Posted on 07/28/2014 12:10:22 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
The world is saddened and rightfully outraged by images of the charred remnants of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and by the loss of almost 300 people from 11 countries, strewn across fields in eastern Ukraine. While the grim work of identifying victims remains and tracking down the perpetrators of this appalling crime is just beginning, the world can be certain of one thing: There can be no weakening of our resolve to punish the Putin regime for threatening the peace and security of eastern and central Europe.
Although we may refer to militants in eastern Ukraine as pro-Russian separatists, we are not confused by who, and what, they really are: an extension of the Russian state. They derive their material, political and logistical support from the Putin regime, and their criminal aggression and recklessness reflect the values of their Russian benefactors. Some have suggested that these agents of the Putin regime may have shot the plane down by accident. We do not, and may never, know. But accident or no accident, the blood is on the hands of the men who took such a risk and of the government that encouraged them to do so. Even if they did not intend to kill hundreds of innocent civilians, there is no denying their intent to continue waging a war on behalf of a regime that remains in violation of international law for its illegal occupation of Crimea.
Russias aggressive militarism and expansionism are a threat to more than just Ukraine; they are a threat to Europe, to the rule of law and to the values that bind Western nations.
(Excerpt) Read more at theglobeandmail.com ...
NATO? no. This is a EU problem. European security is the reason for the formation of the EU, except they keep wanting the US via NATO to do their dirty work for them.
Is that what you think NATO is, a defensive, anti-Russia military alliance, created as a necessity, to prevent Russia from attacking Canada?
You think the EU is a military force? What do you think NATO was founded for, and is?
I always noticed since Obama that when they first announce troops dying in Afghanistan, they always make the announcement that NATO troops died. Then a short time later you find out that almost all were US troops.
If it were Bush, you would hear they were US troops from the get go.
No, the EU is an effort by the European members to marginalize US economic power. NATO is obsolete these days and is a one sided , as far as benefits, european entity.
If EU members feel threatened by another sovern state, THEY need to form their own fighting force, fund it, field it , and command it.
If you examine any “NATO” operation it is always majority US personnel, equipment, and funding.
If Canada is a member of NATO then yes.
So you say if Russia attacks Canada NATO is going to tell them you are on your own?
NATO is obviously relevant today, as Russia is on the move and non NATO nations are looking to join the defense alliance for protection and unity from Russian conquest.
NATO was formed to protect all NATO nations from Russia, including the United States and Britain.
A European alliance is needed to provide security for Europe (as in a EU security alliance). They need to join hands and not expect others to keep fighting and funding their security.
The free world has a European based alliance against Europe threatening Russia, it is called NATO.
Due to Russia’s reemerging as a threat of empire building and conquest, NATO is tightening up again and looking to possibly expand as more nations come to fear Putin.
We can’t let the new American left and fringe elements, and Russia, undo what so many of us here served for and that we finally gained under Reagan.
Russia was never a threat, it was the USSR. BTW, the USSR no longer exists, Russia is but a shadow of what the USSR was.
These are regional squabbles among neighbors.
Russia is always the threat, and they were the USSR, one of the Russian empires that we refer to when we speak of them starting up empire building again.
This isn’t a “regional squabble among neighbors”, this is about Russia’s threat to the world, history didn’t end in 1991.
Don’t undo Reagan’s work, by supporting Russia.
Great article by Prime Minister Harper! Proud to have him as a neighbor!
Soviet doctrine still guides Russian actions and military planning.
Russian Orthodox 15-20%, Muslim 10-15%, other Christian 2% (2006 est.) note: estimates are of practicing worshipers; Russia has large populations of non-practicing believers and non-believers, a legacy of over seven decades of Soviet rule
Muslim 70.2%, Christian 26.2% (Russian Orthodox 23.9%, other Christian 2.3%), Buddhist 0.1%, other 0.2%, atheist 2.8%, unspecified 0.5% (2009 Census)
Muslim 75%, Russian Orthodox 20%, other 5%
Sunni Muslim 85%, Shia Muslim 5%, other 10% (2003 est.)
Eastern Orthodox 80%, other (including Roman Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim) 20% (1997 est.)
Armenian Apostolic 92.6%, Evangelical 1%, other 2.4%, none 1.1%, unspecified 2.9% (2011 est.)
I am not supporting Russia. I am for the EU fighting their own fights. Just like Charles Millon, (former French defense minister) said in a recent interview. Basically :
“An inner circle of European countries, excluding the UK, and departure from Nato’s military command, is required if Europe is to create a Common Security and Defense Policy.”
Look it uo and read the whole text of his position.
I don't disagree. But one could ask why NATO gets involved in things like overthrowing in Gaddafi in Libya.
I want to stop Russia dead in it’s tracks and prevent them becoming a threat to mankind again, I want a safe and stable Europe, not a conquered Europe turned against us, like it was until just recently.
Russia is an enemy to freedom and us.
My Grandfather felt that strongly about Germany. He went to the French Embassy in DC to help, and joined the French Army in 1915.
Nothing stopping you if you feel that strongly about Russia. Ukraine also has an embassy in DC.
A man has to follow his heart.
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.