Russia and China have no political interest in common since as they both stand to gain much more through proving themselves reliable to their totalitarian clients.

Think of it as saying: "Hey, those western governments will throw you under the bus if you become unpopular enough, but we love you no matter what. We're the allies you want."

Thanks, British insurers--for growing a pair. And, Mr. Putin, my only words to you sir are "Nanny, Nanny, Boo,Boo!!!"

Hee hee! Oh, Come off it, Russia! Did you think we wouldn't catch you with your pants down, or that we weren't on to you even waaaay BEFORE this???????

Russia, get your damn butts out of Syria.

Hotticket, I wouldn't be so cocky just yet. My guess is that Putin will have a state-run insurance company for Russian owned shipping up and running within a week. In any case, what's to stop them anyways? It's not like anyone actually has to balls to seize the ship.

The only good red, is a dead red....

I guess Putin wasn't manly enough. Take that!

You probably got much better bet in Georgia with your friend Saakashvilly who gave order in 2008 to mass attack "his" people in Osetia, killing 1600. Now you support and almost got him to NATO ...

You are not any different my Friend, supporting such the Jerks ...

Reading this kinda makes you feel like you are in the middle of a chess game, what's the next move?

Russia and China could care less about Syria killing its own people. They do it also. But the common thread that binds them all is Iran. China and Russia just brokered huge fuel deals with Iran within the last 2 years. Iran is really behind Syria's government.

Putin and Obama look pissed off in that picture.

I think we need to be very very very careful. If we continue we may well find ourselves in a very costly war. Sure we may win in 5-9 years but it will cost the world close to 575 million people.

This is just my opinion. There are more tactful ways of convincing Russia to stop sending arms to Syria. Anyone thought of paying them to stop? That sounds like a sure fire method to me eh?

As I said, this is just my opinion

Magnum...read the story about the Romans paying Attila the Hun for peace. Didn't turn out so well for the Romans.

But...but...but...I thought we had "reset" our relationship with Russia early in the Obama administration. We had a red button to push and everything! Of course the button said "over charge", but it was meant to be a reset button! I'm so confused...did our grovelling mean nothing???

If "terrorists" can do it to the Cole, why not this ship??

Giving Hitler Czechoslovakia didn't turn out very well either...

As to Russia and Syria, my understanding is, that's the only country in the Middle East where they have a port...I suspect they will do about anything to ensure they keep that port.

Russia and Iran are trying to keep Assad in power because both have so much to lose.

While the US has over 2,000 overseas military bases, Russia has exactly one, Allepo, Syria (and a half-dozen "defensive outposts" that are little more than car checkpoints. This is important to Russia because NATO absolutely controls access to the Black Sea. To have to transit the Bosphorus and Dardenelles to resupply and refit warships is a major issue with Russia because it severely limits the Russian presence in the Middle East. This has been a sore point since Russia lost Egypt as a "partner."

Iran is in a similar situation. Iran is the only majority Siite country that has Shiia as the established state religion. Iraq has a majority Shiite population and the Shiites now run that country. Syria is ruled by a tiny Alawite minority who also control the Baathist Party in Syria. While the Alawites are considered a "cult" by most Muslims (they observe Christmas and Easter and venerate Christ) it is still a branch of Shiia. If Assad is deposed, Iran loses a seat of influence in the Arab world.

Putin himself had said that SecState Clinton was "mis-informed" and they no helicopters or weapons were being sent to Syria. They said that only spare parts were being shipped and that these were contracted for years ago. Apparently both Clinton and Putin knew that Putin and his surrogates were fibbing.

You go Brits (especially your insurance companies in this case)! I don't know if it will stop the shipment, but I appreciate the effort.

Mike, this is the Obama administration's fault? Silly rabbit, this has nothing to do with America and everything to do with Russia protecting their interest abroad. Russia has invested a lot of money in that region and they want a return on their investment. After all they will need the money to pay for the squashing of their "democracy". I am sure another president (you figure out the name Mike) called Putin a friend, so what that groveling or a$$ licking?

As for as the insurance company having balls, I wouldn't give them that much credit, since they had to withdraw the insurance due to sanctions imposed by the UN/EU.

Mike is a troll and a fake conservative, so just ignore him. As far as slowing down this ship goes, you do what you can.

Here lies the trouble with any possibility of world peace. If Russia is having trouble with a country the US will supply arms and if the US is having problems with a country Russia and China will supply arms. It's been going on since Korea and continues today. Vietnam, Afghanistan, Libya, Iran, Iraq, etc. they all get weapon from the US, Russia and China so they can kill each other. As Rodney King would ask: "Can we all get alone?" Answer is NO. Never have and never will as long as money, power, and religion are involved.

Just think what the world population would be today if not for wars. On second thought give them arms and let the best shot win.

Call Gieco and save a bundle!

Actually this might be the germ of an idea on how to eliminate war. Every nation be required to take out insurance on their ships/aircraft/ground weapons and then INSURANCE CORPORATIONS cancel their coverage if there is a risk to their wholly owned corporations of being blown up if the leadership of the various nations get out of hand and start a shooting war.

About as crazy a thought as any I have heard from our "leadership"

But really think about it an insurance company does what no nation has been able to do - stop an arms shipment by lifting coverage. I am LMFAO! Who needs a defense budget JUST CANCEL THEIR INSURANCE!!

@Fed up

I agree. How insanely funny that is. Who dares to fight with the insurance company?!!!!

Hahaha I wish they had gotten past the British, cause I know once they hit the Horn of Africa and they got a whiff of that cargo they wouldn't have gotten past the Somali Pirates! Feeding Frenzy!

"This just in: Somali Pirates have been spotted using Soviet-made Helicopters to attack shipping off the East African Coast."

I can understand everybodies concerns with Russia sending Billions in weaponry to the Middle East. But we have to remember, the United States did it to, but not to Syria.

The Soviet-era helicopters onboard MV Alaed were returning to Syria after being sent to their Russian manufacturer, Mil, for servicing and repairs, the Telegraph reported.

interesting how this keeps getting buried, if reported at all. it's not putin giving them anything, they were in the shop.

Cancel Assads life insurance and his wife will put a stop to the madness.

Oh wow deweydan! Thank you for that insightful comment.

Well, Yes, No or Maybe?

'Iran, Russia, China, Syria plan 'largest' war game'
By JOANNA PARASZCZUK
06/19/2012 15:20

Syrian, Iranian media reports say air, ground and naval forces to conduct "Middle East's largest ever military exercise."

Iranian media outlets reported on Tuesday that Iran, Russia, China and Syria are to conduct joint military exercises in Syria next month.

The semi-official Fars News outlet, which has ties to the Iranian government, cited "certain unofficial sources" in its report but did not say what those sources were.

http://janeeco.newsvine.com/_news/2012/06/19/12300596-iran-russia-china-syria-plan-largest-war-games-in-syria

Anyone remember when Putin came to the rescue of that school siezed by terrorists and suicide vest bombs, or was that all just a bunch of propaganda!

Putin the hero the rescue!

And yet he continues to support this unspeakable terrorist regime in Syria.

If Putin wants to play hero for those schoolchildren bombed out of their homes and murdered by Assad then Putin should shut that base down and get out of Syria, or coalesce internationally by force to end that conflict with a timeline for Assad to recall and order all military forces out of Syrian cities, which includes Assad stepping down, Humanitarian relief could begin.

Then the best alternative would be.

Russia out of Syria.

A civilization that cannot stand on its founding principles is a civilzation on a path of eventual total collapse.

Kristinia113,and anyone that is down on the Syrian goverment for trying to control a group of radicals ,with the help of the US and europe, that are trying to over throw the government what do you think the US government would do if you tried to violently over throw this government,I tell you if they did not nuke you they would have you in Cuba before god got the news,I do not mean Havana Cuba.

You notice how Russian and China could give a #hit about world opinion while the U.S. is constantly apologizing to the world and so worked up about public opinion. Notice the lack of world outrage against Russia and China for supporting the brutal regime of Assad of Syria in killing innocent Muslim women and children. No Muslim outrage. The world fears Russia and China and laughs at the U.S.

At the same time we outsourced all our manufacturing and technology jobs to Communist China who in returns builds up their military armed forces with new technology to destroy America.

Just think, it was only 1989 when Chinese were riding bicycles in Tienanmen Square. Now they ride in Porsche, BMW's and Maserati. Second largest market for these cars.

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-13/chinese-women-millionaires-enter-man-s-world-with-400-000-maseratis.html

While American workers are scraping by on holding down 2-3 jobs at Wal-Mart wages without any benefits. The future for America is very bleak. Thanks to all the corporate lobbyists who got Congress to vote tax breaks which the American taxpayer has to pay for outsourcing their jobs overseas!

Obama, Russia, is really not our friend. Putin (ex-KGB) is really not our friend. Okay? They have got to be loving Greece and others being in trouble, they could expand their territory again, especially since we are removing defenses per Obama.

There are many posts here supporting the anti-government "rebels". Why? About 90% of the Syrian people support their President and the defense of their country.

The Russian Federation and Syrian have been long-term allies. Would the USA turn its back on the UK? Canada? France?

It really doesn't matter how this situation ends. I don't think the US can hold off China alone nor do I think Russia can also. It may appear that we have a friendly, bumpy, friendly relationship with Russia, but the truth of the matter is we need one another. An old addage that still hold true to this day is Politics makes strange bedfellows. There is nothing gay ment about it so don't get your panties in a wad.

honestly, my dear friend, you are right - you should stay away, coz you are too close to Russia and we feel a bit nervous, we are getting damn angry and counter aggressive if somebody begins messing in front of us. LOL just letting you know that it is to much of you around this days ... messing and playing stupid political and psychological media games in the regions that are not in any relations to you on the other side of globe, my dear friend :-)

Nothing personal, just letting you know

Go to the world debt clock () and look at china and russia compared to the US and all of our allies.

China and Russia have some pretty solid balance sheets. Us and our allies are all on the verge of economic disaster.

We're going to need some sound governance and money or a world war pretty soon to sort this all out.

Brit Marketing Team Weapons Director- "Ok guys - stage 1 completed - now begin stage 2 - hopefully Syria can buy off us'

Brit Marketing Team Weapons Simpleton- "Sir, I think we left our Americans cut in the share and what about China or France - we need to figure this out"

Brit Marketing Team Weapons Director- "Don't worry we already got a stall tactic on that...Americans too busy with their 50 million year internal squabbling about the next president...and if they find out we just say opps cheques in the mail...sorry. Screw China or France...what they ever do for us...we will scare them and threaten to run a tabloid against them...but we will help them out in the olympics as gesture of goodwill"

Anyone stopping the supply of weapons to the rebels? Is that not also a violation of UN sanctions? Is that not an escalation of tensions?

"That contrasts with what the United States is doing with the opposition, which is providing arms to the Syrian opposition which are being used against the Syrian government," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.

Posted on the UK's Independent news on June 13, 2012:

Rebel fighters from the Free Syrian Army (FSA) have received weapons from the two Gulf countries, which were transported into Syria via Turkey with the implicit support of the country's intelligence agency, MIT, according to a Western diplomat in Ankara.

...

"The Turkish government helped us to be armed," said one member of the FSA living in the Turkey-Syria border area. He claimed that the weapons had arrived at a Turkish port via ship and were then driven to the border without interference from Turkish authorities.

Isn't Turkey a NATO ally?

Picture is worth a thousand words, but where do I start.

My Dear Friend Alexander, you russian pride has affected your ability to think. In an armed conflict, our forces would roll over you and barely notice the bump You T-72, .... it really showed us how you stack up in comparison.

Have a Great Day

Well the article says, "European Union arms embargo outlaws the "transfer or export" of arms and any related "brokering" services such as insurance to Syria by EU members, including Britain." The way I read this is that insuring might amount to related "brokering", and if so the insurance company had no choice.

I think we should just mind our own damn business.

Ponderthis,after ten years and the US has not rolled over two third world countries and that is after using illegal weapons,huh.

The article is not entirely correct when it states:

Mediterranean: Russian navy's only permanent warm-water port outside the former Soviet Union?

Russia still has the Black Sea Fleet which is based in various harbors of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. This would seem the more logical route to take since the Black Sea empties into the Mediterranean and is a much quicker and safer route.

The Black Sea connects to the Mediterranean via The Bosphorus (also called the Istanbul Strait) and the Dardinelles.

@ Ponderthis1

T-72's??? LMAO! With respect, this is NOT the main Russian battle tank nor even close to what Russia uses today. (T-90S ) IF you had the chance to experience 'first hand' what the Russians DO have... you would tone the rhetoric down a notch; maybe!?!

@ Eric-420884

Russia out of Syria... how about the U.S. out of Guantanamo Bay? Out of Kosovo?

And you would doubtless be the first to cry about it.

not like they don't need those~ to...protect themselves from psychos and @!$%#s

Are you talking about the Zionist regime in NYC?

"Defense" helicopters? Are you an idiot? Rhetorical, no need to answer.

"Attack" is not some political term, it defines the type of helicopter (vs. cargo vs. troop transport, etc...).

Israel has God given right to DEFEND itself. I understand what you are saying about ATTACK vs DEFEND, but please remember the Israel was promised by God that they will be and are the chosen ones and hence all of their fights would entail to defending themselves.

As a christian it is your religious, moral and patriotic duty to help YIsrael in any way, any means and at any length possible.

What God? God died.

not for everyone, that is your freedom in the country and everyone elses to believe what you want right or wrong.

J.P. the term Attack Helicopter is accurate as the Mi 25 is specifically designated as an "Attack Helicopter". The AH-64 Apache is also an "Attack Helicopter" and would, should be designated as an "Attack Helicopter". But just because a helicopter is being shipped to Israel doesn't make it an "Attack Helicopter" or the same for Syria. P.S. as far as I've been able to ascertain there is a "Defender" Helicopter, which is a branding term where the name is a trade name, the actual intended use is as a light attack helicopter. Now if you load up a ship with a few of them you could then actually say " a shipment of Defender Helicopters".

Hey Johnny in Battle Creek,

Just because the green back is having problems these days, doesn't mean it's dead.

As a christian it is your religious, moral and patriotic duty to help YIsrael in any way, any means and at any length possible.

I always hated this umbrella term.

Baptists are not the same as Catholics or Pentecostals or 7th day Adventists or Lutherans. These are all "Christian" religions yet they are all different.

Zionist regime? STFU you miserable antisemitic nazi pr1ck.

Its not even new helicoptors, Syria was just having them repaired.

"The Soviet-era helicopters onboard MV Alaed were returning to Syria after being sent to their Russian manufacturer, Mil, for servicing and repairs, the Telegraph reported."

First of all, it's very unlikely JP is a Christian (Arabs like words like Zionist), and second, why should Christians be obligated to defend Jews? Once Christ extended his ministry to non-Jews, they ceased being God's chosen people (assuming you believe all this rubbish to begin with).

NavySeal-3421972,

If you're Christian, then why would you support the promised land? God promised it to the Jews, a group of people who do not accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

Well, the best defense is a good offense?

:p

Anyways, like one of the posters said above me, "Attack" isn't a political term, jeez.

NavySeal

Could you take your religious posturing and move in with the jihadists and the zionists. Turn down the lights, and the rhetoric and order a pizza.

The rest of us take it from here. The religious bravado is making the carpet soggy....

Butch: Christians were Jews first and Christians believe in the Jewish Old Testament. The Christian bible contains both the New and Old Testament.

America has attack helicopters, and there's no such thing as a peace helicopter. If you want to stop Russia's version, you could use the same ground to air missile that we gave to Afghanistan to shoot them down. To the best of my knowledge all Muslim's hold Jesus as a venerated person, but not as the Son of God. If you want to understand how most Muslims view their religion, read the Koran. While your at it, also read The Book of Mormon, so you'll better understand Mitt Romneys religion. Then pick up Sun Tsu's The Art of War, to better understand how to fight a war, or to stay out of ones you're unlikely to win. Start reading, and quit relying on what your chosen news channels tell you. Try to realise that liberal, and conservative news systems are trying to lead you down a path you probably should avoid.

Mark O Pierce,

Good point! As mama always said, a book a day will keep the a$$holes away!!

God help us.

Israel has God given right to DEFEND itself. I understand what you are saying about ATTACK vs DEFEND, but please remember the Israel was promised by God that they will be and are the chosen ones and hence all of their fights would entail to defending themselves.

As a christian it is your religious, moral and patriotic duty to help YIsrael in any way, any means and at any length possible.

And if someone doesn't believe in your imaginary so-called god? Then all that's left is an entire population being persecuted and kept in an open-air prison.

This is the main problem with religion: that they think that piety is a sufficient substitute for morality. That it's OK to commit immoral acts, so long as their god approves. We see it in droves in Muslims, who go around beheading people because their so-called god told them that it was the pious thing to do, morality be damned, and we see it in Christians who have no problem with the abuse of the Palestinian people, since their so-called god told them that the Israelis have a right to do whatever they want.

Both Christians and Muslims have been very nasty to each other, and as soon as we are all rid of these mental diseases, we will be better off.

The sheep of America and the GOP think Iran is the problem, yeah a problem for Israel, not America. Israel has 4+ nukes, given to them by Uncle Sam, Iran may have 1.. Who is a bigger threat? ISRAEL is the bigger threat. Iran only wants to defend itself against the Zionist Isolationist nation Israel.

The real problem lies with Russia (5000+ nukes) and China (300-500 Million person Army).. The GOP are ignoring these 2 nations that will cripple America with 1 blow if we aren't careful. We can't defeat an archaic enemy in Afghanistan and Iraq, how in the hell could we fend off China or Russia who have advanced weaponry and no care in the world? We can't win without the use of a nuke. We remain the only nation to use 2 Atomic weapons. Do we want to use nuclear devices next?

The GOP are walking us down a path of war again. Something Bush did during the run-up to his inauguration in 2001. Can America afford the GOP and their holy wars with Iran, Russia, China, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria and now maybe Libya and Egypt.

Mittens and the GOP don't give a rats ass about this nation. Their sole goal is holy war with Islam to protect Israel at all costs. The GOP have proven time and time again that Americas homeland is last on their agendas. They keep funneling monies to foreign nations to keep up the shadow wars across this globe. The GOP are cutting funding from every other program except Defense and adding to the budget every chance they get.

The GOP will bring war to Americas shores via the foreign enemy for the first time since the 1800's . We can't afford the GOP or Gods Only People party to have the reigns of this nation again. Unemployment under Mittens will jump to 10% by the end of year 1. War will ensue both with religious people here at home and abroad as well as with the military. Mittens will install martial law and run the Mormon Crutch from inside the WH. IF Mittens is elected he will also be the Mormon Crutches President from day 1..

I was under the impression that Judaism was the basis of Islam as well as Christianity? Mohamed borrowed Judaism as the basis of his teachings, he also incorporated allot of the new testament, he taught the good and made up a bunch of bad like pedophilia, killing, wife beating etc, every thing he taught that was good he counter measured with equal evil, their seems to be allot of controversy in that religion. but then wasn't it the Pope that altered the Christan religion and instilled a degree of fear and hatred in the dark ages, there was nothing like a good burning on the stake to wake people up to the power of the Pope, so religion split and now you have diversity in the Christan religion, you also have diversity in Islam and in Judaism, people cant leave anything pure they have to alter it to suite their ambitions, Religion is not the evil here its how man manipulates it for ambitious reasons or to suet his needs. as for Syria everyone should just back off supplying them with weapons will only make it worse, the last thing the middle east needs is more weaponry to use against whatever their ambitious leaders choose, if you arm them you will find yourself in a position where you will have to disarm them in the future thus creating a endless cycle of death and destruction. the end of times as we know it is rapidly approaching and we are all to blame. don't get caught with your pants down. and don't put things in your mouth that don't belong there. you know words thoughts deeds and things. the world is falling into kayos, even the very fabric of time itself is degenerating, its time to think about it. if Damascus falls then there'sproof of Revelations but it will be to late to conform the die is cast, hell on earth will follow, and only man is to blame. The word of God is that he will allow man to bring the world to the brink of destruction meaning to the very edge before he will intervene in our affairs, in order to prove that we just cant handle it. man has always lived with death and destruction and it has always been mans doing even when it was done in Gods name it was mans doing. remember God is not subject to time he knows the future, he gave us warning.

Dbuck.. Sorry Religions are the problem. They segregate, divide and conquer their masses with manipulation and deceit. Until the year Zero, wars were over territory, not religion. Religions were created by man, and man is extremely flawed, which makes religions also extremely flawed.

Religions preach acceptance, tolerance and love. When in fact they practice intolerance, denial of others not the same and they practice hate on the same who won't kowtow to their way of thinking, behaving and beLIEving. Religions, if truly loving and accepting of others, would embrace the other world religions, yet they are warring with each other.

The GOP of this nation are on a new crusade to destroy those who won't beLIEve in their LIES!

travelinphtoog, thanks for the laugh, yes, jesus was the 1st religion ever and there were no wars before that, people arm wrestled for territory then.

your hatred and intolerance of people's religious beliefs obviously runs deep, maybe you should get help.

photog, missed your other rant. you do realize that dems control the senate and have the white house. not sure how you think the gop can "beat war drums" (it's cute when libs try to be clever) when they're only the majority in the house and will not win the prez this election.

Navy Seal,I know that you are kidding,joking,no one can be that brain washed.

oh yes, it is cute and amusing to see pseudo intellectual hollow liberal popinjays bleat on in an effort to reassure themselves that the indeed "occupy" the moral and intellectual high ground. It has the same sound as a lactose intolerant person waking up after a late meal and three glasses of milk.

The arrogance, the hypocrisy it's just fascinating to watch it all happen.

@ Travilinfotog, Not only do you have O comprehension you don't even try, it must be lonely in your head when someone else isn't in there with you to direct you , you did not catch one meaning of what I posted you just went off on your usual rant, thank you for your brief comedy act. next time back up your intellectual response with some intelligence. the key in everything I was pointing out was MAN and all you could see was Religion, you are not even close to being capable of understanding. you my friend need mental help. try hitting the reset button.

@bobbski,

RIGHT ON!, bobbski!

The idiocy that comes from the US relationship with the zionist regime is seemingly endless.

The state attacked the USS Liberty - the lowest and deepest form of treachery - yet there are those that claim the unrepentent zionist regime is our "friend" and "share our principles". Ye gad!

Yet we supply weapons to this regime even as they claim "defense" when commiting numerous invasions of their neighbors. Claim "defense" as they steal territory. Claim "defense" as they murder. Claim "defense" as they oppress.

It thus comes as no surprise to me and most others when zionist appologists use the term "defense" even in the context of helicopters.

RIGHT ON!, bobbski!

OK J.P. History lesson for you. The USS Liberty was an intelligence gathering ship ( spy ship ). In 1967 Israel was attacked by Egypt, Syria, and Jordan. Israel was being hit by all sides, their enemies everywhere...in waltzed the USS Liberty. Israel radioed this ship asking who they were. The USS Liberty was a spy ship and were under orders to maintain radio silence, ....so, with enemies everywhere do you think Israel was going to sit still? If the USS Liberty stayed away or even identified itself then there would have been no attack. I think any nation would have done the same in that situation. But you can't comprehend that....you hate Israel and no amount of proof will convince you otherwise. To me you're nothing but a nazi pig!

We can't defeat an archaic enemy in Afghanistan and Iraq, how in the hell could we fend off China or Russia who have advanced weaponry and no care in the world? We can't win without the use of a nuke. We remain the only nation to use 2 Atomic weapons. Do we want to use nuclear devices next?

You're a fool if you believe that we "can't defeat an archaic enemy in Afghanistan and Iraq". We could have easily wiped out every single combatant in the Middle East within the first year or two if we didn't care about not killing civilians.

There is no single standing army in the entire world that can fight against the United States Military, it would take a combined effort of most of the first world countries to do so.

Guerrilla tactics are incredibly effective; however, because we have an image to maintain. If we, the American people, did not care about killing children or non-combatants, or about making sure the countries didn't descend into absolute chaos when we were done, we wouldn't even be talking about a war right now.

How does one fight an enemy that hides in civilian clothing and isn't afraid to make use of children without slowly weeding them out for years? If you have a better way to deal with that, please feel free to share it with the rest of us.

Also, China and Russia are only a problem if they use Nuclear weapons, and then, everyone dies, not just the people in the United States.

Cause for world alarm? I don't think so. My thought is what is going on elsewhere while Syria distracts us?

Just think how effective Romney would be in this situation.

Unable to decide which choice - flip or flop - he would choose.

Since he has the Bush advisers I guess both would be WAR!!! Its the ONLY solution they know.

Yeah, like Obama is a peacenik...he seems to be just as warlike as the Republicans to me.

Ron,

You have to admit that Obama is a finisher and not a starter. Nevertheless, had it not been for ...., there would be no need for finishing.

Wagonmaster,

Actually, I do not agree that "Obama is a finisher and not a starter". He is following Bush's plan to end Iraq, but he increased our commitments in Afghanistan and Pakistan, got us into Libya and Yemen (and possibly other African nations), and I think there is a 50/50 chance he gets us into Syria as well.

Actually...President Obama has limited choice in pulling out troops from Iraq. He can involve the Iraqi government on another pullout time table which we don't know how it will end up. We invaded their country on the first place, who knows what other demands they might ask from USA before we leave.

The Bush era troop withdrawal time table is in place and agreed upon, that is the quick and sure way of getting US troops out of Iraq. What I don't understand is the need to stay longer in Afghanistan. We got Bin Laden, the Afghan people do not seem to want to change ways, let them be and leave. Pakistan is another issue, we need to cut back on the billions of aid we give them. The USA do not get their money's worth and look what they did, they imprisoned the doctor who collaborated with our intelligence group to locate Bin Laden. I would welcome that doctor into the USA more than that blind chinese dissident who bullied his way into the USA.

RedBlue,

Good points! I really don't understand why we think we can change the Afghan culture. If China successfully invaded the US, does anyone think we would be ok with changing out culture to what China thought was "correct"?

@ Ron.. China & Russia are the biggest threats to America. China owns $1.4 Trillion of our debt. We can't pay our bills now. War with Iran will make things harder for America.. China & Russia love Iranian oil and I doubt they would like a war that involves America and Iran. The oil supply would choked off, not to mention gas prices would double or triple up to $8-$12/gallon on an invasion.

Mittens, Newton & Ricky Booby just threatened war while on the campaign trail and what happened? Gas run upwards of $4.50-$5.00 depending on where you lived.. Thats just talk, and "Talk Is Cheap!" Now imagine an actual war. Russia & China will defend Iran, have already made their intentions clear, they both have UN Veto powers and have used them to block Uncle Sams attempts at harsher sanctions.. SO...

War with Iran, China, Russia and many others will cripple America.. Not to mention super high unemployment, maybe 10-12% by the end of year 1 of a Mittens Presidency..

@ RedBlue.. Why are we staying in Afghanistan? Israels protection.. Plain and Simple.. We are to protect them at all costs. When in fact it is Israel that is the threat to Middle-East peace. They are antagonists and they have 4+ Nukes given to them by good ol U.S. of A. .. Iran may have 1.. 4:1 yeah a fair fight and the 1 is always the biggest threat. LOL We can't defeat the archaic enemy in Afghanistan how can stand up to advanced nations like Russia and China??

travelinfotog,

For the reasons you listed and a variety of others, I think there is almost 0% chance Romney or Obama would actually go to war with Iran. Providing cover for Israel for a very limited pre-emptive strike is possible, but only if the action is very limited and they can have evidence to justify their action.

Also, China and Russia have plenty of reasons to avoid war with the US. The likely result of another world war would be millions (billions?) of lives lost and all of our economies in the tank for decades. However, since we have the strongest military, Russia and China would probably lose and wind up in far worse shape than they are in today.

Close but a wee bit more complicated than that. "Defense contractors" - yes; but also the oil companies and the banks. "Banks?", you say. Yes, banks; have to protect the petrodollar. And then there is the zionist lobby, that is a big part of the mix also.

Dang, JP--I was with ya right up until "zionist lobby"--you guys sure get up early, dontcha?

Perhaps he Russians have a point. No one know who they want to win this war. Until they decide that perhaps they should wait to remove Assad and crate a vacuum.

How about our deadbeat government that refuses to meet contractual obligations. For that matter, how about the private sector that refuses to meet contractual obligations. You lie, then you lie to prevent your lies from being discovered. It's a downward spiral.

If you make a promise, live up to it.

Get a damn clue, moron. The Secretary of State executes FOREIGN policy.

Perhaps we care because what happens in the volative middle east affects our country? We can no longer sit smugly between two oceans and feel invulnerable (if, indeed, we ever could).

We care about Syria because it is the front line of the renewed Cold War, which is "heating up". We are using the "Arab Spring" to contain a Russian resurgence. Tartus has always been a Soviet/Russian friendly port , and they were scheduled to expand their presence there in 2012. If we could remove Assad, who is pro-Russia, we would be able to halt their expansion.

Ah Tired of... the thing is Secretery of State is the one responsible for dealing with the World. And Syria is in a critical part of the World, so she would not be doing her job if she just sat on her hands.

Um.... That's the Secretary of State's job. The SofS has no role in internal matters, only foreign stuff.

TIRED OF THE B.S.,

I feel you about taking care of our own, but the Secretary of State's job is over foreign policy, not domestic affairs.

Bahahaha!

"Zionist Lobby." Dear god, J.P.

@Momcat

He doesn't have time to sleep. He's too worried about the Zionist Lobby taking over. ROFL

if you are neutral...shouldn't you be off...standing somewheres?

...not trying to affect things in peoples heads this way?

you are actually acting as a pro assad force of reason at the moment

Well said dominican, but then, you are acting as pro rebel force of reason. Guess it balances out.

A small point, but Russia is not shipping new helicopters to Syria. The ship was carrying Russian-made Syrian helicopters that had ben undergoing maintenance and repairs in Russia, and are now being returned to Syria

Robert: Russian made products are always in need of repair. With any luck, Syria may decide not to buy Russian products any more.

Are you too stupid to understand that some leaders can walk AND chew bubblegum at the same time?

You didn't vote for Bush did you? His oversees spending, remember?

Hey, it's the Pacific era. Europe appears to be tapped out. The Pacific rim is ripe for exploitation, and appears to be where the money is. Good choice President Obama and Leon.

Loong,

"somewhere in the Pacific"???

If you can't even identify what the threat area is and if you don't understand that China / N. Korea are the emerging threat........... then why make an uninformed comment and look foolish?

I i i a W f t N G A F a t w o y f p h b i a A

This just goes to prove that there are more ways to intervene in international situations than dropping bombs, sending cruise missiles and putting boots on the ground. This administration is doing a very good job of coordinating non-military action behind the scenes to affect the outcome of a number of global issues. Iran is feeling the effects of sanctions on its oil sales and financial services, Myanmar is opening up to the world, N. Korea is being further marginalized and in Syria (clearly again coordinating with Europe) arms are being denied to the Syrian regime.

This is a slow and admittedly less glitzy process, but then again, no American service members have been killed in combat in Iran, N. Korea, Syria, Libya or Myanmar.

I know, right!?

Wow, war by insurance policy. Who would have thought to predict this heinous and inhuman action from the insurance industry. What's this world coming to? Give war a chance!

no American service members have been killed in combat in Iran, N. Korea, Syria, Libya or Myanmar.

Aside from the Korean War?

It is ironic, isn't it? I can almost see behind the curtain.

I love it! Bean counters to the rescue!!!

@Anita; I was waiting for someone to try and give the credit to Mr O, I doubt he had a damn thing to do with it, he probably learned about it the same way you did, but from experience I know he will use this to his benefit and claim credit, do you work for him ? how much does he pay you? is it tax payer money or campaign funds ? you know its not over yet maybe you should wait till its over before handing out the brownie buttons.

Yes you can. Of course it won't do any good.

you can tell him but his/her response will be to drink more.Putin ant done yet, you tell him something and he will respond negatively just to prove you wrong. he is a narcissist and a sociopath a hard line Marxist socialist and old regime loyalist just look at how he took control of Russia, but don't worry after the US elections Mr O has promised to be more flexible with him so as long as his patience will allow it their wont be to serious of a problem between those two, least ways till Mr O lies to him, there's a possibility that Mr O wont do that not to Putin a fellow socialist.

ohh, in that case, our "Dear friend" Alexander will continue with his insane pro-russia rants and finally end up with a perforated liver...

Your screen name sounds kind of scientific. My theory is we should be developing a way to harness the energy of cow farts (and maybe those emanating from Capitol Hill) to replace fossil fuels--and convert the engines of all motor vehicles, passenger and commercial, for the "new fuel" any chance of that? We sure wouldn't need any more oil from the Middle East then.

Methane extraction devices attached the butts of a million cattle, now that I would like to see. Our dependence on oil and coal does not seem to have an end in sight. By the way the name means "under the sound"

I think they already have that device. It's called a "Cattle-itic" Converter!

Save gas...fart in a jar !

The final minutes of a giant game of RISK. We are getting weaker, while our competition grows stronger. We have two choices...let it happen and go out in a whimper, or make one desperate push to try and take the board. With our CIA assets...uh, I mean not-for-profit organizations...placed in the Med, we may have a shot.

No so fast! The Key is the Mediterranean. Now more than ever whoever controls the Mediterranean

controls the world. For the first time Russia has bridgeheads in the Mediterranean---here, here, and here

If the Med was their's, we'd all be speaking Russian. But to your point, attention is needed at home

he end of Jerusalem 70 CE was the economy.

You all must have the brains of a potato chip. Are you all so stupid as to think the US is not doing the same thing? Of course you are all the kind of drooling idiots that are taking this country into the toilet. People in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

If you take a minute and look at history you will see that we did the same thing and continue to do the same things. Here is a brief list:

Iran-Contra

Arming the Mujahideen in Afghanistan when they were fighting the Russians - Who actually had a better reason for being there than we do - look at a map and you will see that Afghanistan bordered the former USSR

The drone strikes in Ymen currently going one.

And so it goes

And you believe that?....who said they were syrian, and where did syria get them from in the first place?...flush out your head gear "talk to the hand"....

Coyote,

RE: who said they were syrian

As Stated In The Article (and also in Ohio local papers recently):

"The Soviet-era helicopters onboard MV Alaed were returning to Syria after being sent to their Russian manufacturer, Mil, for servicing and repairs, the Telegraph reported."

Besides wtf cares if they are new, used, refurbished, rebuilt, repaired, or reconditioned anyway. Its not a good idea for them to have those toys right now unless they are REcycled into Soda Pop Cans!

Talk,

And when and how did they get to Russia for refurbishing?

Regardless of whether Syrian or Russian, guaranteed they aren't shiny. Perhaps a few scrapes and dings from the mujahideen perhaps??!! I don't think the Hind has changed much even from the Chechnya days. I can't believe the russkies would be send off their new stuff to be shot down and analyzed in depth by the west.

What you said is true. The only thing I might add is that Putin can throw a stone through Azerbajjhan and hit Iran, Irag, Syria, and Afghanistan from his borders, whereas we're a bit further away. Not that what they're doing is right--I'm just saying that could be part of the reason for the paranoid reactions coming from Moscow.

well, you or your NATO, did nothing to help the country beside the continuous talks for military intervention.

At least Russia is helping to protect Syria from your intervention, while you are not interesting in peace in that country at all, honestly speaking ...

Your reaction is paranoid as it usually to "lets bomb them and make a new democracy" country. You already can take the responsibility for those 200 thousands of Irakies killed ... couldn't you? or those in Belgrad ? ...

A.Kind, put down the crack pipe. You sound like a nut case, rather humorous however!

Just look at "poohtins" posture, he's slumping and looking down, reminds me of my kid when he's trying to explain where he was till 1 a.m...poohtins a lying scum bag...what would you expect from the "former" KGB headjob.

At least Russia is helping to protect Syria from your intervention, while you are not interesting in peace in that country at all, honestly speaking ...

I'm sure that the Syrian citizens slaughtered by their government appreciate that.

Alexander,

RE: "Your reaction is paranoid as it usually to "lets bomb them and make a new democracy" country. You already can take the responsibility for those 200 thousands of Irakies killed ... couldn't you? or those in Belgrad."

Afghanistan(how'd that workout for ya, huh???) 79-89 , Chechnya, Georgia, Tajikistan.....I bet that I can name a few more. Point is while I (most Americans I hope) do care about innocent lives being lost don't take the Moral High ground considering the Soviet Union and Russia's History and Track Record.

BTW- I'm sure Charlie Wilson and the gang say HI

A. Kind,

Wonder what you think of all the car bombs going off and killing innocents during their religious holiday?!!  How about the Chechnyans whacked by the Russkies in 2 wars. I guess that doesn't count - eh??

Take a look at the operational history of the MI-24 (Hind) and see about the "peaceful" russkies,

I agree and Putin will do anything to stay in power, when his term runs out he simply changes his title(President->PM).

Shogun do you also condem the US for their actions in the middle east and Africa?

Racer do you condemn Al-qaida's attack on the U.S? The U.S is the primary country promoting human rights and freedom around the globe. Any country that deprives it's people of freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of religion, freedom of fair elections etc., is in my view a rouge state, that includes Russia.

I have read somewhere that if you use your personal car in England to rob a bank, it is a crime because your car is not insured for business.

They're using insurance terminology. Every industry has its own lingo.

Thx

Dream on.....Putin will never cave in to the novice Obama....Putin OWNS Obama. Medvedev has already delivered Obamas' "whispered" promise to give Putin all he wants after Obama LOSES the election in November. It is a Win-Win situation for Putin. Obama Lose-Lose. Thanks, Loser.

Optimist.....KGB rule number 1...let the opposition think they have us buffaloed...the only thing nobama could cave would be himself to the whitehouse bulldog...michelle.

The KGB was as effective as the CIA in the 60s:)

Seems like this country would have to start all over again with the novice Romney.

Bill...last time I looked the U.S. didn't carry much weight in the UN. To be quite honest, it is more likely that the U.S. could someday lose their seat on the "Security" Council. Big deal...The UN is a useless POS Socialist Leaning organization lining their own individual pockets while tyring to sound and appear to be important. IMPOTENT is more descriptive of the UN.

Um, you can't do that because she would use her veto power to overrule the vote. Besides, why are we in the UN?

Need to get the UN out of the US. Transplant it in Iceland or Russia or China and let them pay for it's security and upkeep. Out damn spot!!!

Kick out the thuggish USraelis as it is the "legal" means by which the US subverts and disarms other countries.

Than I am Against you, would I personally addressed to You, Siiiir. LOL

The US should get out of the UN its just a drain on our economy, it never accomplishes a damn thing and it will soon start to control us and undermine our constitution, its a socialist tool for the new world order, a method of exchanging wealth its a very bad institution from the top down subtle and undermining the people, robing the wealthier nations and not being of any real help when it comes to disasters, famine, war, etc as long as Africans always run the organization ship it to Africa, cancel Americas membership and continue as tho they don't exist, in my mind they should not exist, they are a joke. aside of adopting a set of laws to run the world that have authority over our constitution they are planing on taxing every nation and our present administration is very involved with them and 4 more years will do the job stop them now before its to late. America as its own nation will cease to exist we will be under the UN Mandates not the constitution. don't forget Barry and Hillery are working emensley hard on this union, of the UN mandates over the US constitution. sorry but true.

greg,

Are you referring to G. Bush as a "minion"? Do you consider Pres. Bush actions ""winning another war for the Islamic fundamentalist"? If not, are you just here to be a partisan troll?

His Islamic buddies has offered a big reward for his head of 10 camels Heck theres Romney that would outbid them if he was for sale.

The US-UK continue to fund their gangbanger foreigner militias armed with Libyan, UAE, Saudi, Qatari weaons. The Russians need to get those weapons there to prevent a Zionist-fascist takeover by the US.

How are we paying them? Ass, gas or grass.

We are broke. We must be "paying" them with access to formerly classified technology. Ice Station Zebra Redux.

That is why there is the Space-X project. Privitization of space explorations and re-supplying the ISS.

Just last month, the first private space ship, from a US company, docked with the ISS to deliver supplies and bring back stuff. We only pay the Russians if we have payload onboard their ship.

Ask youself how mother Russia changed itself around from famine to, well, doing not so bad??

who cares?

Our insurance agencies may be considered criminal by those they have refused to pay claims to, but they are well organized.