Posted on 03/09/2014 12:26:23 PM PDT by SkyPilot
Former Defense Secretary Robert Gates predicts that Russia will continue to control Crimea for the foreseeable future.
"I do not believe that Crimea will slip out of Russia's hand," he said in an interview aired on "Fox News Sunday."
"You think Crimea's gone?" host Chris Wallace asked.
"I do," Gates replied. Russia has bloodlessly seized control of Crimea over the past week and has moved to formally annex it. The Crimean parliament has scheduled a vote on whether to join Russia for next week.
"I think it's part of a long-term strategy on Putin's part to create a Russian sphere of influence, a Russian bloc," Gates said, adding later: "I don't think he will stop in Ukraine until there is essentially a pro-Russian government in Ukraine, in Kiev."
Gates said he supported efforts by Congress and the administration to increase sanctions on Russia.
(Excerpt) Read more at politico.com ...
Divine retribution.
Or when the United States breaks up into Red and Blue...ooops got ahead of myself there.
I feel their is no reason to oppose Crimea returning to Russian sovereignty . Especially if it is fair and equitale to those who don’t want and choose to leave. Help them to relocate , give them fair value for their property . This could become a new standard for compassionate and mindful partition ; which could and should happen in many other places in this world.
Re: should the US be concerned about South West voting to go back “home” to Mexico or the concept we stole Mexico's territory in the 1800’s
Didn't Spain control Mexico until the 1821 and the Treaty of Hildago happen in 1848?
I have never understood how Mexico can claim we took their land when they only had it less than 30 years
During those 30 +- years didn't Mexicans living in the Texas and California territories also seek protection from their own Mexican government ?
In the case of the Crimea didn't Russia get aide from the indigenous people of Crimea (Tartars) to throw off Ottoman rule?
“Paris is next”
Perhaps a little far-fetched, but if Putin gets enough leverage, look for NATO to be split with a good number going to the dark side in order to protect themselves.
Ridiculous.
Ah yes! Now I remember. California, like Texas, became an independent (From Mexico) republic after English speaking immigrants from the US rebelled and declared independence, then petitioned the US for annexation.
The difference in the Ukraine, as I understand it, is that the Russian speaking Crimeans are not immigrants...but I could be wrong.
Then there is the Reconquista movement of Spanish speaking immigrants in the SW US...
“What difference, at this point, does it make?” HRC
“Borders, language, culture” MS
Captain Krunch Kerry said today if Crimea is gone, then so is diplomacy.
Putin must be deeply saddened, so must be the US State Department, out of work
because Soros is a wanted man in Russia
This was not how his “investment” in Ukraine politics is supposed to go down. But...the fat lady hasn’t sung yet
Watch the video: March 9, Why referendum? Crimeans speak out
http://rt.com/news/crimea-referendum-simferopol-vox-738/
“How on earth did the US get such a consistent lot of bumbling idiots, like Obama and Kerry?”
By 62 million votes and to thunderous applause
In a perfect world the United States would give the green light to annex Turkey on the condition that reastablish Constantinopal as the seat of the Greek Orthodox Church.
My feelings exactly. And don't forget that Crimea only became an "autonomous region" of Ukraine due to an arbitrary stroke of the pen by Kruschev sixty years ago, when the difference was meaningless.
This is bringing out my inner conspiracy freak. There's something sinister going on, I fear.
“Why does Gates wear a neck brace” - because he went all “chicken head” on “The One.”
LOL
Pro-Russian supporters attend a rally in Simferopol, Crimea, March 9, 2014 (photo Reuters)
1.3 million people out of the 2 million population of Crimea are ethnic Russians. 98% of the population speak Russian.
We’re worked up about this because it looks a lot like the start of WWII. Also looks a lot like what many hope/fear for “Azltan”. Also looks a lot like Putin isn’t going to stop with Crimea, and that a lot of other despots are liking the idea.
Basically, WWIII just started.
From a Wilsonian self-determination perpsective Crimea is Russian. Russia wants Crimea and Crimea wants Russia. Like it or not, them’s are the facts.
“Crimea is Russian. Russia wants Crimea and Crimea wants Russia. Like it or not, them’s are the facts.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and UK Prime Minister David Cameron have discussed the looming Crimean referendum over the phone on Sunday.
Putin said that the actions of the Crimean authorities are aimed at protecting the legitimate interests of the population of the region. The steps undertaken by the Crimean parliament are in full accordance with international law.
The three leaders have agreed that the de-escalation of tension in Ukraine is in everyone’s interest.
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