Russia “must use saber-rattling to preserve peace”

Dmitry is correct. And since Russia owns all the resources the world needs, it now has the money and huge surpluses to start an arms race with the US of A and bankrupt them - just like the US bankrupted the Soviet Union with an arms race and super low oil prices (the Saudis cooperated on this). Now it's payback time, and those trillions dollars of debt are going to pile up and collapse the 'New World Order'.
Cheers!!

Hahahaa! Sure buddy, you rattle your "sabres"! Lets keep this in persepective though..Russia spends $50 billion a year on defence. The United States is spending about $700 billion per year on defense and starting from a much higher plain of capability.
(USA United States of Albania, 11 February 2012 16:15)


Yes they are spending your US of A right into the poor house. Remember that your debt is now at 15.6 trillion and projected to rise to 17 by December – there is a day of reckoning and while they spend on defence your entire social and infrastructure is crumbling to pieces.

So far all this expenditure has achieved ZERO. Outright loss in Iraq and now a defeat of NATO in Afghanistan imminent. Libya turning to fundamentalism and the west wants to change government in Syria and the west has the support of the head of Al Qaida. Hello is anyone awake in the Pentagon????? The head of al Qaida supporting western strategy ????? What do you think is their long-term plan???? Brilliant strategy US.

Hahahaa! Sure buddy, you rattle your "sabres"! Lets keep this in persepective though..Russia spends $50 billion a year on defence. The United States is spending about $700 billion per year on defense and starting from a much higher plain of capability. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian military fell apart and was equivalent to that of a developing country...like Serbia:) Even the traditionally hawkish U.S. military and defense leaders and analysts are not worried about Russia’s plans to buy modern arms, improve military living standards to attract better senior enlisted personnel, enhance training, and cut back the size of the bloated forces and officer corps. For example, Eugene B. Rumer of the U.S. National Defense University was quoted in the Washington Post as saying that Russian actions are “not a sign, really, of the Russian military being reborn, but more of a Russia being able to flex what relatively little muscle it has on the global scale, and to show that it actually matters.

In addition, the Russian military is very corrupt—with an estimated 40 percent of the money for some weapons and pay for personnel being stolen or wasted. This makes the amount of real defense spending far below the nominal $50 billion per year. Serbs wishing and believing that Russia is somehow going to save them reminds me of the "end of the worlders" that sit around like fools believing that the world is coming to an end on a specific date.

For the living standard of most of its citizens, Russia is still a 3rd world country.
(The Count of Kosova, 11 February 2012 17:12)

You may want to check your keyboard - in particular about mysterious "ghost" "o" keys after the "C".

For the living standard of most of its citizens, Russia is still a 3rd world country.
(The Count of Kosova)

Have you been to the USA? I have seem more dispicable ghettos and poverty in this "FIRST-Class" country than in Romania- roma-towns.

Nice start, approving the genocide in Syria. Very brave, rattle your sabre a bit more kill some more civilians with your buddies.

Rogozin probably lives in the good old times of cold war. Looking back, the mutual threats and balance of fear between NATO and the Warsaw pact preserved some peace, indeed - but the price the countries from Warsaw pact had to pay was high.

I think the 'Chinese solution' to become an economic superpower and spend the money for research, science and development and not so much for weapons is the smarter way: It improves the living standards of the people while becoming more and more influential in the world.

US of Albania,

Chechnya & Georgia aren't laughing are they?

Wasn't Georgia THIS CLOSE to being a NATO member too? Armed, trained and advised by the Americans. Oh well, guess Putin didn't get that memo. Just be careful when you start believing you are invincible. Germany found that one out the hard way when Moscow steamrolled Berlin into the stoneage only a few decades ago. This time it would only take no more than a push of a button the next time someone dare attack Russia.

With super low oil prices? The laugh of the day! [link]

Ever heard of the oil crisis in the 70th? There was a oil price hike in '70/'71, and after that, the oil prices stayed higher that they have been in the 50 years before. But since the Soviet Union was (almost) not part of the world market by then, they couldn't benefit from increased world market prices.
(Analyst, 11 February 2012 18:46)

Hey genius, I don't know where you were in the 80's but it is a well known fact that Saudi Arabia helped keep oil prices artificially low to help bankrupt the Soviet Union. That link you sent shows exactly that, have look at the graph and notice how oil price drops and stays low throughout the eighties. But hey, don't listen to me, listen to Michael Ledeen, a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, who admits it.
http://www.danielpipes.org/467/saudi-arabia-friend-or-foe
'Ledeen: They kept oil prices low, thus helping to bankrupt the Soviet Union. They provided us with military bases during the Gulf War. They shared intelligence on terrorism for many years, and perhaps still do, at least to some extent. These are not minor matters, by any measure. That said, there is no doubt that we would not have had any interest in an alliance with the Royal Family if there were not huge oil deposits in the area.'

Or how about this:
'US President Reagan also actively hindered the Soviet Union's ability to sell natural gas to Europe whilst simultaneously actively working to keep gas prices low, which kept the price of Soviet oil low and further starved the Soviet Union of foreign capital. This long-term strategic offensive, which contrasts with the essentially reactive and defensive strategy of "containment", accelerated the fall of the Soviet Union by encouraging it to overextend its economic base.[5]'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Soviet_Union_(1982%E2%80%931991)
http://wais.stanford.edu/History/history_ussrandreagan.htm

Let me know if you need more enlightenment. Like I said, the tables are now turned and it's payback time.
Cheers!!

Actually, "U.S.A" below, the United States BORROWS from countries like China and Russia much of the money needed to maintain its out of control 700 billion dollar plus defense budget. Our current deficit has been upped AGAIN from 1.1 another 200 billion to 1.3 trillion for one year. Obama continues on a catastrophic course and smashed all debt records. Thus, withdrawal of troops from Europe. Thus, no more Balkan wars. Thus, no possibility of intervention in Syria. Thus, retreat from Afghanistan and Iraq.Only children believe in continued American supremacy. Welcome to the multipolar world.

Dmitry is correct. And since Russia owns all the resources the world needs, it now has the money and huge surpluses to start an arms race with the US of A and bankrupt them - just like the US bankrupted the Soviet Union with an arms race and super low oil prices (the Saudis cooperated on this). Now it's payback time, and those trillions dollars of debt are going to pile up and collapse the 'New World Order'.
Cheers!!
(Dragan, 11 February 2012 15:31)

Dragan,

It would be nice if you could back up your fantasies with some facts.

For the living standard of most of its citizens, Russia is still a 3rd world country.

Invasion of Georgia by Russia showed your true face. Nobody buys your stories.

Dmitry is correct.
(Dragan, 11 February 2012 15:31)

The place #1 where to try the sabring skills is a place which is:

- ruled by an immoral regime, semi-recognized world-wide, created by "West" to offset Russian influence
- created against the spirit of U.N. agreements before
- a place plagued by pretty unholy crimes like organ snatching, white slavery, corruption, etc.

Not sure where it can be...

"Nice start, approving the genocide in Syria. Very brave, rattle your sabre a bit more kill some more civilians with your buddies.
Hruz"

Now I know what radical Serbs like the Russians.

I give Russia 50 years, at best, before its complete annihilation because of internal and external struggle. Each Russian who can leave this country for the US, Germany, Israel simply does it and I can not blame a single one of them.

"just like the US bankrupted the Soviet Union with an arms race and super low oil prices (the Saudis cooperated on this)."
(Dragan, 11 February 2012 15:31)

With super low oil prices? The laugh of the day! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_price

Ever heard of the oil crisis in the 70th? There was a oil price hike in '70/'71, and after that, the oil prices stayed higher that they have been in the 50 years before. But since the Soviet Union was (almost) not part of the world market by then, they couldn't benefit from increased world market prices.

US of Albania,

Chechnya & Georgia aren't laughing are they?

Wasn't Georgia THIS CLOSE to being a NATO member too? Armed, trained and advised by the Americans.

(Bob Hope,

Bob - The Georgians were advised by EVERYONE not to start trouble for the fact that they were in fact not properly armed nor trained. With that said, your arguement is null and void. Had they been armed with every American weapons system and training, they would have held their own and there is no doubt about it. The Georgians had the same flaw that Serbs have and thats over confidence in their abilities and materials. Just how the Serbs got pounded in the past several wars the Georgians too got pounded for not having that respect for power. Both lost.

But why in the world didn't they block the Rokli tunnel?
(Amer, 12 February 2012 02:49)

Apparently within few days the tunnel was insignificnat as Russians were controling both the coast (Poti) and Gori. Taking off the tunnel is an "interesting" idea because it's main purpose is to connect North Ossetia with South Ossetia. As strategically important it is, it is also of big humanitarian value, after all who wants to win the sympathy of Ossetians by taking down the tunnel. Gamzahurdia tried that by the way, that wasn't embraced by Ossetians with big enthusiasm and it was one of the factors of the ongoing conflict.

I just do not know who will annihilate it,...
(Ataman, 12 February 2012 01:16)

You can ask that question to those who leave the country, or to those who refuse have children, or to those who terminate unborn life by the millions. Russia is about to fall apart because of countless reasons and the only thing which holds it for now together is force and terror. We know, however, that a rule of that system is only temporal and that in the end it just postpones the inevitable, with the difference that the "boom" is much louder. Consult history of you don't believe me (or better if you don't want to believe me because of your personal wishes of an Super-Mega-Ultra-Power Mother Russia).

Putin is Russia's undertaker and all those oligarchs and Kadyrovs which fill their pockets while murdering people and keeping their private jets with running engines stand by his side as long as they can, until it seems best time to use them, leaving a mess back where people will start their reckoning with those who openly cooperated with the regime, which actually answers your question who will destroy Russia.

I give Russia 50 years, at best, before its complete annihilation because of internal and external struggle. Each Russian who can leave this country for the US, Germany, Israel simply does it and I can not blame a single one of them.
(Berk., 11 February 2012 23:37)

Now I made it in my pants, because the resident Alboexpert revealed the truth. I just do not know who will annihilate it, it seem you are young enough to see it in 50 years. Maybe it will become the part of a new Dardanian Empire. Just tell me, how you will deal with so many prisoners of war? Build a mega-size yellow house and use them as organ donors? OK, than you are right, just wait and see. Organ-snatching and white slavery is what you can do the best, everything else is a pathetic failure.

Feel free to add as many negative "recommendations" as you like, you can even add multiple times as many as you like. Today is a cold day in Albania - people do a lot of finger practice, can't blame them.

Should it be done like that? Sorry but never again.
(Nyet Bu, 12 February 2012 13:54)

Hruz hates both Serbs and Albanians. Also Russians, Ukrainians, Czechs, Slovaks, Romanians. Has quite some objection with Croatians. Does not like E.U., neither America. Smells like Hungarism for me but ask him.

Hahahaa! Sure buddy, you rattle your "sabres"! Lets keep this in persepective though..Russia spends $50 billion a year on defence. The United States is spending about $700 billion per year on defense and starting from a much higher plain of capability.
(USA United States of Albania, 11 February 2012 16:15)

And that's something to be proud of??? We spend way too much money on military and supporting rogue governments overseas. We need a government in the US that doesn't waste money unnecessarily on military and feeds the money back to the hard working people of this country. Our US government's priorities are still all wrong, even after the cold war.

(CG, 12 February 2012 15:09)

It is perfectly understandable that you or other Serbian right wingers perpetuate (or at least claim to do it) that those oppressive regimes such as in Beijing or Moscow will rule infinitely their respective territories. But the unpleasant truth for you is that this but a lie which not even falls to you when you are honest. Nobody else at least believes in that excrement. For China the situation is partly is even worse. That is why censorship in China must be much harsher, otherwise the bottle would explode right away. The regional disparities within China are increasing almost on a daily base. The outrageous devastation by environment pollution is unmatched and a time bomb which not even money can change. Political, internal instability comes with external challenges. India is China's biggest rival and will oppose China where it can, making clear that BRIC is no alliance but in fact the complete opposite. They will do everything to fight each other so that the internal peace is preserved. On the long run, this can only be upheld when taking out competitors.

The best lie is the pretension that China and Russia are allies. This is so ridiculous. China's interests are diametrically opposed to those of Russia. China suffers under the same problems as any other producing country when it comes to expensive resources, especially to those for energy production. We are already witness to it when it comes to the arm wrestling between Russia and China in regard to gas prices where China demands much lower market prices and this for a longer period while Russia does not accept it due to its heavy dependence on resource prices. There already many saying that Chinese flood into Siberia, unchallenged. Well, this is also just the beginning and it is apparent that China could deal with an into pieces broken Russia more easily then now. Question here remains which dissolution comes first, China's or Russia's.

This is just the beginning since it will be for China more and more difficult to perpetuate that large growth which vital for China's survival. We know, however, just as oppressive regimes can't rule forever, growth is also not infinite. The bottle will explode and there is not the slightest chance China can change that. It is simply the natural cause.

The crown of all laughable statements is, however, the fact that China is "Serbia's friends". Well, I know that you love that kid of statements but the ugly truth is that China is only after its advantage where even Chinese will suffer by the millions if necessary. In a country where a van can drive over a 2 year old girl, just to leave her back, while nobody helps and ignores it, just to be seen to be driven over by a second van and left in her blood speaks volumes of this society. And this is no exception at all. Human capital is just a resource.

Overall, it is such a shame that you rely on those "friends" to uphold your dreams, but a German proverb says: "In der Not frisst der Teufel fliegen!" Means more or less that you will grasp whatever straw you get, no matter if it will lead into a even more dire situation.

So long..

Cheers!

Nice start, approving the genocide in Syria. Very brave, rattle your sabre a bit more kill some more civilians with your buddies.
(Hruz, 11 February 2012 16:21)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4PgpbQfxgo&feature=related

Should it be done like that? Sorry but never again.

(Berk., 12 February 2012 13:13)

Look,

I understand that you are frustrated because the decline and dissolution of the American Empire has begun and cannot be stopped!
America is on the brinks of bancrupcy (120% debt on GDP),its demographic situation is very dire(babyboomers retiring which will strain its social networks even more,third world Afro Americans and Hispanics basically taking over the country and running it into the ground!),the American economy is not competetive throughout the world(computers are manufactured in China,nobody in their right mind would buy for example an American car) and the cornerstone of its power,the dollar as the world reserve currency is shaking because China ,which will be number 1 till 2015 is introducing its currency as the world reserve currency!

I am not saying Russia will be the newborn superpower,but it is completely without debt,its demographics are improving(85% of the population is Russian,Russian population actually grew this year),and it will have a very powerful ally and super power China beside itself that will work to crash the American Superpower status completely!
All in all the future for Russia is rosy while the future for the US is very bleak!

Hruz hates both Serbs and Albanians. Also Russians, Ukrainians, Czechs, Slovaks, Romanians. Has quite some objection with Croatians. Does not like E.U., neither America. Smells like Hungarism for me but ask him.
(Sündörgö sündörmögö, 12 February 2012 15:21)

That loser hates even hungarists.A typical dissatisfied orange communist(Fidesz voter ) with I know it better attitude.

"Bob - The Georgians were advised by EVERYONE not to start trouble for the fact that they were in fact not properly armed nor trained. ...

(USA United States of Albania, 11 February 2012 20:31) "

True. The Georgian troops (at least some of them) were "Nato-trained" - but for guarding logistics routes against IED's and assault-weapon attacks - not for homeland defense against tanks and aircraft. (Even so, they brought down enough expensive Russian planes to make it embarrassing for the other side.) Saakashvili made sure that the troops sent to Afghanistan would get combat experience - they'll present more of a challenge next time somebody tries moving on the country.

But why in the world didn't they block the Rokli tunnel?

(Berk., 12 February 2012 18:18)


“It is perfectly understandable that you or other Serbian right wingers perpetuate (or at least claim to do it) that those oppressive regimes such as in Beijing or Moscow will rule infinitely their respective territories. But the unpleasant truth for you is that this but a lie which not even falls to you when you are honest. Nobody else at least believes in that excrement. For China the situation is partly is even worse. That is why censorship in China must be much harsher, otherwise the bottle would explode right away. The regional disparities within China are increasing almost on a daily base. The outrageous devastation by environment pollution is unmatched and a time bomb which not even money can change. Political, internal instability comes with external challenges. India is China's biggest rival and will oppose China where it can, making clear that BRIC is no alliance but in fact the complete opposite. They will do everything to fight each other so that the internal peace is preserved. On the long run, this can only be upheld when taking out competitors.”

Knowing it has reached and reduced the argument to this is testament to the failed policies of the West. Growth and increased living standards also cannot be infinite, particularly when it is done on credit. Fighting each other in BRICSAM as you say, has yielded many results including an important global economic shift. Have you noticed US and Global companies locating production offshore to India en mass, in China too, both their brands and business, to the detriment of US jobs, growth and investment in innovation.
----------------
“Well, this is also just the beginning and it is apparent that China could deal with an into pieces broken Russia more easily then now. Question here remains which dissolution comes first, China's or Russia's.”

You miss a big point here, why would China risk it’s future to take on a nuclear capable country whom it knows is an ally. The same premise that kept the USSR and the USA from invading each other, was the inevitable coup de grace from a losing side. If China has more to lose why would it risk mutual obliteration. Sounds more like similar fear mongering ruses the West has used to sponsor it’s wars.
-----------------
“This is just the beginning since it will be for China more and more difficult to perpetuate that large growth which vital for China's survival. We know, however, just as oppressive regimes can't rule forever, growth is also not infinite. The bottle will explode and there is not the slightest chance China can change that. It is simply the natural cause.”

Yes growth is not infinite try telling that to Wall St. But, China is now investing huge sums in nanotech and modern tech industries which will reduce the demand for fossil fuels and mineral resources. Yes at the moment one can liken them to a US in the industrial revolution, but it’s progress is rapidly transitioning from a purely industrial manufacturing centre to one of innovation and will outpace anything in the West. Nanotech as I stated reduces the reliance of fossil fuels (what the West wasted trillions securing) and at the moment the only countries that can afford to implement nanotech products cheaply en mass are non indebted nations. Russia and China won’t be influenced by external powers on what fuels to use or dollars to settle with in the future, leaving the West behind. Have you noticed the infrastructure grading in the US and the renewal it requires? The military won't be enough.
----------------------
“The crown of all laughable statements is, however, the fact that China is "Serbia's friends". Well, I know that you love that kid of statements but the ugly truth is that China is only after its advantage where even Chinese will suffer by the millions if necessary. In a country where a van can drive over a 2 year old girl, just to leave her back, while nobody helps and ignores it, just to be seen to be driven over by a second van and left in her blood speaks volumes of this society. And this is no exception at all. Human capital is just a resource.”

I agree that was morally appalling and it has served as a wake up call and outrage in China to educate and change laws, so passers by cannot be sued as in previous cases to act. It was a stinker and I hope it forces rapid change, not only in China but elsewhere in the world, including the West like the homeless Samaritan left to die on the footpath. Do not forget the East-West railway was built on human capital imported from China, so one has to preach across the board to be taken honestly and without ulterior motives.

--------------------------

Overall, it is such a shame that you rely on those "friends" to uphold your dreams, but a German proverb says: "In der Not frisst der Teufel fliegen!" Means more or less that you will grasp whatever straw you get, no matter if it will lead into a even more dire situation.

Well with those portraying themselves as friends to the left of the map who would need enemies. Perhaps you need another sacrifice as a buffer to keep you comfortable, but Serbia has long since realised what the rewards are for such endeavours. Times are changing Serbia doesn’t intend to place itself in the crosshairs to insure the living standards of others. Loyalty is a two way street you do realise.

Yes they are spending your US of A right into the poor house. Remember that your debt is now at 15.6 trillion and projected to rise to 17 by December – there is a day of reckoning and while they spend on defence your entire social and infrastructure is crumbling to pieces.

So far all this expenditure has achieved ZERO. Outright loss in Iraq and now a defeat of NATO in Afghanistan imminent. Libya turning to fundamentalism and the west wants to change government in Syria and the west has the support of the head of Al Qaida. Hello is anyone awake in the Pentagon????? The head of al Qaida supporting western strategy ????? What do you think is their long-term plan???? Brilliant strategy US.
(sj, 13 February 2012 02:08)

SJ - Being a Serb SJ I can understand your disdain for the USA(getting bombed). However, you entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts. The USA is going to be a force to be reckoned with for a long long long time whether you like it or not. We have experienced quite a few recessions in America in the past 100 years and we managed to pull out of them ahead. As long as we are the melting pot of the world, we will always attract the best and brightest minds. You have no forsight or imagination if you can't see that the USA will bounce back. And Serbs also like to assert that the USA is a nation of "killers". Actually, Pol Pot and Joseph Stalin have killed more people than the US military. So did Adolf Hitler. The other question you have to ask yourself is how many countries which the US has defeated in war are now ruled by the US? The answer is, if you're honest, none. Japan, Germany, Italy, and Iraq are all sovereign nations. The US has made some horrendous blunders with its military, but it is not an imperialistic nation at all. In Iraq, where it made it biggest blunder, most of the war casualties could be attributed to the Al Qaeda insurgency, in addition to fighting between the Shia and the Sunnis. The fact is, Americans don't glorify death and we value life. That's why we are known for our anti-war movements. The isolationists in the US during the 1930s helped foment World War II by emboldening Adolf Hitler. Everybody wants peace, but you can't pretend that you live in your own impenetrable universe. As long as there are brutal dictators in the world like Milosevic who are willing to slaughter their own people, actions like the one in Libya and Kosova will probably be necessary. This ain't Utopia.

Nice start, approving the genocide in Syria. Very brave, rattle your sabre a bit more kill some more civilians with your buddies.

Hahahaa! Sure buddy, you rattle your "sabres"! Lets keep this in persepective though..Russia spends $50 billion a year on defence. The United States is spending about $700 billion per year on defense and starting from a much higher plain of capability. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian military fell apart and was equivalent to that of a developing country...like Serbia:) Even the traditionally hawkish U.S. military and defense leaders and analysts are not worried about Russia’s plans to buy modern arms, improve military living standards to attract better senior enlisted personnel, enhance training, and cut back the size of the bloated forces and officer corps. For example, Eugene B. Rumer of the U.S. National Defense University was quoted in the Washington Post as saying that Russian actions are “not a sign, really, of the Russian military being reborn, but more of a Russia being able to flex what relatively little muscle it has on the global scale, and to show that it actually matters.

In addition, the Russian military is very corrupt—with an estimated 40 percent of the money for some weapons and pay for personnel being stolen or wasted. This makes the amount of real defense spending far below the nominal $50 billion per year. Serbs wishing and believing that Russia is somehow going to save them reminds me of the "end of the worlders" that sit around like fools believing that the world is coming to an end on a specific date.

Dmitry is correct. And since Russia owns all the resources the world needs, it now has the money and huge surpluses to start an arms race with the US of A and bankrupt them - just like the US bankrupted the Soviet Union with an arms race and super low oil prices (the Saudis cooperated on this). Now it's payback time, and those trillions dollars of debt are going to pile up and collapse the 'New World Order'.
Cheers!!
(Dragan, 11 February 2012 15:31)

Dragan,

It would be nice if you could back up your fantasies with some facts.

For the living standard of most of its citizens, Russia is still a 3rd world country.

Dmitry is correct. And since Russia owns all the resources the world needs, it now has the money and huge surpluses to start an arms race with the US of A and bankrupt them - just like the US bankrupted the Soviet Union with an arms race and super low oil prices (the Saudis cooperated on this). Now it's payback time, and those trillions dollars of debt are going to pile up and collapse the 'New World Order'.
Cheers!!

Dmitry is correct.
(Dragan, 11 February 2012 15:31)

The place #1 where to try the sabring skills is a place which is:

- ruled by an immoral regime, semi-recognized world-wide, created by "West" to offset Russian influence
- created against the spirit of U.N. agreements before
- a place plagued by pretty unholy crimes like organ snatching, white slavery, corruption, etc.

Not sure where it can be...

"just like the US bankrupted the Soviet Union with an arms race and super low oil prices (the Saudis cooperated on this)."
(Dragan, 11 February 2012 15:31)

With super low oil prices? The laugh of the day! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oil_price

Ever heard of the oil crisis in the 70th? There was a oil price hike in '70/'71, and after that, the oil prices stayed higher that they have been in the 50 years before. But since the Soviet Union was (almost) not part of the world market by then, they couldn't benefit from increased world market prices.

I give Russia 50 years, at best, before its complete annihilation because of internal and external struggle. Each Russian who can leave this country for the US, Germany, Israel simply does it and I can not blame a single one of them.

US of Albania,

Chechnya & Georgia aren't laughing are they?

Wasn't Georgia THIS CLOSE to being a NATO member too? Armed, trained and advised by the Americans. Oh well, guess Putin didn't get that memo. Just be careful when you start believing you are invincible. Germany found that one out the hard way when Moscow steamrolled Berlin into the stoneage only a few decades ago. This time it would only take no more than a push of a button the next time someone dare attack Russia.

Rogozin probably lives in the good old times of cold war. Looking back, the mutual threats and balance of fear between NATO and the Warsaw pact preserved some peace, indeed - but the price the countries from Warsaw pact had to pay was high.

I think the 'Chinese solution' to become an economic superpower and spend the money for research, science and development and not so much for weapons is the smarter way: It improves the living standards of the people while becoming more and more influential in the world.

Invasion of Georgia by Russia showed your true face. Nobody buys your stories.

Actually, "U.S.A" below, the United States BORROWS from countries like China and Russia much of the money needed to maintain its out of control 700 billion dollar plus defense budget. Our current deficit has been upped AGAIN from 1.1 another 200 billion to 1.3 trillion for one year. Obama continues on a catastrophic course and smashed all debt records. Thus, withdrawal of troops from Europe. Thus, no more Balkan wars. Thus, no possibility of intervention in Syria. Thus, retreat from Afghanistan and Iraq.Only children believe in continued American supremacy. Welcome to the multipolar world.

US of Albania,

Chechnya & Georgia aren't laughing are they?

Wasn't Georgia THIS CLOSE to being a NATO member too? Armed, trained and advised by the Americans.

(Bob Hope,

Bob - The Georgians were advised by EVERYONE not to start trouble for the fact that they were in fact not properly armed nor trained. With that said, your arguement is null and void. Had they been armed with every American weapons system and training, they would have held their own and there is no doubt about it. The Georgians had the same flaw that Serbs have and thats over confidence in their abilities and materials. Just how the Serbs got pounded in the past several wars the Georgians too got pounded for not having that respect for power. Both lost.

I just do not know who will annihilate it,...
(Ataman, 12 February 2012 01:16)

You can ask that question to those who leave the country, or to those who refuse have children, or to those who terminate unborn life by the millions. Russia is about to fall apart because of countless reasons and the only thing which holds it for now together is force and terror. We know, however, that a rule of that system is only temporal and that in the end it just postpones the inevitable, with the difference that the "boom" is much louder. Consult history of you don't believe me (or better if you don't want to believe me because of your personal wishes of an Super-Mega-Ultra-Power Mother Russia).

Putin is Russia's undertaker and all those oligarchs and Kadyrovs which fill their pockets while murdering people and keeping their private jets with running engines stand by his side as long as they can, until it seems best time to use them, leaving a mess back where people will start their reckoning with those who openly cooperated with the regime, which actually answers your question who will destroy Russia.

For the living standard of most of its citizens, Russia is still a 3rd world country.
(The Count of Kosova, 11 February 2012 17:12)

You may want to check your keyboard - in particular about mysterious "ghost" "o" keys after the "C".

With super low oil prices? The laugh of the day! [link]

Ever heard of the oil crisis in the 70th? There was a oil price hike in '70/'71, and after that, the oil prices stayed higher that they have been in the 50 years before. But since the Soviet Union was (almost) not part of the world market by then, they couldn't benefit from increased world market prices.
(Analyst, 11 February 2012 18:46)

Hey genius, I don't know where you were in the 80's but it is a well known fact that Saudi Arabia helped keep oil prices artificially low to help bankrupt the Soviet Union. That link you sent shows exactly that, have look at the graph and notice how oil price drops and stays low throughout the eighties. But hey, don't listen to me, listen to Michael Ledeen, a Resident Scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, who admits it.
http://www.danielpipes.org/467/saudi-arabia-friend-or-foe
'Ledeen: They kept oil prices low, thus helping to bankrupt the Soviet Union. They provided us with military bases during the Gulf War. They shared intelligence on terrorism for many years, and perhaps still do, at least to some extent. These are not minor matters, by any measure. That said, there is no doubt that we would not have had any interest in an alliance with the Royal Family if there were not huge oil deposits in the area.'

Or how about this:
'US President Reagan also actively hindered the Soviet Union's ability to sell natural gas to Europe whilst simultaneously actively working to keep gas prices low, which kept the price of Soviet oil low and further starved the Soviet Union of foreign capital. This long-term strategic offensive, which contrasts with the essentially reactive and defensive strategy of "containment", accelerated the fall of the Soviet Union by encouraging it to overextend its economic base.[5]'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Soviet_Union_(1982%E2%80%931991)
http://wais.stanford.edu/History/history_ussrandreagan.htm

Let me know if you need more enlightenment. Like I said, the tables are now turned and it's payback time.
Cheers!!

I give Russia 50 years, at best, before its complete annihilation because of internal and external struggle. Each Russian who can leave this country for the US, Germany, Israel simply does it and I can not blame a single one of them.
(Berk., 11 February 2012 23:37)

Now I made it in my pants, because the resident Alboexpert revealed the truth. I just do not know who will annihilate it, it seem you are young enough to see it in 50 years. Maybe it will become the part of a new Dardanian Empire. Just tell me, how you will deal with so many prisoners of war? Build a mega-size yellow house and use them as organ donors? OK, than you are right, just wait and see. Organ-snatching and white slavery is what you can do the best, everything else is a pathetic failure.

Feel free to add as many negative "recommendations" as you like, you can even add multiple times as many as you like. Today is a cold day in Albania - people do a lot of finger practice, can't blame them.

"Nice start, approving the genocide in Syria. Very brave, rattle your sabre a bit more kill some more civilians with your buddies.
Hruz"

Now I know what radical Serbs like the Russians.

(Berk., 12 February 2012 13:13)

Look,

I understand that you are frustrated because the decline and dissolution of the American Empire has begun and cannot be stopped!
America is on the brinks of bancrupcy (120% debt on GDP),its demographic situation is very dire(babyboomers retiring which will strain its social networks even more,third world Afro Americans and Hispanics basically taking over the country and running it into the ground!),the American economy is not competetive throughout the world(computers are manufactured in China,nobody in their right mind would buy for example an American car) and the cornerstone of its power,the dollar as the world reserve currency is shaking because China ,which will be number 1 till 2015 is introducing its currency as the world reserve currency!

I am not saying Russia will be the newborn superpower,but it is completely without debt,its demographics are improving(85% of the population is Russian,Russian population actually grew this year),and it will have a very powerful ally and super power China beside itself that will work to crash the American Superpower status completely!
All in all the future for Russia is rosy while the future for the US is very bleak!

(CG, 12 February 2012 15:09)

It is perfectly understandable that you or other Serbian right wingers perpetuate (or at least claim to do it) that those oppressive regimes such as in Beijing or Moscow will rule infinitely their respective territories. But the unpleasant truth for you is that this but a lie which not even falls to you when you are honest. Nobody else at least believes in that excrement. For China the situation is partly is even worse. That is why censorship in China must be much harsher, otherwise the bottle would explode right away. The regional disparities within China are increasing almost on a daily base. The outrageous devastation by environment pollution is unmatched and a time bomb which not even money can change. Political, internal instability comes with external challenges. India is China's biggest rival and will oppose China where it can, making clear that BRIC is no alliance but in fact the complete opposite. They will do everything to fight each other so that the internal peace is preserved. On the long run, this can only be upheld when taking out competitors.

The best lie is the pretension that China and Russia are allies. This is so ridiculous. China's interests are diametrically opposed to those of Russia. China suffers under the same problems as any other producing country when it comes to expensive resources, especially to those for energy production. We are already witness to it when it comes to the arm wrestling between Russia and China in regard to gas prices where China demands much lower market prices and this for a longer period while Russia does not accept it due to its heavy dependence on resource prices. There already many saying that Chinese flood into Siberia, unchallenged. Well, this is also just the beginning and it is apparent that China could deal with an into pieces broken Russia more easily then now. Question here remains which dissolution comes first, China's or Russia's.

This is just the beginning since it will be for China more and more difficult to perpetuate that large growth which vital for China's survival. We know, however, just as oppressive regimes can't rule forever, growth is also not infinite. The bottle will explode and there is not the slightest chance China can change that. It is simply the natural cause.

The crown of all laughable statements is, however, the fact that China is "Serbia's friends". Well, I know that you love that kid of statements but the ugly truth is that China is only after its advantage where even Chinese will suffer by the millions if necessary. In a country where a van can drive over a 2 year old girl, just to leave her back, while nobody helps and ignores it, just to be seen to be driven over by a second van and left in her blood speaks volumes of this society. And this is no exception at all. Human capital is just a resource.

Overall, it is such a shame that you rely on those "friends" to uphold your dreams, but a German proverb says: "In der Not frisst der Teufel fliegen!" Means more or less that you will grasp whatever straw you get, no matter if it will lead into a even more dire situation.

So long..

Cheers!

Hahahaa! Sure buddy, you rattle your "sabres"! Lets keep this in persepective though..Russia spends $50 billion a year on defence. The United States is spending about $700 billion per year on defense and starting from a much higher plain of capability.
(USA United States of Albania, 11 February 2012 16:15)

And that's something to be proud of??? We spend way too much money on military and supporting rogue governments overseas. We need a government in the US that doesn't waste money unnecessarily on military and feeds the money back to the hard working people of this country. Our US government's priorities are still all wrong, even after the cold war.

Should it be done like that? Sorry but never again.
(Nyet Bu, 12 February 2012 13:54)

Hruz hates both Serbs and Albanians. Also Russians, Ukrainians, Czechs, Slovaks, Romanians. Has quite some objection with Croatians. Does not like E.U., neither America. Smells like Hungarism for me but ask him.

For the living standard of most of its citizens, Russia is still a 3rd world country.
(The Count of Kosova)

Have you been to the USA? I have seem more dispicable ghettos and poverty in this "FIRST-Class" country than in Romania- roma-towns.

Nice start, approving the genocide in Syria. Very brave, rattle your sabre a bit more kill some more civilians with your buddies.
(Hruz, 11 February 2012 16:21)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x4PgpbQfxgo&feature=related

Should it be done like that? Sorry but never again.

But why in the world didn't they block the Rokli tunnel?
(Amer, 12 February 2012 02:49)

Apparently within few days the tunnel was insignificnat as Russians were controling both the coast (Poti) and Gori. Taking off the tunnel is an "interesting" idea because it's main purpose is to connect North Ossetia with South Ossetia. As strategically important it is, it is also of big humanitarian value, after all who wants to win the sympathy of Ossetians by taking down the tunnel. Gamzahurdia tried that by the way, that wasn't embraced by Ossetians with big enthusiasm and it was one of the factors of the ongoing conflict.

"Bob - The Georgians were advised by EVERYONE not to start trouble for the fact that they were in fact not properly armed nor trained. ...

(USA United States of Albania, 11 February 2012 20:31) "

True. The Georgian troops (at least some of them) were "Nato-trained" - but for guarding logistics routes against IED's and assault-weapon attacks - not for homeland defense against tanks and aircraft. (Even so, they brought down enough expensive Russian planes to make it embarrassing for the other side.) Saakashvili made sure that the troops sent to Afghanistan would get combat experience - they'll present more of a challenge next time somebody tries moving on the country.

But why in the world didn't they block the Rokli tunnel?

Hruz hates both Serbs and Albanians. Also Russians, Ukrainians, Czechs, Slovaks, Romanians. Has quite some objection with Croatians. Does not like E.U., neither America. Smells like Hungarism for me but ask him.
(Sündörgö sündörmögö, 12 February 2012 15:21)

That loser hates even hungarists.A typical dissatisfied orange communist(Fidesz voter ) with I know it better attitude.

Yes they are spending your US of A right into the poor house. Remember that your debt is now at 15.6 trillion and projected to rise to 17 by December – there is a day of reckoning and while they spend on defence your entire social and infrastructure is crumbling to pieces.

So far all this expenditure has achieved ZERO. Outright loss in Iraq and now a defeat of NATO in Afghanistan imminent. Libya turning to fundamentalism and the west wants to change government in Syria and the west has the support of the head of Al Qaida. Hello is anyone awake in the Pentagon????? The head of al Qaida supporting western strategy ????? What do you think is their long-term plan???? Brilliant strategy US.
(sj, 13 February 2012 02:08)

SJ - Being a Serb SJ I can understand your disdain for the USA(getting bombed). However, you entitled to your own opinion, but not to your own facts. The USA is going to be a force to be reckoned with for a long long long time whether you like it or not. We have experienced quite a few recessions in America in the past 100 years and we managed to pull out of them ahead. As long as we are the melting pot of the world, we will always attract the best and brightest minds. You have no forsight or imagination if you can't see that the USA will bounce back. And Serbs also like to assert that the USA is a nation of "killers". Actually, Pol Pot and Joseph Stalin have killed more people than the US military. So did Adolf Hitler. The other question you have to ask yourself is how many countries which the US has defeated in war are now ruled by the US? The answer is, if you're honest, none. Japan, Germany, Italy, and Iraq are all sovereign nations. The US has made some horrendous blunders with its military, but it is not an imperialistic nation at all. In Iraq, where it made it biggest blunder, most of the war casualties could be attributed to the Al Qaeda insurgency, in addition to fighting between the Shia and the Sunnis. The fact is, Americans don't glorify death and we value life. That's why we are known for our anti-war movements. The isolationists in the US during the 1930s helped foment World War II by emboldening Adolf Hitler. Everybody wants peace, but you can't pretend that you live in your own impenetrable universe. As long as there are brutal dictators in the world like Milosevic who are willing to slaughter their own people, actions like the one in Libya and Kosova will probably be necessary. This ain't Utopia.

Hahahaa! Sure buddy, you rattle your "sabres"! Lets keep this in persepective though..Russia spends $50 billion a year on defence. The United States is spending about $700 billion per year on defense and starting from a much higher plain of capability.
(USA United States of Albania, 11 February 2012 16:15)


Yes they are spending your US of A right into the poor house. Remember that your debt is now at 15.6 trillion and projected to rise to 17 by December – there is a day of reckoning and while they spend on defence your entire social and infrastructure is crumbling to pieces.

So far all this expenditure has achieved ZERO. Outright loss in Iraq and now a defeat of NATO in Afghanistan imminent. Libya turning to fundamentalism and the west wants to change government in Syria and the west has the support of the head of Al Qaida. Hello is anyone awake in the Pentagon????? The head of al Qaida supporting western strategy ????? What do you think is their long-term plan???? Brilliant strategy US.

(Berk., 12 February 2012 18:18)


“It is perfectly understandable that you or other Serbian right wingers perpetuate (or at least claim to do it) that those oppressive regimes such as in Beijing or Moscow will rule infinitely their respective territories. But the unpleasant truth for you is that this but a lie which not even falls to you when you are honest. Nobody else at least believes in that excrement. For China the situation is partly is even worse. That is why censorship in China must be much harsher, otherwise the bottle would explode right away. The regional disparities within China are increasing almost on a daily base. The outrageous devastation by environment pollution is unmatched and a time bomb which not even money can change. Political, internal instability comes with external challenges. India is China's biggest rival and will oppose China where it can, making clear that BRIC is no alliance but in fact the complete opposite. They will do everything to fight each other so that the internal peace is preserved. On the long run, this can only be upheld when taking out competitors.”

Knowing it has reached and reduced the argument to this is testament to the failed policies of the West. Growth and increased living standards also cannot be infinite, particularly when it is done on credit. Fighting each other in BRICSAM as you say, has yielded many results including an important global economic shift. Have you noticed US and Global companies locating production offshore to India en mass, in China too, both their brands and business, to the detriment of US jobs, growth and investment in innovation.
----------------
“Well, this is also just the beginning and it is apparent that China could deal with an into pieces broken Russia more easily then now. Question here remains which dissolution comes first, China's or Russia's.”

You miss a big point here, why would China risk it’s future to take on a nuclear capable country whom it knows is an ally. The same premise that kept the USSR and the USA from invading each other, was the inevitable coup de grace from a losing side. If China has more to lose why would it risk mutual obliteration. Sounds more like similar fear mongering ruses the West has used to sponsor it’s wars.
-----------------
“This is just the beginning since it will be for China more and more difficult to perpetuate that large growth which vital for China's survival. We know, however, just as oppressive regimes can't rule forever, growth is also not infinite. The bottle will explode and there is not the slightest chance China can change that. It is simply the natural cause.”

Yes growth is not infinite try telling that to Wall St. But, China is now investing huge sums in nanotech and modern tech industries which will reduce the demand for fossil fuels and mineral resources. Yes at the moment one can liken them to a US in the industrial revolution, but it’s progress is rapidly transitioning from a purely industrial manufacturing centre to one of innovation and will outpace anything in the West. Nanotech as I stated reduces the reliance of fossil fuels (what the West wasted trillions securing) and at the moment the only countries that can afford to implement nanotech products cheaply en mass are non indebted nations. Russia and China won’t be influenced by external powers on what fuels to use or dollars to settle with in the future, leaving the West behind. Have you noticed the infrastructure grading in the US and the renewal it requires? The military won't be enough.
----------------------
“The crown of all laughable statements is, however, the fact that China is "Serbia's friends". Well, I know that you love that kid of statements but the ugly truth is that China is only after its advantage where even Chinese will suffer by the millions if necessary. In a country where a van can drive over a 2 year old girl, just to leave her back, while nobody helps and ignores it, just to be seen to be driven over by a second van and left in her blood speaks volumes of this society. And this is no exception at all. Human capital is just a resource.”

I agree that was morally appalling and it has served as a wake up call and outrage in China to educate and change laws, so passers by cannot be sued as in previous cases to act. It was a stinker and I hope it forces rapid change, not only in China but elsewhere in the world, including the West like the homeless Samaritan left to die on the footpath. Do not forget the East-West railway was built on human capital imported from China, so one has to preach across the board to be taken honestly and without ulterior motives.

--------------------------

Overall, it is such a shame that you rely on those "friends" to uphold your dreams, but a German proverb says: "In der Not frisst der Teufel fliegen!" Means more or less that you will grasp whatever straw you get, no matter if it will lead into a even more dire situation.

Well with those portraying themselves as friends to the left of the map who would need enemies. Perhaps you need another sacrifice as a buffer to keep you comfortable, but Serbia has long since realised what the rewards are for such endeavours. Times are changing Serbia doesn’t intend to place itself in the crosshairs to insure the living standards of others. Loyalty is a two way street you do realise.