatist and I want to express an entirely different perspective on the island - that of my father, Stelios Chimonides, who recently returned to the island for the first time in 51 years. I made a 33 minute documentary about the trip - more poetry than prose, certainly, but perhaps it will give those who are interested in Cyprus a more personal perspective - it's a place like few others....
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGgzok5pbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoGgzok5pbs
1
Contrary to many opinions on this board, most Americans would prefer to "disengage" from what many believe to be its dominant role in international diplomatic politics. Frankly, in most cases it is not beneficial to our internal domestic economy. (The resources could be better served within country.) Protecting European Union nations under the NATO defense shield, while at the same time enduring constant criticism, is not a situation which is likely to continue. If countries do not share our viewpoint, so be it. They can carry out their wishes unencumbered by the security of our protection granted under defense treaties. Bring the 173rd Airborne home from Vicenza, Italy, close Ramstein in Germany and withdraw the upcoming deployment of American F-35s to RAF Lakenheath in Britain. And assuming any of the above occurs, sit back and watch the atrophy of the collective Western European economy due to long-term financial security concerns.
2
I'll wager you don't have many European friends.
If Greece and Cypress want to be in the Russian sphere I wish them all the luck in the world. They will have made the biggest mistake of their collective histories. Russia will never let them go and the money, good will disappear just a fast.
5
OK, lets tally now, the Americans supported Turkey when it invaded Cyprus, Russia supports Cyprus in the Security Council each time the Americans and the British want to give the rest of the island to Turkey. 1-0 for Russia.
Russian business people bring their money and their families to Cyprus, while the American government issues warnings and statements about money laundering, which has not been proven even a single time so far. 2-0 for Russia.
Hundred of thousands of Russian tourists come to Cyprus and spend their money, some hundreds of Americans make the journey every year. 3-0 for Russia.
Russia lend money to Cyprus when Cyprus asked for assistance. America send the IMF to destroy its economy by decimating Cyprus companies cashflows. 4-0 for Russia.
Russia is sending messages to Turkey with naval exercises when Turkey invaded the Cyprus' Economic Zone in the sea. American did nothing, lots of promises from Biden, no action. 5-0 for Russia.
I can go on and on.
Russian business people bring their money and their families to Cyprus, while the American government issues warnings and statements about money laundering, which has not been proven even a single time so far. 2-0 for Russia.
Hundred of thousands of Russian tourists come to Cyprus and spend their money, some hundreds of Americans make the journey every year. 3-0 for Russia.
Russia lend money to Cyprus when Cyprus asked for assistance. America send the IMF to destroy its economy by decimating Cyprus companies cashflows. 4-0 for Russia.
Russia is sending messages to Turkey with naval exercises when Turkey invaded the Cyprus' Economic Zone in the sea. American did nothing, lots of promises from Biden, no action. 5-0 for Russia.
I can go on and on.
8
If you think that Russia will ever go to war with a NATO member nation like Turkey to defend Greek Cypriot interests you are living in a dream world. But it is understandable why Greek Cypriots would harbor warm feelings towards their fellow Greek Orthodox Russians. Just don't try to pull the wool over the eyes of other European Union nations.
3
Modern Turkey is the result of the British Empire Strategy of bottling up the Russian Navy to ensure British now American Naval Dominance.
As Turkey has now gone Islamist, perhaps it's time to re-evaluate if the Turks and Turkey are worth fighting for.
As Turkey has now gone Islamist, perhaps it's time to re-evaluate if the Turks and Turkey are worth fighting for.
I don't think the Turks ever asked us to fight on their behalf. On the contrary they fought alongside our troops in Korea, provided the third largest contingent in Afghanistan from 2002 to 2014 as part of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and are currently part of Combined Task Force 151 working with our Navy to prevent piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden and off the eastern coast of Somalia.
1
It's the $40-50 a barrel that will break Putin, the rest is all posturing. Communist Mr. Tsipras better get some sound advice and watch his back while visiting Vladimir and don't look into his eyes as mesmerized W. did.
4
The US ambassador to Prague publicly rebuked the Czech president for planning to visit Moscow. What if the Czech ambassador in Washington rebuked Obama for visiting for instance Canada? How would Washington react? Diplomats don't dictate what their host country has to do.
14
That's right. Ambassador Schapiro's diplomatic qualifications are that he is a son of a Czech immigrant to Illinois who made a bundle litigating for Google and Altria.
He is a poster example for why vanity appointments do not work.
He is a poster example for why vanity appointments do not work.
2
We want to make Putin a pariah, but we forget other countries have a different view of him. We do not have the ability to control the opinions of every country in the world, as much as we are trying to do that.
We do not run the world, and out viewpoint is not universally accepted in the world, We need to learn that lesson. While we can boss the EU countries around by using our money and our military, that is not true every where. There are many countries that do no share our viewpoints and want to carry out our wishes.
We are mad about Ukraine, but we fail to see that Ukraine with our help has caused its own troubles. Even now we see Ukraine as a country still run by Oligarchs, that is still corrupt, that still lies and cheats. We complain about the "rebels" not carrying out Minsk, what about the Ukrainians they are not doing their part either. But we turn a blind eye.
I am glad that not every country does what the US wants, it makes for a better world and the US needs to learn that it cannot run the whole world to suit itself. Those day have gone forever.
We do not run the world, and out viewpoint is not universally accepted in the world, We need to learn that lesson. While we can boss the EU countries around by using our money and our military, that is not true every where. There are many countries that do no share our viewpoints and want to carry out our wishes.
We are mad about Ukraine, but we fail to see that Ukraine with our help has caused its own troubles. Even now we see Ukraine as a country still run by Oligarchs, that is still corrupt, that still lies and cheats. We complain about the "rebels" not carrying out Minsk, what about the Ukrainians they are not doing their part either. But we turn a blind eye.
I am glad that not every country does what the US wants, it makes for a better world and the US needs to learn that it cannot run the whole world to suit itself. Those day have gone forever.
15
I agree. North Korea doesn't share our opinion and doesn't want to be like us, neither does Sudan. There's two viable options. Yeah,Ukraine is a real problem. Good thing that Putin is sorting it out. Let Putin "Run the world".
4
Judy,
when referring to the US and Americans, please refrain from using "we," "us," "our," in favor of "they," "them," "their." That would give you and us the bonus of honesty and truth.
when referring to the US and Americans, please refrain from using "we," "us," "our," in favor of "they," "them," "their." That would give you and us the bonus of honesty and truth.
4
Don't trust Putin we seen how he has interfered in the Ukraine. Everybody expects sanctions to work immediately and that is not how it is. They take time and eventually diplomacy. It took years for sanctions to work in South Africa and they did work.
7
Sorry, it is USA policy that can't be trusted, you have acknowledged through Victoria Nuland that 5 billion dollars was spent to under mind the Ukraine government and it was the people in Crimea thaT overwhelmingly voted to rejoin Russia. Your corporate entities need a constant bogeyman, your MSM works not for truth but for beating the drums of war 24/7.
Your barbaric twisted greed has gotten the better of you people, everything about you has now been exposed, the world has had enough of your debt, your phony fiat currency and your deception. It is you that destroys nations, has killed millions in the last 70 yrs. you are now the most hated, most aggressive nation on the planet.
Your barbaric twisted greed has gotten the better of you people, everything about you has now been exposed, the world has had enough of your debt, your phony fiat currency and your deception. It is you that destroys nations, has killed millions in the last 70 yrs. you are now the most hated, most aggressive nation on the planet.
6
The Ukraine needs to be turned into an Eastern Switzerland to put a buffer between NATO and Russia.
1
Greece learned all delights of the European Union.
2
Russia 'waves cash', whereas the the US and Europe, 'offer incentives' or 'financial assistance'.
The double standard is built into the coverage.
Good when we do it, bad when they do it.
If offering assistance is getting them traction...maybe we should try the same.
The long-term aftermath of all this Ukrainian brouhaha and chest pounding by the US is to to shift European support away from the US. Sanctions are hurting the real EU economy. The elite might continue to follow Washington's tune, business owners and job seekers are going to know the real deal.
The double standard is built into the coverage.
Good when we do it, bad when they do it.
If offering assistance is getting them traction...maybe we should try the same.
The long-term aftermath of all this Ukrainian brouhaha and chest pounding by the US is to to shift European support away from the US. Sanctions are hurting the real EU economy. The elite might continue to follow Washington's tune, business owners and job seekers are going to know the real deal.
16
America is no longer the economic superpower that it was after WW 2; other countries caught up, China's economy is now bigger but the neo-cons do not want to give up the supremacy so they start a second cold war with Russia.
This will end badly for the US.
I travel to Europe and almost everyone I talk to expresses sympathy for Russia and believes the American MIC and its diplomats just don't want Europe and Russia to come closer economically.
This will end badly for the US.
I travel to Europe and almost everyone I talk to expresses sympathy for Russia and believes the American MIC and its diplomats just don't want Europe and Russia to come closer economically.
17
"...and almost everyone I talk to expresses sympathy for Russia ..." - exactly. The walls of all European cities are scrawled with "US hands off Russia" and "Russia - our eternal friend and benefactor" graffiti, while the parents are so happy that their children use Russian language exclusively for social media interactions. Actually, I do not know why I am writing this in English, that obsolete language of a crumbling and decaying bygone Western civilization...
8
This is not about Europe's weakest links. Even France and Germany abhor the aggressive maneuvering of the US in Ukraine. They just are intimidated by US diplomats to stay in line. So Putin is preaching his gospel to an open audience.
7
Cyprus an island that is a fantastic opportunity for Putin to perform his mischief in. A paradise Island in the Mediterranean it's a divide between Cyprus and Turkish Nicosia that have fought in the past. As a navel port, Russia in Cyprus could observe or control the Suez Canal traffic and Eastern Europe. Cyprus is playing with fire by seeking financial through Russia which has proven itself to all wolves with sheep clothing.
4
Putin plays a geopolitical chess like a grand master. If you're not able to get your knuckles bloodied, then at least understand, that you're gonna get smacked around by Vladimir.
Sanctions effectiveness are limited to the ability to enforce them. Cyprus has its own selfish interests. So Congress and the EU....your move!
Sanctions effectiveness are limited to the ability to enforce them. Cyprus has its own selfish interests. So Congress and the EU....your move!
2
The economic sanctions on Russia at present are the single biggest impediment to a peaseful negotiated settlement of the Ukraine issue and the single biggest impediment to definite economic recovery in Europe, Russsia and indirectly the U.S. and other parts of the world. If you split the Ukraine down the Dniper river and if the E.U. in all its generosity lent the Western half of Ukraine the money that they need to dig themselves out of the financial Oligarch Hole, and is able to restrain the Oligarchs from taking the funds the Western Ukranians would find themselves in the same position the Greeks find themselves in today; By the throat of the Western bankers who lend with the goal of encumbering them forever. One would do well to view the history of, for instance, Maripol, and learn what the reality was in the past and how Russia related to Ukrainian entities and citizens.
2
Donetsk & Luhansk oblasts represent less than 5% of Ukraine & the Russian/militants don't even control the totality of those oblasts. Calling for the splitting of that country along the Dnieper River overstates the Russian/militant control & the majority opinion of Ukrainians of all oblasts that wish to see the country remain whole with a closer association to Western Europe.
4
The single biggest impediment to peace in Ukraine is Russian military aggression there.
1
The single biggest impediment to pease in Ukraine is Ukrainian military aggression there.
Yes the bankrupt Greeks and half the Island of Cyprus which is also semi bankrupt are going to be very valuable strategic allies...LOL
5
Article starts on the wrong foot when stating that Putin threatened Cyprus and now has become accepting. He threatened the banksters running the EU decisions from day 1 and still does. Smaller EU countries are just spectators (and victims) in this massive greed charade. Russia is filled with corrupt oligarchs and the EU is filled with greedy financial institutions that catered to them up until the time that the plug was pulled with the crisis. Now all the heavyweights in power are scrambling to pass the losses mostly to the powerless and to the corrupt oligarchs that they rubbed shoulders with.
4
Most amusing... comrade.
3
Hilarious stuff. One of the aims of Us policy around its support of the Ukrainian coup was the isolation of Russia from Europe. Of course ,without recourse to any act of genius, Putin will instead move Europe and the US further apart Well what did you expect. A Russian Tsar visited Britain before the USA existed. Europe and the Russians go back centuries. And this isn't going to stop because European leaders got into the bad habit of taking their foreign policy wholesale from Washington. Russia has thrown in its lot with China. Other European countries will do the same in the end.
4
Presumably this is coming from that Putin trolling operation in Moscow that the Guardian exposed a few days ago.
5
I don't like Putin, so I hope that EU troubled countries will not be attracted by his sirens.
Anyway Putin can jeopardize EU only if EU leaves empty spaces in its solidarity mission.
An example is the EU deft behavior (led by Germany) toward the Greek humanitarian emergency and requested debt revision.
When nationalism takes place of solidarity in leading countries, like Germany, all EU is in danger.
Anyway Putin can jeopardize EU only if EU leaves empty spaces in its solidarity mission.
An example is the EU deft behavior (led by Germany) toward the Greek humanitarian emergency and requested debt revision.
When nationalism takes place of solidarity in leading countries, like Germany, all EU is in danger.
1
We don't bribe nations for loyality.
This is a level of solidarity that is not even worth trying.
This is a level of solidarity that is not even worth trying.
3
It looks like the EU doesn't like war. They need someone who doesn't mind it if they are to survive, and if the US also doesn't like war, they will have to look elsewhere. Make no mistake - if a country is willing to fight, there will be a military solution. Maybe we will one day have a world where there won't be any war, but it's not today.
Russia cozying up to Western nations who need economic help - not OK.
US bringing Russia's neighbours into NATO orbit - OK.
Russia intervening in its neighbouring nation (Ukraine) to support a legitimate President who was overthrown by a revolution - not OK.
Saudi, with US's help, intervening in its neighbourhood (Yemen) to destroy an indigenous revolution though overt air strikes - OK.
I am not saying Russia is good, but Western hypocrisy is sometimes too obvious.
US bringing Russia's neighbours into NATO orbit - OK.
Russia intervening in its neighbouring nation (Ukraine) to support a legitimate President who was overthrown by a revolution - not OK.
Saudi, with US's help, intervening in its neighbourhood (Yemen) to destroy an indigenous revolution though overt air strikes - OK.
I am not saying Russia is good, but Western hypocrisy is sometimes too obvious.
9
I would happily kick Greece out of the E.U. if they're going to stab the West in the back with its opposition to Russia sanctions.
7
You are not going to kick any one out of the EU. First of all, you are not a citizen of the EU. Second, it would be the wrong thing to do.
Russian diplomacy, when dealing with the EU, can repeat the approach which worked well on XVIIIth century against my country (Poland).
EU has the consensus rule (all members have to agree on fundamental things). So did Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Parliament 3 centuries ago, for the same reason - to assure the big players do not trample the smaller ones. So back then a single (out several hundreds) Commonwealth Parliament member could block any legislation. Russia back then simply bought a few MPs and could effectively control (or at least block) the legislative process of the Commonwealth on the cheap.
When Commonwealth finally established the Constitution which introduced majority (as opposed to consensus) voting, gloves came off and Russia immediately invaded militarily. This might had something to do with the fact that the first act of the Parliament under new Constitution, by majority vote, was to restore the Commonwealth defense budget back up to the necessary reality. It took over a century for Poland and Lithuania to get independence back.
I hope this historical lesson about the delicate balance between freedom and practicality will be not lost today. We Poles and Lithuanians had paid dearly for that lesson. The "unanimous consent" rule, called "liberum veto" ("free to dissent") had been hold dear back then ("nobody will impose laws on me I do not agree with"), but had led ultimately to the loss of freedom. Harken.
EU has the consensus rule (all members have to agree on fundamental things). So did Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Parliament 3 centuries ago, for the same reason - to assure the big players do not trample the smaller ones. So back then a single (out several hundreds) Commonwealth Parliament member could block any legislation. Russia back then simply bought a few MPs and could effectively control (or at least block) the legislative process of the Commonwealth on the cheap.
When Commonwealth finally established the Constitution which introduced majority (as opposed to consensus) voting, gloves came off and Russia immediately invaded militarily. This might had something to do with the fact that the first act of the Parliament under new Constitution, by majority vote, was to restore the Commonwealth defense budget back up to the necessary reality. It took over a century for Poland and Lithuania to get independence back.
I hope this historical lesson about the delicate balance between freedom and practicality will be not lost today. We Poles and Lithuanians had paid dearly for that lesson. The "unanimous consent" rule, called "liberum veto" ("free to dissent") had been hold dear back then ("nobody will impose laws on me I do not agree with"), but had led ultimately to the loss of freedom. Harken.
8
The EU needs to do everything in its power to ween itself from Putin's oil and gas. As quickly as it can.
7
I don't see a problem here. What Putin is doing is in the interest of Russia - securing a friendly outpost in the Eastern Mediterranean and reinforcing the Orthodox Alliance.
Cyprus is getting a handout. the Greeks want one too. As do the Serbs, Bulgarians and Czechs. Everyone gets something out of the Russian connection. Except the Russian people who are being manipulated and robbed.
Cyprus is getting a handout. the Greeks want one too. As do the Serbs, Bulgarians and Czechs. Everyone gets something out of the Russian connection. Except the Russian people who are being manipulated and robbed.
2
I don't understand how members of the EU can be opposed to the EU. At least they blew the top of Putins grand ambitions. Bankrupt Greece, divided Cyprus, autocrat Hungary. Putin sure knows how to pick winners.
Did they completely forget how this whole mess started? Putin didn't want Ukraine to associate itself with the EU, and EU members support him.
Putin is working to break up the EU with help from EU members. They should be asked to leave the EU or join it.
Did they completely forget how this whole mess started? Putin didn't want Ukraine to associate itself with the EU, and EU members support him.
Putin is working to break up the EU with help from EU members. They should be asked to leave the EU or join it.
3
The EU, FYI, is a democratic gathering. Any one has the right to oppose any idea. Greece and Cyprus are exercising that right and no one will stop them
I do wonder what Tsipras would think about sanctions if Russia "annexed" the Peloponesus.
4
The Prime Minister of Greece, Alexis Tsipras will visit Moscow on Wednesday. Mr. Tsipras, not surprisingly, is opposed to sanctions on Russia. Greece is also courting China and even Iran to help out in its bail-out. A sanction- free Iran will be able to help out much more in the strengthening of the Moscow-Tehran axis and allow Mr. Putin to continue to attempt to pull apart the EU by finding the weak links, and there are many, and pushing his way in.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11511653/Isolated-Greece-pi...
The US can forget about Greece and Cyprus as the average Cypriot (and Greek) knows that "the United States will never take a stand against Turkey".
And the US policy in all this is?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/11511653/Isolated-Greece-pi...
The US can forget about Greece and Cyprus as the average Cypriot (and Greek) knows that "the United States will never take a stand against Turkey".
And the US policy in all this is?
1
@ Joshua Schwartz who concluded: "The US can forget about Greece and Cyprus as the average Cypriot (and Greek) knows that "the United States will never take a stand against Turkey".
If the U.S. were to jeopardize it's nearly century old friendship and 63 year alliance in NATO with Turkey by choosing sides among its friends, this might please Israel's current right wing government but it certainly would not be in Israel's strategic long-term interests.
If the U.S. were to jeopardize it's nearly century old friendship and 63 year alliance in NATO with Turkey by choosing sides among its friends, this might please Israel's current right wing government but it certainly would not be in Israel's strategic long-term interests.
1
Don't get overexcited, we are taking up with a former superpower, and they are already digging water. The lines of confrontation seems to be blurred, but it is nothing close to the US-Congress, when the opposition writes a open letter to iran to tell them in advance, that the will recall any bilateral contract of the democratic elected government.
We have irritation, but nothing has been ever running smooth in europe, we are still a continent of very different cultural and political narratives. But the very most of europe is in safe accord.
Does anyone really believe, russia has the stamina to dodge the pressure we have build up ? The will have some symbolic victories, but as soon as you take a look at the overall situation, you will see they are in a tailspin.
We have irritation, but nothing has been ever running smooth in europe, we are still a continent of very different cultural and political narratives. But the very most of europe is in safe accord.
Does anyone really believe, russia has the stamina to dodge the pressure we have build up ? The will have some symbolic victories, but as soon as you take a look at the overall situation, you will see they are in a tailspin.
3
With each successive tactic, the new Greek administration is making it more difficult for EU leaders to convince voters to support them further. Sidling up to Russia in the middle of an ongoing crisis will raise the question "why should we even bother?"
6
For over a half century Europe has prospered and built an impressive social safety net because it was safe behind the American military shield. As the decades passed, Europe became more united, post-War leaders understanding the internal and external risks posed by a fragmented alternative.
Unfortunately, the current generation of Europeans has forgotten why and how they came together in the first place. Europe's abject failure to prevent or even deal with the war in the Balkans should have woken them up. But it didn't. So enamored of economic profit have been the peoples and leaders of Europe, that they seem to have lost the perspective, the intellectual tools, and the fortitude to deal with serious problems, whether Russian neo-imperialism, Islamic terrorism, or an economic union constructed without a financial union.
The result appears to be that Europe's centrifugal forces are in the ascendance, as individual nations hunker down into parochial self-definition and policies. Collective purpose has been replaced by collective amnesia about the virtues demonstrated by a half century of collective action in response to the horrors of World Wars I and II.
Putin smells the weakness, understands America will not continue to serve as Europe's shield, and bit by bit challenges at the periphery, encouraged by European reaction -- or the lack thereof -- to seek out the jugular, or at least establish Russia as a significant geopolitical alternative to the European (dis)Union.
Unfortunately, the current generation of Europeans has forgotten why and how they came together in the first place. Europe's abject failure to prevent or even deal with the war in the Balkans should have woken them up. But it didn't. So enamored of economic profit have been the peoples and leaders of Europe, that they seem to have lost the perspective, the intellectual tools, and the fortitude to deal with serious problems, whether Russian neo-imperialism, Islamic terrorism, or an economic union constructed without a financial union.
The result appears to be that Europe's centrifugal forces are in the ascendance, as individual nations hunker down into parochial self-definition and policies. Collective purpose has been replaced by collective amnesia about the virtues demonstrated by a half century of collective action in response to the horrors of World Wars I and II.
Putin smells the weakness, understands America will not continue to serve as Europe's shield, and bit by bit challenges at the periphery, encouraged by European reaction -- or the lack thereof -- to seek out the jugular, or at least establish Russia as a significant geopolitical alternative to the European (dis)Union.
27
EACH and EVERY country that breaks the sanctions should be KICKED OUT!
5
The wonders of austerity in the poorer EU countries continue, no surprise.
Yet the IMF and others, who couldn't wait to make huge loans to i.e. Greece knowing it would be impossible to be repaid, refuse to restructure those loans and make life at least tolerable for the poorer citizens who always bear it.
People will do what they need to survive. All the Great Leaders know this, so why be surprised Putin's making moves?
The EU and IMF and ECB could restructure loans w/o any of the banks involved being hurt.
BUT that's against all the laws of capital/profit/rent-seeking regardless the human cost; ugly times we are living in.
Yet the IMF and others, who couldn't wait to make huge loans to i.e. Greece knowing it would be impossible to be repaid, refuse to restructure those loans and make life at least tolerable for the poorer citizens who always bear it.
People will do what they need to survive. All the Great Leaders know this, so why be surprised Putin's making moves?
The EU and IMF and ECB could restructure loans w/o any of the banks involved being hurt.
BUT that's against all the laws of capital/profit/rent-seeking regardless the human cost; ugly times we are living in.
15
the truth about those commenting in favor of Putin and Russia has come out officially- most of them are paid by Moscow, hundreds of trolls , the money is good many of them say... too greedy , they let the truth be damned.
19
And everyone else is a shill for Washington and Brussels. So where's the problem?
1
as discussed in a fairly recent article in the British Guardian newspaper:
"Former workers tell how hundreds of bloggers are paid to flood forums and social networks at home and abroad with anti-western and pro-Kremlin comments"
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/02/putin-kremlin-inside-russia...
"Former workers tell how hundreds of bloggers are paid to flood forums and social networks at home and abroad with anti-western and pro-Kremlin comments"
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/02/putin-kremlin-inside-russia...
9
According to the same Guardian, “in files leaked by Edward Snowden last year, GCHQ (British intelligence) was shown to have developed tools to influence online debates, change the outcome of polls, “amplify” sanctioned messages on YouTube and send spoof emails from registered accounts”
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/02/russia-troll-factory-kremli...
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/02/russia-troll-factory-kremli...
2
The US has strategically warmed relations with both Cuba and Iran to remove them as options for Russia to stir-up trouble in retaliation for economic sanctions. So now Putin is on why-can't-we-be-friends world-tour that has included N. Korea and Cyprus.
On a positive note, Fox News has stopped heralding Putin as a great world leader.
On a positive note, Fox News has stopped heralding Putin as a great world leader.
9
The "cash" I can understand. The "Charm" would have to be purchased from some other source, since Putin has none..............
10
The previous global financial panic had many of the same international political effects, as voters worried about feeding their families began searching for (demanding) new solutions to their problems. Hitler and the Communist movement were fueled by that. WW2 was the result.
The recent Panic has also been accompanied by a broken (never right, actually) monetary regime in Europe. "Every" economist knows that a fixed-exchange rate system can't work in an economy unless it is better integrated than Europe's. And no union can succeed if its strongest member holds itself apart, benefiting from the same monetary regime that punishes its neighbors. Germany's economic dominance would evaporate overnight if it had its own currency. Flexible exchange rates would make its exports more expensive and Greece's less expensive, so Eurojobs would be moving south, not north.
As these economic realities get relegated to the background, every other petty slight, mistake or disagreement between nations get assigned great significance, both for journalists and foreign ministers. Deck chairs on the Titantic.
Fix the economy, and the rest will be fixed in the ordinary course of things. Don't fix the economy, and nothing else will succeed.
The recent Panic has also been accompanied by a broken (never right, actually) monetary regime in Europe. "Every" economist knows that a fixed-exchange rate system can't work in an economy unless it is better integrated than Europe's. And no union can succeed if its strongest member holds itself apart, benefiting from the same monetary regime that punishes its neighbors. Germany's economic dominance would evaporate overnight if it had its own currency. Flexible exchange rates would make its exports more expensive and Greece's less expensive, so Eurojobs would be moving south, not north.
As these economic realities get relegated to the background, every other petty slight, mistake or disagreement between nations get assigned great significance, both for journalists and foreign ministers. Deck chairs on the Titantic.
Fix the economy, and the rest will be fixed in the ordinary course of things. Don't fix the economy, and nothing else will succeed.
3
I'm sorry, but this is absolutely wrong. The Deutch Mark was very strong before the Euro, which is probably why Germany has the pleasure of maintaining the Euro today.
I tbought Putin played chess while the west plays checkers? Now he wants to dump billions into the black hole of Greece, hilarious! Not a very smart move Vlad, can you loan Detroit a few billion while you are feeling generous?
5
Right. Also take a look at Vlad's 50B Winter Olympics now empty and deteriorating. Well done.
3
This is almost funny: one economic basket case--Greece perhaps receiving help from another economic basket case--Russia. In the meantime, it's getting confusing: tsarist Russia, the Soviet Union and Putin's "new" Russia seem to be blurring together.
6
Dont yall realize when you sanction countries they just find other countries to trade with. They are already trading with China and the EU needs Russian oil so America shut up. Sooner or later all these countries we have sanctioned over the decades will join up and say get out America. That will leave America isolated more than ever. America needs to quit bullying and start building relationships and businesses. But we have a neocon problem in the govt.
15
Putin cannot afford a Cold War. Shame it must be that way, but if Putin continues to show expansionist goals such as his actions in Georgia, Crimea, Ukraine and Moldava, threats to Balkans, trying to influence Greece, Crete, maintenance of naval station in Mediterranean, we should keep turning up the heat on him financially. We are should not allow Putin to buy influence cheaply. Just say no to Novorussia!
6
Russia has already turned to the Chinese, who hold the US by the short hairs when it comes to our UST holdings. Sanctions against Russia are now hurting EU agro producers more than Russians where the Russian agro industry is coming back.
1
Gee, if President Putin feels like messing around in Greece, allow him -- by all means, allow him -- to bail them out. And maybe the Greeks can then sue Russia for billions incurred during the Soviet-inspired civil war from 1946 to 1949.
5
You are wrong. The Greek civil war was not inspired by the Russians. It was supported by Yougoslavia's Tito. As a matter of fact, Stalin disowned and dropped the Greek communists. The civil war was a by-product of the German occupation and destruction of the country. The Germans are the ones who are responsible. The current government is correct to seek war reparations from germany
Putin and Russia is the real danger to the US and the world. We fret about Iran obtaining the nuclear bomb and at the moment they do not have it. But Russia does and while it might be possible to fight Iran as the President states, we can not fight Russia. No one wins when everything is reduced to ash. He is the real troublemaker and Putin supports Iran as well as Assad. What will happen if NATO is confronted with problems in the Baltic states as Putin has invaded Ukraine with Russian "volunteer" troops. Iran can cause trouble and they have done so. But do not loose focus because of Iran and ignoring the real threat to the world. Now Putin is causing trouble for EU with Greece and Cyprus. How is he able to do this? We are allowing him to fill the vacuum because of our absence. Putin is the snake in the grass.
7
Russian GDP is 1/10 of the combined GDP of USA/EU, although they do have two things that our European client-states desperately need: oil and gas. Still, it would be a mistake to see Russia as the enemy instead of China and India, two countries that will in all likelihood challenge the US/Europeans for world dominance. Russia is perhaps dangerous as a Chinese pawn, but that doesn't make them, and not the Chinese the real enemy.
Yes it does. Russia, China and India would all be glad to take a bite out of us anytime we turn our backs. Russia has the EU over a barrel (of oil). We lose the EU, and we're on our own. Europe will always go after its own interests. We are not helping ourselves by neglecting a resetting of our own manufacturing.
2
Anybody who challenges domination by the US of A is an enemy. No doubt we manufacture enemies to keep the military industrial complex humming.
1
Cyprus, not a member of NATO, sharing an island with an enemy with little to lose, should be very careful about petting the bear and spiting its friends.
3
For over a half century Europe has prospered and generally built an impressive social safety net because, safe behind the American military, it could afford to focus on such things. As the decades passed, Europe became more united, its post-War leaders understanding the internal and external risks posed by a fragmented alternative.
Unfortunately, the current generation of Europeans has forgotten both why and how they came together in the first place. Europe's abject failure to prevent or even deal with the war in the Balkans should have woken them up, but it didn't. So enamored of economic profit have been the peoples and leaders of Europe, that they seem to have lost the perspective, the intellectual tools, and the fortitude to deal with serious problems, whether Russian neo-imperialism, Islamic terrorism, or an economic union constructed without a financial union.
The result appears to be that Europe's centrifugal forces are in the ascendance, as individual nations hunker down into parochial self-definition and policies, collective amnesia about the virtues demonstrated by a half century of collective action trumping actual evidence to the contrary.
Putin smells the weakness, understands America will not continue to serve as Europe's shield, and bit by bit challenges at the periphery, encouraged by European reaction -- or the lack thereof -- to seek out the jugular, or at least establish Russia as a significant geopolitical alternative to the European (dis)Union.
Unfortunately, the current generation of Europeans has forgotten both why and how they came together in the first place. Europe's abject failure to prevent or even deal with the war in the Balkans should have woken them up, but it didn't. So enamored of economic profit have been the peoples and leaders of Europe, that they seem to have lost the perspective, the intellectual tools, and the fortitude to deal with serious problems, whether Russian neo-imperialism, Islamic terrorism, or an economic union constructed without a financial union.
The result appears to be that Europe's centrifugal forces are in the ascendance, as individual nations hunker down into parochial self-definition and policies, collective amnesia about the virtues demonstrated by a half century of collective action trumping actual evidence to the contrary.
Putin smells the weakness, understands America will not continue to serve as Europe's shield, and bit by bit challenges at the periphery, encouraged by European reaction -- or the lack thereof -- to seek out the jugular, or at least establish Russia as a significant geopolitical alternative to the European (dis)Union.
7
Where is my comment ???, in a nut shell, no one protects Russia better than MR. Putin. U.S needs to focus on Boko Haram and Saudis who took own twin towers..
2
Beware Russians bearing gifts.
7
Vladimir Putin's foreign petro policy - during oil prices downside -- reminds me of Winston Churchill premiership post WWII. England was financially broken by the war.
When pressed by armed force chiefs about deep budget cuts, Churchill is supposedly to have said: Gentlemen, we have run out of money. Now we have to think. This is Vladimir Putin foreign policy 2015 with oil prices over $50 a barrel.
When pressed by armed force chiefs about deep budget cuts, Churchill is supposedly to have said: Gentlemen, we have run out of money. Now we have to think. This is Vladimir Putin foreign policy 2015 with oil prices over $50 a barrel.
2
I love statements without corroboratory evidence - in other words called misinformation. According to the IMF, the US government's gross national debt as a percentage of GDP is approximately 106%. Meanwhile Russia's gross national debt as a percentage of GDP stands at 10%. The US ran out of money a longtime ago and is now sustaining itself off Chinese loans.
6
@David
The difference is, that everyone is happy to borrow some hard cash to the US, but hardly anyone is willing to fund Russia.
What is the point of having no debts, when you also have no cash.
The difference is, that everyone is happy to borrow some hard cash to the US, but hardly anyone is willing to fund Russia.
What is the point of having no debts, when you also have no cash.
1
It's clear you don't know how debt works. Let me help you out. Basically, debt means that you've shown yourself to be trustworthy enough to in all likelihood repay a lone, doubly so if you get loans at extremely low interest, as the US does. It's a win-win situation; the lender get a relatively secure place to grow his money while the borrower can, if he is prudent, invest in projects that will generate profit and possibility. A moderate amount of debt at low interest rates is the sign of a healthy economy. All else being equal, the large absolute size of the US debt (held mostly by Americans; only about 7% is held by China - an amount just large enough to keep them tied to our economy in a stabilizing way) is actually very managable. While certainly not all debt finance has been prudent, all in all the US has built what is still a top economy because of it.
Contrast this to Russia. Basically, Russia cannot raise debt at reasonable rates since few trust it. Instead, it must pay cash. It's "long term" finance can only come from the signing of extremely disadvantageous long term deals, such the recent gas deal with china where china came off the clear winner.
"Money" is just paper. Nobody runs out of money. What you run out of in the world of economics and finance is trust and goods and services that people want. The US economy has plenty of these things; beyond energy, Russia has almost none of them.
Contrast this to Russia. Basically, Russia cannot raise debt at reasonable rates since few trust it. Instead, it must pay cash. It's "long term" finance can only come from the signing of extremely disadvantageous long term deals, such the recent gas deal with china where china came off the clear winner.
"Money" is just paper. Nobody runs out of money. What you run out of in the world of economics and finance is trust and goods and services that people want. The US economy has plenty of these things; beyond energy, Russia has almost none of them.
1
RE: Your original (?) head, "Using Cash and Charm, Putin Tries to Subvert E.U. Sanctions". How about "Using Cash and Muscle, Obama tries to subvert Russian Victory Day."
Refers to underreported pressure put on nations such as the Czech Republic and South Korea to reject invitations to the Moscow commemoration next month.
Refers to underreported pressure put on nations such as the Czech Republic and South Korea to reject invitations to the Moscow commemoration next month.
4
Speaking of cash diplomacy and spendthrift nations, we've still got billions and millions floating about Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. In fact, there's a billion or so US dollars supposedly buried somewhere in Lebanon--well, that's what the treasure maps seem to be indicating, anyway.
Seems Putin's got some growing room before he'll be matching us anytime soon, and when it comes to hardware, why, we've got him beat there, too.
He's pretty competitive, though, so he might just get the most bang for his buck, yet.
Seems Putin's got some growing room before he'll be matching us anytime soon, and when it comes to hardware, why, we've got him beat there, too.
He's pretty competitive, though, so he might just get the most bang for his buck, yet.
4
Actually, in Iraq the Chinese and Russian oil companies are outpacing the US oil companies. The Iraqis were left to hang when ISIS showed up and now it is the Iranians who are doing the fighting for them. US foreign policy in the Middle East is a joke.
As for Military Hardware, you should watch the V-day parade in Moscow. Google these words TOPOL M, ARMATA, S-500 and see who is outclassed.
As for Military Hardware, you should watch the V-day parade in Moscow. Google these words TOPOL M, ARMATA, S-500 and see who is outclassed.
Regardless of who one feels is most responsible for Greece's economic problems, I am always surprised how badly the northern EU countries treat Greece, referred by northern Europeans as one of the PIGS (Portugal, Italy, Greek and Spain) given that Greece protects NATO's eastern flank (Turkey under its Islamist president is no longer a viable NATO ally).
9
Greece should be allowed to leave the Euro so they can deflate their currency all they want.
The main reason that Cyprus courts Russia is political. The US, NATO and the UN were silent as Turkey infringed Cyprus's sovereignty by conducting oil exploration off the Cyprian southern coast. They ignore international laws on maritime boundaries. Cyprus diplomatically reached agreements on economic zones peacefully with their eastern and southern neighboring countries of Israel and Egypt. After 40 years of occupying northern Cyprus and creating an "independent" Turkish Cypriot country, Turkey continues its bulying of Cyprus by trying to lay claim on newly discovered potential hydrocarbon resources off the Southern coast of Cyprus. Their greed knows no bounds. If Turkish Cyprus is an "independent" country, it has no claims on resources off southern Cyprus. If it is part of Cyprus, than Turkey should remove its 40,000 troops, relocate the 150,00 Turkish settlers back to Turkey and return the land and churches to their true owners in order for all Cypriots to benefit from these resources .
This is a continuation of their policy to repress Cypriot sovereignty. Only a decade ago, they prevented Cyprus from receiving ground to air missiles purchased from Russia. Cyprus sees Russia, in the absence of international support, as the only viable alternative from being coerced by a powerful neighbor.
This is a continuation of their policy to repress Cypriot sovereignty. Only a decade ago, they prevented Cyprus from receiving ground to air missiles purchased from Russia. Cyprus sees Russia, in the absence of international support, as the only viable alternative from being coerced by a powerful neighbor.
1
While I agree that northern Europe is suspicious of the "PIGS" (perhaps because corruption seems so rampant in those countries), I question your hypothesis that NATO needs "protection" on it's eastern flank. Protection from whom? Who is threatening NATO?
We have bullied and/or bribed our "allies" for years, but when Russia plays that game we yell bloody murder. We are the masters of gunboat diplomacy and have been for many years as well as masters of hypocrisy.
17
Charm? I know he's deep into cash, but ...
CHARM?
CHARM?
2
The Greeks, and Cypriot Greece are both Orthodox Christian. They share not only religion but history, culture, and custom with Russia which is, traditionally, looked upon as a kindred nation. Post-Communist Russia and Greece are natural allies, much more similar than say, Greece and England. The world has become, again, bipolar. We might not like that, but we ignore that reality at our peril.
4
What "history, culture and custom" do Greece and Cyprus share with Russia? What are you talking about?
The culture of the Byzantine Empire and of Russian Orthodoxy. Things go back further than we study in our history courses. When living in Greece I was astonished by the respect and nostalgia for things Russian expressed by ordinary, generally American-friendly Greeks. Greece was a reluctant ally in the 1990s wars in the Balkans and generally supported Orthodox Serbia, just as the Russians did. The large Orthodox population in Syria might explain part of Russia's support for the Syrian regime, too. East vs. West issues at play.
4
Greece and Cyprus are (pardon me) between Scylla and Charybdis.
No one needs Putin in his corner. Think Crimea, Ukraine and Georgia; military provocations in Northern Europe and the Arctic; the Caucasus; racism and religious intolerance; murders of dissidents; using natural gas as an economic weapon; sanctioned homophobia and xenophobia; rampant criminal activity; open disdain for the rule of law.
Of course, Western capitalism doesn't seem to want to help Cyprus and Greece, either, so what are they to do? With rapacious banks now driving most Western governments, the current rule seems to be that, first and foremost, whatever else happens, banks must get all their money back. How did the rules get rewritten to say that international banking would not harbor any risk?
Putin's courtships of Cyprus and Greece can have nothing but a bitter end for those deeply troubled countries. Sadly, they're not doing any better bedding down with the West.
No one needs Putin in his corner. Think Crimea, Ukraine and Georgia; military provocations in Northern Europe and the Arctic; the Caucasus; racism and religious intolerance; murders of dissidents; using natural gas as an economic weapon; sanctioned homophobia and xenophobia; rampant criminal activity; open disdain for the rule of law.
Of course, Western capitalism doesn't seem to want to help Cyprus and Greece, either, so what are they to do? With rapacious banks now driving most Western governments, the current rule seems to be that, first and foremost, whatever else happens, banks must get all their money back. How did the rules get rewritten to say that international banking would not harbor any risk?
Putin's courtships of Cyprus and Greece can have nothing but a bitter end for those deeply troubled countries. Sadly, they're not doing any better bedding down with the West.
4
Clearly you haven't been to Yemen lately. What would you prefer? The 'evil regime' of Putin's Crimea or the 'peace and democracy' that the US and Saudis are bringing to Yemen?
2
Sounds like normal geopolitics for me.
1
All great nations attained greatness through military threat and conquest. You must look at a map to see how Cyprus relates to the region. Cyprus is immediately south of the south coast of Turkey, a N.A.T.O. ally, and immediately to the west of the Syrian coast where a Russian naval base is located. It is a jumping-off point between the opposing forces of N.A.T.O. and Russia in very close proximity.
Greece, also a friend of ours is immediately west of Turkey, the N.A.T.O. ally. Turkey is under great pressure from Russia and potentially isolated from the rest of Europe. Additionally, I believe, the annexation of Crimea with the Russian naval base at Sevastopol was meant to empower Russian naval forces with Turkey controlling the Straits of Dardenelle that provides water access from the Black Sea to the wider and open Mediterranean ocean and onward to the Atlantic. With the conflict in Syria threatening to dethrone Assad and the possibility of the Russians losing the Syrian coast naval base, it appears to me that this attempt at winning the confidences of distressed Greece and Cyprus through usury financial means is meant to assure safe naval passage.
All politics and economics have underlying military goals. Russia is no different than any other nation. They are taking advantage of needy countries for military purposes.
Greece, also a friend of ours is immediately west of Turkey, the N.A.T.O. ally. Turkey is under great pressure from Russia and potentially isolated from the rest of Europe. Additionally, I believe, the annexation of Crimea with the Russian naval base at Sevastopol was meant to empower Russian naval forces with Turkey controlling the Straits of Dardenelle that provides water access from the Black Sea to the wider and open Mediterranean ocean and onward to the Atlantic. With the conflict in Syria threatening to dethrone Assad and the possibility of the Russians losing the Syrian coast naval base, it appears to me that this attempt at winning the confidences of distressed Greece and Cyprus through usury financial means is meant to assure safe naval passage.
All politics and economics have underlying military goals. Russia is no different than any other nation. They are taking advantage of needy countries for military purposes.
13
I could not agree with you more, and actually 'played this thought' in my mind a few weeks ago, wondering when this would be coming up. It is a natural and Russia has been trying this for a long time - there is no surprise here. If our policies toward Syria and Greece did not foresee this we have some really uninformed people working in DoD and the State Department.
1
Reading these comments illustrates how easy it is to manipulate the American sheeple. Not long ago, Russia was being advertised as misunderstood, a nation that no longer had to be feared, but then they kept getting in the way of our wars, first with Iran, then Syria. They also spear headed the BRICS collective, what was this independence, nations are not allowed to work in their best interests! So America's neocons went to work to get rid of Putin, starting with undermining the Ukrainian government and installing an anti Russian puppet. America supported the coup of a democratically elected president, astounding. Yet here we are, the media tells the sheeple Russia is no longer our friend, so we are on the march to aggression. Paints Russia as the aggressor, even though we all know America and the EU were the one's to start this with their coup of the Ukrainian president.
25
TJ: Thank you.
OK, "TJ from NY", nice cut and paste job.
4
Great , asccurate analysis, thanks.
3
Putin's goal is to become China. In terms of economic heft and its attendant power. He has ben schooling off of China since before he first took office. He saw how all, really all, Western FDI was going to China while Russia tried 'democracy' under Yeltsin with 120 splintered parties in the Duma.
Now, he watches as all of the US's 'allies', except Japan, scrambled over each other to become 'founding members' of China's IMF lookalike, the AIIB, so they don't miss out on all those juicy infrastructure projects.
Old school G-7 style free market democratic alliances didn't die, they committed suicide at the altar of globalization!
Putin is playing a cynic's game and he is probably right to do so, sadly.
Now, he watches as all of the US's 'allies', except Japan, scrambled over each other to become 'founding members' of China's IMF lookalike, the AIIB, so they don't miss out on all those juicy infrastructure projects.
Old school G-7 style free market democratic alliances didn't die, they committed suicide at the altar of globalization!
Putin is playing a cynic's game and he is probably right to do so, sadly.
2
trblmkr: I hope to high heaven the AIIB is NOT an IMF look-a-like. The IMF colluding with NATO and WB, destroys countries...give a loan and make the paying back excruciating with austerity. It's godawful. The thing I worry about is the U.S. quietly joining in as it sees all its "friends" joining. Obama tried to strong-arm those others into not joining, to no avail. He maintained the AIIB wouldn't have "our standards." I hope not! I'm hoping without the U.S. influence (and its big money corps) this new bank might be better for people in those countries. We shall see.
1) Nobody knows whether or to what degree Obama "strong-armed" anybody. It's all speculation.
2) I agree with you regarding the earlier IMF (pre-Lagarde) and their austere bailout plocies but I'm not referring to rescue loans but infrastructure loans.
3) Our allies really haven't joined anything because there is no actual bank yet. They just want to get a spot at the trough in case China doesn't try to hog all the best projects. If they do, look for these countries to vote with their feet.
2) I agree with you regarding the earlier IMF (pre-Lagarde) and their austere bailout plocies but I'm not referring to rescue loans but infrastructure loans.
3) Our allies really haven't joined anything because there is no actual bank yet. They just want to get a spot at the trough in case China doesn't try to hog all the best projects. If they do, look for these countries to vote with their feet.
Yes, all those Republicans (I'm talking to you Rudy) who want Obama to be more like Putin - now THERE'S a leader!! http://on.rt.com/dnzwkv
2
Mr.Putin,or Putine by italics is a typically "populist leader"in the latinoamerican sense,and in the time that he's having money to close agreements with poor and desperate countries,they go ahead with this politic.
1
We are encountering a modern imperial menace. Increase the sanctions and make Russia an outcast from the community of nations.
Most of all, do not resort to war.
Most of all, do not resort to war.
6
Thank you Chancellor Merkel for pushing Greece into the hands of the Russians.
7
That was the banks and the abscense of tight bank regulation, read: on hedging against Greece.
1
The US sure likes to sanction other countries, too bad we have no one that can sanction us. Without knowing what it feels like, how can we be sure our sanctions are fair and not purely being done only because we like to bully others?
28
Iver: Thanks.
Putin has to work hard to break out of his sanctions. The Iranians just had to wait for Obama and Kerry to come calling.
3
Politically, Putin today occupies the same place that Hitler held.
He is impelled by nationalism that is amplified by the experience of national humiliation of Russia during the 1990s and the collapse of their economy and so many institutions, following the loss of the Cold War due to financial reasons (the plummet in oil prices in the 1980s). Putin is nostalgic for that earlier era of a strong Soviet Union. This humiliation gives birth to a sort of nationalism that is crude and offensive even in its mildest manifestations. Remember Germans in the 1930s.
This in turn puts Putin and therefore Russia in a revisionist position in the diplomacy of the areas which they are tangent to, which is entirely what Germany was in the 1930s. Fortunately Putin's Russia does not have relatively well functioning economic institutions like Germany had.
Putin is entirely a monster of our own selfish making. After WWI the allies imposed a humiliating treaty on Germany and that paved the way for the emergence of a Hitler. After WWII we rebuilt Western Europe, including Germany and kept the humiliation to a minimum and that created a more peaceful and prosperous Europe. After the cold war, we should have created a new Marshall plan for former Warsaw Pact countries (a mere $350 billion in 1990s money) and sent in European technocrats to help rebuild institutions and Japanese and South Korean planners to help execute industrial policy. Russia then should have been invited into the EU & NATO.
He is impelled by nationalism that is amplified by the experience of national humiliation of Russia during the 1990s and the collapse of their economy and so many institutions, following the loss of the Cold War due to financial reasons (the plummet in oil prices in the 1980s). Putin is nostalgic for that earlier era of a strong Soviet Union. This humiliation gives birth to a sort of nationalism that is crude and offensive even in its mildest manifestations. Remember Germans in the 1930s.
This in turn puts Putin and therefore Russia in a revisionist position in the diplomacy of the areas which they are tangent to, which is entirely what Germany was in the 1930s. Fortunately Putin's Russia does not have relatively well functioning economic institutions like Germany had.
Putin is entirely a monster of our own selfish making. After WWI the allies imposed a humiliating treaty on Germany and that paved the way for the emergence of a Hitler. After WWII we rebuilt Western Europe, including Germany and kept the humiliation to a minimum and that created a more peaceful and prosperous Europe. After the cold war, we should have created a new Marshall plan for former Warsaw Pact countries (a mere $350 billion in 1990s money) and sent in European technocrats to help rebuild institutions and Japanese and South Korean planners to help execute industrial policy. Russia then should have been invited into the EU & NATO.
7
This post demonstrates such an ignorance of history. The parallelism drawn between Russian and Germany in an insult to the millions of Russians who died during WWII.
The funny thing is that one person's patriotism is another person's nationalism. Similarly, one person may view the Marshall plan as rebuilding Europe but another one can view it as a way to expand and maintain the interests of the United States in Europe.
Putin is no Hitler. Putin is simply looking out for the geopolitical interests of his country, much as the United States and other countries are doing or have done in the past. While I do not agree with much of his policies, demonizing him does not really lead to any meaningful conversations and diplomacy.
Why is a wrong thing for Putin to try to foster relationships with Cyprus, Greece and other countries in the area? It is actually smart diplomacy on his part. Maybe the US should try to match it, instead of having a fit when leaders from these countries visit Russia
The funny thing is that one person's patriotism is another person's nationalism. Similarly, one person may view the Marshall plan as rebuilding Europe but another one can view it as a way to expand and maintain the interests of the United States in Europe.
Putin is no Hitler. Putin is simply looking out for the geopolitical interests of his country, much as the United States and other countries are doing or have done in the past. While I do not agree with much of his policies, demonizing him does not really lead to any meaningful conversations and diplomacy.
Why is a wrong thing for Putin to try to foster relationships with Cyprus, Greece and other countries in the area? It is actually smart diplomacy on his part. Maybe the US should try to match it, instead of having a fit when leaders from these countries visit Russia
7
Love him or hate him, you have to admire Putin's political skills. Wouldn't it be nice if we had a president with equally effective finesse?
11
We do. He basically just negotiated away all of Iran's nuclear capacities - to the point where the treaty itself looks like a total humiliation to the Iranians. In fact it has a few bones in it that it for the Iranians to avoid total humiliation, but that in itself only makes it more humiliating. It is an unbelievable piece of statecraft. One that the Republicans won't believe, will throwout in hopes of starting another great middle eastern war next time they get their turn at the wheel.
This is the same party that destroyed the League of Nations so that we would have to fight the Axis on terms they preferred instead of confronting and containing while they were still weak.
The Republicans are a strangelovian nihilistic party.
This is the same party that destroyed the League of Nations so that we would have to fight the Axis on terms they preferred instead of confronting and containing while they were still weak.
The Republicans are a strangelovian nihilistic party.
4
Uh, no, that would be pretty terrible, thanks.
6
His country is totally tanking, while our is on the economic upswing.
But yeah, I sincerely agree with you. It must be great to have such a suave and able politician work his finesse so masterfully while your currency is being flushed and your people are growing unhappier by the minute.
But yeah, I sincerely agree with you. It must be great to have such a suave and able politician work his finesse so masterfully while your currency is being flushed and your people are growing unhappier by the minute.
2
Donald Tusk will have trouble maintaining his assigned task from Obama - the EU doesn't believe in the US objectives nor its methods at their expense. Coupled with supporting the Fascist regime in Kiev is distasteful at best.
Italy, Greece, Spain, Czech, Hungary, Cyprus and others still in the closet are not players for this game continuing nor are German industrialists or French citizens. Estonia, Lithuania, Poland can be controlled with handouts - they are small enough to get by with little serious US $$.
The US will train the Ukraine military with the same effectiveness as they did in Iraq and South Vietnam with the same results. But, the next confrontation in the field will be decisive and the Ukraine Fascist cant raise the necessary recruits who are fleeing to Russia for safety and freedom.
In the end, the people in the south from Kharkiv to Odessa will "vote" their own interests to go with an east or west affiliation - they will certainly not choose.......Fascism.
Italy, Greece, Spain, Czech, Hungary, Cyprus and others still in the closet are not players for this game continuing nor are German industrialists or French citizens. Estonia, Lithuania, Poland can be controlled with handouts - they are small enough to get by with little serious US $$.
The US will train the Ukraine military with the same effectiveness as they did in Iraq and South Vietnam with the same results. But, the next confrontation in the field will be decisive and the Ukraine Fascist cant raise the necessary recruits who are fleeing to Russia for safety and freedom.
In the end, the people in the south from Kharkiv to Odessa will "vote" their own interests to go with an east or west affiliation - they will certainly not choose.......Fascism.
24
Parrotting, this is all there is...
1
I must protest your harsh words against my Country, and whilst is fact that Kiev EU enthusiasts deposed Ukraine's legally elected President in a rush without consulting and enjoining their fellow citizens in the east on their quest; thereby sparking the civil war that their new President believed was winnable, it's also fact that my Country's support derives from its links with the EU and NATO, and not necessarily as support for the regime change induced by EU hopefuls in Kiev. Whether the latter are Fascist inclined or not, it's a matter of doubt, the EU is not led by Fascists and seem to be reluctant to support the Kiev Regime beyond imposing dire sanctions of Mr. Putin's Russia. In fact, the EU appears to be more inclined to support some form of associate status for eastern Ukraine in order to end the civil war . . . and I think that in due course the EC wil be amenable to allow the citizens of Crimea decide their status. I believe that our President is not likely to foster Ukraine's civil war by training and arming an attacking force for Kiev, more likely he will authorize a defense force, it all. Time will tell, but in the meantime I demand you stop your fierce attacks on the integrity as well as the intentions of either our Government or our President
Refreshing having Putin negotiate with money rather then with tanks. Hoping he doesn't run out of Rubles. Nonetheless, quietly he is working politically. Tone change? Perhaps.
4
No tone change. Jsut opening a second front. His tanks keep rolling into Ukraine full speed to solidify the occupation and be ready for the next assault.
4
al
Where did you get this information? Can you, please, guide us to verification of Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine?
Where did you get this information? Can you, please, guide us to verification of Russian tanks rolling into Ukraine?
bogglesthemind,
google T-72B & T-90, Donetsk, and BBC. Both tanks are not in Ukranian arsenal.
google T-72B & T-90, Donetsk, and BBC. Both tanks are not in Ukranian arsenal.
1
It's remarkable how many comments here seem so very appalled that Russia is trying to win friends & influence it's neighbors. That is what every nation does as a matter of course. The angst regarding justified Russian grievances over the US-stimulated coup in Ukraine is laughably naive.
44
the level of hypocrisy Americans are willing to accept from our government is unlimited.
4
Greece and Cyprus are desperate for money otherwise they wouldn't be turning to Russia for assistance. Russia doesn't stand for much. Its an increasingly totalitarian country with no respect for human rights, whose government kills off its opposition (for instance Nemtsov) and which threatens and invades its neighbours such as Ukraine, a sovereign nation, where Russian-led aggression has destroyed towns and villages in Eastern Ukraine and caused suffering and death for many people.
1
This is good news. It is the interplay of various forces with the balancing they produce that produces both peace and progress. As we see from the charging ostrich with it's head in the sand that was the US interfering in Ukraine, when big players get their way alone nothing good happens.
3
Putin's greatest strength is that he is absolutely shameless. How do you beat that? By being shameless in return!
4
He may be shameless, but what does that have to do with Russian policy toward Greece and Cyprus?
1
Predatory loans crashed the U.S. economy. I'd be wary of loans that don't take a conservative approach. I'd be even more wary of those who came up with the idea.
3
Sanctions on Russia are self-defeating and needless for European Union countries. There is every economic reason for the EU to have open and close relations with Russia. Vilifying Russia, especially through vilifying President Putin is only unfortunate and this Cold War-like stance should be replaced with honest diplomacy.
31
"There is every economic reason for the EU to have open and close relations with Russia."
Ukraine has tried that. The Baltic countries have their doubts, though.
Ukraine has tried that. The Baltic countries have their doubts, though.
6
Sanctions on Putin are absolutely justified as he has invaded a sovereign country and has caused the slaughter of thousands in Ukraine. Honest diplomacy is impossible with Putin as he is a liar and cheat!
8
rusalka, and others of the same opinion: I wrote the 2/1/15 and have no reason to change it. Please stop believing the propaganda from our MSM.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Viktor Muzhenko, made a statement January 29 on Channel Five TV Ukraine stating that in the Donbas the separatists fighting are not regular units of the Russian Army. Kiev admitted that there are no facts supporting the rumors that Putin is sending in troops. The sanctions by the European Union and the United States are based on the assumption that the Ukraine military is fighting the Russian military. When the Chief of Staff of the Ukraine military says publicly that isn’t true, then the sanctions should be lifted. I heard a separatist fighter say, “Do you think if Russia was supporting us, we would have this equipment?” Their equipment is pitifully old, broken down and mostly ineffective. It is always surprising that the hype for more war is accepted so readily. We do not need to fight again in another country. How do so many people hate Putin without knowing all the circumstances. It's as bad as saying "Hate to America" without realizing that that is sweeping generalization. Frankly, Putin has been the statesman throughout this sordid affair the U.S. created in Ukraine.
The Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Viktor Muzhenko, made a statement January 29 on Channel Five TV Ukraine stating that in the Donbas the separatists fighting are not regular units of the Russian Army. Kiev admitted that there are no facts supporting the rumors that Putin is sending in troops. The sanctions by the European Union and the United States are based on the assumption that the Ukraine military is fighting the Russian military. When the Chief of Staff of the Ukraine military says publicly that isn’t true, then the sanctions should be lifted. I heard a separatist fighter say, “Do you think if Russia was supporting us, we would have this equipment?” Their equipment is pitifully old, broken down and mostly ineffective. It is always surprising that the hype for more war is accepted so readily. We do not need to fight again in another country. How do so many people hate Putin without knowing all the circumstances. It's as bad as saying "Hate to America" without realizing that that is sweeping generalization. Frankly, Putin has been the statesman throughout this sordid affair the U.S. created in Ukraine.
Putin DID NOT seize Crimea. Instead, Crimeans voted, and the overwhelming majority of its citizens chose to leave Ukraine and become an integral part of Russia.
34
The "vote" came after the de-facto seizure of Crimea. Its openness and validity are thus open to question...
17
Your info is outdated.
Putin, by his own admisson, gave an order to "prepare" the annexation and sent his unmarked troops in before the Crimeans had a chance to vote for anything.
Besides, how come they lived as Ukranians for 20+ years without having voted or expressed their desire for joinig Russia? Why the haste? Scots were preparing their referndum more than 5 years before the vote, and so did Quebeckois.
Putin, by his own admisson, gave an order to "prepare" the annexation and sent his unmarked troops in before the Crimeans had a chance to vote for anything.
Besides, how come they lived as Ukranians for 20+ years without having voted or expressed their desire for joinig Russia? Why the haste? Scots were preparing their referndum more than 5 years before the vote, and so did Quebeckois.
21
That's funny!
Putin himself admits that Russian special forces were operating in the Crimea before the referendum that the world knows was a complete sham.
By your reasoning, Stalin was a democratically elected leader.
Putin himself admits that Russian special forces were operating in the Crimea before the referendum that the world knows was a complete sham.
By your reasoning, Stalin was a democratically elected leader.
11
After the Cold War ended and the USSR dissolved, the financial powers that be - especially the International Monetary Fund - treated Russia as a conquered sinner that must pay, through ruinous inflation and dissolution of what safety net used to exist in the old Soviet Union, for the Communist regime that its people NEVER freely elected. A classic lesson in How Not to Win Friends and Influence People (in a positive direction, that is). And some of us are still wondering why a large majority of the Russian people are just fine with Putin, especially when he grabs back what was originally Russian territory in the first place (Shall the West sing 'Crimea River'?) and then says some rather jolting things that don't exactly go over well in Washington. Please. Did anyone think that years of humiliation are the perfect way to transform an adversary into a friend? Actually, the first three words in that preceding sentence, followed by the question mark, should more than suffice.
What's even more ridiculous, if that's indeed possible, is that the wealthy and influential in THIS country have been treating a huge number of their fellow citizens - the ones who haven't fared well in the current economy - the way the IMF and the West treated post-Soviet Russia. Good grief, does anyone in charge learn ANYTHING these days?
What's even more ridiculous, if that's indeed possible, is that the wealthy and influential in THIS country have been treating a huge number of their fellow citizens - the ones who haven't fared well in the current economy - the way the IMF and the West treated post-Soviet Russia. Good grief, does anyone in charge learn ANYTHING these days?
47
Grossness,
Friendship, trust, and respect are not an entitlement, they are earned not given.
Especially not to a bully that used to occupy all Eastern Europe by military force.
Friendship, trust, and respect are not an entitlement, they are earned not given.
Especially not to a bully that used to occupy all Eastern Europe by military force.
4
Hitler began by just taking parts of Austria.
2
I would say any success Putin might have with these European Union "underachievers" is due more to the failure of the EU itself to satisfy it's own rather than anything positive that Russia might have at it's disposal bribe them with. Try as the Europeans might, they haven't been able to really overcome the cultural and economic differences that keep them from achieving true harmony and integration. It's only a matter of time before the cracks start opening up.....Greece and Czech Republic as the first to fall? Would they be missed if they did?
3
It is time, perhaps, to gently remind the Greeks and Cypriots that, "by their friends ye shall know them." It would also be appropriate to remind them that Mr. Putin does nothing out of kindness. He will expect repayment, with interest.
14
They know that. Like a canny courtesan who sees she's losing her current admirer, the Greeks and Cypriots are casting about for a new patron.
2
Global markets will lose a trillion dollars worrying about a few billion in Greek debt. Why not just give them the money and let the market rebound recoup it in a morning? or doesn't that fit an economic model?
6
A deal with Iran that keeps oil prices low will offset these moves.
Of course, it would be great if Putin would give Greece the money to pay back the EU. In return, Greece would again export ???? to Russia in return for importing ????.
Of course, it would be great if Putin would give Greece the money to pay back the EU. In return, Greece would again export ???? to Russia in return for importing ????.
5
Hopefully Russia will give all the struggling EU members money. Maybe they'd like to take over the mess in the middle east?
"Hopefully Russia will give all the struggling EU members money. Maybe they'd like to take over the mess in the middle east?"
No. Putin's making friends; we're making enemies.
No. Putin's making friends; we're making enemies.
4
Trusting Putin is a mistake; Putin wants to get a naval base in Greece and move it out of NATO--and will say anything to do it. He knows his navy's days in Syria are numbered.
22
A cheap slight, a non sequitur, and a wild guess. Some post!
6
God forbid any nation wants to do what is good for its security...could you tell me how many navel bases, or military bases America has around the world.
There is nothing more destructive than American "exceptionalism", displayed so prominently on many of these posts.
There is nothing more destructive than American "exceptionalism", displayed so prominently on many of these posts.
1
Putin thinks he can manipulate and buy support for his lame ideas of foreign policy....I think the countries looking for his payoffs better be careful, because he may be using bongo bucks.
7
Economic help from Russia. If I was Greek I would not hold my breath. The Russians destroyed Eastern Europe economically from 1945 to 1990. This Putin guy has absolutely no decency. How about telling the world who murdered 298 people on the Malaysian airline. He knows who and when the trigger was pulled. I don't understand why the world is giving him a pass on this issue. Lie cheat and stone wall just like the Russian did on the 1983 murder of the people on the Korean airline until Boris Yeltsin revealed everything 10 years after he fact..
52
Would be great if you bring yourself up to speed about Russia after 1990
Putin was one of the few who assured that communism was not returning in
Russia and also the last 25 years was the best period for Europe ( up 2008 )
Putin was one of the few who assured that communism was not returning in
Russia and also the last 25 years was the best period for Europe ( up 2008 )
6
Arguments, claims and counterclaims as well as the demonization of Putin serve no useful purpose. Our cold war and armament's race destroyed the Economy of the Soviet Union, but it took much too long and in the process we really hurt ours. I don't want to see us re-inventing that process, that's a military industrial complex thing and the thing of the politicians that serve its ends, I'm with Ike on this score, wary of them.
It is nice when people bring some truth to a comment section that is surely lacking it.
He is picking at the bones of Europe's economic carcasses.
7
I thought NATO was the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. The alliance should let Russia have Greece and Turkey, always the weakest links in the chain any way, and while they're at it give them the Eastern Ukraine and whole Middle East as a bonus. Maybe they can understand these people.
4
Greece is one of the few NATO members that has consistently met its commitment to spend 3% of GDP on defense. It is hardly the weakest link in the chain - then again, NATO is a pretty lousy chain.
3
Absolutely, nothing would help the Russians resurrect Peter the Great than control of 70% of the worlds oil reserves. That would teach 'em.
2
I'm inclined to agree, but no Country is ours to give away, no to speak of the whole block that conforms middle east.
We shouldn't expect any less from Mr. Putin! All the friends that money can buy. Sadly, unlike the good old days when ideology ruled the (east/west) world, today cash is king!
That being said, Turkey and Greece need to address the Cypress issue. Today, Tehran, tomorrow Nicosia! Hope springs eternal!
That being said, Turkey and Greece need to address the Cypress issue. Today, Tehran, tomorrow Nicosia! Hope springs eternal!
3
"...situated on a fault line between East and West, Mr. Anastasiades said he seeks good relations with all sides and “even with the devil.” He added, “I do not have the luxury to choose my friends.”
This is the situation and the only sound prescription for Ukraine also, in order to maintain European and geopolitical security in this century. This is all that was at stake in this Ukraine crisis.
This is the situation and the only sound prescription for Ukraine also, in order to maintain European and geopolitical security in this century. This is all that was at stake in this Ukraine crisis.
2
Sometimes it is the least likely politicians that come out of the wood work and gain historical prominence. Mr. Putin strikes me as one of these persons who is not quite grounded, but one has to take him seriously because there is a risk of having to pay the piper's price.
It was that absurd letter with his signature in the paper two summers ago telling us that we should get our act together, eat humble pie and disregard our President. At first I thought it was a spoof, but then became concerned and wondered what had happened to the Russian Leader.
Meanwhile the Ukraine Consulate remains forgotten in the street of New York. Silence. Others will have something of more substance to add, but I feel it's going to end badly for him and for others. This kind of erratic behavior usually does not mysteriously disappear, and it would not surprise me if Russia is tightening its seat-belt for a bumpy ride.
America has its troubles, but the President does not send bureaucratic form letters to other countries on their conduct or how to behave, and perhaps it might be wise for Cyprus, smiles and all, to shore up a little closer to China just to be on the safe side.
As for the United States never taking a stand against Turkey, anything is possible and Turkey is astute enough to know this, while the rest of such an assumption is just turkey.
It was that absurd letter with his signature in the paper two summers ago telling us that we should get our act together, eat humble pie and disregard our President. At first I thought it was a spoof, but then became concerned and wondered what had happened to the Russian Leader.
Meanwhile the Ukraine Consulate remains forgotten in the street of New York. Silence. Others will have something of more substance to add, but I feel it's going to end badly for him and for others. This kind of erratic behavior usually does not mysteriously disappear, and it would not surprise me if Russia is tightening its seat-belt for a bumpy ride.
America has its troubles, but the President does not send bureaucratic form letters to other countries on their conduct or how to behave, and perhaps it might be wise for Cyprus, smiles and all, to shore up a little closer to China just to be on the safe side.
As for the United States never taking a stand against Turkey, anything is possible and Turkey is astute enough to know this, while the rest of such an assumption is just turkey.
4
The European Union in 2004 chose to admit only the Greek Cypriot southern half of the island to their union even though Greek Cypriot voters had rejected a UN peace plan with the Turks and were an economic liability to the EU, mainly because they were Christians. "They are one of us", or so they thought.
They should have paid heed to the poet Virgil's warning back in 29 BC: Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. "I fear the Danaans [Greeks], even those bearing gifts".
They should have paid heed to the poet Virgil's warning back in 29 BC: Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes. "I fear the Danaans [Greeks], even those bearing gifts".
9
When you mention Turkey's occupation of the north, you should probably also mention that the Turkish side of the island voted to reunite the island under a plan proposed by the UN and supported by the EU. The Greek side rejected it.
27
...and the Greek Cypriots were rewarded immediately afterward with EU membership. The EU really stepped on their wee-wee on that one.
Russia/Greece/Cyprus? Putin isn't looking just for a way around sanctions; he wants the old Russian dream: Constantinople, the Dardanelles, indeed the Eastern Roman Empire resurrected with its new capital in Moscow. If he backs Cyprus in re-taking the North will any Turkish politician be able to keep Turkey in NATO if we don't respond with military force? But if we try to respond with force will we have the Greek air force on our side? Chancellor Merkel, pay attention. This isn't about economic ideologies. Just because the chances of his success are slim doesn't mean we should let him start this game. For want of the tiny cost of helping Greece & Cyprus we could lose NATO.
7
Mark, what you suggest is called throwing good money after bad. The EU has tried that with Greece since May, 2010; the results are self-evident. Greece's ex-Communist new Prime Minister is now on his way to Moscow.
4
What has Europe done? Forced cuts to minimum wages? Austerity isn't help. Eurozone GDP is 14 trillion, Greek national debt .3 trillion and it borrows at 18%. The rest of the Eurozone can borrow at less than 6%. Float Euro bonds for a tenth of the debt and all Greece's interest rates would begin to plummet. The debt would be paid down faster, the Greek economy would begin a sustainable recovery, and this nonsense would be over. Yes some hedge funds and contrarian investors would lose the bets they placed, but Europe would win. What do you think the Eurozone GDP be if NATO falls apart?
2
The last I heard, Cyprus is not a part of NATO.
1
Putin is doing a great job in tearing down NATO, one step at a time. First he makes good with the Turks (or at least the Islamist faction thereof) and now he's working on the Greeks and Cypriots. Hungary he already has.
Then, when enough damage is done to NATO -- he'll make his grab?
Then, when enough damage is done to NATO -- he'll make his grab?
11
Next in line will be Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and after that Finland. It is all a matter of time unless NATO steps up to the task. Which they probably wont.
2
We should be tearing down NATO, it's a useless invitation to necessary conflict.
1
"...he'll make his grab"
I wonder if he'll start with Germany. Their GDP is nearly twice that of Russia, so at least Putin will then have something worth grabbing.
I wonder if he'll start with Germany. Their GDP is nearly twice that of Russia, so at least Putin will then have something worth grabbing.
1
There economy is very important to non- EU states and some states with a conflict with the EU government. This new change in diplomatic negotiations is simply to make the Russian people think that there will be a "Great and Unified Russia," and that there recent economic and social troubles are just temporary.
2
If the US did more hand-holding and less bombing the world would be a better place.
Who gave us the right to tell other nations what parade they can attend? There was a time when Dwight Eisenhower attended the same parade.
Who gave us the right to tell other nations what parade they can attend? There was a time when Dwight Eisenhower attended the same parade.
80
Doolin66: Thanks.
1
It is fascinating to watch the ages-old Eastern European imperialism vs the Western European imperialism playing out in the 21st century. The Cypress "bailout", since exposed as corrupt, was a huge shot against Russia in this economic war.
Putin retaliated, and to extend Russia's influence against the pummeling that the West was giving, he took Crimea and has worked to secure influence in Ukraine, where western factions facilitated the overthrow of Yanukovich.
But it all comes down to money, and with OPEC falling in line with the US and western banks, and oil below $50….well, game over. This is just mop-up by Putin to secure what influence he can in Europe, but, the real trouble that awaits the west is a pragmatic Sino-Russian alliance. Don't count that out.
Putin retaliated, and to extend Russia's influence against the pummeling that the West was giving, he took Crimea and has worked to secure influence in Ukraine, where western factions facilitated the overthrow of Yanukovich.
But it all comes down to money, and with OPEC falling in line with the US and western banks, and oil below $50….well, game over. This is just mop-up by Putin to secure what influence he can in Europe, but, the real trouble that awaits the west is a pragmatic Sino-Russian alliance. Don't count that out.
12
It is a shame that the US cannot move beyond a Cold War mentality that constantly seeks to isolate and vilify Russia. The US has bought and coerced cooperation from many of its European "allies" for years, but when Russia does it, somehow we are supposed to be offended and threatened. Simply stated, pathetic.
105
Daniel,
Russian "coercion" of its ally Ukraine has been accomplished by a military invasion and 6K+ dead Ukranians, still counting. A reason enough to "isolate and vilify" poor little Russia.
The cold war mentality is a product of Russia's military aggression and its adversarial strategy toward the West. A professor at one of their university has just recently shared his thoughts on a nuclear strike at the Yellowstone volcano to "destroy America." How's that for a cold war mentality?
Russian "coercion" of its ally Ukraine has been accomplished by a military invasion and 6K+ dead Ukranians, still counting. A reason enough to "isolate and vilify" poor little Russia.
The cold war mentality is a product of Russia's military aggression and its adversarial strategy toward the West. A professor at one of their university has just recently shared his thoughts on a nuclear strike at the Yellowstone volcano to "destroy America." How's that for a cold war mentality?
13
Well, it's been a while since the US invaded a sovereign nation or aided and abetted those that have shot down a passenger plane flying over it's territory and then impeding the search and rescue effort so I really don't think Russia needs ANY HELP with vilifying since it's doing a superb job of vilifying itself.
7
Is it perhaps possible that Russia is the one that hasn't moved past a Cold War mentality? In the past 8 years, they've invaded and now possess territory of two of their sovereign neighbors; if it wasn't a nuclear state, there would be more than just sanctions facing Russia. Please save the false equivalencies with US behavior- yes, we've done bad things, made bad decisions, etc. But I don't think that we have incorporated a part of another country into our borders by force since the first decade of the 20th century.
8
I didn't know Putin has any charm.
31
Mr. Putin was charming when he helped the First Lady of China keep her shoulders warm with her shawl. Considerate and gallant, he whipped out a blanket from other his feet, and rose to the occasion when there was a slight chill detected in the air. True, it was considered slightly awkward at the time, but his gifts to China were graciously received. I wonder what happened to his Siberian tiger who was last seen swimming to China, and why this magnificent big cat decided it was time to leave off from Russian shores.
me2: Obviously, you haven't met the man.
This type of subversion costs in the billions $. Billiions of $ that the Russians do not have. Hence the article overstates the risk.
8
Russia is essentially a third world nation with nukes , still medieval in mindset and nationalist in tone. Their economy is about the size of the German state of Bavaria. They are no match for the EU alone, never mind NATO, and they know it. This is all posturing.
No surprise that the socialists in Greece are cosying up to them. But I'm not worried.
No surprise that the socialists in Greece are cosying up to them. But I'm not worried.
84
"Russia is essentially a third world nation with nukes , still medieval in mindset "
No where as medieval in mindset as Iran under the mad mullahs.
No where as medieval in mindset as Iran under the mad mullahs.
3
Really how did get your numbers.
Russia is a TOP 5 country in quit a lot of things ( Worldwide )
1) Oil/Gas
2) Defense
3) Diamonds
4) Aluminum
5) Foreign Exchange Reserves / Gold
And properly able to crash a dozen of commodity markets
Russia is a TOP 5 country in quit a lot of things ( Worldwide )
1) Oil/Gas
2) Defense
3) Diamonds
4) Aluminum
5) Foreign Exchange Reserves / Gold
And properly able to crash a dozen of commodity markets
4
You really need to get your facts straight. Russia is one of the largest economies in the world with vast mineral, oil and gas resources. In 40 years, Russia will still be a country while the EU most likely will be a failed experiment which ruined Southern Europe.
1
Take his money, smile, make promises, smile, act obsequious, smile. Then, double cross him and smile.
55
Putin welcomes us to the "New" Cold War. Conversely, it would be good for us and our closest allies to shore up the Baltics, etc. We too can and must play his game, to counter his moves, which invokes thoughts of Hitler's actions in WWII.
17
"invokes thoughts of Hitler's actions in WWII."
Hitler's goal, as stated in Mein Kumpf, was the conquest and incorporation into the Reich of all Slavic lands. Putin's goal seems to be preventing a Westward leaning government from coming to power in Ukraine and, possibly and a worst case scenario, re-establishing Russian influence in the former Soviet bloc. Not exactly the same goals as Hitler but, on the other hand, not something that would brighted the day of peace minded peoples either (especially those in the ex-Soviet Bloc).
Hitler's goal, as stated in Mein Kumpf, was the conquest and incorporation into the Reich of all Slavic lands. Putin's goal seems to be preventing a Westward leaning government from coming to power in Ukraine and, possibly and a worst case scenario, re-establishing Russian influence in the former Soviet bloc. Not exactly the same goals as Hitler but, on the other hand, not something that would brighted the day of peace minded peoples either (especially those in the ex-Soviet Bloc).
6
Putin definately has grandiose delusions! World better watch this guy very carefully!
2
It appears the time has come for the EU to tighten its ship and close ranks on foreign policy while reminding members of the EU the importance of the EU remaining united and the level of threat Russia poses to the EU and European ideals.
I am unsure how this could be done, but ff these nations become Putin's willing wedge in the EU used by Moscow to undermine the EU, this could be a moment for the EU to develop some punitive measures and/or ejection protocols for EU members willing to undermine the EU for a foreign nation posing a security threat to Europe.
I am unsure how this could be done, but ff these nations become Putin's willing wedge in the EU used by Moscow to undermine the EU, this could be a moment for the EU to develop some punitive measures and/or ejection protocols for EU members willing to undermine the EU for a foreign nation posing a security threat to Europe.
59
You need to stop talking EU this and EU that. Putin has made a clear distinction between Pro-US and Pro-EU during this Ukraine mess. Putin has never directed any threats to EU, including Germany and France and UK, mind you. Putin has directed all his efforts to anti-NATO, which is backed by US entirety in Ukraine. US is shipping arms to Baltic bypassing the usual shipping route via old Europe, and we are promising a lot of supports to this small tiny nations, mind you these nations may or may not have Article 5 backing from traditional NATO Allies. But US is giving them such promises of US military intervention. Only time will tell if we can make good to these promise, because we didn't do that in Georgia.
7
@mervyn
Russia is working to undermine the EU and use Greece as wedge against EU policies that are not in Russia's interest. Russia has threatened nuclear attack against European states, has ended Russian participation in the CFE Treaty and has been pushing European defenses all around the continent which clearly makes Russia Europe's number one security threat.
I would remind you that all members in NATO are equally responsible for aiding the Baltic Sea states in their defense. The US, among other members of NATO, are working together to bolster and strengthen military defenses of NATO's eastern flank to help protect NATO members but also deter Russia from using its military to attack and take territory from a NATO member, which is pretty smart considering if Russia did attack one of these nations it would mean NATO would have to respond.
Russia is working to undermine the EU and use Greece as wedge against EU policies that are not in Russia's interest. Russia has threatened nuclear attack against European states, has ended Russian participation in the CFE Treaty and has been pushing European defenses all around the continent which clearly makes Russia Europe's number one security threat.
I would remind you that all members in NATO are equally responsible for aiding the Baltic Sea states in their defense. The US, among other members of NATO, are working together to bolster and strengthen military defenses of NATO's eastern flank to help protect NATO members but also deter Russia from using its military to attack and take territory from a NATO member, which is pretty smart considering if Russia did attack one of these nations it would mean NATO would have to respond.
6
Good perspective. If the EU is effectively a state of its own, it must defend its integrity and wellbeing. If a foreign power interjects itself into its dealings, and a member state participates in those negotiations, it's time for that member state to leave.
It's no different than members of Congress negotiating with a foreign power (see the 47), or a state subverting federal law (see Judge Moore).
It's no different than members of Congress negotiating with a foreign power (see the 47), or a state subverting federal law (see Judge Moore).
1
And does anyone still think we should send Iran's nuclear stockpile to Russia as suggested by their Foreign Minister Lavrov??
5
Yeah, hilarious! They'll send it right back to Iran, and/or share it with anyone who hates the US. He'll do anything to get back on top.
6
A while back somebody wrote that Chairman Mao should have died 20 years earlier(he died in 1976), this would have prevented the chaos unleashed by the Cultural Revolution that he started. This resulted in 10 million students sent to remote rural areas and wide spread violence in China.
I guess the people in Ukraine and probably some Russians are wishing Putin have died before he could grab Crimea. This would have prevented hundreds of people being killed. And probably Russia would now be in a path toward
real democracy. But now who knows what kind of mischief Putin is contemplating. Don't you just hate it when someone should live longer than they should.
I guess the people in Ukraine and probably some Russians are wishing Putin have died before he could grab Crimea. This would have prevented hundreds of people being killed. And probably Russia would now be in a path toward
real democracy. But now who knows what kind of mischief Putin is contemplating. Don't you just hate it when someone should live longer than they should.
4
Actually this is factually incorrect. Neither Russia nor China want Iran to have atomic weapons. Both are huge nations with many minorities including increasingly restive Moslem groups. Both the Bear and the Dragon fear that if the "mad mullahs" in Tehran manage to produce nuclear missiles or smaller atom bombs these weapons could easily one day wind up in the hands of Islamic terrorists fighting Moscow or Beijing's autocratic rule. Russia has had both bad and good relations with Persia over many centuries but has no desire to see that nation in possession of weapons of mass destruction. Part of the proposed agreement by the "Great Powers" is to have all enriched uranium produced in Iran to be shipped to Russia and then treated so it cannot be used to make weapons. There will be international inspectors to make sure this happens. President Putin does not want nuclear proliferation any more than any other leader of the major nations.
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