Russia pulls out of its big spy base in Cuba

Guardian/UK ^ | 10/18/01 | Kevin O'Flynn in Moscow

[The_Reader_David]

Russia is part of Christendom. Alas to some "the West" means those societies which inheritted the struggles between the Papacy and the German Emperor, the Reformation and the Counter-reformation. Russia (and Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria,...) do not share that history. "The West" in a modern global context should mean Christendom. We need to change the mindset of our leaders so it does. This will entail changing sides in the Balkans.

[cornelis]

What is inescapable about propaganda?

Good question. For one, after you unmask it, once you expose it, it is too late. The knowledge that it is propaganda is ineffectual to stop it from being said.

But there must be quite a few more stubborn things about propaganda. Those who use it, I suspect, resign themselves to an inevitable concatenation of meandering, imprecision, and obfuscation, not to mention havoc on the respect for others. Good propagandists usually end up in "the ministry" religious, academic, or governmental.

[Don Joe]

Russia has been in a process of becoming "Americanized" since before the WTC attack. OBL and his fools have only speeded up the process. He's forcing countries to see who their real friends are, and Russia would much rather have a future with the West than with china or the islamists.

[Don Joe]

We could do the same to them vis-a-vis china. I don't expect either situation to occur. The adults are in charge in both countries, and they both seem to be vested in saving civilization from the barbarians. There are old-line commies in Russia, but their days are winding down, and their influence is waning. The people there do not want to go back to the communist utopia, they don't want to go to a world dominated by chinese imperialism, and they don't want to end up in an islamic republic. They want to go to the Mall of America, and then start opening branches in Russia.

[nocommies]

once a commie, always a commie. we wont be defeated by making us mad, we can be defeated by making us complacent and fat, dumb, and happy, and careless. only problem is, putin has forgotten that fat ass bubba clinton and his fat wife are no longer president. oh well, but dont be fooled. we dont need to be lulled into submission. let putin reduce his nukes, and stop opposing missile defense, and then we can CONSIDER taking putin as a POTENTIAL ally.

[AndrewSshi]

"Russia is still communist as far as I can tell."

Negative. Russia's means of production were privatized in the early 1990's, leading to a chaotic system of private enterprise. Then, at the turn of the twenty-first century, Putin completed those parts of the reformation that had been left undone, to wit, with his support, legislation allowing for the sale and ownership of land recently cleared the Duma. In addition, the Duma also recently passed a 13% flat tax, moving away from their earlier confiscatory tax rates. On top of all that, Christ the Savior Cathedral now dominates the skyline of Moscow. It'll take time, but they're working towards becoming a normal country.

Of course, with a moniker like "Tribulation Force," you likely hold to a theology which requires Russia to be evil, invade Israel, etc., thus facilitating the Second Coming. Bear in mind, dude, that readings of Ezekiel that equate Russia with "Rosh" are problematic at best, and silly at worst.

[boycott]

I believe we are a lot like the Russians. We've just had too many egos in the way. The Russians are very much like our European friends.

[vox1138]

Well, good or bad, there's got to be a reason they don't need, or won't be using, the spy base in Cuba now.

[vox1138]

Putin also has advised Russians not to enter the United States for the next 3 weeks, as has Gorbachev, for reasons concerning terrorist attacks. Perhaps they know something we don't. Perhaps they don't need to spy on us anymore. Maybe they have insider knowledge about a future attack on the United States and don't want to lose any of their people.

[Clinton's a rapist]

If Russia and the United States truly become Allies, then we cannot be stopped.

Good point, and with Bush in the White House, I think it's gonna happen.

[Lazamataz]

legislation allowing for the sale and ownership of land recently cleared the Duma

OMG!

NOW Russia will begin to gain wealth. Wealth always flows from private ownership of land.

I have been waiting for this break for the longest time. It has finally happened!

[JMJ333]

Thanks for the interesting flag!

[ContemptofCourt]

When I lived in KW, I was about 200 yards from OUR little spy base down there. Heck, you can see it from the beach - course, you can't see all the Marines with guns ;). I'm sure that one has not been shut down...

[Jean B]

"It now seems more like a civilized-versus-uncivilized world."

Maybe, but don't discount the religious aspect.

[martian_22]

I went down through the posts and saw no mention of China working with Cuba the last few years to take over various bases that Russia is leaving. There's been a few articles here for a couple years on this and the large relationship between the PLA and Cuba. A month or so before 911 crates of small arms and large military equipment began to arrive in Cuba from the PLA.

[1Old Pro]

If Russia and the United States truly become Allies

We did fight "together" in WWII. I'm all for having a good and constantly improving relationship with Russia

[jwsmith88]

I agree, but irregardless, WWIII will be with China on the other side of the US. They are the only other super power left.

[mikhailovich]

Then how do you explain Sweden?

[mikhailovich]

In Sweden, they screw their 8 year-old girls and sell the world pictures of this filth. They smoke dope on government-manicured, downtown lawns. They sell marijuana in restaurants. But they have a pretty hot economy. Your theory has merit, but regrettably, has holes, too.

[mikhailovich]

Imagine 250 million Americans brainwashed for generations. Welcome, Russia. Let's help them back on their feet.