Posted on 08/17/2008 8:18:58 AM PDT by Grzegorz 246
TBILISI (AFP) – German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Sunday in the Georgian capital that the ex-Soviet republic, currently mired in conflict with Russia, will join NATO.
"Georgia will become a member of NATO if it wants to -- and it does want to," she said before talks with President Mikheil Saakashvili in Tbilisi.
It was one of the strongest statements yet of support for Georgia's NATO membership bid, which is fiercely opposed by Russia.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
“and Afghanistan is a very small NATO operation.”
Why very small ?
If Gorbachev had wished to take down the wall, he would have done so himself, itstead of having the Germans do it.
Small in terms of the manpower and logistics required to hunt down the murdering scum of the Taliban. It is of course of vital importance to the Free World as a fledgling Republic is born, a new Free Republic if you will.
No. Bill Clinton bypassed the UN in the bombing of Kosovo for that very reason.
The only problem is NATO without us (and we are truly stretched at the moment) cannot even protect itself. They have no capability to project power into areas which will soon beocme threatened (Ukraine, Moldova,the Baltic states). Its time for some European gut checks right now.
Elections have consequences. Herr Schroeder is in the pocket of the Ruskies.
Didn't work out too well for Poland.
This thread reminded me of a really wonderful moment that is now sadly history.
For those of the 80’s, you will appreciate the beauty of the German band The Scorpions singing “Winds of Change” in the Red Square.
The most tearful performance of a German band who fought communism and was able to combine with the Russian orchestra to sing their song in Moscow. The Cold War was supposed to be over.
Just thought some of you would appreciate this and it brought tears to my eyes. The optimism I held is over as of 08/08/08.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxobuyB4H38&feature=related.
I follow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
An August summer night
Soldiers passing by
Listening to the wind of change
The world is closing in
Did you ever think
That we could be so close, like brothers
The future’s in the air
I can feel it everywhere
Blowing with the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change
Walking down the street
Distant memories
Are buried in the past forever
I folow the Moskva
Down to Gorky Park
Listening to the wind of change
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change
The wind of change
Blows straight into the face of time
Like a stormwind that will ring the freedom bell
For peace of mind
Let your balalaika sing
What my guitar wants to say
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow share their dreams
With you and me
Take me to the magic of the moment
On a glory night
Where the children of tomorrow dream away
in the wind of change
I think most Germans wanted the ability to tear it down with their own hands.
By not stopping them, he allowed it. He ordered the Russian troops to stand down.
Good. SHould have happened weeks ago. Now the rest of them.
ping
“If NATO is as encouraging to allies as this forum, then I would say not very good.”
There are real questions about Germany’s committment to NATO right now and it is a perfectly proper reaction given the gap between German words and German deeds of late. Too many Europeans are more than willing to fight to the last American and many folks on this forum, whose kids will be the ones called on to do the heavy work (not yours), resent it.
Germany is a first world country. It is the leading country of the EU, head of a political entity with a larger population and larger economy than the United States. It has a much, much larger stake in what happens beyond its eastern borders than the Americans on this forum. After all, Germany is the one dependent on Russian oil, not America - it is your policies the helped drive this Russian grab for control of your energy. You need to man-up and fix it, not because Anericans are encouraging you, but because it is your responsibility.
America’s landing planes and offloading supplies while Germans talk. A Berlin FReeper, more than anyone else should understand our frustration at another non-response by Europe (a la the Balkans). We supoorted you when Russian bears were growling at your door. Its your turn like it or not.
Remember, the Russians are taking Germany’s measure in this crisis, but so are we Americans.
Great.
Let’s discuss the details promptly and soon. Let’s not wait.
Great.
Let’s discuss the details promptly and soon. Let’s not wait.
Well said, Owl, well said.
A couple of comments...first, we now have virtually every nation in Europe plus the United States standing with Georgia. While we are currently in the triage stage (i.e. first stop the bleeding), you can count on the rehabilitation stage to follow. The fact that the entire world realizes in order to avoid going backwards, we need to take a giant step to solidify freedom and independence right up to Russia’s front door, is very encouraging. The deal here really has to be a clear statement to Russia: “Freedom and Independence in the family of nations will not go away and when you bully one of us, you bully all of us”. Russia cannot fight a 17 front war with Poland, Ukraine, Georgia, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Britain, the United States and others moving to their borders across eight time zones. Russia is quickly realizing they may have grabbed the global tiger by the tail. The world now likes its freedom and does not intend to go back to the 1950’s or 1880’s.
Not me. Gordon the Gorgon has enough problems at home, especially with his own party, that he is rather distracted at the moment.
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