Posted on 10/04/2006 2:04:09 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
The UK underestimates the threat to its future security posed by Russia, shadow defence secretary Liam Fox has warned.
Addressing a fringe meeting at the Conservative Party conference, Dr Fox claimed Russia was increasing its defence spending this year by 25%.
It was also testing more long range missiles and pouring money into two naval bases in Syria, he added.
That, together with Iran's military build-up, justified replacing Britain's Trident nuclear weapons system.
Dr Fox said the Tories were committed to replacing Trident nuclear weapons and, with so much uncertainty in the world, he warned against embarking on a "potentially lethal experiment in unilateral disarmament".
He said Iran and Russia pose the most serious "potential threats to our interests".
Missiles
He said Russian President Vladimir Putin had spoken recently "of having armed forces capable of fighting a global, regional and, if necessary, a few local conflicts".
The shadow minister said he had been "amazed" by how little coverage Russia's new military build-up has received in the Western media.
He said the country was spending 25% more on defence this year than last year and is testing new inter-continental ballistic missiles, and ordering new frigates for its navy, equipped with cruise missiles.
The Russians have also reportedly invested in two Syrian ports, he added.
If they switch their Black Sea fleet there it would be their first Mediterranean base since the 1950s, said Dr Fox, who repeated his warning in a speech in the main conference hall at the Bournemouth conference centre.
'Influence'
He also said that, along with North Korea and China, Russia had helped Iran to develop ballistic missiles with a range up to 4,000 kilometres which "could attack US and British forces in the region".
And he warned of the economic power being wielded by Russian gas giant Gazprom, which he said was controlled by "extremely questionable oligarchs and politicians".
If President Putin went on to be the head of Gazprom after stepping down as Russian president, he would be able to wield a "great deal of influence" over neighbouring states, Dr Fox told the meeting.
"It might turn out President Putin is a cuddly bunny. It might turn out that he is not. We should be in the risk business," he added.
Someone ought to persuade Putin to use his military for "good." Personally, I would not object if he invaded Iran, even North Korea or Pakistan.
Why is this guy "amazed" at the lack of coverage of Russia's military build up by the western media....the western media are a bunch of commie, tyrant, sympathizers...
FYI
Russia invading oil rich Iran? Then what stops it from invading Iraq a few years later to put down the "Terrorist Threat to Mother Russia"? Do you think Russia would be a benevolent power controlling all that oil?
Are you suggesting that Iran is a benevolent power?
More and more Russians, reading foreign press and comments of the western readers, start to be convinced, that the USA the enemy, the cold, severe, spiteful opponent.
If so will go and further the conflict is inevitable.
Interestingly, what it to live on a radioactive asteroid?
I think Russia is easier to deal with than Iran. And Russia can't hold onto Iran forever. It might hold onto it long enough to shut down its nuke program.
It is quite inevitable, because Americans are disgusted by the stupid violent behavior of the current Russian regime, and we have no intention of backing down to your pathetic attempts to intimidate us. If Russia continues on its present course of neo-imperialist blackmail and aggression, then Russia is indeed our enemy and will be treated as such.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.