Comments on: Not paying attention

By: doorkeeper

doorkeeper — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 13:57:35 +0000

fliterman, were you thinking the Navy brought potatoes to the Irish to save them from the famine? Or am I reading you wrong?

Still amazes me that most of the jokes about the Irish involve a non-native plant, which got such a hold on the country in less than 100 years that when the crop failed, millions died. Yet most (non-Irish) think that the Irish have “always eaten potatoes.” In fact, ask people where potatoes come from, the vast majority will say Ireland!
d

By: Skippy-san

Skippy-san — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:25:52 +0000

Like the Navy has 9 extra ships these days……..

There are no “extra” ships-just not enough ships.

By: Flatlander

Flatlander — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 22:12:32 +0000

I suspect there are going to be nine extra warships in the Black Sea a lot more often these days. I wonder if there is any decent liberty in the Ukraine? Wasn’t on the list of options back in the day…

By: BeachBum

BeachBum — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:52:35 +0000

Interesting moves by the Russians. They are pushing to make sure the Turks enforce the Montreux Convention. For those not up on their history, only 9 warships from non-Black Sea countries allowed in the Black Sea, and no ship larger than 15,000 tons allowed to pass theDardanelles. The article I read (http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/english/world/9759360.asp?scr=1) said that the Turks had already disallowed some US request(s), citing the 15,000 ton limit. Wonder what we wanted to send, LHD or LHA? Something else?

Anyhow, I think we are right at 9 “foreign” (ie, non Black Sea country) ships right now, so theoretically, a new one can go in only if one already there leaves. Oh, and another restriction of the Convention– foreign ships can only remain in the Black Sea for 3 weeks before they must leave.

The Russians are playing a long game with their best cards, wonder what our (ie USA) long term game plan is.

By: RonF

RonF — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 19:06:41 +0000

It’s the protesting humanitarian assistance that’s uncommon in the 21st century.

I seem to recall an instance similar in spirit to this in Myammar.

By: fliterman

fliterman — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 18:29:13 +0000

Let’s not deceive ourselves. There is an obvious difference between purely humanitarian aid – like potatoes to the dying Irish – and an unusual show of force in the Black Sea as tensions grow.

While I support both our aid and naval display in this instance, I also recognize – as do the Russians – the dual actions of humanitarianism and mild saber rattling for what they are.