Posted on 10/22/2016 5:51:04 AM PDT by C19fan
The "defensible" core of our alliances was the American quadrasphere, the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and our trading partners on the outer rim of that core.
Syria was not part of that core and in fact the Black Sea is undeniably within the Russian sphere of influence. We can lie, cheat, posture, dispute, argue against spheres of influence, call Putin bad names, hate Russian oligarchs or whatever. We cannot change that reality.
On the other hand, the Philippines were very much part of that essential strategic core, we let it flounder and the core has been breached. It is not just tragic; it is the first breach in our strategic dyke.
If China owns the Panama Canal then why are they talking about building a competing canal in Nicaragua.
He was dead on about Obama. Read up on his mom sometime.
Government works a bit different in 3rd world countries. It really isn't important what his ‘government’ knows. This could be an attempt to shake the US money tree, or it could be the real thing. Duterte has do what is best for him and the Philippines; right now the US is not a very good ally.
It would require money and support from the United States, but it would be defensive and not offensive. And, there may even be a big market in the Mideast.
And, the neocons are behind Hillary Clinton, as we sit here and type.
It’s not wide enough for the new tankers.
I'll bet you're referring to zottee, AlexW. Couldn't stand that America-hating prick.
My guess is, he's now wishing he was here, instead of there.
Yeah, that guy really resented us conservatives who chose to remain in America despite the rise of zerobama here.
He thought he was so great because he escaped the decline of America only to find it caught up to him there in the PI, where America and American are falling out of favor.
If the wrong crowd gets him, he will be on TV, getting his head cut off.
‘Americans’, not ‘America’.
There was someone on FR who was always saying “come to the Philippines. It’s great”. I thought if things go bad your foreign appearance will stick out like a beacon.
New tankers usually run 200,000 to 500,000 tons and over 1400 feet in length. The Panama Canal expansion can't handle those and neither can the proposed Nicaragua Canal.
Yes, from what I’ve seen here, the ex-pat FReepers in the PI really love it there. And a lot has to do with how they stand out amongst the locals.
Pre-Duterte, Filipinos admired Americans. But they are all probably becoming aware that America is self destructing while China and Islam — two forces that loom over the PI — are on the rise. So it can’t be too good for the long-term prospects of ex-pat Americans there.
IIRC, China owns much port property at either end of the Panama Canal.
And, China has long been making deals in South America port cities, for port properties and presence, in exchange for good deals on China’s low cost goods.
China has several nooses they plan to tighten.
Yes, thats it precisely.
Its going to get very interesting over there.
I have always thought that ex-pat retirees, and those looking to relocate overseas, were taking a huge chance. If the U.S. ever fell from it's preeminent position, I suspect a lot of animosity would be unleashed against them in the New Dark Age that would follow.
I'll stick with the U.S., warts and all.
I agree
The world stage is SO being set up.
PS ... I lifted those lines from the blooming bloody asshole’s “news” account which I posted to lessen the provocative headline.
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