Mitt Romney: Russia is America's #1 geopolitical foe (1 Viewer)

[Doctor Detroit]

David Duke is an American hero!!!!!!!

Meatwad gonna Meatwad

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Some real gold here in the reaction to Romney's comment which through Georgia, Ukraine/Crimea, a lesser extent Kyrgyzstan and now Syria has shown without doubt that Romney was absolutely on the mark.

Yep. He was right.

 

[Slapdash]

Russia is still not our #1 geopolitical foe.

Do you agree that they are at least geopolitical?

Pres. Obama could not even utter that much.

The argument I've made repeatedly is that 'acting tough' doesn't actually solve anything. In fact, I think it would play right into Putin's hands because I think he'd love to be at war with the U.S.

Of course he would. The Russian economy is in shambles and getting worse. Putin needs the US to be his foe to distract the masses.

 

[Slapdash]

What a foolish remark from Mr. Etch A Sketch.

It's worse than foolish. It's actually damaging to our national interests. It's by far Romney's worst comment of the campaign.

I don't think it's damaging really. Medved pretty much slapped Romney down on it and Wes Clark finished him off. The Russians don't take that crap seriously really. If he got elected they might use it against him at the table but in general they know it was just stupid campaign talk.

Just more rhetoric for the likes of Putin. It is shame, I think Obama is making good progress with Russia. When will we learn that our approach with other countries needs to be based on trade and facilitating an open dialogue? Not threats and military buildup. I guess the former doesn't play well with the American people.

1st page was full of gems

We should be fighting Russia in Ukraine in Syria.

Sure that is exactly what we are saying

Exactly what are you saying? My post 3 years ago said that we shouldn't be engaging in threats and military **** waving with Russia. You think that was laughable. So what specifically should we be doing?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Russia is still not our #1 geopolitical foe.

Do you agree that they are at least geopolitical?

Pres. Obama could not even utter that much.

The argument I've made repeatedly is that 'acting tough' doesn't actually solve anything. In fact, I think it would play right into Putin's hands because I think he'd love to be at war with the U.S.

I think we're talking about two different things. I likely agree with your point.

My point was just Obama's insistence that Russia is purely just a regional power is fantastical. Even when "down" and in relative cooperation they were geopolitical in scope, now they are more so than ever.

 

[Leeroy Jenkins]

Russia is still not our #1 geopolitical foe.

Do you agree that they are at least geopolitical?

Pres. Obama could not even utter that much.

The argument I've made repeatedly is that 'acting tough' doesn't actually solve anything. In fact, I think it would play right into Putin's hands because I think he'd love to be at war with the U.S.

I think we're talking about two different things. I likely agree with your point.

My point was just Obama's insistence that Russia is purely just a regional power is fantastical. Even when "down" and in relative cooperation they were geopolitical in scope, now they are more so than ever.

Than ever?

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Russia is still not our #1 geopolitical foe.

Do you agree that they are at least geopolitical?

Pres. Obama could not even utter that much.

The argument I've made repeatedly is that 'acting tough' doesn't actually solve anything. In fact, I think it would play right into Putin's hands because I think he'd love to be at war with the U.S.

I think we're talking about two different things. I likely agree with your point.

My point was just Obama's insistence that Russia is purely just a regional power is fantastical. Even when "down" and in relative cooperation they were geopolitical in scope, now they are more so than ever.

Than ever?

Great Game mid 19th century in the Caucasus and Hindu Kush, 1960s in Vietnam, 1930s into Poland, 1940-50s occupy EE, 1914 into AHE. Yeah I'd say annexation of Crimea, incursion into Donbass and a military footprint and physically bombing US armed proxies in the mideast is a new one, I'm not sure they have done that outside Afghanistan in the 1970-80s. Typically the Soviets used proxies themselves.

 

[timschochet]

I rarely agree with Slapdash lately, but he's right on this subject.

 

[Chadstroma]

I agree with Romney's several month later clarification

That doesn't make them an enemy. It doesn’t make them a combatant. They don't represent the No. 1 national security threat.

Russia is a not a major threat and they are a regional power whose interest sometimes conflicts with ours

That should have been clear to anyone that understands the phrase "geopolitical foe". Kinda sad that he had to spell it out further.

OK great I didn't think we would all agree with Romney that Russia isn't an enemy.

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

 

[Chadstroma]

I rarely agree with Slapdash lately, but he's right on this subject.

Which still means you were wrong a few years back.

 

[Fennis]

I agree with Romney's several month later clarification

That doesn't make them an enemy. It doesn’t make them a combatant. They don't represent the No. 1 national security threat.

Russia is a not a major threat and they are a regional power whose interest sometimes conflicts with ours

That should have been clear to anyone that understands the phrase "geopolitical foe". Kinda sad that he had to spell it out further.

OK great I didn't think we would all agree with Romney that Russia isn't an enemy.

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Ok, who is the #2 and #3 foe?

 

[RCon]

Saying that Russia is a geopolitical foe is not the same as saying we should go to war with them. That shouldn't be complicated to understand.

IMO, not only is Russia a geopolitical foe, they are the top one. Anyone arguing otherwise should be prepared to posit a greater one, something I have yet to see anyone do in this thread (notwithstanding timschochet's silly assertion that the US has no geopolitical foes at all).

 

[Fennis]

Saying that Russia is a geopolitical foe is not the same as saying we should go to war with them. That shouldn't be complicated to understand.

IMO, not only is Russia a geopolitical foe, they are the top one. Anyone arguing otherwise should be prepared to posit a greater one, something I have yet to see anyone do in this thread (notwithstanding timschochet's silly assertion that the US has no geopolitical foes at all).

Do you also agree that they aren't a major threat?

 

[cstu]

Russia is still not our #1 geopolitical foe.

Do you agree that they are at least geopolitical?

Pres. Obama could not even utter that much.

The argument I've made repeatedly is that 'acting tough' doesn't actually solve anything. In fact, I think it would play right into Putin's hands because I think he'd love to be at war with the U.S.

I think we're talking about two different things. I likely agree with your point.

My point was just Obama's insistence that Russia is purely just a regional power is fantastical. Even when "down" and in relative cooperation they were geopolitical in scope, now they are more so than ever.

Part of the game is treating Putin like he's at the children's table during Thanksgiving. You never want to give a bully power by recognizing his strength.

 

[cstu]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

 

[skol asylum]

Meanwhile China operates largely forgotten.

 

[RCon]

Saying that Russia is a geopolitical foe is not the same as saying we should go to war with them. That shouldn't be complicated to understand.

IMO, not only is Russia a geopolitical foe, they are the top one. Anyone arguing otherwise should be prepared to posit a greater one, something I have yet to see anyone do in this thread (notwithstanding timschochet's silly assertion that the US has no geopolitical foes at all).

Do you also agree that they aren't a major threat?

I'm not sure how to answer because I'm not sure what you mean by "a major threat". Can you expand on that?

 

[Chadstroma]

I agree with Romney's several month later clarification

That doesn't make them an enemy. It doesn’t make them a combatant. They don't represent the No. 1 national security threat.

Russia is a not a major threat and they are a regional power whose interest sometimes conflicts with ours

That should have been clear to anyone that understands the phrase "geopolitical foe". Kinda sad that he had to spell it out further.

OK great I didn't think we would all agree with Romney that Russia isn't an enemy.

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Ok, who is the #2 and #3 foe?

Russia is clearly #1 as they can project their influence or direct political will in the most diverse of areas. Either by direct force or political influence either directly or via the UN with their security council vote/veto. Clearly their agenda and goals do not line up with ours and are often in direct conflict with ours. Thus, #1 geopolitical foe.

#2 would be China. They are not nearly as aggressive and their influence is mostly still in Asia though growing by leaps and bounds.

A distant #3 would be Iran. Most aggresive in position but least capable and least amount of influence.

 

[Chadstroma]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

If you are antagonistic then you are against something and foe would be a good word in the English language to denote someone that is against you. It does not mean that they are a military threat or we should go to war with them but it does mean that we stop living in a make belief "can't we all just get along" world and watch Russia continually do as it wishes and have us meekly raise our hand and ask in a very nice way to please stop.

 

[jonessed]

I agree with Romney's several month later clarification

That doesn't make them an enemy. It doesnt make them a combatant. They don't represent the No. 1 national security threat.

Russia is a not a major threat and they are a regional power whose interest sometimes conflicts with ours

That should have been clear to anyone that understands the phrase "geopolitical foe". Kinda sad that he had to spell it out further.

OK great I didn't think we would all agree with Romney that Russia isn't an enemy.

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Ok, who is the #2 and #3 foe?

Russia is clearly #1 as they can project their influence or direct political will in the most diverse of areas. Either by direct force or political influence either directly or via the UN with their security council vote/veto. Clearly their agenda and goals do not line up with ours and are often in direct conflict with ours. Thus, #1 geopolitical foe.#2 would be China. They are not nearly as aggressive and their influence is mostly still in Asia though growing by leaps and bounds.

A distant #3 would be Iran. Most aggresive in position but least capable and least amount of influence.

There could be some discussion in rankings, but the top three are pretty obvious.

 

[roadkill1292]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

If you are antagonistic then you are against something and foe would be a good word in the English language to denote someone that is against you. It does not mean that they are a military threat or we should go to war with them but it does mean that we stop living in a make belief "can't we all just get along" world and watch Russia continually do as it wishes and have us meekly raise our hand and ask in a very nice way to please stop.

How about if we do lots of sneaky, underhanded and really smart stuff that goes completely unnoticed while they wreck themselves for decades by getting actively involved in the Middle East?

 

[Chadstroma]

I agree with Romney's several month later clarification

That doesn't make them an enemy. It doesnt make them a combatant. They don't represent the No. 1 national security threat.

Russia is a not a major threat and they are a regional power whose interest sometimes conflicts with ours

That should have been clear to anyone that understands the phrase "geopolitical foe". Kinda sad that he had to spell it out further.

OK great I didn't think we would all agree with Romney that Russia isn't an enemy.

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Ok, who is the #2 and #3 foe?

Russia is clearly #1 as they can project their influence or direct political will in the most diverse of areas. Either by direct force or political influence either directly or via the UN with their security council vote/veto. Clearly their agenda and goals do not line up with ours and are often in direct conflict with ours. Thus, #1 geopolitical foe.#2 would be China. They are not nearly as aggressive and their influence is mostly still in Asia though growing by leaps and bounds.

A distant #3 would be Iran. Most aggresive in position but least capable and least amount of influence.

There could be some discussion in rankings, but the top three are pretty obvious.

Well, thankfully Timmy doesn't think there are any geopolitical foes or else I would suspect a draft in the near future.

 

[Fennis]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

If you are antagonistic then you are against something and foe would be a good word in the English language to denote someone that is against you. It does not mean that they are a military threat or we should go to war with them but it does mean that we stop living in a make belief "can't we all just get along" world and watch Russia continually do as it wishes and have us meekly raise our hand and ask in a very nice way to please stop.

Russia doesnt do what it wishes and the US doesn't respond in the way you claim we do. US actions 100% stopped Russia from invading Ukraine.

 

[jonessed]

I agree with Romney's several month later clarification

That doesn't make them an enemy. It doesnt make them a combatant. They don't represent the No. 1 national security threat.

Russia is a not a major threat and they are a regional power whose interest sometimes conflicts with ours

That should have been clear to anyone that understands the phrase "geopolitical foe". Kinda sad that he had to spell it out further.

OK great I didn't think we would all agree with Romney that Russia isn't an enemy.

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Ok, who is the #2 and #3 foe?

Russia is clearly #1 as they can project their influence or direct political will in the most diverse of areas. Either by direct force or political influence either directly or via the UN with their security council vote/veto. Clearly their agenda and goals do not line up with ours and are often in direct conflict with ours. Thus, #1 geopolitical foe.#2 would be China. They are not nearly as aggressive and their influence is mostly still in Asia though growing by leaps and bounds.

A distant #3 would be Iran. Most aggresive in position but least capable and least amount of influence.

There could be some discussion in rankings, but the top three are pretty obvious.

Well, thankfully Timmy doesn't think there are any geopolitical foes or else I would suspect a draft in the near future.

There are always foes. Obviously Iran is with their support of terrorism; Russia is with their expansion in the arctic, war in Ukraine, support of Assad, etc.; and China is with cyber-terrorism, expansion in Asia, currency manipulation, etc.

This is all very simplified, but the idea that we have no geopolitical foes at any level is absurd.

 

[Fennis]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

 

[jonessed]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

If you are antagonistic then you are against something and foe would be a good word in the English language to denote someone that is against you. It does not mean that they are a military threat or we should go to war with them but it does mean that we stop living in a make belief "can't we all just get along" world and watch Russia continually do as it wishes and have us meekly raise our hand and ask in a very nice way to please stop.

Russia doesnt do what it wishes and the US doesn't respond in the way you claim we do. US actions 100% stopped Russia from invading Ukraine.

Russia did invade Ukraine.

 

[jonessed]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

 

[RCon]

Well, thankfully Timmy doesn't think there are any geopolitical foes or else I would suspect a draft in the near future.

Hey! I already made the geopolitical foe draft joke in this thread, a couple pages ago.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

Has China gone outside it's boundaries? They are building a global navy with a potential geopolitical reach, they have intercontinental missile capability and their economic influence is arguable geopolitical now, but I am ok with saying they are militarily regional to the extent they haven't had an incursion/invasion past Tibet since the 50s.

Russia has gone well beyond it's region.

Let's also remember that Russia is and has always been an empire, it is itself comprised of conquered lands from the Pacific to Mongolia to Central Asia to the Caucasus to Eastern Europe and even into Finland. Byelorussia is a puppet state as well.

 

[skol asylum]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

Does Russia have military installations in the western hemisphere? Serious question.

 

[Fennis]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

If you are antagonistic then you are against something and foe would be a good word in the English language to denote someone that is against you. It does not mean that they are a military threat or we should go to war with them but it does mean that we stop living in a make belief "can't we all just get along" world and watch Russia continually do as it wishes and have us meekly raise our hand and ask in a very nice way to please stop.

Russia doesnt do what it wishes and the US doesn't respond in the way you claim we do. US actions 100% stopped Russia from invading Ukraine.

Russia did invade Ukraine.

wow, they must have an incredibly weak military if they cant defeat Ukraine and be in Kiev by now.

 

[Fennis]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

Does Russia have military installations in the western hemisphere? Serious question.

Per wiki, no. here are the locations of Russian bases:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Russian_military_bases_abroad

 

[jonessed]

Enemy is not the right word but they are the greatest foe on the international stage that we have.

I remember hearing about the Chinese telling Paulson that the Russians had suggested that they both dumped everything that they had to basically sink the US. The Chinese balked at the idea. Putin sees the US as a threat to the strategic goals and his agenda for a re-risen Russian Empire. He is no friend to the US. Short of being an enemy that are lined up in interests that do not align with us. This is why Romney did not say that they are our enemy, or threat or combatant etc. But they are clearly our greatest geopolitical foe.

Russia is the most powerful country that is antagonistic to our interests. When I think 'foe' I think 'threat'. Russia is a nuisance but nowhere near the threat that ISIS and other extremists are to us.

If you are antagonistic then you are against something and foe would be a good word in the English language to denote someone that is against you. It does not mean that they are a military threat or we should go to war with them but it does mean that we stop living in a make belief "can't we all just get along" world and watch Russia continually do as it wishes and have us meekly raise our hand and ask in a very nice way to please stop.

Russia doesnt do what it wishes and the US doesn't respond in the way you claim we do. US actions 100% stopped Russia from invading Ukraine.

Russia did invade Ukraine.

wow, they must have an incredibly weak military if they cant defeat Ukraine and be in Kiev by now.

I'm not understanding where you are going with this. They clearly didn't want to occupy the entire country. They simply annexed the portions they wanted and weakened the remainder.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

Does Russia have military installations in the western hemisphere? Serious question.

This is from last year but apparently they would like to:

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia is looking to build military bases in Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Seychelles, Singapore and several other countries.

http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/russia-says-its-building-naval-bases-in-asia-latin-america/

 

[Fennis]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

Does Russia have military installations in the western hemisphere? Serious question.

This is from last year but apparently they would like to:

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia is looking to build military bases in Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Seychelles, Singapore and several other countries.

http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/russia-says-its-building-naval-bases-in-asia-latin-america/

that article was from early 2014. none of it has happened.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

Does Russia have military installations in the western hemisphere? Serious question.

This is from last year but apparently they would like to:

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia is looking to build military bases in Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Seychelles, Singapore and several other countries.

http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/russia-says-its-building-naval-bases-in-asia-latin-america/

that article was from early 2014. none of it has happened.

I said it was from last year and that they are trying to. Not that it was from now or that it had happened.

 

[Fennis]

It is very important to understand that both Russia and China are regional powers glad you guys are onboard.

They are regional powers in the same way that we are a regional power.

Does Russia have military installations in the western hemisphere? Serious question.

This is from last year but apparently they would like to:

According to RIA Novosti, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Russia is looking to build military bases in Vietnam, Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, the Seychelles, Singapore and several other countries.

http://thediplomat.com/2014/02/russia-says-its-building-naval-bases-in-asia-latin-america/

that article was from early 2014. none of it has happened.

I said it was from last year and that they are trying to. Not that it was from now or that it had happened.

fair enough, thanks for the correction.

It wasn't exactly policy, one senior advisor said they were going to install new bases, which they did have either chosen not to do or couldn't execute on.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

I'm not trying to make a case. I'm just saying they are a geopolitical force. And Putin is driving his people to view us as a foe even if we do not view them as a foe. We know all the cynical reasons for this.

Russia has continually gone through this in their history. Reforming tsar/premier followed by hyper-nationalist one. The sad thing is that in 1989 into the 90s it looked like we, all of us, had a real shot at reversing history or changing it. This is the SOS that has been going on with them since truly the middle ages. They got dominated by the Mongols then they took on the Mongol philosophy of expansion to protect themselves and enrich themselves. This is pre-imperialism. This is Tsar Ivan stuff.

And the people suffer, Poland and the Baltics and Central Europe are like some abuse victim that is worried its longtime tormenter is going to return. Does anyone realize that Kalingrad is a Russian province in Germany? Yeah Russia occupied a sliver of Poland/East Germany and never let it go. They are still there.

The other day Russia's defense minister (IIRC) actually blamed Poland for the 1939 invasion by Russia, claiming that Poland had allied with Germany. Imagine that. He later apologized after being called out on it.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Russia is still not our #1 geopolitical foe.

Do you agree that they are at least geopolitical?

Pres. Obama could not even utter that much.

The argument I've made repeatedly is that 'acting tough' doesn't actually solve anything. In fact, I think it would play right into Putin's hands because I think he'd love to be at war with the U.S.

I think we're talking about two different things. I likely agree with your point.

My point was just Obama's insistence that Russia is purely just a regional power is fantastical. Even when "down" and in relative cooperation they were geopolitical in scope, now they are more so than ever.

Part of the game is treating Putin like he's at the children's table during Thanksgiving. You never want to give a bully power by recognizing his strength.

Putin is ex-KGB and we're trolling him. He's on 190 levels above Uncle Frank after the Cowboys lose.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9168533/Mitt-Romney-Russia-is-Americas-number-one-geopolitical-foe.html

I really want to support this guy. But sometimes he makes it so damn difficult. Doesn't he realize that, as the man who will be the Republican nominee, his words have impact overseas?

We don't need to have Russia as our enemy. We would be much better off in the long run with Russia as our friend, for a whole variety of reasons. If Romney is elected he has created a big mess here which he will have to clean up. I figure he thinks he's Ronald Reagan, but he isn't, just as today's Russia is not the Soviet Union.

“The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because the Cold War’s been over for 20 years….When it comes to our foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s, just like the social policies of the 1950s, and the economic policies of the 1920s.”

This comment by Pres. Obama just gets dumber, and more stupid, and more foolish and myopic over time.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Someone should tell The President that the Carter era called and wants its foreign policy back.

 

[timschochet]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9168533/Mitt-Romney-Russia-is-Americas-number-one-geopolitical-foe.html

I really want to support this guy. But sometimes he makes it so damn difficult. Doesn't he realize that, as the man who will be the Republican nominee, his words have impact overseas?

We don't need to have Russia as our enemy. We would be much better off in the long run with Russia as our friend, for a whole variety of reasons. If Romney is elected he has created a big mess here which he will have to clean up. I figure he thinks he's Ronald Reagan, but he isn't, just as today's Russia is not the Soviet Union.

The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because the Cold Wars been over for 20 years.When it comes to our foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s, just like the social policies of the 1950s, and the economic policies of the 1920s.

This comment by Pres. Obama just gets dumber, and more stupid, and more foolish and myopic over time.

Obama's comment was absolutely right. It still is.

 

[tommyGunZ]

Someone should tell The President that the Carter era called and wants its foreign policy back.

Diplomacy focused on peace and prosperity? What an awful ####### concept.

Moar Gunz and war and death and spending and America #### Yea!!!!

 

[timschochet]

Let's be clear (again): despite Putin's erratic behavior, it is in our long term interest to be allies with Russia. They need not be a geopolitical threat to us unless we make it so.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9168533/Mitt-Romney-Russia-is-Americas-number-one-geopolitical-foe.html

I really want to support this guy. But sometimes he makes it so damn difficult. Doesn't he realize that, as the man who will be the Republican nominee, his words have impact overseas?

We don't need to have Russia as our enemy. We would be much better off in the long run with Russia as our friend, for a whole variety of reasons. If Romney is elected he has created a big mess here which he will have to clean up. I figure he thinks he's Ronald Reagan, but he isn't, just as today's Russia is not the Soviet Union.

The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because the Cold Wars been over for 20 years.When it comes to our foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s, just like the social policies of the 1950s, and the economic policies of the 1920s.

This comment by Pres. Obama just gets dumber, and more stupid, and more foolish and myopic over time.

Obama's comment was absolutely right. It still is.

Yeah, we have a NATO conference underway called by one of our allies to deal with a shot down airplane in the middle of a mid-east war involving three NATO allies, our proxies, Russia and a Russian client state. It was completely idiotic, Russia and WW3 conversation is on the table.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Let's be clear (again): despite Putin's erratic behavior, it is in our long term interest to be allies with Russia. They need not be a geopolitical threat to us unless we make it so.

Guess what they're dragging us into their world, like it or not. One other thing Obama was wrong about, it wasn't the 1980s foreign policy calling, it was the 1950s.

 

[Doctor Detroit]

I still say Greenland is.

 

[timschochet]

Let's be clear (again): despite Putin's erratic behavior, it is in our long term interest to be allies with Russia. They need not be a geopolitical threat to us unless we make it so.

Guess what they're dragging us into their world, like it or not. One other thing Obama was wrong about, it wasn't the 1980s foreign policy calling, it was the 1950s.

Obama doesn't escape some of the responsibility for this, I agree. But Romney was even more wrong. IMO we have handled Russia badly since the end of the Cold War. For the last 25 years we have made alliances with all of her neighbors, made most of them part of NATO, sold most of them high tech weapons. If any nation on Earth had offered a military alliance to Mexico and Canada and sold them weapons, we would have been at war with them long since. It's a very risky policy and we're lucky we haven't already paid a bigger price for it. And all 4 Presidents are responsible: both Bushes, Clinton and Obama. I've never understood the logic behind this.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Someone should tell The President that the Carter era called and wants its foreign policy back.

Diplomacy focused on peace and prosperity? What an awful ####### concept. Moar Gunz and war and death and spending and America #### Yea!!!!

I guess just forgot how great things were then.But you're right, sort of. He had some foreign policy success. But not so much in regards to the radical Middle East and Russia.

 

[HellToupee]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/us-election/9168533/Mitt-Romney-Russia-is-Americas-number-one-geopolitical-foe.html

I really want to support this guy. But sometimes he makes it so damn difficult. Doesn't he realize that, as the man who will be the Republican nominee, his words have impact overseas?

We don't need to have Russia as our enemy. We would be much better off in the long run with Russia as our friend, for a whole variety of reasons. If Romney is elected he has created a big mess here which he will have to clean up. I figure he thinks he's Ronald Reagan, but he isn't, just as today's Russia is not the Soviet Union.

The 1980s are now calling to ask for their foreign policy back because the Cold Wars been over for 20 years.When it comes to our foreign policy, you seem to want to import the foreign policies of the 1980s, just like the social policies of the 1950s, and the economic policies of the 1920s.

This comment by Pres. Obama just gets dumber, and more stupid, and more foolish and myopic over time.

Thank you on behalf of Mitt