Posted on 07/28/2014 3:48:11 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
Vladimir Putin seems to be doing everything he can to turn Russia into an ugly country: disliked, distrusted, unreliable, unattractive, aggressive, warlike and avoided at all cost. Among Russians it has made him popular for the moment, but that may change when people realize what he’s done. Russia is becoming one of those countries, like Iran or North Korea, that rails away from the fringes, isolated and disdained, that spends its days shaking its fist and ranting irrationally about the world’s inability to appreciate its greatness. ....
Mr. Putin’s strongest weapon is not his army, but his control of the pipelines shipping gas to Europe. By turning off the tap he can send much of the European Union tumbling straight into recession, and keep it there as long as he has the power to dictate price and supply. He is using it ruthlessly to get what he wants. That gives him the advantage in the short term, but now that he has exposed himself, what government, or private investor, will ever again be willing to put themselves in a position that leaves them at his mercy?
European powers now know they were foolish to seize on the availability of Russian energy in the years after the Soviet collapse. They thought the new Russia could be trusted, that despite its corruption and crime gangs, it could be relied on to behave as a responsible partner in international trade and commerce. Now they know it can’t. ....
An isolated Russia, cut off from the political and financial mainstream, both distrusted and disliked, starved for investment and treated as a pariah, is hardly an achievement to be proud of, or one likely to incur lasting acclaim.
(Excerpt) Read more at fullcomment.nationalpost.com ...
Russia is already in recession.
What difference does it make in the end?
For what is destined lies ahead..
Versace, Gucci, Lauren, galactic styling
WE all remain resilient components of our galaxy
The stardust of humanity, as rare as angel’s hair..
I’m sure it’ll end in a big bash at the end!
I hope Naomi Campbell is in a good mood.
Oh vell.
Russia is becoming one of those countries, like Iran or North Korea,Ukraine Crisis: Who are Russia's Biggest Allies?
Could you imagine social networking with the NKVD and KGB and others out there like snake waiting in the grass?
Dateline: State Aparatik here we come!
Is the author kidding? They are standing in line. This is oil and gas we are talking about. Saddam never had any trouble finding buyers for his oil.
Just like Obama and America
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