Santa Rosa, CA
October 6, 2016
by Rich Scheck
In a dramatic response to what he obviously sees as continuing Western provocations, Russian President Vladimir Putin has made some amazingly bold moves. http://southfront.org/putin-issues-a-ultimatum-to-the-united-states-to-leave-eastern-europe/
He is now calling for the US and NATO to withdraw from their forward positions in Eastern Europe. Putin combined that request with a call for an end to sanctions and the payment of reparations for damages to the Russian economy.
His ending the plutonium processing agreement has only added to the tensions that are rising almost daily. Getting the Duma to have the airbase in Syria on an “unlimited basis” does as well: http://www.veteranstoday.com/2016/10/06/russian-duma-to-ratify-unlimited-syria-airbase-agreement-this-week/
It is hard to recall in recent history such clear and impressive moves by a foreign leader under pressure from America and its allies to adhere to their imperial mandate.
These policy changes come at a highly sensitive time in Russia’s relations with the NATO Alliance after years of escalating tensions in Ukraine and Syria.
Perhaps the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back was the attack on well-known Syrian Army positions 2 weeks ago that violated the ceasefire worked out by Lavrov and Kerry while inflicting severe casualties on government forces. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article45576.htm
Those doubting his commitment to what appear to be intentional acts of aggression and threats of attack on the Russian homeland should remind themselves that Putin just directed 40 million of his citizens to bunkers as part of an extensive drill anticipating a major attack.
Putin also dispatched more planes to Syria as well as more ships to the Black Sea. He seems to have flipped Turkey into supporting his peace efforts in Syria as well as having China commit sending military forces to the beleaguered nation. He appears ready to send more of his troops to Syria as well.
Meanwhile, Russian bombers are flying off the coast of the US and Japan as he tells the US: do NOT bomb Syrian forces again unless you want war. More antiaircraft missiles are also en route to Syria that he says are prepared to shot down US planes: http://revolutionradio.org/?p=147384
Local Russian commanders are now authorized to sink NATO ships if the situation requires it: http://www.whatdoesitmean.com/index2132.htm
Pat Buchanan reminds our leaders that it is ISIS, not Russia, that is the enemy in Syria: http://original.antiwar.com/buchanan/2016/10/06/isis-not-russia-enemy-syria/
So far his advice is being ignored as is that of Paul Craig Roberts and other commentators warning against further US escalation. http://revolutionradio.org/?p=147382
This sample of bold moves on the Grand Chessboard of world politics demonstrate Putin’s resolve to support Assad and resist all attempts by the West to impose their mandate upon him.
After years of believing the West was a serious partner in promoting peace and following international law, the Russian leader has now embarked on a different and likely more dangerous path that is dismissive of Western hypocrisy and demonization.
With the US presidential election increasingly becoming a referendum on standing up to Putin, it looks like Hillary, Kaine and the Neocons may have bitten off more than they can chew by their belligerence and efforts to push the lame duck Obama into a direct confrontation with the Russian Bear.
Tomorrow is another day, one that is unlikely to see Putin backing down from the constant tirades and propaganda that has possibly brought us to the brink of a new and more lethal war. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article45617.htm
With the ascension of China and the BRICS alliance to a position of great impact on the world stage, Putin seems determined to demonstrate that the geopolitical center of gravity has now shifted to Eurasia with the implicit demand that the West must finally accept that new reality. http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article45625.htm
The grim alternative is more wars and economic hardship for everyone!