Opinion
Russia making a comeback
Alex Fishman
Published: 06.08.07, 13:34
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28 Talkbacks for this article
1. russia in syria
mahamad ,   london   (08.06.07)
its time to kick the russians back from syria and the arctic
2. A rationalization for inaction.
Terry ,   Eilat, Israel   (08.06.07)
It is the height of self-deception to see any "silver lining" to a Russian presence in Syria. This sounds like complacency, rationalization to excuse inaction, rather than any realistic analysis. When was Russian influence a moderating factor in the Middle-East or anywhere else for that matter? On the contrary, their presence will increase instability because the Syrian regime with Iranian prodding will feel protected & create "incidents" which they believe we will be afraid of responding to. And if we don't respond, the "incidents" will become protracted guerrilla war on the Golan. This kind of thinking is what has led us into the worst security situation since the 1973 war. And our situation will deteriorate over time. Wishful thinking will not make threats go away. Inaction is itself a decision with consequences.
3. #2 - absolutely spot on! i love reading your post's Terry!
Adam ,   London   (08.06.07)
4. The Soviets have been back for quite some time
Malcolm   (08.06.07)
5. Oh those Russians.....
moliza ,   lebanon   (08.06.07)
"Russian President Vladimir Putin's imperialistic aspirations is being realized." i'm laughing so much my sides hurt. just a hint that the russians want to have a naval base in syria,the entire region has labeled putin as an imperialist leader..while his counter part,also known as "the american idiot" in the white house has his thugs almost everywhere in the globe,destroying whole countries at will without the slightest regard for the international community is regarded as,erm hmmm,dunno maybe as he himself sometimes hallucinate as the modern day liberator and democracy bringer... i think its about time some other country show "mr idiot" that he is not the only cowboy in town.
6. Russia in Syria
Martin Aubut ,   Sherbrooke, Canada   (08.06.07)
I have Four questions : Will Putin lead Russia after his presumed last presidential mandat? Will Syria become the little dog of Russia? Who will kick Russans out of there? Who?
7. World politics a la Putin.
H.H.M ,   Jerusalem   (08.06.07)
World politics a la Putin. Not knowing to what extent this cooperation / area interference / world politics trade and believes are combined with Russian international foreign policy and its interest to “influence” the oil pipe line, with its oil transported to Easter Mediterranean through the Black Sea. Second part here is about already exist a direct involvement in the global question of Islam’s will to become world religion number one, on the basis of its ultra orthodox Koran interpretation. As far as Israel is concern the possibility of real fully equipped Naval bases on the small Syrian Mediterranean coastal stretch needs a complete reevaluation of Israel’s politics. The defense of these Naval bases must involve Russian’s latest heavy weapons which would of course defend its surroundings plus a major part of Syria. Here will influence Lebanon’s Southern borders to Israel, actually it will put Israel’s Northern borders with Lebanon, Syria into a highly sensitive area within need to have a completely reorganized defense structure to meet these new needs. – The recent Israel war thought us to have defense structure as the practical range of this heavy Russian armament will bring a very large part of Israel under its firing range. So far is Israel’s side affected by this new situation. But for Turkey, Iraq and possible Suez Canal and Egyptian area it may mean completely new systems of possible defense action, their foreign aerial and military concept will have to adopt themselves to a possible US change of policy, dictated by this new reality. The cooperation between the US and the different Near East countries including Israel will undergo an adoption and will be somewhat curtailed befitting the situation at the same time Iran become encircled and at the same time Persia becomes encircled and will become more and more depending on Russia. The consequence of these first thoughts are that if Mr. Bush intends to defend his Near East area of influence including its oil wells, he will have to act immediately in order to avoid an worldwide fight which may include atomic weaponries. Basically such thoughts are on the political table, on world trade and even “on miniature world power Israel.” In Israel we will have very limited maneuvering space to keep ourselves above water, which makes a very careful foreign and area policy more than mandatory. - Let’s wait, see and hope.
8. Finally.
Dennis ,   Montreal, Canada   (08.06.07)
"Imperialistic ambitions"? If Russia has "imerealistic ambitions" what about USA that has naval and military bases all over the world and is planning to deploy missiles in continental Europe? If anything everyone should thank god that there's at least ONE country that can firmly stand against America's increasing domination of the entire world.
9. #8 from France Canadia that says it all
Gary ,   USA   (08.07.07)
10. Russia SHOULD Understand.
Maansingh ,   The Netherlands   (08.07.07)
"a restraining Russian influence in impeding the fundamentalist wave that is threatening the region." YES. I agree with that. I rather have Russia in charge of Syria -- than the Ayatollahs of Iran in charge of Syria. WHY ? Because Ayatollahs belong in the Mosque -- they are NOT meant to be in charge of a country. ALSO : Russia SHOULD understand that the Golan Heights belongs to Israel. Golan Heights is an inalienable PART of Israel.
11. Just something funy i came across!!
moliza ,   lebanon   (08.07.07)
President George W. Bush had five polyps removed during a routine colon cancer test on Saturday, but his doctors described them as small and apparently not worrisome, the White House said. The polyps, all less than one centimeter (0.4 inch), will be tested to determine whether there are any signs of cancer and the results are expected to be available within 48 hours to 72 hours, White House spokesman Scott Stanzel told reporters. Unfortunately, one of the growths, mistaken for a pre-cancerous polyp, was indeed Mr. Bush's brain. Mr. Bush should make a full recovery from the surgery within 24 hours and experience little residual effect of having his brain removed. Dr. Jerry Wishner, director of colon and rectal surgery at Northern Westchester Hospital in Mt. Kisco, N.Y. was asked how this mistake could have occurred: "We just didn't expect to see it stuffed so far up there. But, it does explain a few things
12. And don't forget the Russians dropped a cilinder with a flag
Mark ,   Philadelphia   (08.07.07)
claiming the Artic Ocean. Maybe next they'll demand Alaska back... Why not? Bush is so in favor of giving (Jewish) land away, maybe he should taste some of the same medicine. The Russians have big dreams of world domination. The next few years should be very interesting, with China and Russia united within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, which also includes some minor countries from the Former Soviet Union.
13. Russians would do well to remember Chernobyl...
Mark Kleiman ,   South Florida USA   (08.07.07)
The governments of Iran & Syria are the enemies of the entire world... No one can afford the cleanup of a nuclear attack :(
14. Russia Making a Comeback
James Richardson ,   San Diego United Sta   (08.07.07)
Your comment regarding Vladimir Putin's "imperialistic" aspirations needs some comment. It is appropriate and very good that the Russian Fleet is returning to the Mediterranean. It is needed to keep the "spoiled brat kid" in the neighborhood in check. Meaning Israel of course. Israel is the true source of the problems in the Middle East. Every time Israel bends over to fart America puckers up to kiss it on the ass. This is the true source of America's problems in the World today....our unquestioning loyalty to Israel. We, Americans, should cut Israel loose. We should make peace with the Muslim World and let Israel solve its own problems and sleep in the bed it has made. It will be interesting in the future to watch and see if Israel has the guts to attack Syria with the Russian fleet in port. Of course Israel could be destroyed in an afternoon if it did so. The loss of Israel would mean nothing in real terms to the West. The loss of Middle Eastern oil is the real problem. If Israel disappears the World would be rid of a problem and could breathe a sigh of relief.
15. To Moliza #5. Give Some Examples.
Maansingh ,   The Netherlands   (08.07.07)
You write :".., destroying whole countries ...". Give some examples with dates. Than we can talk. Insinuating is a lowclass act -- it is dishonest. BTW in the past 2,500 years quite a few countries have been destroyed several times in the course of history, and than again build up.
16. #14 How old are you?
Israel   (08.07.07)
I'm astounded at your ignorance of history, or at your denial that it can repeat itself. Further, you don't understand that it is different to see something from afar (across the Atlantic!) or to live with the culture streaming into your country. We here in Israel know their sense of manifest destiny ultimately takes over any desire for good will - which is usually a facade to begin with.
17. #15 - 5 is just a wounded animal foaming at the mouth
(08.07.07)
Pity is in order here. Her country sold out to Soviet-style domination by a organization whose primary charter - to destroy Israel - has not only failed, but destroyed their countrymen instead.
18. #14 you're the best.
MoRa ,   Syrien   (08.07.07)
the existence of "Israel", in it's current form, is the mother of all problems in the world. Israelies need to change their hostile behaviour if peace is to take place. If you can't live side by side with the arabs, from which you stole the land in the first place, then you should go back to where you came from.
19. #15and#17
moliza ,   lebanon   (08.07.07)
why are you ppl acting like the fabled tale of the ostrich that hides its head in the sand thinking everything is fine as long as it doesnt open its eyes?if you are asking me about America's atrocities,then my dear friend it seems you only read spiderman comics and obsessed with hollywood action movies(of course Rambo tops the list),we can start with vietnam..they went to liberate the ppl,killed millions and in the end deserted them to be slaughtered by the vietcong,before that, nixon prolonged the war wasting thousands of american lives just so he could have an agenda to sell in his election campaign..oh you could also google the korean war,or hiroshima,serbia, the list is to long. my point is simple: try to understand what i'm implying,if america so loves democracy and freedom,where were they when the massacres in rwanda was going on?trying to get saddam out because of imaginary wmd's.liberian rebels invaded sierra leone killing and maiming hundreds of thousands,where were they?you could only find them intervening in wars where there have an interest,so i dont buy that cock and bull "democracy" slogan.....so in the future,try to read useful stuff instead of just wasting precious oxygen by opening your mouth to say utter nonsense.
20. Another bit of information
moliza ,   lebanon   (08.07.07)
By the way,it was the american administration that gave the taliban their weapons in the first place so they could fight the soviets,then it was also the american administration that gave saddam more weapons to fight iran......just as it will give any other dictator /rebel leader the means to get rid of any regime in any country that goes against it's greedy needs,but in the end,after achieving their aim(leaving behind countless dead)they always come back to "clean" the mess they had created in the first place and of course leaving behind more corpses..
21. To Moliza #19. Make Up Your Mind.
Maansingh ,   The Netherlands   (08.07.07)
You write :"... the Korean War, or Hiroshima, Serbia ". Regarding the Korean War : ON June 25th 1950 North Korea crossed the 38 Parallel line, and attacked South Korea unannounced. ON June 27th 1950 the UNSC voted unanimously to aid South Korea. A total of 21 countries, including 15 UN members such as South Africa, France, USA, Turkey, Greece, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourgh, the Philippines, -- send in troops to help South Korea. Moliza, and you blame America for the Korean War ?!?!?! WHAT happened to your History education ??? Went down the drain ? Regarding Hiroshima : The atom bombs thrown on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in August 1945 hastened the end of the WW II. Hiroshima was NOT the war -- it was the END of the Second WW. Even a former Minister of Defence of Japan aknowledged, one or two months ago, that the American bombing of Hiroshima ended WW II quickly. OTHERWISE the war may have gone on, and on, and on and on. Regarding Serbia : You probably mean the -- Serb - Croatian War 1991 - 1995 -- Bosnian War 1992 - 1995 -- Kosovo War 1998 - 1999 Moliza, and you blame America for that ?!?!?! Your brain is NOT functioning properly !! When America is helping somewhere, for example in Korea 1950 - 1953, -- you blame America for helping. And NOW you are saying where was America during "the massacres in Rwanda, Sierra Leone killing." Lady, make up your mind. OTHERWISE -- you sound like a mentally deranged person.
22. To Mora #18. You SHOULD Give Back.
Maansingh ,   The Netherlands   (08.07.07)
You write :".., from which you stole the land in the first place, ..". THREE Jewish Tribes were populating Medina in Saudi Arabia -- long before the rise of the Muslim religion. In the 620-s A.D. the Jewish People were kicked out of Medina by the Muslims -- and of one of the Jewish Tribes all the male persons were all killed by the Muslims, and the women and children of that Tribe they, i.e. the Muslims, divided amongst themselves. Mora, you SHOULD give back Medina to the Jewish People, first of all -- that will show your sincerity of purpose. OTHERWISE your peace is just a piece of paper -- with NO meaning. SO, Mora, first of all give Medina in Saudi Arabia back to the Jewish People -- than, your words will have value. BTW the Arabs came from Saudi Arabia -- so, the Arabs should all go back to Saudi Arabia. They should live peacefully there -- and than the Jewish People will be able to live peacefully in the 3,300 year old Israel. SO, Mora, if anything, the Arabs living in the West Bank ARE the real thieves -- having stolen the land from the 3,300 year old Israel.
23. Then why didn't you go to Medina in 1948?
Mora   (08.08.07)
I'm not a muslim, but I'm perfectly aware of the fact that jews lived in Medina. One thing you missed though, see, you forcibly took (stole) the land way AFTER the UN was created (1967), in violation of all international laws. I'm all for the jews right of return, in the sense that those (haredi?) jews who were forced out of their homes as a result of the Ashkenazies agressions need to be compensated by the countries they used to live in, but to get back thousands of years in history is just ridiculous. The inhabitants of the levante are the direct descandants of the Caanaties and the Phoenicians. They too came from the Arabian Peninsula long before you guys decided some invisible man in the sky ordered you to go east from Egypt, read some history son.
24. We're soooo afraid....
K. Smith ,   USA   (08.08.07)
as a former member of the U.S. 6th Fleet let me just say that the U.S. Navy is not concerned with the Russian Navy. They have one active aircraft carrier, which is decades old. They can't do "underway replenishment" and the majority of their sub fleet is sitting pierside rusting.
25. To Mora #23. Moses Is Also Recognized.
Maansingh ,   The Netherlands   (08.08.07)
You write :".., you forcibly took the land ... (in) 1967, ...". Egypt, Jordan and Syria attacked Israel on June 5, 1967, without declaring war. WITHIN 6 days Israel defeated the Armies of those Arab countries, and in the process Israel RECOVERED from Egypt the Sinai Peninsula, from Jordan the West Bank, and from Syria the Golan Heights. SO, Mora, you attacked -- and you lost. SO, why are you crying ?? The Golan Heights and the West Bank are integral PART of Israel. WHETHER you like it or not !! You write :"... decided some invisible man in the sky ordered you ...". Moses the Law Giver is NOT an ordinary man like you or me -- he IS the representative of the Supreme Lord ( known in the Jewish Religion as Yahweh, and known in Islam as Allah). As such, Moses the Law Giver can see and hear the Supreme Lord. SO, the words of Moses the Law Giver has to be accepted -- whether you like it or not. BTW Moses is also recognized in the Koran.
26. #5: Very sadly, President Putin has the technology to...
Rivkah   (08.10.07)
destroy ships with SUNBURN nuclear missiles that fly under radar. He gave the technology to Red China, but not to America. If you read Daniel chapter 8 in the Authorized King James Bible you will learn that America (notable horn) has its fate tied to the fate of Persia (higher horn on ram). When the ram is subdued by a he-goat (UN) with a notable horn between its eyes (USA), the next thing that happens is that the notable horn breaks. That cannot be Alexander the Great because Greece was not the westernmost nation.
27. Too much hype...
woww ,   LA, USA   (08.10.07)
The russian fleet is almost nonexistent. Most of their ships have been rusting at bay since the mid 90's. The only significance for them is to have for their reconaissance submarines a safe harbor in the Mediterrainian. It has no other value, the syrian ports could not accomodate any larger ships either,they are simply not big, deep enough. It's only for intelligence gathering against the currantly operating fleets of the US and various europian countries.
28. B.S.
Maccabee Zealot ,   Jerusalem, Israel   (02.17.08)
Leftist insanity an disinformation! Russian fleet historically never was "neutral" and never was a force "of reason" and a restrain of any enemy of Israel. They will be on the side of the Arabs and already participating in anti-Israel gang called Organization of the Islamic Conference as an observer together with the US, EU and the UN.
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