Why Russia is standing by Syria's Assad

BBC News ^ | 15 June 2012

[MinorityRepublican]

As the United Nations warns that Syria has descended into civil war, Russia continues to back President Bashar al-Assad in the face of growing international condemnation.

Konstantin von Eggert, political commentator for Kommersant FM radio in Moscow, looks at why the Kremlin is steadfastly supporting the beleaguered Syrian government.

Foreign policy analysts usually tend to explain Moscow's inflexible stance on Syria by evoking arms sales to Damascus (Bashar al-Assad's regime is said to have placed orders for Russian hardware to the tune of $3.5bn) and the Russian naval station in the Syrian port of Tartous.

But this alone does not account for Russia's seeming indifference to the adverse effect that its international advocacy of the Assad government has on its relations with the United States, the European Union and the majority of the Arab states.

The explanation has a lot to do with Russia's domestic policies and the obsessions of the Russian political class.

By standing up for Damascus, the Kremlin is telling the world that neither the UN, nor any other body or group of countries has the right to decide who should or should not govern a sovereign state.

If one looks at the Syrian crisis from this angle, many of Moscow's previously inexplicable actions take on a new, clearer meaning.

[ETL]

Russian nuclear bombers in Cuba?
July 23, 2008

The media has been abuzz today at the prospect of Russian nuclear bombers being stationed in Cuba if the US goes ahead with plans for missile defense bases in Eastern Europe.

The story has riled the US enough that a US general has been wheeled out to tell the world’s press that any Russian attempt to build another nuclear base in Cuba would cross US “red line”.

The story broke earlier this week, when Russian newspaper Izvestia quoted an un-named source from within the Russian military. He told the Russian daily:

“While they are deploying the missile shield in Poland and the Czech Republic, our strategic bombers will already be landing in Cuba.”

The quote hasn’t been independently confirmed, but the Russian Defense Ministry added fuel to the fire when they refused to comment on the story.

The prospect of Russian nuclear forces being stationed in Cuba - which is, after all, only 90 miles from the US coast - would bring back some rather unpleasant memories for the US of the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962, where the Soviet Union under Nikita Kruschev launched an audacious and foolhardy bid to station nuclear missiles on the Caribbean island.

http://www.siberianlight.net/2008/07/23/russian-nuclear-bombers-cuba/
_____________________________________________________

Russia to help Cuba modernize weaponry, train military

September 18, 2009

HAVANA, September 18 (RIA Novosti) - Modernization of the Soviet-made military equipment and training of Cuban military personnel will be the focus of Russian-Cuban military cooperation in the near future, the chief of the Russian General Staff said on Friday. Gen. Nikolai Makarov arrived on a working visit to Cuba on Monday, met with Cuban President Raul Castro and the country's military leadership, and visited a number of military installations.

"During the Soviet era we delivered a large number of military equipment to Cuba, and after all these years most of this weaponry has become obsolete and needs repairs," Makarov said.

"We inspected the condition of this equipment, and outlined the measures to be taken to maintain the defense capability of this country...I think a lot of work needs to be done in this respect, and I hope we will be able to accomplish this task," the general said.

Makarov said the Cuban request for assistance with training of military personnel will also be fully satisfied.

Although the Cuban leadership has repeatedly said it has no intention of resuming military cooperation with Russia after the surprise closure of the Russian electronic listening post in Lourdes in 2001, bilateral military ties seem to have been improving following the visit of Russian Security Council chief Nikolai Patrushev and Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin to Cuba in July last year.

A group of Russian warships, led by the Admiral Chabanenko destroyer visited Cuba in December last year during a Caribbean tour.

http://en.rian.ru/mlitary_news/20090918/156170428.html

[odds]

No, Ahmanutjob is not a Russian puppet -- the Ruskies are not that powerful in Iran

You see that's partly why I have *almost* given up posting on FR threads, particularly, regarding AN (aka Ahmadi-Nejad).

For the Record:

"AN" in Persian language means "turd", as many Iranians in Iran, and outside call Ahmadi-Nejad.

"AN", also stands for an abbreviation or acronym of Ahmadi-Nejad. His lastname has 2 words/syllable: Nejad, means clan or belonging to (race) of Ahmadi. Ahmadi short for Mohamed or race of Mohamed's clan, the Arabian Prophet.

What most Americans don't realize is that, post Jimmy Carter's support of bringing Khomeini onboard in Iran & helping to establish the Islamic Republic Republic of Iran in Iran, Ahamdi-Nejad was NOT the one who advocated the occupation of the US Embassy, taking US hostages... that is a fallacy.

AHMADI-NEJAD, IN FACT, wanted to kick out the Soviets & their influence in politics & otherwise out of Iran. He preferred the Americans, since he thought the Americans had much more, religiously (messianic), in common with his own beliefs - compared to the USSR, at the time.

He was & still is a strong believer in the Mahdi, the 12th imam.. he is, Personally, a true believer in that Mahdi Myth.. - Communism/Socialism of the Soviets did not work well with his religious zeal, WHICH he still possesses.

IOW, Ahamdi-Nejad (AN, the "turd") was Anti-Communist/Socialist - he wanted his Mahdi imam to act as a counter to Soviet (Communist) influence in Iran. It is a wonder some, know-it-all, theoretical, others in the West still don't know or get it..

[ETL]

he [Ahmadinejad] is, Personally, a true believer in that Mahdi Myth.. - Communism/Socialism of the Soviets did not work well with his religious zeal, WHICH he still possesses.

Then the translator for the following must have completely screwed up what he [Ahmadinejad] was saying about Hugo Chavez and his "Progressive", "anti-Imperialist", "revolutionary current" in South America. /s (only the far left uses such terminology)

From CBS-News, July 29, 2006:

Chavez Vows To 'Stand By Iran'
After Oil Talks In Tehran, Venezuelan Leader Called 'Brother' By Ahmedinejad

"Chavez pledged that his country would 'stay by Iran at any time and under any condition,' state television reported. Ahmadinejad said he saw in Chavez a kindred spirit." "'We do not have any limitation in cooperation,' Ahmadinejad was quoted as saying. 'Iran and Venezuela are next to each other and supporters of each other. Chavez is a source of a progressive and revolutionary current in South America and his stance in restricting imperialism is tangible.'":
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/29/world/main1847331.shtml

[ETL]

Now you're saying Chavez "would have" and earlier you said that he already had. Be clear

"would" in the sense that SHOULD your fantasy US attack on Chavez [a fantasy under Comrade Obama] ever take place, he [Chavez] WOULD have the support of the Russians. Then again, the Russians may view Obama as the more significant ally of the two. In any event, ain't gonna happen.

[odds]

Yes, the “translator” must have done, PRECISELY, what he/she/it must do, politically, just as Ahamdi-Nejad has done, politically.

Politics is a separate matter to Personal belief.

Good to be discerning. Many FR posts/threads, have indicated, OBVIOUSLY that Ahmadi-Nejad has a strong messianic (religious) belief. Where do we find that “actual” equivalent of Mahdi in Hugo Chavez, or any Socialist or Communist ideology?

If you do find that equivalent, messianic belief, in Socialism or Communism of, for example, Hugo Chavez, per AN’s belief, then I suspect, a conservative/republican, is no different, ultimately, to the liberal/democrats in the US - only difference can be indicated in the political stance, words and jibes.

[Little Ray]

Don’t necessarily support Putin, but:

1. Russia is remaining faithful to her allies (such as they are) and hostile to her foes.

2. Russia doesn’t seem to have any problems naming the enemy and killing them in large, cost-effective quantities.

Both are admirable traits, even a rival. I would like to see us show the same gumption.

[ETL]

[ I ] Don’t necessarily support Putin

But the possibility is there, huh? Absolutely incredible how blind people can be even when the evidence is staring them in the face (giving you the benefit of the doubt here).

[ETL]

Both are admirable traits, even a rival. I would like to see us show the same gumption.

"rivals" are friggin Coke and Pepsi! Russia and the US (at least pre-Obama] don't have the same objectives.

[Little Ray]

Neither do Coke and Pepsi. Each wants the other’s market share.

National rivals are nations that have conflicting goals. The US and Sov, er, Russians have conflicting goals. We’re rivals. We’re not enemies just now, because we’re not in a shooting war, neither side is trying destroy the other, and neither side planning on starting a shooting a war with the other. I guess I have a fairly high threshold for “enemy.”

In any case, supporting Assad is (IMHO) in America’s best interests. Its a pity that only the Russians have the balls to openly support him.

[ETL]

If you do find that equivalent, messianic belief, in Socialism or Communism of, for example, Hugo Chavez, per AN’s belief, then I suspect, a conservative/republican, is no different, ultimately, to the liberal/democrats in the US

Who knows, he could be a communist in religious-poser clothing like Obama and Louis Farrakhan. Obama being a "Black Liberation Theology" communist, Farrakhan actually a worshiper of Fidel Castro and Mao Tse-Tung.

The so-called "Nation of Islam" is a "Black Liberation" communist front movement like Wright's phony church. Farrakhan doesn't sincerely believe in "Allah". His role models are people (monsters) like Castro and Mao.

Louis Farrakhan, Santiago de Cuba, February, 1998:
"There is not a member of the black masses in the United States who is not proud of the example set by Cuba and its revolution, with Comandante Fidel at its head"

Source: http://www.fiu.edu/~fcf/farakhan21898.html#says
_______________________________________________________

"Minister Farrakhan and his delegation met privately with President Fidel Castro of Cuba."
http://www.finalcall.com/media/cuba/
________________________________________________________________________________

Unity generates power to change reality
By the Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan

"The time has never been more ripe for a strategic relationship between the Black, Brown, Native American and the poor of this nation and the world."

"We need a Ministry of Defense. Our young men are born soldiers, but they are in the wrong war. They are fighting a war in the streets of America against each other, or they are fighting an unjust war overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. We need to bring our boys home and put them into the Ministry of Defense, so we can defend our communities, rather than destroy our communities.

We need a Ministry of Art and Culture. We applaud the hip hop community, the leaders of young people all over the world, but I want the young generation of artists to know there is a bigger purpose for art and culture than popping our fingers and shaking our backsides.

Mao Tse Tung, throughout his long march to conquer China, had a billion people whose lives he had to transform. Many of them were victims of opium, drugs and prostitution, like we are. But Mao Tse Tung went to the cultural community and they accepted his idea. Then, through song, dance, poetry, drama, documentaries, movies and books, the idea of Mao Tse Tung became the idea of a billion people. China became a world power on the base of culture and the artistic community. If we had a Ministry of Art and Culture in every city, [we'd] create this movement [in the U.S.], we could say to our young people, “What is the idea of the Time and are you reflecting that idea in your songs, dance and music?

We need a Ministry of Trade and Commerce. Do you think that a Millions More Movement should not be involved in the development of Africa, the Caribbean and Central America? ... we need a Ministry of Trade and Commerce that can link the struggle here with Africa and the Caribbean, Central and South America.

Source: FinalCall.com
This is Farrakhan's own "Nation Of Islam" website
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_4328.shtml
________________________________________________________________________________

"If you look at Barack Obama's audiences and look at the effect of his words, those people are being transformed."
Source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23333598/

"Mao Tse Tung, throughout his long march to conquer China, had a billion people whose lives he had to transform."
Source: FinalCall.com
(this is Farrakhan's own "Nation Of Islam" website)
http://www.finalcall.com/artman/publish/article_4328.shtml

[odds]

AN is a thug, and a religious nut, that I know for sure.

But, I also know he couldn’t have survived as long as he has in the political arena, (I mean almost 33 yrs) - in Mullahs’ Regime politics - without being Politically Savvy and “in-the-know”. That’s how Politics, regardless of Personal belief, works.. around the world.

[ETL]

Yes, the “translator” must have done, PRECISELY, what he/she/it must do, politically

So, despite the fact that even most liberals despise Ahmadinejad, the (likely) liberal translator (or reporter), would have twisted his words to make him out to be a Progressive. Is that what you are saying?

[ETL]

Yes, the “translator” must have done, PRECISELY, what he/she/it must do, politically

Alternatively, the translator, being pro-Iran, pro-Ahmadinejad, quite possibly part of his crew, would have twisted his words to make him out to be a supporter of "Progressive" causes and a "brother" to communist Hugo Chavez? That guy/gal must have a real death wish, eh?

[odds]

Think Columbia University USA, as example, then think about your USA liberals.. unless conservatives prove to be different in action regarding AN, no difference between Libs & Cons.

[odds]

When you can make a distinct differentiation between hugo chavez, (Castro was always a goner), Obama, GWB, Clinton and AN, let me know, including the ‘translators’, guy or gal, as the case it might’ve been on occasions - I want DETAILS for each.. eh.. ;-)

[aruanan]

Because pricks hang together?

[Tailgunner Joe]

We should let Assad keep killing his Sunni al-Aeda enemys. Let the moslems kill each other -- you have a problem with that

Yes I have a problem with animals who slaughter innocent children and and I have a big problem with those immoral, cold-hearted and un-Christian enough to justify such acts. The fact that you would dare to do so explains why you also support Putin's murder of innocent Orthodox Christians in Georgia. You really don't seem to care whether the innocent children your heroes murder are muslim or Christian. You will justify their slaughter either way.

[tsowellfan]

Maybe Putin does not feel the world would be a safer place if the radical Islamists continue to take control of nations such as Libya, Egypt and Yemen...etc. Maybe he sees what some call the "Arab Spring" as an "Islamist Spring" and he wants to stop it.

Just a theory.

I'm not happy about what just happened in Egypt. But our pResident is. The man has done nothing positive for this country. And it cannot be incompetence. Even a clock can be right twice a day.

[Cronos]

why you also support Putin's murder of innocent Orthodox Christians in Georgia.

I don't support Putin in that -- stop lying

[Cronos]

Maybe Putin does not feel the world would be a safer place if the radical Islamists continue to take control of nations such as Libya, Egypt and Yemen...etc. Maybe he sees what some call the "Arab Spring" as an "Islamist Spring" and he wants to stop it.

true. Pootie cares for his own dictatorship of Russia and radical Islam is an enemy.

On this matter, I support him.