Russia's war against Europe has long since begun

[Skybird]

http://www.politico.eu/article/vladimir-putin-war-smoke-and-mirrors-russia-occupation-crimea-ukraine/

This author got it right, I think. Without the Russian reasoning that he described, you cannot hope to ever really comprehend what Russia is doing for real, and why, and what is realistic to expect to come from Russia in the future.

The Russian strategy is not that new as it sounds, it has worked for dramatic effect already during the cold war, and especially successful in West Germany.

It is these reasons as outlined in the article why I said in the past that Putin compares to a patient chess player capable to simply play stupid European dreamers against the wall.

That I try to be as unsentimental and sober about Putin as I can, does not imply that I necessarily sympathise with him or Russia's goals. I just acknowledge a master's skill at playing the great game. And I express my disgust for European unwillingness to defend itself, to call Russia by its name and to give up long-held precious illusions especially on the political left, but political mainstream escapists as well. The Russophilia of socialists, in Germany and abroad, is proverbial, and most disgusting.

A nation or a people not only unable to defend itself, but that does not even want to see reasons anymore why it should even want to defend itself against an aggression, is a hopeless case, and is already defeated. It will suffer the bitter fruits of defeat well-deserved, and rightfully.

[Dowly]

*In before Oberon's snarky comment*

[Jimbuna]

An interesting read and much of the contents I agree with but not the real possibility of a nuclear war, more that of an economic nature.

[Skybird]

An interesting read and much of the contents I agree with but not the real possibility of a nuclear war, more that of an economic nature.
An intended nuclear exchnage - vdry unlikely. But an accidental one - that is somethign different. Sleepwalking into it - absolutely possible (see how nations sleepwalked into WW1, there is a brilliant book on that being titled like that).

The smaller the space for errors and mishaps you allow, the more likely it becomes that sooner or later said error or mishap bites you in the face. Never leave an opportunity out to challenge your fate - and it will get you the more likely the mor eoften you ask for it.

Plus the nuclear arms race in the ME/Muslim world and the destabilization it projects. Plus Erdoghanistan. Plus China. Plus NK. - No, a huge nuclear war is not off the table, but is more likely than ever before.

On the economic world war, it already is raging in full power. Its called currency war, and I do not mean paper money collapse here, but the devaluation races between Euro, Dollar and so on to serve debt interests and "pay" state budgets" and "maintain" national economies. This war is real, is already is in full wing, if only one cares to look close enough and to go far beyond the daily TV news standard of "information". And yes, last but not least this war also already kills humans. In scores. The two main enemies battling this one out, are the US versus the Euro countries, and the US and China. America and Euroe are no allies here - they are bitter enemies.

[Onkel Neal]

There's always a risk for an accidental nuclear exchange. It's not insignificant, either. What happens immediately after that is what worries me. Will it trigger massive retaliation, intentional or not?

Someday, our survivors will look back and be amazed we were able to live like this, blissfully ignorant of the impending danger.

[Oberon]

Snarky Comment.

But yeah, I don't think Putins war against Europe has long since begun, I think it has long since been won. The war is over. Europe lost.

[eddie]

Boy, you are getting snarky Oberon!!:haha:

[Catfish]

Snarky Comment.

I agree.

[Jimbuna]

Not wishing to stray off topic but I'm more concerned about what may happen between China and the US in the South China Sea expansion area.

[Rockstar]

Well we all know what happened in the Gulf of Sidra when someone drew a line in violation of international law.

[Skybird]

China is not Libya, and the Chinese already have stepped over the red line there with their illegal taking of naval territory and island-building in international waters. Both are acts of piracy , in my book.

Too bad that the Chinese are not the weak Libyans indeed. This issue will get decided not by maritime laws and treaties, but by the law of the strongest and more determined.

[Oberon]

The US can push the Chinese back in their overseas expansion, they can take on the PLAN, it won't be bloodless for the USN and USAF but it can be done.
But that would be as far as they could go, neither the PRC or the US can invade and occupy each others mainland, so any conflict would be naval and aerial, and the US has the upper hand for the most part in that area as it stands.

[eddie]

We are dealing with a huge difference between Libya and China.

[Reece]

First the arming of small islands in the South China sea then giving 'Free gifts' to PNG I see this as stepping stones to Australia, their real target.:doh:

[Oberon]

Australia? Yeah, like the PRC could ever take that, the entire country is a WMD.

[Rockstar]

"It was the rise of Athens and the fear that this inspired in Sparta that made war inevitable.”
http://www.ancient-origins.net/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/field/image/Thucydides.jpg?itok=jLYZV7-B
Thucydides

"We all need to work together to avoid the Thucydides trap – destructive tensions between an emerging power and established powers …" Chinese President Xi Jinping

[em2nought]

Not too worried about the fate of Europe since y'all will be Islamic caliphates relatively soon anyways if left to your own devices. :03:

[Oberon]

http://68.media.tumblr.com/f6251497804088ae69f3066479a84037/tumblr_nsmxfqI3bd1qkko3bo1_400.gif

[eddie]

His remark was not "Bait" Oberon, it was the true definition of "Snarky"!!:haha:

[Reece]

But em2nought is correct, the best investment in Europe would be to start a business making prayer rugs.:yep:
And start exercising your knees for calluses.

[Oberon]

Yup, and Aussies should learn Chinese and all Americans shoot each other.


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzmXzIAXUAADTXS.jpg:large

[Rockstar]

Muslim population growth in Europe is expected to reach 10% of the overall population by 2050. Immigration is a well and good but unless one can ensure new comers assimilate into European culture I would expect to see some new laws and borders cropping up on the continent of tolerance by the year 2100.

But thats OK by me I'll be long gone by then, our great great children can deal with it.

[Oberon]

Bah, the cockroaches can deal with it. It'll be their problem.

[Rockstar]

It could very well be the future we are preparing for them.