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Originally posted by whodeyAmerica needs to be very careful here. I don't agree with Putin at all on this, but there are a few grains of truth in his arguments regarding trade with the Ukraine. Not all those in the Ukraine want closer ties with europe and the west. I would also strongly advise America not to flex any military muscle here, America is just ending 11 years of military action in the middle east, and doesn't need another war, in addition, slapping around Iraq is one thing, but a military confrontation with Russia is a VERY different matter. As far as the 2nd cold war, I don't know. Putin has been spending more money on Russia's military machine, but at a slower and more measured pace than the old USSR. Money has also been spent on pensions and infrastructure. It should also be noted that capitalism seems to be alive and well in Russia. With this in mind, I'd say we're in uncharted waters regarding our relationship with Russia.
Do the events in Georgia and the Ukraine signal the start of a second Cold War, or did the first one never really die?
Originally posted by bill718When I was watching Russia and the US fight over Syria, it hit me.
America needs to be very careful here. I don't agree with Putin at all on this, but there are a few grains of truth in his arguments regarding trade with the Ukraine. Not all those in the Ukraine want closer ties with europe and the west. I would also strongly advise America not to flex any military muscle here, America is just ending 11 years of military ac ...[text shortened]... ia. With this in mind, I'd say we're in uncharted waters regarding our relationship with Russia.
The Cold War never went away, it just changed form.
Make no mistake, the only reason Obama did not attack Syria was because of Putin. He was skeered.
Originally posted by whodeyThe Cold War never went away, it just changed form.
When I was watching Russia and the US fight over Syria, it hit me.
The Cold War never went away, it just changed form.
Make no mistake, the only reason Obama did not attack Syria was because of Putin. He was skeered.
In the same manner, anybody who says that should consider WWII as a resumption of WWI, after rearmament and reformation of the alliances.
Originally posted by whodeyThe events in that post soviet region signal the fallout from the death of a Russian empire and its replacement with nationalism by which some ethnic / language / cultural groups are left in uncomfortable situations. They will take many years to work through.
Do the events in Georgia and the Ukraine signal the start of a second Cold War, or did the first one never really die?
It is not remotely "cold war" stuff as the issues are of primarily local importance to the countries directly involved.
The response of America to these events signals a continuation of cold war thinking, probably to appeal to narrow militarist and political interests within the US and connected with its election cycle. It is very unhelpful, possibly dangerous and certainly undeserving of European support.