Albright and Powell: 'We May Go to War With Russia!'

Weekly Standard ^ | 09.21.08 | Mary Katharine Ham

[Perdogg]

Five former secretaries of state took the stage on CNN last night to discuss the challenges facing the next president. So nuanced were their pronouncements and noncomittal their advice that I'm now anxiously awaiting the day they form the wacky cast of a cornpone sketch-comedy show about world conflicts, tentatively titled "Hem Haw."

~snip~

Oddly enough, I can find no blaring headlines this morning claiming Albright and Powell want to "go to war with Russia." Nothing along the lines of what we saw after Charlie Gibson's interview with Sarah Palin produced essentially the same answer from the vice presidential candidate.

[Perdogg]

Wow, so these two these foreign policy experts, along with Sec Def Gates, agree with Gov Palin???

And Palin doesn't have a degree from Harvard? - Palin is one smart woman!!!

[Perdogg]

ping

[al baby]

might be the best thing for the economy

[SumProVita]

Gov. Palin has a ton of common sense and she uses it. I am not sure if Albright ever had such sense.....but she certainly does NOT use any.

[mainepatsfan]

I love how Palin’s correct statement that we’d be obliged to declare on Russia if it invaded a NATO member was spun into advocating Napoleon and Hitler’s policies towards Russia.

[itsPatAmerican]

It would be the single biggest—and last—mistake we’d make as a nation. War is a bad thing, it asks immoral things of decent people, and it’s to be used as a last resort.

[F15Eagle]

I’m wondering if it might not be sooner rather than later. This Venezuela thing along with Putin’s talk of nuking Europe, Ukraine, Poland, etc.

Things could get real interesting with all the changes coming in the next four months.

[kronos77]

Halfbright almost went to war against Russia in 1999 when Wesley Clark ordered NATO to move against Russians in Pristina Airport.
British general Jackson replied:
“I'm not starting WWIII cause of you.”

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

It seems very likely that we will be going to war with Iran in the near future, that may bring Russia in as Iran’s ally.

[himno hero]

.... and BO lacks the knowledge, wisdom and acumen to irrespective of his 300 assclown advisers to deal with the worlds problems

[villagerjoel]

Seems the world is overdue for a large war, and there are plenty of players ready to start it...

[xkaydet65]

We would not be obliged to declare a state of war, but to provide military assistance to the invaded nation. Granted that may be a slight difference, but it would mean that help be given to the nation defending itself, not that we actually attack Russia or open a second front.

Those kinds of scenarios were created for a Soviet move against Western Europe along a broad front and at sea.An invasion of Ukraine need not be met by expanding the response beyond Ukraine.

[GOPJ]

The MSM can turn on a dime.

A Republican says something - and it's stupid.

A dem says the exact same thing - and it's NOT stupid.

Then the Republican says it again, and boom - stupid again.

It's so amazing how quick the MEM is - split second analysis - each time backed up with subtle, yet blinding brilliance.

(or they're being biased hateful bigots)

[Las Vegas Ron]

Did you just sign up recently to make such an asinine statement?

[redstateconfidential]

War only if its a Huggy War!

[hinckley buzzard]

War is a bad thing

War is a bad thing but it is not the worst of things. Surrendering your freedom, sovereignty and the way of life you cherish, merely to survive for a bit longer, is an alternative available if you want it. I don't.

[itsPatAmerican]

It seems very likely that we will be going to war with Iran in the near future, that may bring Russia in as Iran’s ally.

Not very likely IMO. If not directly attacked by us Russia will avoid getting into a war with us.

[F15Eagle]

Agreed. As Putin has pushed up the fueling of Bushehr, or attempted to do so, that increases pressure on the Israelis to act sooner. If they (or when they I should say) act, it could get real interesting quickly. Even if they wait until Nov. 5th to do so. We also sent a couple mor carriers that way a few weeks ago.

I may be wrong but I’d get some food and water and put it away - just in case. At least until after January. The terrorists are hoping their Manchurian Candidate Obama gets elected and they will be severely disappointed if he loses.

[Steamburg]

Clearly, you misunderstand the hypothetical nature of this argument. “It could happen (If)” doesn’t equal reality, except in Obama’s world. Real events lead to real wars. Any time we show a willingness to sue for peace in the face of aggression, the bully owns the playground. Does WWII seem too far removed in time for you?

[AprilfromTexas]

I agree, the ‘military exercises’ in the Caribbean are an in your face move. Someone here on FR also suggested the Russians may use IKE as an excuse to move weapons systems/nukes onto Cuba under the guise of humanitarian aid...you’re right, interesting times we live in...

[Bushbacker1]

Two liberals fanning the fires.

[itsPatAmerican]

Going to war with Russia is stupid and avoidable. No amount of swagger is going to make it a smart move. Thinking brash is not thinking smart.

[itsPatAmerican]

Clearly you are jumping to conclusions on what I think or believe with far to little information to go on.

Does WWII seem too far removed in time for you?
Do you remember the USSR's first nuke test? That changed the rules.

[F15Eagle]

There’s some odd stuff, maybe Ike-related going on. Memphis has been out of gasoline, reportedly, for a few days and won’t get any until tomorrow or Wednesday. Also, I just read a report that several stations in the Atlanta area were out of gasoline.

I think we’re heading into one of the most dangerous times, of late, these next four months. If Obama should cheat his way in, I’ll be just as concerned about the next four years.

[HelloooClareece]

Technological warfare is more likely in these days than a fighting war IMO.

[mkjessup]

Here ya go n00b, now all you need is somebody to
sing 'Kumbaya' with ya, and to share your joint:

[itsPatAmerican]

LOL! I'm not against war, just against rushing into without clear knowledge of the consequences. The consequence of going to war with Russia would be a lot of mushroom clouds.

Now where's that joint you promised me?

[mkjessup]

LOL! I'm not against war, just against rushing into without clear knowledge of the consequences. The consequence of going to war with Russia would be a lot of mushroom clouds.

Fair enough, there are consequences to actions, and sometimes the consequences to taking NO action are worse. I find it interesting that just this past Friday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Yakovenko said "Regarding the possibility of war between the United States and Russia, this possibility is ruled out", of course these are the same jokers who hopped into bed with the Nazis when it was politically convenient.

Now where's that joint you promised me?

Sorry, I didn't promise you a thing.

But you're welcome to get high on Jesus with me!

And Welcome to FR ;)

[Publius6961]

Yes, those are the two important points that can be drawn from the story.
Plain talking people, with basic common sense can state the obvious before others who have been educated beyond their intelligence.

Governor Palin said it first.

Secondly, "diplomats", have gotten us into every protracted war killing millions, both combatants and non-combatants.
Oh, for the good old days when the Western powers sent "emmisaries" to the center of muslim power where they were beheaded on the spot...

[Publius6961]

Well, then, you can do what all cowards do when it's crunch time. Find a place to hide.

War is an ugly thing, but not the ugliest of things. The decayed and degraded state of moral and patriotic feeling which thinks that nothing is worth war is much worse. The person who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself.
~~ John Stuart Mill ~~

[hosepipe]

Been quite a while since western socialists have experienced world class massive blood torture and carnage.. They miss it.. The socialists last century horribly murdered several hundred MILLION people.. and made a billion others miserable..

Barry Obama and Hillary and other socialists are pining away for the carnage to resume..

[Las Vegas Ron]

I should have been more clear.

I was referring to the part of asking decent people to do immoral things. This country does not ask our military to do immoral things! We fight for and give people freedom or at least a fighting chance for it if they want it...

And you're right, war is a bad thing. It's immoral to ask our people to fight it with one hand tied behind their back and politicians looking over their shoulder to prosecute them for doing their job.

[Publius6961]

LOL! I'm not against war, just against rushing into without clear knowledge of the consequences.

I have a hot flash for you skippy.
No nation of any war ever fought in history had a clue about "clear knowledge of the consequences."

Clearly, you're not quite out of joints yet...

[alisasny]

Why was War Slut Amanopour there? She was so out of place.

[FreeReign]

War is a bad thing, it asks immoral things of decent people, and it’s to be used as a last resort.

How profound(Who would disagree?).

[lookout88]

I want to see that old hag on the front line.

[FrankR]

In the first place, I believe that Albright was a joke from the beginning...I think the liberal mr. clinton appointed her to further assure the commie nations with which we were dealing got the signal that he was not serious...about anything.

Powell, who cleverly jumped in front of the cameras and absorbed most all the credit for the Gulf war, when it was Cheney and Swartzkopf who were actually pulling the strings, is the last person I'd ask about foreign policy. Besides, like the CNN guy who hid under the table, Powell high-tailed it after the Iraq thing got started, and like br'er Rabbit..."he lay low"...still!

The problem with America's "image" among foreign countries is, we've become too weak in their eyes, people don't respect weakness...they look up to, and respect, strength.

They see us like the world sees a little kid giving the bully his lunch money to keep from having any trouble.

Russia sees us starting to become a nation of "metrosexuals" and is probing anew for inroads to our takeover. They are like vultures, looking for the weak and infirm.

But, if their idea of our version of "shock and awe" is the lackluster performance we gave Iran, I can see why they are wanting to harass us a bit to see if we're up to the game.

In the cold war, it was "one is scared and the other is glad of it"...but I think Russia/Putin sees us as weak and do-able not.

[itsPatAmerican]

you should read my posts again. I’m not anti-war, I am just against those that are pro-war. Do you understand the difference? War is a measure of last resort, not a spectator sport.

[itsPatAmerican]

This country does not ask our military to do immoral things!

You are being naive. While taken as a whole the actions of a war may be just it is made up of countless small horrors. If you think what we ask soldiers to do is not immoral either you've never been in battle, or your are a sociopath.

[traumer]

might be the only solution for this economy....

[Doug Loss]

Your definition of “immoral” is incorrect. We ask our soldiers to defend our country and our way of life. This is an honorable calling and in no way immoral. And I’m a veteran. Are you?

[Carley]

The regulations are in place for the seasonal changes in gasoline. It’s time for the government to suspend all this nonsense and allow gasoline to be shipped where it’s needed.

[Las Vegas Ron]

Well now, let me get this straight. Killing your enemy or killing those who wish to do other people harm or deny their freedom for their own self interest is immoral?

Yes there are horrors in war. That's why you fight them to win. You make it known that if you are challenged you will not fight like a sissy but squash your enemy like a fetid, rabid rat. And yes, that requires horrors, it's the nature of war. It's not immoral, it's called winning just as bombing Japan actually saved lives in the long run. But I guess in your view that was immoral too.

It's our brave military (immoral people as you put it) who fight to secure your right to spout off with your sanctimonious self righteous blather.

How's that for being naive and a sociopath?

[itsPatAmerican]

my guess is you've never seen action, you would not be so glib about this, using words like sissy, if you had. Beat your chest some more la-z-boy warrior. I respect our men and women in uniform because I know exactly what we ask of them.

It's our brave military (immoral people as you put it) Um, no. I called them decent people.

[itsPatAmerican]

The end goal is moral and just, the actions it requires are not always such.

[Las Vegas Ron]

It's our brave military (immoral people as you put it) Um, no. I called them decent people.

Um, you said we ask decent people to do immoral things. If decent people do immoral things, they ar neither decent or moral ergo our military is immoral, in your words.

You must be a lib if you cannot follow that to its logical conclusion. Further more, one who sinks to calling names (Beat your chest some more la-z-boy warrior) and using pejorative adjectives (naive, sociopath) has a distinctive smell of a troll.

Where is that viking kitty?

[itsPatAmerican]

Calling for a zot? Gee, tough guy can't fight his own fights? LOL. I'm sorry if my thinking isn't in lockstep with yours, but that doesn't make me a troll. Just means I think for myself. Do you want me banned for that?

Your logic is flawed and you have a hard time making a cacse without putting words in my mouth. In war civilians are killed, supply lines for civilians are destroyed, infrastructure is destroyed--lives of people who's only crime was being born in the wrong place are ruined, families torn apart. If you think this is moral and just action let me know. Then I will know exactly where you stand.

[saltnlemons]

Ummm....the second one!

[Deetes]

BOOMP

[Las Vegas Ron]

Calling for a zot, not at all. I can handle my own fights, had quite a few, won most, lost some.

Starting with "gee tough guy" or inferring "you're naive or a sociopath" you are looking for reactions and not discussion, just like a troll.

There is no reason for me to put word in your mouth to defeat your logic and I have not done so.

Evidently I have made my case as you have not disputed one point that I have made, just name called and tried to evoke reaction.

In war civilians are killed, supply lines for civilians are destroyed, infrastructure is destroyed--lives of people who's only crime was being born in the wrong place are ruined, families torn apart.

That would be the nature of war. If it is immoral as you put it, just how would you fight a war?

Let me guess, we should put the leaders in the ring and let them duke it out, right?