Blogcritics Comments on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:17:19 EDT

This current Russian conflict will refocus the fact that Putin and his legions are building Iran's First Nuclear reactor. Like I mentioned, Russia will crush anyone from the former Soviet bloc that steps out of line.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 17:22:03 EDT

Bryan, there is a definite bond between the Iraqi and Iranian Shiites. Your conclusions on the possibilities of collusion are justified. However, I believe that Iran would rather be the strong ally behind the Iraqi throne. Besides, it is easier to BS when you can play good cop, bad cop.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 17:12:05 EDT

Franco, the funny thing is that Putin has been very open with his opinions concerning the U.S, the Middle East, and the west. The media is reporting but not emphasizing the events as they pertain to Putin and the hijacking of Iraqi oil. The news organizations in America focus on sensationalized talking points of the day. Black market Iraqi oil is happening because of corruption, tapping into pipelines and hijacking oil tankers. Here is a link for you to an article for you. Oil hijacking

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 17:03:51 EDT

Ruvy, your historical insight concerning Israel and regional occurences over the years, has provided me with another key to the puzzle. There is definitely a domino effect in play with America, Russia, The Middle East and Asia. I look forward to reading your archived articles in BC.

Comment by Ruvy on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 11:29:08 EDT

Bryan, Thank you for the kind words. I feel bad saying this, but it needs to be said. "Saudi" Arabia is not a Sunni Arab country. The official religion is known in the Kingdom as "Salafism" and the beliefs there follow the beliefs of a guy named el-Wahhab, who wrote several centuries ago and was thrown out of Islam for the heresies that he wrote. The Wahhabi stole Makka and Medina from the Sunni family that guarded the two cities, the Hashemi family, and have been pretending to be Moslems ever since.

Comment by Bryan on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 03:56:46 EDT

Sam, You, Bennett and Ruvy have made excellent statements on the current state of relations between Russia and Iran. What concerns me most is that the U.S.'s invasion of Iraq has upset the balance of power in the region. The Shiites in Iraq, which is 65% of the population, were liberated from Saddam. Iran is mostly Shiite, and it's highly possible that Iran and Iraq, at least the Shiite controlled portion, could become 1 country. This union of Shiites in Iran and Iraq would strengthen their power and be a threat to Sunni Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia as well as be an increased threat to Israel.

Comment by Franco on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 02:32:47 EDT

The Shiite radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has extended his militia's six-month cease-fire. Translation: he and his people probably renegotiated a new deal with the U.S. His army helps police Shiite Basra and other neighborhoods. I think al-Sadr originally set up is cease-fire for a couple of reasons. (1) He did not, and still does not want a full on head to head with the amount of US troops that are in Iraq right now. He wants to save his troops until the eager US Congress pulls out most of the US troop deployments. Once that occurrs, then he can stag an all out explosive attack against anything the US has helped set up with full backing and support from Iran. I believer he sees the US Congress as being too reluctant to reengage the US troops back into Iraq to fight him after they went to all the efforts of pulling them out. A bet and risk that is probably in his favor, as time is on his side, wouldn't you say? As far as Putin goes, I couldn't agree more, and have been uncomfortable with how little insightful and in-depth analysis that has been reported on him here on BC and other blogs and even in the MSM. Nice to see your contribution. One last thing.......The Pentagon has estimated that 70% of Bajaii refinery production winds up on the black market. How the hell is that happening?

Comment by Ruvy on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Mon, 5 May 2008 01:11:17 EDT

Sam, You called it pretty much on the money in your article, though my grasp of what's happening in Iraq is not as clear as yours. Now that Iraq has been taken out as a major threat to Israel, my main concern is about the other existential threats, Syria, Iran, North Korea and their servants Hamas, HizbAllah on the one side, and the other existential threat to Israel - the United States government and its servants/dependents Egypt and the PLO on the other. Both groups of countries are out to get rid of us ultimately, but are rivals in many ways. Where America supplies aid to one side, Putin will see fit to aid the other. I perhaps should explain this to you, as it may sound like an unfamiliar formulation. But when you look at American policy towards Israel from the viewpoint of the mountains of Samaria, which is where Ma'alé Levon� is, a different picture emerges than from within the borders of the United States. American policy (as guided by its State Department) towards Israel has always been to keep it weak, so as not to interfere too much with the uninterrupted flow of oil to American oil companies. Forced to accede to Israel's existence by Harry Truman, this has been the policy that has emerged. 1. When an Israeli force captured el-Arish in Egypt in 1949, the American threatened to withdraw it support and recognition. 2. When faced with hostile armies preparing its destruction in 1967, the American government tried to prevent an Israeli sneak attack, and when they failed at that set up a task force to intervene to force Israel's withdrawal from conquered to territories to the status quo ante. The force was never used - Israel was just too damned fast. 3. When Israel was faced with imminent attack in 1973, the Americans threatened to withhold aid if Israel attacked first, and when Israel agreed to American terms it then withheld the promised aid until forced to grant it when the Defense Secretary Schlesinger explained to Nixon what Secretary of state Kissinger had done. 3a. After defeating the Arabs on the ground in 1973, Israel was forced to cede land to the Arabs. For a more complete picture of all this you should go to my writers' pages here at BC, one for Ruvy, and the one for Ruvy in Jerusalem which will give you access to earlier articles examining the Iranian threat to this country. Naturally, I look at this from the point of view of one here in Israel. Many of my own conclusions about Putin, a lone wolf capable of taking on the west, are buttressed by many Russian Israelis to whom I speak, who bring a very up close and personal view of a land I was raised to see as the enemy.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 23:31:24 EDT

Bennett, I like a man who says what he thinks. You are okay in my book. I enjoyed our dialogue.

Comment by Bennett on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 23:11:11 EDT

Sam, everything about your response was eloquent and enlightening, but this is Truth; "Putin's greed is Russia's strength." What a fuckeroo.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 21:58:00 EDT

Bennett,I do not think Russia minds co-existence with the west as long as they are top dog. They have learned from the west how to talk tough and not be mean spirited. Apparently President Putin has also figured out that you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar. People have a tendency to not notice problems when their way of life appears to be improving. I not think that oppression of any people is their game anymore. There is nothing to be gained. Putin's greed is Russia's strength. Through western PR tactics and new freedoms for its people, Russia has its sites on becoming an economic power. This new look could be more powerful than the old Soviet Union. Oil and the willingness to help those that we won't might provide the Russian government with a bright future. Putin talks to his enemies and the enemies of others. That is their innovation.

Comment by Bennett on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 20:41:45 EDT

Yeah, that's a good way to describe it. But there's no trust involved. Do you really think they've put all thoughts of world dominance behind them? Or have they simply changed their path to the desired outcome? Do you think Russia's leaders see a world where they will coexist peacefully and eventually provide western freedoms to their citizenry? Or will the repressive policies continue for the next 50-100 years? Don't they understand that freedom breeds innovation? Not that our current administration is a shining example of benevolence. I think that when GWB looked Putin in the eye, he saw a kindred spirit.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 19:53:03 EDT

Bennett, enemies yes, but I do not believe they want to destroy anyone. The new Russia is about economics and a new legacy. Russian Cold War communism has been replaced by a new form of capitalism. The new look consists of fascism,capitalism,communism,and socialism. Something old, Something new. They have changed the landscape. It is not about black hats versus white hates, good versus evil. President Putin is sporting a gray hat with an economic plan as an accessory. Russia does not want to destroy the west, they just want the money and renewed Superpower status. Evil, but.........

Comment by Bennett on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 19:03:43 EDT

Sam, I believe that Putin and the Russian oligarchy are still the enemy of the free countries of the world. Their brief experiment with democracy under Yeltsin was overwhelmed by the greed of organized crime. The backward progress under Putin has brought them to a new fascism, a new iron grip of the KGB. Without a strong union between the EU and USA, and with China watching their every move from the south, they would be even more dangerous. I pity the Russian people who had hoped for real change in Mother Russia.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 18:25:01 EDT

Dan, I agree, we should take advantage of our ample resources instead of foreign petroleum sources. Who and what do you think is holding America back?

Comment by Dan Miller on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 17:53:27 EDT

Sam Weaver You say, This is about oil and economic agenda's. That's probably true. So why is the U.S. so oblivious to its own petroleum resources, and so reluctant to upset the greens -- who brought us corn for ethanol and lots of other misguided "solutions?" I submit that we can have a far better economy and improved relations (at least from our own perspective) by taking advantage of our own ample resources instead of relying so heavily on those of other countries. Dan

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 16:53:45 EDT

Arthur, crazy how?

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 16:48:18 EDT

Ruvy, it's nice to see that you understand what Putin is all about. Russia is more formidable now than they were in the Cold War. You mentioned Mount Hermon, where do you live? Also, I would love to hear your take on Putin and the situations involving Iraq, Iran,Afghanistan and the United States.

Comment by Arthur on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 16:44:47 EDT

this whole article is just crazy

Comment by Ruvy on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 04:27:02 EDT

Enjoyed the article, Sam. Nice job. Americans are probably relived that they no longer have to think of Russia as "THE ENEMY" to be destroyed in a flurry of nuclear destruction; this was the weight of the burden of tension Americans carried during the Cold War. So, it is reasonable to want to dismiss Putin as just another Russian leader. But, seeing an Iranian cat's paw help create an Iranian empire in Western Asia just north of me as I do (on a really clear day, you can see Mount Hermon from Ma'alé Levon�), I understand all too well what is going on, and your article only buttresses conclusions I had reached long ago.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 03:16:30 EDT

John, why all the hostility. I have read and applied "inteligent gut" to Russia and Putin. It is not a fantasy that Russia is building a Billion dollar nuclear reactor in Iran. Check the links in my Blog. It is not a fantasy that Russia is the second largest exporter of oil. How happy would you be if you had to write off 93% of a 12.9 Billion dollar loan because of someone else. That is exactly what Russia had to do with Iraq in February of 2008. When the United States liberated Iraq, all contracts and monies involving other countries were frozen. Or, did you forget the U.S involvement with the Russian-Afghan war? John, use some "intelligent gut" and deal with the reality of the situation.Just check the links in my blog.

Comment by Sam weaver on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 02:46:44 EDT

I am glad that you found my piece interesting. However, I am in agreement concerning how we found ourselves in Iraq. But realize there are those that gain from the continued confusion in the region. This is about oil and economic agenda's. Check within my Blog and click on the link "Putin and Iran", you will see that Russia is building a one Billion dollar nuclear reactor in Iran. That is not the action of a wannabe friend for the United States. Just last July, Putin slammed the U.S for "unilateral and illegitimate actions" concerning Iraq. He also stated that there is no evidence that Iran is trying to build nuclear weapons. Conspiracy theories? President Lyndon Johnson once said " I never trust a man unless I've got his pecker in my pocket". That does not apply to President Vladimir Putin. He is successfully becoming a friend to many of those that oppose us. This is just like two sports rivals. Have you ever heard of retribution? To be objective, Russia has it's reasons to stick it to the U.S. Unfortunately they get to profit while doing it. I urge you to check the links in my Blog.

Comment by John on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sun, 4 May 2008 01:54:31 EDT

This article is absurd. The author took all the dirty speculations by some lunatic journalists educated in the schools of Cold War propaganda - and added another spin of fantazies. For the person familiar with the matter this article is like theories saying that US gov't was behind 9/11 or that AIDS was created by US gov't to kill blacks. The author should be ashamed of himself for passing this load of crap as if these were undeniable facts. I'm not sure if author is the lunatic himself or just seeking publicity in the cheap immitation of the yellow press.

Comment by Sam on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Sat, 3 May 2008 11:50:32 EDT

I liked reading the blog article... but rather than giving us the fact... Sam has resorted to speculat his imagination... especially when he tries to connect the dot involving Russia. Listen it is our mistake we gave someone an upper hand to point saying "Its your mess clean it up." And frankly I dont see any insight first why we went there. Oh please dont give an excuse saying they had weapons of mass destruction or Saddam killed his own people. Its all the connection between Isreal and its evil intention to its neighbour. Anyway Sam keep imagining (one of the conspiracy theorist) and keep disrupting the healthy relation between wanna be a good partners.

Comment by Juliann Mitchell on Putin, Iraq, Iran, Russia

Fri, 2 May 2008 19:42:09 EDT

Nice job Sam. You have covered a vast amount of historical and political info related to Iraq, Iran, Russia, and Putin, and how it is all interconnected.