Posted on 12/19/2005 6:07:13 PM PST by Tailgunner Joe
MOSCOW — Russia's foreign spy chief said military forces from other countries deployed at bases along Russia's periphery are a threat to the nation, a Russian news agency reported Monday.
In comments that appeared directed at U.S. forces deployed on bases in former Soviet countries, the Interfax news agency quoted Sergei Lebedev, head of the Foreign Intelligence Service, as saying that Russia no longer had a "main adversary" as during the Cold War.
But "Russians cannot help but be concerned about new military bases and military contingents being deployed around our country," he was quoted as saying.
Russia has watched warily as the United States deployed forces to the Central Asian countries of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan and strengthened military and political ties with Ukraine and Georgia. Also, the three Baltic nations of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania joined NATO in 2004 over Moscow's strong objections.
Earlier this year, Uzbekistan evicted U.S. forces from a base there after Washington criticized Uzbekistan's authoritarian regime for a violent crackdown on a demonstration in May and other human rights abuses.
Kremlin leaders have also been jittery about mass protests that brought the opposition to power in Georgia, Ukraine and Kyrgyzstan over the past two years — protests that Russia says were backed by the West.
Lebedev did not name any specific countries that Russia considered a threat.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
West exaggerates 'Russian espionage threat - "To my regret, it has become a rule to scare ordinary citizens abroad with Russian spies, who have allegedly made inroads into all of the agencies. There have been instances of local counter-intelligence services deliberately exaggerating the Russian espionage threat to show their relevancy, enhance their staff or secure more funds."
I suggest that we just merge with Russia and end this nonsense. There ain't a hill of beans worth of difference between our two countries anymore anyway.
Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.
So. How close are we? Its a warm fuzzy feeling to be appreciated.
Let's put some IRBM's on those bases and even the balance of power in the region.
Refresh my memory, wasnt Russia building a reactor for
our Iranian friend "Whathisname" Abershanamizabobo.
I hope we are a threat, and hopefully someday we will
bury their grandchildren!
We should also build bases in India.
they already have a indian base at microsoft in seattle
I tend to agree, and it may even be practical.
As long as Russia is desperate for cash, they will keep playing games with Iran and China, exporting weapons and expertise. (Note, for example, the convoy of Russian "diplomats" who came under fire as they left Baghdad in 2003 - one can certainly wonder whether they "asked for it". Somehow.)
There is also pride to consider. Nostalgia works wonders, and nothing would fire up Russia like a good old fashioned Cold War II. That would sure put Chechnya back in to its place.
And the Rest of the USSR.
Russia is no longer desperate for cash. It has been on a building boom. Both Russia and China have been putting all of their spare money into thier respective militaries, and selling weapons is a way to get this money without setting off alarms in the West.
Let me suggest the issue really isn't the bases. Remember, Russia helped us secure them in the first place for the GWOT. However, the real issue is the American support for the color revolutions in countries bordering Russia. They feel like we have betrayed them after they helped us. Now they think we are going to fund NGOs to help overthrow the Russian government in the next election. How would we feel if the Mexican government provided $100 million for Hillary's run for president? I'm not saying supporting the color revolutions are wrong, but there is a price.
Shiver me Timbers! You mean those remarkable Soviet Scud Missiles that Sodamn Insane bought and tossed at us?
If the soviets were so powerful the shepherding afghans wouldn't have kept them at bay for so long.
Too much reactor fallout in Russia for my taste.
I rather feel, though without good evidence, that Russian-Chinese cultural differences will continue to hamper meaningful cooperation. Their Armies may be ordered to train and to exercise side-by-side, but when you come down to it, it's like Israel and Iran trying to accomplish anything.
Or the U.S. and Canada.
you overlooked the mistake in the lead line
US bases a TREAT
they should be saying thank you!
The Russians had a base in Cuba for decades.
Screw 'em.
Ping
Why not just start WW3, I'm sure the Islamics will appreciate your efforts.
Its a light water reactor with a rod exchange program run by US officials. The EU is (with Washington's backing) offerring to build a second one for free (and I'm sure we'll foot at least some of that bill). Your memory is refreshed.
First we'd have to stop arming nuclear islamic Pakistan who is building the Iranina, Saudi, Egyptian and formerly Lybian nuclear programs.
Again, not true. China, mostly. Russia, hardly. That's why the airforce in Russia is receiving 20 new planes this year, from all those "resources". At least get the facts right. You carp the same lines even when proven wrong. At least adapt your lines to reality.
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