'We didn't fly to Baghdad to drink coffee' (former Soviet gens prepared Iraq army for war vs. U.S.)

Gazeta.ru ^ | 4/3/03 | Alexander Kornilov

[Rockpile]

"Igor Maltsev is rated as one of the best Russian experts in the sphere of operating air-defence systems"

So far the Iraq AD has downed one or maybe two helicopters and a couple of drones. Have to wonder just how much of an "expert" he is. But then he is trying to make a "silk purse out of a sow's ear" in this case.

[wideminded]

They are retired Soviet officers, Col.-Gen. Vladimir Achalov and Col.-Gen. Igor Maltsev.

Hey, wasn't Achalov mentioned in Colin Powell's autobiography?

[wideminded]

Answer: Yes, same guy.

From: http://racu.org/context/reflect_november2002.html

"At the end of his speech, Secretary Powell told us a story about an experience he had when he was serving as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was invited to a meeting in the office of then-Secretary of Defense Dick Cheney, a meeting with the new Soviet Minister of Defense, Dimitri Yazov, and his closest military advisors. During the introductions, Powell immediately recognized General Colonel Vladislav A. Achalov, former commander of the Soviet 8th Guards Army, which had faced Powell's V Corps in Germany. Here were two former enemies now meeting each other for the purpose of working together to make the world a safer place. Two soldiers who had once studied how to kill each other were now beginning to build a partnership. Powell said to General Achalov: "You know, I used to keep your picture on my desk in Frankfurt." Achalov smiled and responded: "Yes, and I kept your picture on my desk."

[JSteff]

"I hope they weren't "delivering" something for a "last ditch" threat...like a suitcase nuke."

My concern also. The implications are massive. Now we would hold Russia accountable... as would the world. Maybe.

Oh and Tac Nukes would be in play. Iraq would become a giant Mikasa plater. Maybe Syria and Iran too.

[JSteff]

And this all means what?

[gitmo]

I love that line from "Used Cars". The Used Car dealer was wanting to hijack the satellite signal for the president's State of the Union speech (or some such speech) and substitute their own risque ad for their cars. The techie guy explains they have no idea how difficult this would be, that they have to block the signal, crack the encryption, and substitute their own signal at the same angle from the earth all within a few hours. He said, "We'd better get moving. Radio Shack closes in 15 minutes."

[Orion78]

I dont know yet. I suspect it means Golitsyn was correct in his Analysis.