"FSB document released...." Topic

….and not behind a paywall.

link

Cool – let's get the Ukraine war ended, if the Democrats/NATO/EU and the Left would stop blocking peace talks, and let's carve Russia away from China.

Russia can stop the Ukraine war any time they want – they just have to turn around and leave the Ukraine. Doesn't need any peace talks, just a leader with some balls.

The POTUS gave many off-ramps to Putin to end the war. Even "counselling" Zelinsky, to get his together. If for no other reason to get Putin to come to some peace talks. E.g. like offering free donuts to get some to come to a meeting/event.

But Putin and his minions have made it clear. They want to turn Ukraine into a puppet of Russia. By installing a leader of Putin's choice. They only want to "win", peace has 0 to do with it.

Putin has made some huge errors. He lost Syria, there went his airfields and ports in the Med.

He used the myth of NATO expanding East. To attack the Ukraine for concern NATO would allow Ukraine into NATO. Well because of that move, two more nations in that region joined NATO, Sweden & Finland. As they saw what Putin did to Ukraine. They know of Russia's history.

E.g. all the WP nations were occupied by Stalin during/after WWII. And were led by Stalin's puppets.

Another Russian miscalculation. Many WP nations are now part of NATO. They don't want to risk being occupied by Russia again. The Russians do not play well with others …

Again … Putin only rolled across Ukraine's border after taking months to assemble there. Partly because of the US withdrawal of A'stan debacle. Those ignorant decisions by the US POTUS/admin as now described as being "made by suits, not boots".

Putin and all our allies and enemies saw what a train wreck the past POTUS, his Admin, many in Congress, etc. were. Strongly supported/cover for by the media.

Predators look for weakness … Putin took full advantage of Biden, etc.

Even with that the last POTUS/Admin's foolishness, incompetence, fecklessness, etc. in handling support for Ukraine. Summed up as "Too little … too late." … Putin's 2d class military couldn't defeat Ukraine. And still can't … The last POTUS/Admin only made the war last longer with their incompetence, etc. But even with that … Ukraine is fighting on. Putin hoping to wait them out, like a medieval siege.

Since Day 1, the Russians have gained little territory along with suffering huge losses. Few gains for massive loses …

FSB, etc. … Any pretty much anything the Russians say is just propaganda or an out and out lie. We see the same thing in many of US elected or appointed leaders and most of the media …

Accurate historians will look at Biden et al time in the WH along with many in Congress as a total disaster. For not only Americans but many places in the world. As well as Putin et al was not much better …

The US and many people in the world have suffered at the hands of two leaders who really don't have the right stuff. E.g. Biden & Putin …

Putin's 2d class military couldn't defeat Ukraine. And still can't …

Well the Germans say that's not true, in fact they're a bigger threat than ever.

link

link

I'm curious to see how Traore's call for a pan Africa will play out since France was ejected. While it would take money and time it could give Russia a bigger strategic role.

Legion 4, Russian bases in Syria still exist and function. And I think they will stay there. Syria cannot do without Russians, simply historically. And it does not matter what kind of dictator is in power there:

link

Striker, Russia will inevitably encounter Chinese interests in Africa. Just as it encountered them in Ukraine, where the Russians, having returned Crimea, crossed the Chinese with the development of Chinese infrastructure in Europe:

link

Right now there is a big chess game on many boards at once…

From the link:

activated strategies to stimulate all these agitations

Is there a style-guide so's I can start writing like this?

There is no thread where our rants would make sense. Its not about making sense. Its part of blamer culture. There are ranters and rantees. Sometimes the authorities step in and throw a wet blanket over everyone. I have even gone to jail for this.

Actually there is Tort. One that makes perfect sense. 😉

Well the Germans say that's not true, in fact they're a bigger threat than ever.

Yes both Germany and Poland have agreed with increase NATO "dues" from 2% to 5% … The Germans and others in Western Europe/NATO need to be prepped to defend against a rebuilt, refitted, etc. Russia that could come about in the next 5-10 years.

However, based on many US retired senior officers the current Russian military is again, "marginal" … Again, IMO the past 3 years of war demonstrates that. Almost daily …

Cuprum … again, one can paint the picture anyway they like … Again you can put lipstick on a pig, but it is still a pig. Putin and his minions are Russia's worst enemy … And they lack strategic thinking and planning. Among many other things … Go ahead get some lipstick 💄 … again …

John … again try Decaf … and as before it seems you are not happy/satisfied until you can … Well do you know what a "seagull manager" is ? What your … neighbor does not have a cat you can play with ? 🙀

I am lovin' this freestyle OP. My contribution:

Wiki – Junta Game

…during the coup phase various units chase each other down on the city map – army, police, rebels, etc.

This could be adapted to the current LA situation – Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), National Guard (NG), US Marine Corps (USMC), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), California Highway Patrol (CHP), Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department(*), Capitol Hill looters, Antifa, local residents, etc, etc

(*) One of my favourite (US: favorite) films (US: movie): Wiki – Den of Thieves 2018

As a complete aside from the other side of the pond. In films/movies when the NG arrive they kill everyone. I note that the NG deployed in LA appear to be carrying riot-sticks (or lathis); I've also noticed that dark-uniformed police are carrying tear-gas dispensers. Is this a new thing in USA – non-lethal weaponry?

Not new. Been used for a while. I don't believe they are allowing the Marines to carry live rounds either.

But would not surprise me if some did anyway.

"LOS ANGELES, June 11 (Reuters) – U.S. troops deployed in Los Angeles are authorized to detain people until police can arrest them, their commanding officer said on Wednesday, as hundreds of Marines prepared to move into the city as it entered a sixth day of protests.

The 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops that Trump has ordered to Los Angeles do not have arrest authority, U.S. Army Major General Scott Sherman, who is commanding the troops, told reporters.

But Sherman said they do have the power to detain individuals temporarily until law enforcement can arrest them, if needed to fulfill their mission of protecting federal personnel or property.
The Marines, who have been training at Seal Beach just south of Los Angeles County, will move to the city "soon," but not on Wednesday, Sherman said. They will not carry live ammunition in their rifles, he added."