Ralph Peters: The End of The Fairy Tale ( Vladimir Putin )

realclearpolitics.com ^ | August 22, 2008 | Ralph Peters

[Quix]

I don’t quite buy into that interpretation.

I still believe the puppet masters are pulling strings all around the planet quite effectively.

God has some surprises for them.

And human nature will probably produce a few surprises.

But the maneuvers of all the players seem to still be following a long standing outline, set of scenarios.

For a time this chess piece pontificating that balderdash then a different one a different set of hooey . . .

Distract the serfs and slaves. Keep them off balance and fearful. . . . all the while tightening the nooses, shackles under the tables . . . sharpening the guillotine blades . . .

[Billthedrill]

Once again I think that Peters' disdain for Bush is getting in the way of a clear analysis of the situation as it did so many times with respect to Iraq. A quick look at the map will tell volumes. Georgia (1) shares a border with Russia, (2) has organized subversion in place in the form of pro-Russian populations, (3) is covered by Russian air supremacy, (4) offers the Russians the advantage of internal lines of communication, (5) is a non-nuclear country facing one armed with nuclear weapons. Direct military confrontation under those conditions is the stuff of desperate fantasy.

Keeping military trainers in the country is a bold and deliberate move on the part of the U.S., and keeping 18 permanent checkpoints in the country is a foolish and provocative move on the part of the Russians. They might as well paint targets on them.

Everyone seems to want to declare Putin the toughest guy around for knocking over the equivalent of a lemonade stand. I demur. And Peters ought to know better.

[Rappini]

I agree. Israel has the right Idea everybody serves I think it's one Year.

[neverdem]

thanks, bfl