First of all a hat tip to Friend George, who pointed me to this interview-article. I’m not in a position to vouch for how representative the views expressed actually are, but the overall viewpoint is conceptually well thought out. You will note two things. First of all, there is a consistent focus on political developments within the US. Russia, from this perspective, is keeping a close eye on US politics because Russia prefers a global and negotiated settlement to a settlement reached exclusively on the battlefield. Second, a characteristically Russian preoccupation with the role of Poland. Here, the interviewee keeps that preoccupation within what I consider reasonable bounds. Like me, he regards Poland as a pawn, not a power player in its own right.
Wow. This Kazakh political scientist Danitar Azimbaev gives us a very interesting interview. It’s too bad that most Americans wouldn’t be interested in hearing what he — or anyone like him — has to say. I appreciated the historical background too. Very interesting.
The money quote for me has got to be, “At the head of the the United States are figures
whose professionalism and mental health raise big questions, and this is fraught with the most unpredictable consequences.”
How many times have myself and other commenters used words like crazy, insane, delusional to describe the manner in which the US is conducting itself in this misadventure, and if the other sides assessment is the same, how can things possibly end well?
I see no way in which the deep state allows DJT to enter the White House in 2024, they will dispose of him by assassination if that’s what it takes to stop that from happening. Couple that with Mitch McConnell saying there is no time limit on aid to Ukraine, I certainly don’t expect any Republicans to stand in the breach to arrest the suicidal path down which the country is traveling. It certainly appears that a pyrrhic conclusion is inevitable. I truly never thought I would live to see this day.
Thank you for all your history lessons. The Brits and France have been trying to control Russia and the Middle East forever. I read history a lot but see I missed a lot. Especially politics. Thanks again for all you do.
This war can continue "until the West enters into negotiations, taking into account the Russian position. Until then, Moscow can manage this war as it wants." The West prefers to fake it and claim they have the advantage, and of course the military–industrial complex (and politicians) jhave every interest in keeping it going. As for the 2024 presidential election, "Biden" will remain in power, as If "Trump" wins, our political establishment faces an unprecedented reckoning, which nobody in Washington will permit to happen.
Russia is aware that Congress removed all Russia decisions from Trump in Aug. 2017, an effort begun by Lindsey Graham in Jan. 2017:
"Executive powers have been transferred to Congress:...Medvedev's Assessment..."The Trump administration demonstrated it is utterly powerless, and in the most humiliating manner, transferred executive powers to Congress....What does this mean for the U.S.? The American establishment completely outplayed Trump.""
8/6/2017, "Playing Politics with the World’s Future," Alastair Crooke, Consortium News
"Finally...the U.S. Congress has produced a piece of legislation. And it passed with quasi-unanimous, bi-partisan support. Only its substance is not so much a deep reflection on the foreign policy interests of America, but rather, the desire to hurt, and incapacitate the U.S. President in any future dealings with Russia. (And never mind the worrying impulse towards conflict with Russia this entails, or its collateral damage on others).
The aim has been to see President Trump hog-tied, and “tarred and feathered” for his “risky behavior” on Russia. This aim simply has overpowered any other considerations--such as likelihood that the outside world will conclude that America’s ability to pursue or even to have a foreign policy is non-existent in the face of its internal civil war. It is a key juncture. For an overwhelming majority of Democratic and Republican Senators and Congressmen, bringing down “The Donald” is all--and the devil take the consequences for America, in the world....
The U.S. President had little option but to sign the legislation....As expected, he issued a Signing Statement (see here), in which, while accepting the mandate of Congress, Trump took issue with the new Congressional encroachments into his prerogatives (Article Two of the Constitution) in terms of foreign policy, and he reserved the right to decide on how the Congressional mandate might be implemented (i.e. in respect to the quadrilateral negotiations over Ukraine)....
Medvedev's Assessment...
"The Trump administration demonstrated it is utterly powerless, and in the most humiliating manner, transferred executive powers to Congress....What does this mean for the U.S.? The American establishment completely outplayed Trump. The President is not happy with the new sanctions, but he could not avoid signing the new law. The purpose of the new sanctions was to put Trump in his place. Their ultimate goal is to remove Trump from power.”...
Polls (even CNN polls) suggest that there are very obvious political limits to the Establishment (in both parties) using “Russia-gate” as a mechanism to mobilize and widen public support for removing President Trump. Polls indicate that 79 percent of Republicans are “not at all” or “not very” concerned about Trump’s alleged links with Russia, and that inversely, precisely the same proportion, 79 percent, of Democrats precisely are “very” or “somewhat” concerned. (55 percent of Independents side with Republicans with 37 percent “not at all” [concerned] and 18 percent “not very” concerned). The point here is that the Republican support for Trump’s desire for détente with Russia has not eroded one jot, whereas the “concern” of the Independents and even among Democrats is eroding somewhat....
And:
Trump "now has been rendered “helpless”: in respect to détente with Russia...spitefully, by his own party, working with the Democrats, to empty Trump's constitutional prerogatives in policy--and to seize them for Congress."...
8/26/2017, "How the Deep State Ties Down Trump," Alastair Crooke, Consortium News
"America’s Deep State players have tied down President Trump on Russian sanctions and other foreign and economic policies but that doesn’t mean the struggle is over, writes ex-British diplomat Alastair Crooke."
"President Trump has had his foreign policy hands and feet tied by the Russia (and Iran) Sanctions Act. He now has been rendered “helpless”: in respect to détente with Russia — gulliverized, spitefully, by his own party, working with the Democrats, to empty Trump's constitutional prerogatives in policy--and to seize them for Congress....
It seems that the American deep state is so frenzied in this way that its inhabitants can no longer see straight: they are ready to risk despoiling not just the “recalcitrant” abroad, but America herself. And the way they are going about trying to “have her,” may well ruin the deep state too, as collateral damage.
The Russia Sanctions Act may have been conceived both to paralyze President Trump, and to validate the “Putin-stole-the-Election” narrative, but it precisely removes any chance of Messrs Mattis, McMaster, Kelly and Tillerson to succeed with seizing America as world proconsul."...
Interesting, how little I know of European history…
Areas I disagree with:
1. Bridges can easily be fixed, and or easily replaced with temporary pontoon types to allow movement of supplies.
2. Russia due to isr can’t concentrate forces necessary to quickly finish Ukraine at an acceptable casualty rate. Plus the troops required to control / occupy conquered areas.
Semi Agree:
1. Russia is benefiting from the war continuing. The focus militarily is on eliminating the Ukraine military, and that is being done with an amazing lopsided casualty ratio. WILLIAM SCHRYVER Compared it to Grants strategy of destroying the confederate army.
Nato just does not have the forces necessary to intervene, much less the equipment. The West is set up for quick wars against lightly armed militants, and Russia is fighting an industrial war.
WILLIAM SCHRYVER Believes the Russian drive to Kiev was a diversion, allowing Russia to concentrate Ukrainian forces, 100,000, and destroy the top Ukrainian military group, Azof Battalion at Mariupol.
The brilliance of the Russian Strategy that is allowing them a huge lop sided casualty rate, where the West’s Goal was to bleed Russia and make it into a meat grinder.
It was not mentioned how much of the Western Military equipment has been found to be under performing.
The Russian Advances in anti drone and missile defenses were not mentioned.
The constant pin pricks of attacks with Russia for the narrative (how British), even Moscow are having a huge impact on Russian public opinion. Not to mention the huge Russian Hatred / discrimination/ racism (not sure if right term) are creating a backlash with Russia. Plus the discrimination with Ukraine against ethnic Russians. This is reshaping Russian Society.
Summary:
Russia is not going slow due to worries over WW3, but rather it’s benefitting them militarily and economically, and bleeding the West.
Wow. This Kazakh political scientist Danitar Azimbaev gives us a very interesting interview. It’s too bad that most Americans wouldn’t be interested in hearing what he — or anyone like him — has to say. I appreciated the historical background too. Very interesting.
Oops. Typo on the name. S/B Daniyar, I think.
The money quote for me has got to be, “At the head of the the United States are figures
whose professionalism and mental health raise big questions, and this is fraught with the most unpredictable consequences.”
How many times have myself and other commenters used words like crazy, insane, delusional to describe the manner in which the US is conducting itself in this misadventure, and if the other sides assessment is the same, how can things possibly end well?
I see no way in which the deep state allows DJT to enter the White House in 2024, they will dispose of him by assassination if that’s what it takes to stop that from happening. Couple that with Mitch McConnell saying there is no time limit on aid to Ukraine, I certainly don’t expect any Republicans to stand in the breach to arrest the suicidal path down which the country is traveling. It certainly appears that a pyrrhic conclusion is inevitable. I truly never thought I would live to see this day.
Thank you for all your history lessons. The Brits and France have been trying to control Russia and the Middle East forever. I read history a lot but see I missed a lot. Especially politics. Thanks again for all you do.
This war can continue "until the West enters into negotiations, taking into account the Russian position. Until then, Moscow can manage this war as it wants." The West prefers to fake it and claim they have the advantage, and of course the military–industrial complex (and politicians) jhave every interest in keeping it going. As for the 2024 presidential election, "Biden" will remain in power, as If "Trump" wins, our political establishment faces an unprecedented reckoning, which nobody in Washington will permit to happen.
Russia is aware that Congress removed all Russia decisions from Trump in Aug. 2017, an effort begun by Lindsey Graham in Jan. 2017:
"Executive powers have been transferred to Congress:...Medvedev's Assessment..."The Trump administration demonstrated it is utterly powerless, and in the most humiliating manner, transferred executive powers to Congress....What does this mean for the U.S.? The American establishment completely outplayed Trump.""
8/6/2017, "Playing Politics with the World’s Future," Alastair Crooke, Consortium News
"Finally...the U.S. Congress has produced a piece of legislation. And it passed with quasi-unanimous, bi-partisan support. Only its substance is not so much a deep reflection on the foreign policy interests of America, but rather, the desire to hurt, and incapacitate the U.S. President in any future dealings with Russia. (And never mind the worrying impulse towards conflict with Russia this entails, or its collateral damage on others).
The aim has been to see President Trump hog-tied, and “tarred and feathered” for his “risky behavior” on Russia. This aim simply has overpowered any other considerations--such as likelihood that the outside world will conclude that America’s ability to pursue or even to have a foreign policy is non-existent in the face of its internal civil war. It is a key juncture. For an overwhelming majority of Democratic and Republican Senators and Congressmen, bringing down “The Donald” is all--and the devil take the consequences for America, in the world....
The U.S. President had little option but to sign the legislation....As expected, he issued a Signing Statement (see here), in which, while accepting the mandate of Congress, Trump took issue with the new Congressional encroachments into his prerogatives (Article Two of the Constitution) in terms of foreign policy, and he reserved the right to decide on how the Congressional mandate might be implemented (i.e. in respect to the quadrilateral negotiations over Ukraine)....
Medvedev's Assessment...
"The Trump administration demonstrated it is utterly powerless, and in the most humiliating manner, transferred executive powers to Congress....What does this mean for the U.S.? The American establishment completely outplayed Trump. The President is not happy with the new sanctions, but he could not avoid signing the new law. The purpose of the new sanctions was to put Trump in his place. Their ultimate goal is to remove Trump from power.”...
Polls (even CNN polls) suggest that there are very obvious political limits to the Establishment (in both parties) using “Russia-gate” as a mechanism to mobilize and widen public support for removing President Trump. Polls indicate that 79 percent of Republicans are “not at all” or “not very” concerned about Trump’s alleged links with Russia, and that inversely, precisely the same proportion, 79 percent, of Democrats precisely are “very” or “somewhat” concerned. (55 percent of Independents side with Republicans with 37 percent “not at all” [concerned] and 18 percent “not very” concerned). The point here is that the Republican support for Trump’s desire for détente with Russia has not eroded one jot, whereas the “concern” of the Independents and even among Democrats is eroding somewhat....
And:
Trump "now has been rendered “helpless”: in respect to détente with Russia...spitefully, by his own party, working with the Democrats, to empty Trump's constitutional prerogatives in policy--and to seize them for Congress."...
8/26/2017, "How the Deep State Ties Down Trump," Alastair Crooke, Consortium News
"America’s Deep State players have tied down President Trump on Russian sanctions and other foreign and economic policies but that doesn’t mean the struggle is over, writes ex-British diplomat Alastair Crooke."
"President Trump has had his foreign policy hands and feet tied by the Russia (and Iran) Sanctions Act. He now has been rendered “helpless”: in respect to détente with Russia — gulliverized, spitefully, by his own party, working with the Democrats, to empty Trump's constitutional prerogatives in policy--and to seize them for Congress....
It seems that the American deep state is so frenzied in this way that its inhabitants can no longer see straight: they are ready to risk despoiling not just the “recalcitrant” abroad, but America herself. And the way they are going about trying to “have her,” may well ruin the deep state too, as collateral damage.
The Russia Sanctions Act may have been conceived both to paralyze President Trump, and to validate the “Putin-stole-the-Election” narrative, but it precisely removes any chance of Messrs Mattis, McMaster, Kelly and Tillerson to succeed with seizing America as world proconsul."...
Thanks for sharing this - very enlightening!
Tx for the link!
Interesting, how little I know of European history…
Areas I disagree with:
1. Bridges can easily be fixed, and or easily replaced with temporary pontoon types to allow movement of supplies.
2. Russia due to isr can’t concentrate forces necessary to quickly finish Ukraine at an acceptable casualty rate. Plus the troops required to control / occupy conquered areas.
Semi Agree:
1. Russia is benefiting from the war continuing. The focus militarily is on eliminating the Ukraine military, and that is being done with an amazing lopsided casualty ratio. WILLIAM SCHRYVER Compared it to Grants strategy of destroying the confederate army.
Nato just does not have the forces necessary to intervene, much less the equipment. The West is set up for quick wars against lightly armed militants, and Russia is fighting an industrial war.
WILLIAM SCHRYVER Believes the Russian drive to Kiev was a diversion, allowing Russia to concentrate Ukrainian forces, 100,000, and destroy the top Ukrainian military group, Azof Battalion at Mariupol.
The brilliance of the Russian Strategy that is allowing them a huge lop sided casualty rate, where the West’s Goal was to bleed Russia and make it into a meat grinder.
It was not mentioned how much of the Western Military equipment has been found to be under performing.
The Russian Advances in anti drone and missile defenses were not mentioned.
The constant pin pricks of attacks with Russia for the narrative (how British), even Moscow are having a huge impact on Russian public opinion. Not to mention the huge Russian Hatred / discrimination/ racism (not sure if right term) are creating a backlash with Russia. Plus the discrimination with Ukraine against ethnic Russians. This is reshaping Russian Society.
Summary:
Russia is not going slow due to worries over WW3, but rather it’s benefitting them militarily and economically, and bleeding the West.
And , I might add, Russia's clever exploitation of the situation.
Thoughtful and cautious. As opposed to us — thoughtless and reckless.