Lately we’ve been discussing the prospects for the US and NATO to escalate their war on Russia in Ukraine. Sick as it seems—given the carnage inflicted on the American-demanded Ukrainian offensive—many observers believe that the Ruling Class of the West are determined to escalate, in a reckless display of brinkmanship. Not only is Russia a leading nuclear power, but NATO simply lacks the logistical framework with which to prosecute a war against Russia. Ukraine was used as a proxy, partly for that very reason, and that scheme has come a cropper. The sanctions war has failed so far, although there is talk that the EU—having frozen Russian funds in the West—now plans to outright steal Russian funds. As usual, however, the result will likely be another backfire. Russia simply retains escalation dominance in every theatre of this conflict and has yet to excercise that dominance to its full effect. Meanwhile a new theatre may be opening up—in the Sahel region of Africa, sparked by a coup in Niger—which could significantly drain NATO resources if a full scale war erupts, as some predict.
Congratulations, Mark, for reminding us of the important point that Putin was well prepared for this situation. As so often in the past, his strategic mindset has ensured that Russia will withstand the current debacle. I agree too that there is no way NATO gets directly involved. They have nothing to fight with even if they wanted to.
Yes and No. It's relevant because the pointless blood-letting that the Ukr leadership is imposing on its soldiers is very similar to that pushed on the poilus by the French commanders. Not so relevant because Petain, with great skill, was able to bring the mutinies to an end with firmness but also with humanity. Also, the French army, while never the formidable fighting machine it was before the mutinies, at least held together as a reasonably effective fighting force. Concerning the Ukr army, I think once it breaks, Zelensky and his thugs will try and crack down with great brutality, but he will be unable to hold the army together. I'm still amazed that there aren't more Ukr squaddies shooting their commanders and walking away.
Yes, exactly. That the Europeans can’t wake up at this late hour and smell the coffee…IMHO, the US objective, in its war against Russia, is to destroy Europe, or if just a consequence, so be it. And Germany, after 70+ years’ submission, is sleepwalking into Green dreams of a return to the horse and buggy (there was an article on Zerohedge yesterday about that) while in France, Macron is now working on a nice little war in Niger so he can “redorer son blason,” or make himself look like Napoleon riding to the rescue…Meanwhile Le Point has uncovered an email from Macron to Véran (health minister) from Jan 21 saying “don’t worry we’ll get those idiots (“connards” - a spiteful and degrading term to use against your own citizenry) yet!” So I agree, until this “crop” of leaders change..it’s status quo, unless as you say the Bears “have other plans.”
I couldn't help laughing at all the bloviating by Washington and Paris about this. How dare anyone else but we oh-so-clever neocons carry out a coup! And yes, it's all about the uranium. It will be fascinating to see how much presence Wagner has down there and what that could mean if the French/US intervene.
That can only be achieved by the West offering Russia a genuine peace deal, by Russia being victorious or by Putin surrendering and withdrawing his armies. At present, only one of these choices will lead to the happy ending.
I can foresee the Dems getting rid of Biden AND Harris, installing Governor Hair Oil and winning in 2024. All while the hopeless GOP is dithering over whether to impeach or not.
So how old are you, whippersnapper? You sneer at Boomers (I'm one myself), but it was a glorious time to be a child. No need to plan playdates and watch your children like a hawk in case some crazy drove by and tried to snatch them. We walked to school by ourselves without our parents hovering over us. We feel like your generation (whatever it is) was cheated of the joyous free-range childhoods we enjoyed.
Yes, the US felt invincible back in the 50's and early 60's, perhaps naively so, but we'd saved Europe for the second time and we were an optimistic nation, despite the Cold War. Nothing felt beyond your reach as long as you were willing to put in the time and effort to achieve your dreams. Not so today.
I agree that some of our Boomer legislators have exceeded their shelf-life and should retire, rather than cling onto power by their fingernails, but don't paint us all with your obvious disdain. Perhaps, you should talk with one of us in depth about our experiences. You might just learn something - we're not all afflicted with dementia. BTW, Trump is a Boomer - Biden is not. FYI, the Baby Boom began in 1946 and ended in 1964.
Thank you! But please don't confuse the likes of McConnell, Pelosi and Biden with Boomers - they aren't - they are of a generation without a designation. Generally, people still in their 70's are still cognitively viable and can make worthwhile contributions to the public discourse. I know that Trump has rough edges - think about the industry he came from - but that doesn't dissuade me from supporting him. Now he knows who he can trust and who he can't. If, for some reason, he chooses not to run, my second choice would be Ramaswami, although he would have the same problems Trump had in his first term - no knowing who his enemies are.
Congratulations, Mark, for reminding us of the important point that Putin was well prepared for this situation. As so often in the past, his strategic mindset has ensured that Russia will withstand the current debacle. I agree too that there is no way NATO gets directly involved. They have nothing to fight with even if they wanted to.
I did not know about the French Army 1917 mutiny, looks very relevant. Ukraine is already using blocking / barrier / anti retreat forces.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/1917_French_Army_mutinies
Yes and No. It's relevant because the pointless blood-letting that the Ukr leadership is imposing on its soldiers is very similar to that pushed on the poilus by the French commanders. Not so relevant because Petain, with great skill, was able to bring the mutinies to an end with firmness but also with humanity. Also, the French army, while never the formidable fighting machine it was before the mutinies, at least held together as a reasonably effective fighting force. Concerning the Ukr army, I think once it breaks, Zelensky and his thugs will try and crack down with great brutality, but he will be unable to hold the army together. I'm still amazed that there aren't more Ukr squaddies shooting their commanders and walking away.
Yes, Pétain wasn’t a great general, but he did his job professionally and he won at Verdun.
He was a tragic figure in many ways. How did he get from saving France from the Germans in 1917 to collaborating with them in 1940?
Old age had a lot to do with it. Lack of judgement - but at the same time it was he who made De Gaulle a general in 39!
Yes, exactly. That the Europeans can’t wake up at this late hour and smell the coffee…IMHO, the US objective, in its war against Russia, is to destroy Europe, or if just a consequence, so be it. And Germany, after 70+ years’ submission, is sleepwalking into Green dreams of a return to the horse and buggy (there was an article on Zerohedge yesterday about that) while in France, Macron is now working on a nice little war in Niger so he can “redorer son blason,” or make himself look like Napoleon riding to the rescue…Meanwhile Le Point has uncovered an email from Macron to Véran (health minister) from Jan 21 saying “don’t worry we’ll get those idiots (“connards” - a spiteful and degrading term to use against your own citizenry) yet!” So I agree, until this “crop” of leaders change..it’s status quo, unless as you say the Bears “have other plans.”
Just who gets to own the horse and buggy?
And what gender will the horse be? A question that requires an answer.
Yup!
I considered the stone age, but as you point out, who owns the quarry?!
Here’s the article referred to:
https://www.zerohedge.com/political/germans-have-moral-obligation-sacrifice-living-standards-wealth-claims-green-party-mp
More reasons the AfD is rising!
I think the thinking part of the Ukr population has already voted with its feet.
Let's hope and pray that is it.
I couldn't help laughing at all the bloviating by Washington and Paris about this. How dare anyone else but we oh-so-clever neocons carry out a coup! And yes, it's all about the uranium. It will be fascinating to see how much presence Wagner has down there and what that could mean if the French/US intervene.
Gee, if only the wicked witch hadn't sold so much of our uranium to Russia ...
I'd be very happy if a US President would skip 'making the world safe for democracy' and just focus on making the USA safe for democracy
And keeping us a true republic.
Yes, that's where I also disagreed with Mearsheimer. There are indeed some "happy ending" scenarios. But only for Russia and the BRICS.
That can only be achieved by the West offering Russia a genuine peace deal, by Russia being victorious or by Putin surrendering and withdrawing his armies. At present, only one of these choices will lead to the happy ending.
I can foresee the Dems getting rid of Biden AND Harris, installing Governor Hair Oil and winning in 2024. All while the hopeless GOP is dithering over whether to impeach or not.
So how old are you, whippersnapper? You sneer at Boomers (I'm one myself), but it was a glorious time to be a child. No need to plan playdates and watch your children like a hawk in case some crazy drove by and tried to snatch them. We walked to school by ourselves without our parents hovering over us. We feel like your generation (whatever it is) was cheated of the joyous free-range childhoods we enjoyed.
Yes, the US felt invincible back in the 50's and early 60's, perhaps naively so, but we'd saved Europe for the second time and we were an optimistic nation, despite the Cold War. Nothing felt beyond your reach as long as you were willing to put in the time and effort to achieve your dreams. Not so today.
I agree that some of our Boomer legislators have exceeded their shelf-life and should retire, rather than cling onto power by their fingernails, but don't paint us all with your obvious disdain. Perhaps, you should talk with one of us in depth about our experiences. You might just learn something - we're not all afflicted with dementia. BTW, Trump is a Boomer - Biden is not. FYI, the Baby Boom began in 1946 and ended in 1964.
Yep. And back when "trannies" were radios.
Thank you! But please don't confuse the likes of McConnell, Pelosi and Biden with Boomers - they aren't - they are of a generation without a designation. Generally, people still in their 70's are still cognitively viable and can make worthwhile contributions to the public discourse. I know that Trump has rough edges - think about the industry he came from - but that doesn't dissuade me from supporting him. Now he knows who he can trust and who he can't. If, for some reason, he chooses not to run, my second choice would be Ramaswami, although he would have the same problems Trump had in his first term - no knowing who his enemies are.