Comments on: A Charm Offensive

By: Kt D

Kt D — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 21:50:57 +0000

These are some important points to the Russia/Iran ordea. I am mostly concerned about the U.S. quite possibly distancing its Eastern European friends in attempts to halt Iran’s nuclear-energy development. As the article points out, we do not know what exactly Iran has or does not have at this time–although, certainly, it would be wise of us to find out quickly. But since we do not, the question of whether or not it is smart for us to make agreements with Russia that could potentially alienate or endanger other nations is one to take seriously. I watched an interesting video on this situation at newsy.com. It’s worth watching:

http://www.newsy.com/videos/u_s_russia_trade_off/

By: Skippy-san

Skippy-san — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 20:57:16 +0000

Having watched some of that “fear to make a decision” up close, I’m wondering if we even have any chips to bargain with on this one. We still have a long way to go before being even ready to field a system in Europe. Plus both the Poles and Czechs still have to give their consent-and that is in and of itself a long row to hoe.

By: FbL

FbL — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:41:50 +0000

The President seems to think he lives in a world where political favors are traded like poker chips, that being the currency of our “mean” society, to get an election in your resume, or a friend a special good deal.

Chicago politics, anyone?

By: Jay Season

Jay Season — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 16:33:56 +0000

Obama has always been against missile defense systems. He’s going to save our economy by not spending money on such trivial things.

He knows a large contingent of his supporters don’t care to defend Europeans, or Israel for that matter.

Then, Obama gets on the good side of Russia and Iran = he (personally) can’t lose!

By: xformed

xformed — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:51:22 +0000

The President seems to think he lives in a world where political favors are traded like poker chips, that being the currency of our “mean” society, to get an election in your resume, or a friend a special good deal.

He seems to not comprehend that once he moves beyond the water’s edge, the currency can most likely, and often be, another tool of diplomacy, that Bismark wielded quite effectively. Ask Denmark and the pre-Modern Germany states.

He seems to be a lawyer who either cared little for history, or paid it no mind, seeing it as a distraction to his main efforts to become history himself.

In either case, lives, at home and abroad, are at risk and in mortal danger. The sooner he understands this aspect of his position, the better off the world shall be.

And sequestering himself in the Oval Office at night, not partying, but reading many of the books GWB and Rove read, might be a way to get up on step more quickly.

But…I’m just a citizen, what can I understand of international geopolitical interactions?

By: xformed

xformed — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 03:42:32 +0000

Don’t forget Jimma!