Posted on 11/10/2014 1:45:35 PM PST by Thistooshallpass9
Russias President Vladimir Putin gave an extensive interview to Chinas leading media companies on 6 November ahead of the 10-11 November APEC Summit in Beijing. Two things were clear from the interview: first Putins determination to further deepen Russia-China relations and, secondly, his open linkage of this determination with Russias dissatisfaction with US foreign policy.
Here are some examples of Putin expressing his determination to deepen ties with China and his linking of this to US policy, even to the extent of seeing the fall in oil prices as an anti-Russia conspiracy:
Asked how he rated the role of APEC, Putin said: It is worth noting that all the decisions adopted on the basis of the principles of mutual respect, accommodation of the interests of each other, which reflects the spirit of APEC. Under the current conditions, when some countries [presumably the United States] prefer to act on the international arena using the methods of political, economic, and often even coercive pressure the role of APEC as an effective coordinating mechanism for building a new regional architecture is indispensible.
(Excerpt) Read more at courcyint.com ...
The Chinese are going to stick it right in Putin’s backside. It is only a question of time.
It is not something we can support but at what position Russia has to turn?
There is EU on the West, US at NE, Stans at SW and it is Arctic on the North.
Duh. What choice does he have?
I guess they think he has to say I’m sorry for not bowing down and engage in Muslim outreach to please them.
Yeah, people dig into a position and they can’t see anything else.. This is crazy. I do not understand why the U.S. is so friendly toward China and so hostile toward Russia. I would balance it the other way around. Regardless, our current policies are driving the two together.
I am missing something I guess, but I don’t see why Putin is madder at the U.S. than the E.U. It is U.S. and Nato who are his enemies but no mention of E.U. I assume that it is because it is a military statement and E.U has no military force. I still think they are stirring up the most trouble.
I am a long way from thinking Russia is perfect. But they have been helped along to their current position by people who can’t see Putin as anything but KGB. I think that is unfair. Russia is like every other nation. They want a growing economy and to be treated with respect and fairness in the world market.
I am not read up enough on the issue you are talking about to really say anything. But in general, it does seem that they think Putin should bow down and do whatever pleases them (Obama) and friends). Obama thinks he is king of the world and everyone should bow down and please him. If you react, you are punished. I can’ wait until he is gone.
I think actually things are a bit more complex, but that you have said is one of the sides of problem.
I think they are likely a LOT more complex. I only call out the part I see. Trouble is, it seems everyone is looking at it through their chosen lens which leaves it little hope of it being resolved. I think in the future this time will be looked back on as pivotal. Trouble is brewing.
Ok I’ve done some reading on the issue.
Putin needs to stop aligning himself with lunatics if he wants any chance of the west respecting him as a rational leader. Assad is a monster. The fact that Russia would defend him, not stay neutral but DEFEND him is a major pox on Putin’s house.
The economic issue I can see. Why he feels he needs to align with China for economic reasons due to US and EU sanctions I can see. Defending the lunatic leader of Syria, I don’t see.
I like Russian’s in general and wish them success. Same for Ukrainians. Putin loses me when he defends monsters.
I still don’t trust the EU one little bit.
Things are still more complicated than you read it is, but you have a right to your opinion for sure.
Let's hope so - a solid alliance between Russia and China could end up being problematic for us.
They make a lot of noise, but ultimately do not trust each other.
Things being more complicated does not alter key facts.
Who a leader chooses as his friends often says more about him than his carefully worded speeches or media reports spun to the tastes of a given reporter. and or his publication’s owners.
Whatever got us here, the old enemy relationship is back. Russia has some history of loving tyrant leaders. In the end it is the people of those tyrant led countries who will be the biggest losers, not their chosen enemies.
Your logic is hard to argue but regarding to Syria you need to understand a meaning of balance of powers. Unfortunately it is a bitter civil conflict and there is no positive power which is capable to have an upper hand (I might be wrong, you have just learnt about a situation and probably know more than me and would probably name some other powerful pro-liberty group there).
In such a situation we basically have two able powers which are Assad’s regime and ISIS.
Any other group is related to one of the above or too insignificant, weak and disorganized to influence situation.
Until just recently, before ISIS made too much bad press, it was de-facto supported by Obama (remember Ben Ghazi) and so on.
Now, considering that you aren’t going to wash your hands and trying to keep influence the situation you need to pick sides.
It is clear that you have only two choices (unless your are considering direct intervention or leaving things to own devices) in terms of balance of power as far as no other group in sight.
Pick your side. You can’t pick none if you represent a foreign policy of a large nation because such a position basically means you have no position at all and practically AWOL.
On the other hand you can opt to lie and make up some ‘moderate’ Muslim rebels as allies who are allegedly between two fires to save yourself from making choice.
What is your choice if you have been a national leader?
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