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Not good.
It kind of makes you wonder if THIS is what we’re deliberately being distracted from with the hullabaloo about the migrants and the mail bombs.
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The Russians, nor the Chinese, are going to war with the U.S. Just more of the “Those meddling Russians” meme for public consumption. Think about the worldwide reaction if even a single nuke of any kind went off anywhere for any reason. If anything this is the stuff of distraction.
Little is reported about the rapidly expanding Chinese influence, from U.S. MSM, all around the world to include the ME. Russia and and probably more so China know the way forward is economic expansion and stability.
With that said, the middle east (ME) is a wild card for conventional skirmishes where anything can happen. The whole region is in serious mess even relative to their own serious messes. Just look at the gyrations in SA in the last 2-3 years. One of those players could instigate a war substantial enough to force world powers to pick a side.MSM fodder. My 2c.
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I see this almost as “posturing” which is different from how we here in the US view posturing.
“At a recent meeting, the US stated that Russia is preparing for war. Yes, Russia is preparing for war, I can confirm it”, Belousov said adding that “We are preparing to defend our homeland, our territorial integrity, our principles, our values, our people.
Russia’s military build-up and large-scale drills, which have often been painted in the Western media as preparations for all-out war, are a defensive necessity, he said.”
The US does the same thing. Do you recall those training missions the military ran recently that had everyone freaked out? Jade Helm, if I recall correctly. It wouldn’t surprise me if there were Russian articles saying “Oh, the US is preparing to attack Moscow!”
Am I saying to ignore this? No. But I am saying, don’t make a big deal of it. Focus locally, on the things affect you first.
On posturing: I recall something I read by a serviceman in Iraq:
In November 2004, I saw two Iraqi cops (!) engage in a gunfight with each other on the south parking lot of the Iraqi Ministry of Interior in Baghdad. Cop #1 had an AK, while #2 had a Glock 19. They were about 50 feet apart and fired all their ammo from each weapon without hitting the other. Other cops showed up in mass, beat their asses and hauled them away all trussed up. So, 45 shots were fired and no hits and I was struck by the fact that they seemed to be missing each other on purpose.
Most people here in the US do not posture in this way. So when the “outside world” postures, we see it as a threat whereas they only intend it as “I’m pissed at you, hear my roar”.
That’s how I see it anyway… If I’m wrong, I’m open to hearing why I’m wrong.
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AnonymousWhen did they stop preparing for war? Between Russia, N. Korea, and China there is always an impending war or military fight on the horizon. I have gotten to the point I literally roll my eyes when I see the headlines. I never fully blow it off but after a while it is hard to take it seriously, although they are, or could be dangerous enough that I do pay attention.
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JATA, well said.
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JATA, may I ask what country you’re in, for perspective? Great insights.
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Unlike the US , who is ALWAYS actively at war . preparing for war is actually a stand down . Here is the thing , we have become the new USSR , invading one nation after another . Question what we are being told people . The Russians are not the Soviet Union , anymore than modern Japan is still Imperial Japan . Russia CANT afford to be aggressive in the way it was in the Soviet days . They can’t sustain a prolonged conflict with a major power . At this point NATO should be dissolved , as Germany by itself could keep them in check , not to mention Germany and all the others in the EU that would join in . They are having a population crisis , the US has easily twice the population of Russia . China is a bigger threat between the two , they could afford to lose millions , and not even bat an eye .
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AnonymousI think Russia has been sending many signals for a while now that they consider US policies dangerous. Same is coming out of China but the usual arrogance of the US government, paired with the ego of the president, mute those messages.
The US is playing with fire. It doesn’t take much for a mistake to happen. Just last month, during an exercise, a missile was lunched by mistake near the Russian border. What if it landed within their territory? Do we have the deescalation method in place to avoid that an accident turns itself in something worse? Even if we do, it seem to me like making sure we can call 911 while playing with matches and gasoline. And let’s not forget that the allied countries are involved too. Can be their mistake that starts something bad.
Russia is not a threat to us nor is China. But our government surely act as we are a threat to them. Can’t blame them if they say: “If you punch us, you’ll end up with a bloody nose.”
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The neocons infesting just about every agency in the US government will never accept the fact that the days of the US being the lone super power along with the American empire and hegemony are drawing to a close if not already over. The US has been engaged in conflict after conflict almost continuously since WWII. Seventeen years in Afghanistan! They completed their mission in Afghanistan by the end of the first six months and should have left. Just look what they did to Libya. And, what was the real reason? Kadafi wanted a gold dinar for Africa. Can’t have a gold-backed coin up against our fiat FRN, can we? Never thought I would see the day when I trusted Russia more that my own government, but I do… at least equally.
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Reminds me of the Reagan years. USSR ruffled their feathers to make themselves look bigger. We ruffled ours. They couldn’t keep up due to their highly centralized economy and collapsed. At least that was the way I understood it at the time. Haven’t seen any other explanation since that made more sense and don’t think anything has really changed over there.
Also, I don’t recall that the article specifically said war with the US. (Maybe I missed it?) They will be a headache no matter what they do. There is a lot of geo-political posturing and shifting going on right now. Who knows where it will end up. My interpretation of what’s going on might change my vote, but not much else at this point.
I see lots of “scary” things going on in the world just as I always have. I read copiously to understand as much as I can, but in the end it doesn’t change what I need to do in my life: prepare, prepare, prepare.
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Another thing is , and we forget the obvious . The job of ANY military in the world is to be PREPARED for war . Every nation has its plans for the most likely scenario , and conducts drills . This doesn’t mean that they are ready to pounce , its why they exist , for defense of said nation in case of ….
Case in point , and is little covered ( for obvious reasons ) was the US plan for war with England , and how we would attack / defend against anything coming from Canada . We were a neutral nation in the 1930’s , up until we were attacked by Japan . We had a plan of action in case we sided with Germany . Every nation does this . If you notice , Anything Russia does , is defense oriented , as opposed to the Soviet offense strategy . Again , they are having a population crisis , they lost about 32 million people in WW2 , you don’t recoup this over night . They are not the Soviets , the people are free to travel as they see fit , and leave for economic reasons . The ratio of men vs. women in the Federation , with women outnumbering men as much as 10 to 1 in some areas . From a military standpoint , this is bad news . This is why they are having to take a hunker down strategy , rather than a first strike one . Propaganda works both ways , and they are. using their dangerous Soviet reputation to their advantage , hoping that the outside doesn’t see how weak that they really are . The bear is still dangerous , but its a shadow of what it once was ……..and never will be again . The biggest threat to the world ( and the American people ) is the US Government . -
A personal view sitting far outside the USA.
Russia / China / N-Korea “The East” has collectively more troops, more desperate troops, more gains to be made than what they stand to loose, compared to say “The West” aka the USA.
And I don’t think Europe will back the USA against “The East” either. The USA went through Europe like a bull in a china shop. Bridge after bridge was burnt, faster than they can be re-built.
And lest we not forget Brexit. Can of worms if you ask me.
On top of that Europe has a serious yet very strategic ongoing problem in that the “Middle East” (read migrants) are flooding into Europe (by design) because of what is left of the “The Middle East”. The Middle east was destroyed, by decades of meddling by the USA, under guises like ISIS, nuclear armament etc.
No, this is all about “Business” (USA economy), propped up with “Oil” (Petro Dollar).
Oil bought with Petro Dollars.
Big “Business” in that if there is a risk of a economic slump, a new “war” is started to boost “Business”, to enforce the use of Petro dollars.Threatening to move off Petro Dollars is a good start for a war.
And it seems Russia and China has started to move away from using dollars to buy oil.
So imagine my surprise … a sudden trade war is looming with China. And Russia is blamed for everything else in Europe and the Middle East.
The USA is bankrupt, in a corner. Remove the Petro Dollar and they are going to start a war, they are not going under without a fight. The USA NEEDS a new war.
“The East” and “Middle East” is ready to say no, ready to collectively get rid of the “Big Bully” aka USA.
I’m not sure it is a good thing, but what is currently going on, and where it is going, is definitely not working so well for the rest of us outside of the USA.
On a very philosophical note: The USA, like the Roman Empire, has reached the end of its usefulness.
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AnonymousI’m not sure it is a good thing, but what is currently going on, and where it is going, is definitely not working so well for the rest of us outside of the USA.
It is not working so well even for us inside the USA either. It is just that smoke and mirrors, or bread and circuses if you like, keep the people distracted and well fed.
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…, keep the people distracted and well fed.
Amen to that!
That is what worries me the most. Watching the USA is like watching the Titanic leaving on its maiden voyage, unsinkable … till that quick argument with an iceberg that is not supposed to be there.
Russia and China “could” just be that “iceberg”. They both are playing it very very cool. Putin and Xi Jinping are no-ones fools. They cannot get into and stay in those position for so long and not have the balls to do what they deem necessary if they are forced to.
And are they wrong? USA allowed for so long that China “steals”. Did they actually steal or did the USA allow that, political expediency / better interest rates? Putin asking that the USA exits the Middle East, Obama tried, for as Putin said, it is a local matter and none of the USA’s business.
Something is wrong and I don’t think it is on Russia and China. More Americans need to get involved in politics outside of their home / county / state / USA, learn what transpired right under noses done by their duly elected senators / presidents.
The world is stressed, and it is affecting the USA, which in turn is getting antsy.
At least no one is keeping us distracted, nor fed. Antifa would be but a silent burp compared to what we know. No, don’t send them here for “training”. 😉
Like a few prominent political quotes from our politicians, who need farmers to feed them:
“A revolutionary must become a cold killing machine motivated by pure hate.”
“Kill the Boer, Kill the Farmer.”
“One settler one Bullet.”
“Awuleth’ Umshini Wami.” (Bring me my machine gun)With the above slogans, when the people are truly well psyched up, then you send them into the street, chanting the above, giving them matches. 🙂
(Yes, we still have a sense of humour.)
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Throw the most well armed population on earth into that mix , can be used for good or evil . Try to take from me ……..I will shoot you . Thats why the powers are so desperately attempting to disarm us , won’t work , its also the only thing that has kept the US from becoming a total tyranny .
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AnonymousYeah, China and Russia can be the iceberg for the USA’s Titanic but the real problem is the drunken crew that continue to stir the ship toward it.
I have been saying for long time that China doesn’t steal from the USA. It is the USA that donates to China all its productive activities. It starts from the business owner who went to China for cheap labor and higher profit, the consumer who wants cheap merchandise, and the government who print money (debt) like there is no tomorrow. Without debt, there wouldn’t be any trade deficit.
You’re right Americans need to be more involved in politics, or better in government. But before that can happen, they have to take their blindfold off and look at the reality of the world and accept the responsibility for what is happening. As long as that doesn’t happen, the country will continue on this path while opposite factions shout slogans to each other.
In my opinion, the world is ready for a big reset and it will be a bloody one. I just hope that the reset is not in the shape of a mushroom cloud so that who survives can move on and rebuild.
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… drunken crew that continue to stir the ship toward it …
Lord Acton, late nineteenth, early twentieth century, said: Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.
The USA being that self appointed absolute power in today’s world. 🙂
Note:
I am not knocking the USA, but sitting outside being part of a very small country compared, a country that has its own set of self inflicted nonsense, one has learnt to keep your eyes peeled, not to be fooled by politicians, with a media having a field day taking on politicians based on facts … a media that is held accountable if they report the facts incorrectly … like our nefarious state capture which has resulted in factual reports implication politicians, government employees, family groups, local and international firms, even auditing firms, all being taken on one by one, some has even folded, the FBI even investigating some activities linked to some of it in Texas if I recall correctly. -
Criticizing the government is EXACTLY what the founders of our nation intended , they did not want a nation of sheep . They well understood that distrust , and criticism of the government by its citizens , is critical to avoid a tyranny . If you read the US Constitution , you will find that the reason we have the bill of rights , and why the structure is set up the way it is , is because our founders , in their wisdom understood that quite simply , people can’t be trusted . Thats the reason for the layers of checks and balances . Feel free to criticize , and call out the powers for corruption or wrong doing ………..it is important , and patriotic . Patriotism is NOT blind obedience .
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… call out the powers for corruption or wrong doing …
The ideal would be that the 325,7 million (2017) people in the USA starts looking outside the USA’s borders and see for themselves if what is being done by their politicians are indeed acceptable to the majority?
Start with China and Russia. Dig into what is really going on in the Middle East, people are dying there, countries laid to ruin, and for what?
I have a distinct impression that it is not going to happen, that the “Titanic” is blissfully sailing towards that “iceberg”, under “drunken with power” crew, for the USA Presidency comes across as a soap opera, laughing stock of the world, with policies shared and “fights” picked using Twitter, heads of states insulted left right and center (yes, some deserve it but not so openly).
And those who dare laugh out loud is doing so at their own peril. In my book that is the definition of a bully i.e. I can do and say what I want when I want and if you laugh or not comply, I will hit you with sanctions. 😉
Why am I hammering the point? Yes, Russia Is Preparing For War, I Can Confirm It.
Why would Russia prepare for war if all they want is to start trading more profitably whilst dealing with the potential markets that is called the Middle East, markets that are in dire need of rebuilding, products, new houses and factories.
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AnonymousAs I said above, it is necessary that Americans look outside their borders to understand the consequences of their government’s policies, but it is important that they look and understand what’s going on inside their country too. It is important that people rediscover the moral values that should lead everyone’s life. It is important to become strong and express those values even if they go against the main flow. It is important to drop the false patriotism that express itself in empty gestures like wearing a flag, repeating empty slogans as “we support our troops” and “freedom is not free”. The most important words in the Constitution are “We the people.” Those words set the tone for everything that comes after. The people institutes the government so the government is an object, not the subject. As such the people are responsible to keep the government is check, hold it responsible, force it to act for the common good. It is the people’s duty to remove that government if it is not acting within the boundaries set by the Constitution. When the people abdicate those duty, they abdicate they primary moral duty toward the country. They are no different than a parent who abandons his children.
Today USA is ruled by a gang of elites and bureaucrats who are not responsible to anyone for their actions. The check and balance put in place by the Constitution is gone, with a congress that abdicated all its powers to the executive and a judiciary that, while showing division on the surface, is united in holding the right of the government above the rights of the people. The people feel that they have to belong to some artificially created group and put the group’s interests above the country’s. The military, that was never supposed to exist, is a band of mercenaries who act on behalf of the elites, against the country interests, forgetting the oath they took when they joined.
Is there any hope for the USA future? Maybe. But big changes are necessary to change the course and the time is running out.
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Dark Future,
Today USA is ruled by a gang of elites and bureaucrats who are not responsible to anyone for their actions.
Amen to that. We had the same, the new man in charge is now fixing it. But it was painful.
FWIW. I hoped for a very specific candidate to become the next USA president as the then alternatives where, from an outsiders perspective, reuse, rinse, repeat, reuse …
And he won. How, I don’t know how, but he is now in charge.
But, here is the caveat, it was not for the reasons one would assume, no, I wanted him to win so that he would call a spade a bloody shovel, and o my, he is doing that with panache, with flair, Twitter flair. 🙂
Sometimes you must break something in order to properly fix it. I, as you, am hoping for
… big changes are necessary to change the course and the time is running out.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by
The Terrible Triplet.
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This reply was modified 1 year, 7 months ago by
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TTT & DF – excellent points. That is refreshing to me.
Most folks in the U.S. have a severely myopic view of their place in the world. I don’t think that will change until it’s too late.
I remember sitting in the chow hall my first time in the ME. CNN, and only CNN, was blaring as usual. At that time CNN was covering the ME basically 24/7. I remember letting it fade to white noise as I often did when in that mild fog after eating. When I snapped back to reality and focused back on CNN, my initial thought would be…’Whoa where is that they’re reporting on, we’re winning somewhere, how come that’s so different from here, that’s f’d up’. Only to realize they were talking about here, right where I was sitting.
What was actually going on and what came through CNN were worlds apart. It was surreal to me. -
Anonymous@DB, I welcome you speaking out about your experience in the ME. I think that if more military personal would do that and do it in clear and honest terms, things might change. Too often current and former military hide what they see and know from the population and that just play in the hands of the power to be.
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Agreed, not enough .mil folks talk about their broad experiences.
I really don’t believe most .mil folks actively hide anything though. In my experience, most people, “civilians” start to glaze over real quick if you get too much beyond “thank you for your service” or “thanks for fighting for freedom” type rhetoric.
Then there’s the disbelief to contend with. Another good chunk of the population get their perspective from whatever news/anecdotes they’ve come across. If you get too far away from that, they start short circuiting… can’t really blame them.
If you’re lucky, maybe 5-10% may listen and show a genuine or even feigned interest.
Truly connecting with that “audience” is tough at best. Perpetuating the PC fluff or current “fashion” is much easier and accepted. Just like anywhere in life really.
Add to that the folks that served, but just did what they had to do to get the bennies and got out without seeing any real action. Once they get what they came for, they’ll go through the motions until their commitment is up. They really have no desire to converse on the matter at all once they’re done. -
Here is what I see, I checked the facts on a local article, about China now preparing for war. Scary part was it took place in the last 17-24 hours, at time of posting this.
See here: China preparing for war – from my Google search engine
In an article in Business Insider, UK, these points are made:
The US Navy recently sent two warships through the Taiwan Strait, a move that, like the US military’s frequent bomber overflights and freedom-of-navigation operations in the South China Sea, angered Beijing.
Tensions have been running particularly high in the South China Sea in recent months, with regular US B-52 bomber flights through the region and Chinese PLA Navy warships challenging American military ships and aircraft that venture too close to Chinese-occupied territories in the disputed waterway.
US Navy Adm. John Richardson, chief of naval operations, said Monday that the US Navy will continue to carry out freedom-of-navigation operations and challenge “illegitimate maritime claims.”
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