Posted on 06/14/2008 10:27:28 AM PDT by kronos77
The UN secretary-general, Ban Ki-moon, today brushed aside furious Russian protests and downgraded the UN mission in Kosovo to allow the European Union to launch its most ambitious foreign project.
Ban announced the "reconfiguration" of the nine-year-old UN mission on the eve of the Kosovo authorities enacting a constitution for an independent state which is fiercely opposed by Russia and Serbia.
Russia responded by demanding the sacking of the UN chief in Kosovo, Joachim Ruecker of Germany, accusing him of working to sabotage his own mission.
The Russian foreign ministry said Ruecker's conduct was "scandalous obstinacy which should be decisively stopped".
It added that any change in the international presence could only be agreed by the UN security council where Moscow wields a veto.
But the Kosovo president, Fatmir Sejdiu, said he wanted the UN out of Kosovo within months and that it would not retain its current role.
Russia and Serbia refuse to acknowledge the independence of Kosovo which was declared in February when the Albanian-majority province seceded from Serbia and won the backing of the US and a majority of EU states.
Under the independence plan, the EU is supposed to deploy more than 2,000 police, judges and administrators to replace the UN and steer Kosovo to statehood.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Ping!
The Guardian is a far left rag.
"Russia has a longstanding, close relationship with Iran and regards itself as Iran's protector. Second, the Russian economy benefits from its relationship with Iran by several billion dollars a year. Third and most important is leverage. Mr. Putin is an old-fashioned nationalist who seeks to regain the power and greatness Russia had before the fall of the Soviet Union. Russia's relationship with Iran is a key point of leverage over the West that he will not relinquish easily.
To bring Putin's Russia on board we must make it an offer it cannot refuse. The offer has three parts.
First, we must treat Russia as an equal partner when it comes to policy in the Caspian Sea region, recognizing Russia's traditional role in the region. Second, we must offer to make Russia whole if it joins in our Iranian boycott and forgoes trade revenues with Iran. That will cost the U.S. roughly $2 billion to $3 billion a year, about what we spend in Iraq each week. Third, we should tell Mr. Putin we will cease building the ineffective antinuclear missile defense sites in Eastern Europe in return for him joining the boycott.
Two years ago, under NATO auspices, Poland, the Czech Republic and Romania agreed to build an antimissile defense site to thwart the threat of a nuclear missile attack by Iran. The threat is hypothetical and remote, and the Bush administration's emphasis on pursuing the antimissile system, without Russia's cooperation, still baffles many national security experts.
http://online.wsj.com/public/article_print/SB121245110938939473.html
Obama Pledges Cuts in Missile Defense, Space, and Nuclear Weapons Programs
February 29, 2008 :: News
MissileThreat.com
A video has surfaced of Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama talking on his plans for strategic issues such as nuclear weapons and missile defense.
The full text from the video, as released, reads as follows:
Thanks so much for the Caucus4Priorities, for the great work you've been doing. As president, I will end misguided defense policies and stand with Caucus4Priorities in fighting special interests in Washington.
First, I'll stop spending $9 billion a month in Iraq. I'm the only major candidate who opposed this war from the beginning. And as president I will end it.[i.e. not win it]
Second, I will cut tens of billions of dollars in wasteful spending.
I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems.
I will not weaponize space.
I will slow our development of future combat systems.
And I will institute an independent "Defense Priorities Board" to ensure that the Quadrennial Defense Review is not used to justify unnecessary spending.
Third, I will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons. To seek that goal, I will not develop new nuclear weapons; I will seek a global ban on the production of fissile material; and I will negotiate with Russia to take our ICBMs off hair-trigger alert, and to achieve deep cuts in our nuclear arsenals.
You know where I stand. I've fought for open, ethical and accountable government my entire public life. I don't switch positions or make promises that can't be kept. I don't posture on defense policy and I don't take money from federal lobbyists for powerful defense contractors. As president, my sole priority for defense spending will be protecting the American people. Thanks so much.
Article: Obama Pledges Cuts in Missile Defense, Space, and Nuclear Weapons Programs:
http://missilethreat.com/archives/id.7086/detail.asp
"MissileThreat.com is a project of The Claremont Institute devoted to understanding and promoting the requirements for the strategic defense of the United States."
_____________________________________________________________
Obama Promises to Dismantle Our Armed Forces
by Robert Maginnis
Posted 04/10/2008 ET
(Mr. Maginnis is a retired Army lieutenant colonel, a national security and foreign affairs analyst for radio and television and a senior strategist with the U.S. Army)
YouTube has an undated 52-second clip of Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barrack Obama outlining his plans for America’s national defense. Obama’s presentation demonstrates either total naivete about important national security programs or he is just pandering for votes among the extreme left.
[Maginnis does an excellent must-read analysis of Obama's suicidal defense proposals-ETL]
http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?print=yes&id=25942
Note: Here is the *original* youtube video from the Obama camp:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o84PE871BE
Human Events refers to this poor quality copy:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dl32Y7wDVDs
"I will cut investments in unproven missile defense systems."--Barack Obama
"unproven" missile defense systems???
Hey Barack, check THIS out!
(U.S. Dept of Defense video of shootdown of failed US spy satellite)
"USA 193, also known as NRO launch 21 (NROL-21 or simply L-21), was an American military spy satellite launched on December 14, 2006.[2] It was the first launch conducted by the United Launch Alliance.[3] Owned by the National Reconnaissance Office, the craft's precise function and purpose were classified.
The satellite malfunctioned shortly after deployment, and was intentionally destroyed 14 months later on February 21, 2008, by a modified, $9.5 million SM-3 missile fired from the warship USS Lake Erie, stationed west of Hawaii.[4][5]'
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_193
HONOLULU — The U.S. military intercepted a ballistic missile Thursday [June 5, 2008] in the first such sea-based test since a Navy cruiser shot down an errant satellite earlier this year. The military fired the target, a Scud-like missile with a range of a few hundred miles, from a decommissioned amphibious assault ship near Hawaii's island of Kauai. "In the last Aegis missile defense test, in November, the Lake Erie fired two interceptors to destroy two ballistic missile targets simultaneously in space. That marked the first time the U.S. missile defense system shot down two ballistic missiles at once in space.
In December, a Japanese naval vessel equipped with the Aegis ballistic missile defense system shot down a missile target off Hawaii. Japan became the first U.S. ally to intercept a missile from a ship at sea in that test.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,363682,00.html
2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test:
The 2007 Chinese anti-satellite missile test was conducted by China on January 11, 2007. A Chinese weather satellite — the FY-1C polar orbit satellite of the Fengyun series, at an altitude of 865 kilometres (537 mi), with a mass of 750 kg[1] — was destroyed by a kinetic kill vehicle traveling with a speed of 8 km/s in the opposite direction[2] (see Head-on engagement). It was launched with a multistage solid-fuel missile from Xichang Satellite Launch Center or nearby.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Chinese_anti-satellite_missile_test
From "45 Communist Goals":
Congressional Record--Appendix, pp. A34-A35
January 10, 1963:
1. U.S. acceptance of coexistence as the only alternative to atomic war.
2. U.S. willingness to capitulate in preference to engaging in atomic war.
3. Develop the illusion that total disarmament [by] the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength.
'Goals' 4-45 can be found here or at many other sites through a web search for "45 goals":
http://www.uhuh.com/nwo/communism/comgoals.htm
"the greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century"
"World democratic opinion has yet to realize the alarming implications of President Vladimir Putin's State of the Union speech on April 25, 2005, in which he said that the collapse of the Soviet Union represented the 'greatest geopolitical catastrophe of the century.'
http://www.hooverdigest.org/053/beichman.html
From National Public Radio (NPR):
"Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has been visiting countries such as China, Iran and Russia as part of an effort to build a 'strategic alliance' of interests not beholden to the United States. He considers the United States his arch enemy.":
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5729764
From the Russian News and Information Agency:
"'I am determined to expand relations with Russia,' Chavez, known as an outspoken critic of what he calls the United States' unilateralism, told the Russian leader, adding that his determination stemmed from their shared vision of the global order.":
http://en.rian.ru/russia/20060727/51913498.html
From the Sino-Russian Joint Statement of April 23, 1997:
"The two sides [China and Russia] shall, in the spirit of partnership, strive to promote the multipolarization of the world and the establishment of a new international order."
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/HI29Ag01.html
New Pentagon Report: China's Growing Military Space Power
By Leonard David
Special Correspondent, SPACE.com
March 6, 2008
GOLDEN, Colorado — A just-released Pentagon report spotlights a growing U.S. military concern that China is developing a multi- dimensional program to limit or prevent the use of space-based assets by its potential adversaries during times of crisis or conflict.
Furthermore, last year's successful test by China of a direct-ascent, anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon to destroy its own defunct weather satellite, the report adds, underscores that country's expansion from the land, air, and sea dimensions of the traditional battlefield into the space and cyber-space domains.
Although China's commercial space program has utility for non- military research, that capability demonstrates space launch and control know-how that have direct military application. Even the Chang'e 1 — the Chinese lunar probe now circling the Moon — is flagged in the report as showcasing China's ability "to conduct complicated space maneuvers — a capability which has broad implications for military counterspace operations."
To read the entire publication [29.67MB/pdf], go to U.S. Dept of Defense, at:
http://www.defenselink.mil/pubs/pdfs/China_Military_Report_08.pdf
Russia, China flex muscles in joint war games
Reuters: Aug 17, 2007
CHEBARKUL, Russia (Reuters) - Russia and China staged their biggest joint exercises on Friday but denied this show of military prowess could lead to the formation of a counterweight to NATO.
"Today's exercises are another step towards strengthening the relations between our countries, a step towards strengthening international peace and security, and first and foremost, the security of our peoples," Putin said.
Fighter jets swooped overhead, commandos jumped from helicopters on to rooftops and the boom of artillery shells shook the firing range in Russia's Ural mountains as two of the largest armies in the world were put through their paces.
The exercises take place against a backdrop of mounting rivalry between the West, and Russia and China for influence over Central Asia, a strategic region that has huge oil, gas and mineral resources.
Russia's growing assertiveness is also causing jitters in the West. Putin announced at the firing range that Russia was resuming Soviet-era sorties by its strategic bomber aircraft near NATO airspace.
http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-29030120070817?pageNumber=1&virtualBrandChannel=0
U.S. Navy Intercepts Russian Bombers Flying Near Ships
Monday, February 11, 2008
WASHINGTON (Associated Press) U.S. fighter planes intercepted two Russian bombers flying unusually close to an American aircraft carrier in the western Pacific during the weekend, The Associated Press has learned.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,330362,00.html
I would not be surprised to wake up some morning to find Russia doing a little European ass kicking to help set things straight.
The guardian may indeed be a far left rag, but at a time when the price of oil is going through the roof, Russia is rolling in petrodollars. Unpleasant as it might be, it may soon be the bear calling the tune in the Balkans.
You're hoping that Russia attacks Europe?
Damn, they are still using wood-stock SKS rifles in Russia? When are they going to realize that composite stocks are lighter and easier on mother nature than the wood stocks. Didn’t they sign Kyoto? (Looking at the soldier in the last photo you posted)
There is no Europe any more....
It is infected my islam and liberalism...
Ayatollah and Soros...
Problem is that Europe is sick, and loving it.
BTW, im just watching EURO 08 soccer match Russia.vs.Greece.
Both national anthems played, and no booing from opposite side.
Comment:
Not worth answering.
Grow up newbie this is FR not DU.
"Russia doing a little European ass kicking to help set things straight."
Welcome to Free Republic.
Actually, he’s clearly hoping that Russia takes a stand against the West’s idiotic efforts to establish a second Islamic terrorist state within the borders of Europe (Bosnia was the first).
And you ETL posted:
“You're hoping that Russia attacks Europe”?
Comment:
What in Gods name and the use of common sense, do you think in my original statement advocate or hope that Russia physically attacks Europe?
All Russia has to do to kick Europe's butt is to say boo by moving their troops into any area like Kosovo and it is all over but the shouting of threats, white flags and running backwards. (Sounds like a good campaign ad for Obama).
What would or could Europe do except snivel to the United States for help as they have done for the last 100 years?
The Balkans has been nothing but trouble and a hot bed for war.
Now, the question begs to be answered, why should the United States continue to stand with the Muslim dominated terrorist group the KLA originally backed by the stupidity of Democrat Bill Clinton and his extremely ignorant administration?
Clinton knew before committing America's strength to the side of the KLA that they supported Osama Bin Laden and the hatred of the Western World.
Europe needs to get out of the Balkans go home and clean up it's own Muslim infested cesspool of a back yard, starting in places like Paris, London, Amsterdam and that extremely powerful world capitol Brussels.
Just the lowly opinion of a red state wannabe.
That's one option.
Another option is for Russia to raise the price of gas & oil to those states that recognized Kosovo and keep raising it until they withdraw recognition. (Europe gets 40% of its gas & oil from Russia.) In many countries, this would be incredibly positive since it is only the Elite of their countries who recognized Kosovo in the first place under pressure from the US. The ordinary people wanted no part of a new Muslim state next door, anyway.
Completely bloodless options, ETL, so keep your shorts on.
Economics is one way to get the European elite to listen up and pay attention.
“Now, the question begs to be answered, why should the United States continue to stand with the Muslim dominated terrorist group the KLA originally backed by the stupidity of Democrat Bill Clinton and his extremely ignorant administration?”
That’s been a marvelous question ever since Clinton. Why indeed has the Bush Administration built upon Clinton’s foundation and financed (with our money) the creation of a Mohammedan terror statelet in the midst of the Balkans? Usually this sort of thing has to do with money so I assume the Saudis are lurking somewhere. If McCain gets elected it will be easy to figure out a continuation of this destructive policy. McCain has been on the KLA/Albanian payroll for years. There’s all sorts of talk about that Obama fellow being a Mohammedan and perhaps he is, though I doubt it, but the only one we know is on Mohammedan terrorism’s payroll is McCain.
It's a sad day for America when the citizenry loses respect for those in government that are supposed to be protecting them.
Not many politicians of the modern era have been kind to America.
Most but not all of the Republican leadership has fallen into the same cesspool of greed as the Democrats.
“Most but not all of the Republican leadership has fallen into the same cesspool of greed as the Democrats.”
Too true. I simply do not understand how any American politician can embrace that evil and corrosive lie that Mohammedanism is the Religion of Peace the way most of ours from both parties have. Maybe it has to do with a cramped world view or the notion that American exceptionalism innoculates this country from infection by Islam. In either event in and both parties they are idiots.
Government has taken on the massive task of setting lower moral values according to Garp and then the enforcement of those values by large amounts of odorous overbearing laws and taxes.
Well the UN secretary General obviously thinks otherwise! What will the Russians do about it? Cry?
Brilliant. Only truth can come from someone in socialist Germany.
So you support the UN secretary general handing power over the European Union without first getting the approval of the UN security council? I certainly do not support giving an unelected international buearocrat such power. It is especially bad in this case because he is using his usurpted power to give the unelected EU (headed by the ever present Javiar Solona) its first chance to exercise sovereignty over a nation state. This is a great day for the unelected elitist internalists and a sad day for all true patriots.
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