Recommended: Simplicius Re Depleted Uranium As Dirty Bomb, Mine Warfare
Simplicius’ new article is far too long to summarize in any detail, but it’s a must read for anyone who wants to understand the warfare in Ukraine and to develop a feel for evaluating reporting:
Simplicius provides a detailed explanation of the use and effectiveness of Depleted Uranium (DU) rounds. For example, he explains that tungsten rods are actually more effective than DU, but are far more expensive. He also explains—and provides math to back up his argument—that DU is not harmless, when used extensively. As was done to Iraq by the US. The effect can, indeed, be equivalent to that of a dirty bomb.
Simplicius then proceeds to a much lengthier discussion of all aspects of mine warfare, which has in certain important sectors (Vuhledar) have forced Russian offensives to a halt. That may surprise many readers—like me—with only a general understanding of mines. The mines of today are nothing like what they were not that long ago. For example, in addition to pressure triggered mines of the more or less traditional sort, there are now widely used mines detonated by electro-magnetic mechanisms. Simplicius goes into the methods for dealing with each type—as well as for dealing with mixtures of the two types. It’s not easy. And that goes a long way to explaining the slow pace of Russian advances.
Check it out.
While I have not looked at the article you referenced, it does dovetail with some things that I have been mulling over for a bit.
While I’m convinced that Putin is not the trigger happy madman that the neocons and the MSM portray him, I also believe that every political leader has certain realities that must be faced and those realities can sometimes require a response. Perhaps an unstable domestic situation or a military that feels frustrated or taken for granted, or perhaps a political rival that senses vulnerability might precipitate a less measured reaction than would normally be the case. I think it’s fair to say that Putin has displayed admirable restraint in the SMO in Ukraine despite the endless provocations from the west, whether in the form of sanctions or the most recent threat to introduce DU munitions into the conflict.
Putin has remained deliberate and restrained in his response. My concern is that as the provocations escalate, which the neocons seem intent on doing, there will come that critical moment when these constant goadings require a response because a “line” has been crossed. It could present itself as a somewhat mundane incident but it could produce unintended and devastating consequence. It seems that none of the political leaders in the West are interested in strategic thinking or the escalating dynamics of a military conflict and certainly have little regard for Kissinger’s latest admonition that “endless provocation” is not productive or helpful and are instead committed to constantly adding fuel to the fire. It is conceivable that someone will do something ill advised and set off an unforeseen chain of events which Putin could not ignore. Couple this with the foolish notion that NATO or the US would prevail against Russia in a full on assault seems a situation fraught with peril.
A couple of well placed EMPs or strategically launched hyper sonic missiles could send Europe and the US back to the Stone Age in the blink of an eye.
DU shells, high tech land mines, dogfighting with drones and an endless stream of threats seem a recipe for disaster.
It’s not called the fog of war for naught, but I forgot that there’s nothing an old dead Prussian military officer has to teach any of the neocons.
Just a few idle musings from a rube in flyover county.
I haven’t read the link yet, but my first reaction to what Mark says about it was, “I knew it!” Do you really have to be a technical expert to have a sense about these things? I don’t think so. Now comes Simplicius with confirmation.
For months now I’ve been asking the Lord to stay the hand of those who have power to launch nuclear weapons or EMP attacks or dirty bombs. Now I can add, “…or dirty bombs or their equivalents.” Those of us that have not been swayed by Western propaganda seem to be too few and too powerless to change the reckless course of those who do have power. Hence, the appeal to heaven. There seems to be no other way to dislodge these crazies bent on destruction.