Cold War Redux: Cold and Loud

[Ibanez]

Are we headed towards some sort of new cold war or something similar with Russia?

http://freebeacon.com/national-security ... kes-on-us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Two Russian strategic bombers conducted practice cruise missile attacks on the United States during a training mission last week that defense officials say appeared timed to the NATO summit in Wales.

The Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers were tracked flying a route across the northern Atlantic near Iceland, Greenland, and Canada’s northeast.

Analysis of the flight indicated the aircraft were conducting practice runs to a pre-determined “launch box”—an optimum point for firing nuclear-armed cruise missiles at U.S. targets, said defense officials familiar with intelligence reports.

[YoUDeeMan]

Are we headed towards some sort of new cold war or something similar with Russia?

http://freebeacon.com/national-security ... kes-on-us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Two Russian strategic bombers conducted practice cruise missile attacks on the United States during a training mission last week that defense officials say appeared timed to the NATO summit in Wales.

The Russian Tu-95 Bear bombers were tracked flying a route across the northern Atlantic near Iceland, Greenland, and Canada’s northeast.

Analysis of the flight indicated the aircraft were conducting practice runs to a pre-determined “launch box”—an optimum point for firing nuclear-armed cruise missiles at U.S. targets, said defense officials familiar with intelligence reports.

Seriously?

C'mon, man...we're constantly sending our fly boys around the world on training mission and real missions. Do we call reporters in to report those incidents, and tell them to write a story about reigniting the Cold War?

This is just another administration press release designed to get people riled up.

Why would our super duper tracking folks release this information at this specific time?

[Ibanez]

Are we headed towards some sort of new cold war or something similar with Russia?

http://freebeacon.com/national-security ... kes-on-us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Seriously?

C'mon, man...we're constantly sending our fly boys around the world on training mission and real missions. Do we call reporters in to report those incidents, and tell them to write a story about reigniting the Cold War?

This is just another administration press release designed to get people riled up.

Why would our super duper tracking folks release this information at this specific time?

No. I get all that. And I understand posturing. But anyone here that pats attention knows I'll propose a question just to start a conversation.

[CID1990]

Are we headed towards some sort of new cold war or something similar with Russia?

http://freebeacon.com/national-security ... kes-on-us/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Why would our super duper tracking folks release this information at this specific time?

The things we do we have always done. These types of flights by the Russians have not been seen since the last time they wanted to remind us that they consider us their enemy (the 1980s).

It is a new strategic posture by them and it is meant to weaken and tweak the current administration. I'd say it is noteworthy.

[GannonFan]

Why would our super duper tracking folks release this information at this specific time?

The things we do we have always done. These types of flights by the Russians have not been seen since the last time they wanted to remind us that they consider us their enemy (the 1980s).

It is a new strategic posture by them and it is meant to weaken and tweak the current administration. I'd say it is noteworthy.

I say it's noteworthy as well. To say that Russia invading neighboring countries and annexing territory isn't noteworthy is the same kind of nonchalant foreign policy that allowed it to happen in the first place. It's not a big world, this idea that we can just pull back to our shores and let the rest of the world figure it out is silly - it was silly 100 years ago when people proposed it and it's even sillier now in a world where what happens in a remote part of the world will have an impact here. Isolationism was a losing policy back when we were still using sails to power boats and is still so today. Russia has been emboldened by our apparent retreat back to our inward looking guise and until we recommitt to dealing with the rest of the world they will continue to do as they please. It would be wonderful if the rest of the world didn't really need us (well, not that wonderful economically speaking) but it does.

[ChickenMan]

Putin..like most bullies.. recognizes weakness and takes full advantage when he sees it.

[YoUDeeMan]

Why would our super duper tracking folks release this information at this specific time?

The things we do we have always done. These types of flights by the Russians have not been seen since the last time they wanted to remind us that they consider us their enemy (the 1980s).

It is a new strategic posture by them and it is meant to weaken and tweak the current administration. I'd say it is noteworthy.

But they just did it in May...well before the NATO conference in Wales. The news article's speculation regarding the timing of the flights to the NATO meeting is drawn up for OUR digestion.

If I go back, I'm confident I'd find that they've flown their bombers, or parked their naval vessels, close to our coasts several more times in the years since the 1980...and even more confident that we've done it to them far more frequently.

If our posturing isn't newsworthy, than why is the Russian posturing any more newsworthy?

[YoUDeeMan]

I say it's noteworthy as well. To say that Russia invading neighboring countries and annexing territory isn't noteworthy is the same kind of nonchalant foreign policy that allowed it to happen in the first place.

Russia has been emboldened by our apparent retreat back to our inward looking guise and until we recommitt to dealing with the rest of the world they will continue to do as they please. It would be wonderful if the rest of the world didn't really need us (well, not that wonderful economically speaking) but it does.

Huh? Inward guise?

We have invaded, and actively played a military role in disposing of country's rulers, in far more countries than Russia. Hell, they're way behind in any measurable means of foreign policy power projections.

What are most of you people thinking?

Ukraine makes a sizable chunk of Russia's military equipment...do you think Russia was just going to sit around and let that country coddle up to the West (under the leadership of a bunch of West leaning business billionaires)? That's laughable. Russia called our bluff...and now we are saying Russia is the bad guy?

Cripes, we have our foot in mouth VP openly talk about dividing up Iraq along ethnic/cultural lines...but we don't want Ukraine to be divided? We talk about freedom and allowing people to choose their leaders, but we ignore Bahrain and toss out Egypt's elected leader? We openly attempt to overthrow Assad, Russia's ally, and then expect Russia to not respond?

C'mon, gannonfan, you are losing it.

BTW, Russia went into Georgia when Bush was in power. Must have been Bush's nonchalant foreign policy that triggered that event. Or was it Bush's bravado that emboldened Georgia to start that conflict?

Funny how we support the notion of independence when it is convenient to us, but not when it is convenient to our, "enemies."

I see nothing newsworthy of Russia protecting it's strategic assets, especially when we've been so aggressive in our efforts to hem them in while exerting ourselves as the judge, jury, and executioner of all things involving world politics.

Russia isn't going to directly confront the US so long as we stay out of their immediate vicinity. If they come after Central America or Canada, call me. If not, let Europe lead the way.

Oh, it would be best if we try to accommodate the Russians a bit...as in, don't get too close to their hot buttons. China is rapidly becoming more of a problem...and if we push either of those two hard enough, they will eventually find that they can put up with each other enough to find a common cause against us. China would purchase Russia's gas in a heartbeat...and you know if the Chinese get focused, a pipeline is only a short time away from reality.

Europe should stick with the NATO countries and let Russia deal with the immediate non-NATO neighbors.

[andy7171]

I'm getting close to saying pull all the fucking way back, protect our borders HEAVILY, and prepare for catastrophe. Fuck the rest of the world. Let someone else step up or not.

[Chizzang]

Comparing Russia to the U.S. in regards to nations invaded and interfered with in the last 30 years is like comparing Justin Beiber to Led Zeppelin



Russia has a long way to go before they get my attention...
So what if they f_cking annex the sh!t countries they lost in 1991

[andy7171]

Comparing Russia to the U.S. in regards to nations invaded and interfered with in the last 30 years is like comparing Justin Beiber to Led Zeppelin



Russia has a long way to go before they get my attention...
So what if they f_cking annex the sh!t countries they lost in 1991

If the Ukrainians want to fight. Let Russia do what it wants and earn every inch of what they can. And also earn back the title of the bullies they were. Fuck this Cold War nuclear war threat repeating. My kids havent known peace ever. Fuck that nightmare apocalypse shit I grew up in. DUCK AND COVER!

[CID1990]

I say it's noteworthy as well. To say that Russia invading neighboring countries and annexing territory isn't noteworthy is the same kind of nonchalant foreign policy that allowed it to happen in the first place.

Russia has been emboldened by our apparent retreat back to our inward looking guise and until we recommitt to dealing with the rest of the world they will continue to do as they please. It would be wonderful if the rest of the world didn't really need us (well, not that wonderful economically speaking) but it does.

Huh? Inward guise?

We have invaded, and actively played a military role in disposing of country's rulers, in far more countries than Russia. Hell, they're way behind in any measurable means of foreign policy power projections.

What are most of you people thinking?

Ukraine makes a sizable chunk of Russia's military equipment...do you think Russia was just going to sit around and let that country coddle up to the West (under the leadership of a bunch of West leaning business billionaires)? That's laughable. Russia called our bluff...and now we are saying Russia is the bad guy?

Cripes, we have our foot in mouth VP openly talk about dividing up Iraq along ethnic/cultural lines...but we don't want Ukraine to be divided? We talk about freedom and allowing people to choose their leaders, but we ignore Bahrain and toss out Egypt's elected leader? We openly attempt to overthrow Assad, Russia's ally, and then expect Russia to not respond?

C'mon, gannonfan, you are losing it.

BTW, Russia went into Georgia when Bush was in power. Must have been Bush's nonchalant foreign policy that triggered that event. Or was it Bush's bravado that emboldened Georgia to start that conflict?

Funny how we support the notion of independence when it is convenient to us, but not when it is convenient to our, "enemies."

I see nothing newsworthy of Russia protecting it's strategic assets, especially when we've been so aggressive in our efforts to hem them in while exerting ourselves as the judge, jury, and executioner of all things involving world politics.

Russia isn't going to directly confront the US so long as we stay out of their immediate vicinity. If they come after Central America or Canada, call me. If not, let Europe lead the way.

Oh, it would be best if we try to accommodate the Russians a bit...as in, don't get too close to their hot buttons. China is rapidly becoming more of a problem...and if we push either of those two hard enough, they will eventually find that they can put up with each other enough to find a common cause against us. China would purchase Russia's gas in a heartbeat...and you know if the Chinese get focused, a pipeline is only a short time away from reality.

Europe should stick with the NATO countries and let Russia deal with the immediate non-NATO neighbors.

how many of those countries we invaded did we annex foreva, foreva eva, foreva eva eva?

[YoUDeeMan]

how many of those countries we invaded did we annex foreva, foreva eva, foreva eva eva?

You mean the entire United States, excluding Alaska, and the Louisiana Purchase...which happened to be annexed by another country, then we moved in and moved out the native tenets.

Face it, if we granted Guam, Puerto Rico, and the other US Territories their freedom (speaking of staying forever eva ), and then had their elected leader deposed by a Russian led crowd, and then Russia tried to set up an unelected Soviet-friendly government, we'd send in troops to squash that quickly. Hell, if Mexico or Canada started cozying up to Russia and they installed, by proxy force, an anti-US government that would also help strangle our economy, we'd make them our 51st and 52nd states.

You know we would.

Russia is going to protect their borders and their interests. So will we. Anyone remember our ventures in central America? Cuban Missile Crisis? Heck, the Shah of Iran? Hello.

Perhaps we don't stay as long as the Russians (remind me, how long were they in Afghanistan ), we simply ruin other countries the old fashioned way...by killing the opposition, installing and propping up corrupt governments, or simply ruining the local economy.

I'm not threatened at all by Russia protecting their local interests. It is what we'd do. It is what we've always done and always will.

[YoUDeeMan]

If the Ukrainians want to fight. Let Russia do what it wants and earn every inch of what they can. And also earn back the title of the bullies they were. Fuck this Cold War nuclear war threat repeating. My kids havent known peace ever. Fuck that nightmare apocalypse shit I grew up in. DUCK AND COVER![/quote]

There is no new Cold War.

Russia isn't interested in coming into our back yard unless we keep going into theirs.

It really is that simple.

Let's see if Obama plays cowboy against someone other then a third world Muslin shvt hole.

[Chizzang]

how many of those countries we invaded did we annex foreva, foreva eva, foreva eva eva?

You mean the entire United States, excluding Alaska, and the Louisiana Purchase...which happened to be annexed by another country, then we moved in and moved out the native tenets.

Face it, if we granted Guam, Puerto Rico, and the other US Territories their freedom (speaking of staying forever eva ), and then had their elected leader deposed by a Russian led crowd, and then Russia tried to set up an unelected Soviet-friendly government, we'd send in troops to squash that quickly. Hell, if Mexico or Canada started cozying up to Russia and they installed, by proxy force, an anti-US government that would also help strangle our economy, we'd make them our 51st and 52nd states.

You know we would.

Russia is going to protect their borders and their interests. So will we. Anyone remember our ventures in central America? Cuban Missile Crisis? Heck, the Shah of Iran? Hello.

Perhaps we don't stay as long as the Russians (remind me, how long were they in Afghanistan ), we simply ruin other countries the old fashioned way...by killing the opposition, installing and propping up corrupt governments, or simply ruining the local economy.

I'm not threatened at all by Russia protecting their local interests. It is what we'd do. It is what we've always done and always will.

This ^ 100 times This ^

[CID1990]

I don't feel threatened by Russia doing what they are doing in their side of the world, either. Nor I am in favor of getting involved over there.

But we aren't talking about what Russia is doing in Ukraine or Georgia. We are talking about them restarting deterrent nuclear patrols. Add to this their violations of nuke testing treaties and they are beating that drum just a little too much- what they are doing is offensive in nature and directed at the US.... not at the Ukraine or Georgia or anywhere else.

and what have we done to Russia to cause all of this? Placed toothless sanctions on Putin's oligarch buddies. We need to meet those fvcking Tu-95s with F-15s just like we used to and rattle their fvcking windows when they fly into the box, and remind them that their shitty airplanes fly at our pleasure.

[Chizzang]

I don't feel threatened by Russia doing what they are doing in their side of the world, either. Nor I am in favor of getting involved over there.

But we aren't talking about what Russia is doing in Ukraine or Georgia. We are talking about them restarting deterrent nuclear patrols. Add to this their violations of nuke testing treaties and they are beating that drum just a little too much- what they are doing is offensive in nature and directed at the US.... not at the Ukraine or Georgia or anywhere else.

and what have we done to Russia to cause all of this? Placed toothless sanctions on Putin's oligarch buddies. We need to meet those fvcking Tu-95s with F-15s just like we used to and rattle their fvcking windows when they fly into the box, and remind them that their shitty airplanes fly at our pleasure.

You do entertain

[Skjellyfetti]

These types of flights by the Russians have not been seen since the last time they wanted to remind us that they consider us their enemy (the 1980s).

They've been doing this fairly often since 2007.

[CID1990]

These types of flights by the Russians have not been seen since the last time they wanted to remind us that they consider us their enemy (the 1980s).

They've been doing this fairly often since 2007.

Not at Cold War levels, they haven't.

Go ahead and post us an irrelevant link and I'll repeat-

Not like this they haven't, and "fairly often" is incorrect if you are trying to compare these flights to Cold War levels.

[CID1990]

I don't feel threatened by Russia doing what they are doing in their side of the world, either. Nor I am in favor of getting involved over there.

But we aren't talking about what Russia is doing in Ukraine or Georgia. We are talking about them restarting deterrent nuclear patrols. Add to this their violations of nuke testing treaties and they are beating that drum just a little too much- what they are doing is offensive in nature and directed at the US.... not at the Ukraine or Georgia or anywhere else.

and what have we done to Russia to cause all of this? Placed toothless sanctions on Putin's oligarch buddies. We need to meet those fvcking Tu-95s with F-15s just like we used to and rattle their fvcking windows when they fly into the box, and remind them that their shitty airplanes fly at our pleasure.

You do entertain

Yes I'm sure I entertain you


like the apes at the zoo


But meeting them in the air is the one thing Russian trash understands, and if we don't, they will get bolder and bolder and keep pushing. And if they do that then the chances of a misunderstanding that DOES threaten you will go way up.

[YoUDeeMan]

I don't feel threatened by Russia doing what they are doing in their side of the world, either. Nor I am in favor of getting involved over there.

But we aren't talking about what Russia is doing in Ukraine or Georgia. We are talking about them restarting deterrent nuclear patrols. Add to this their violations of nuke testing treaties and they are beating that drum just a little too much- what they are doing is offensive in nature and directed at the US.... not at the Ukraine or Georgia or anywhere else.

and what have we done to Russia to cause all of this? Placed toothless sanctions on Putin's oligarch buddies. We need to meet those fvcking Tu-95s with F-15s just like we used to and rattle their fvcking windows when they fly into the box, and remind them that their shitty airplanes fly at our pleasure.

CID, you're a reasonable guy.

Think about this.

We've taken out Lybia, we're in Afghanistan and Iraq, we're trying desperately to take out Syria, we're attempting to install a pro-West government in Ukraine, after helping oust the elected government...and the list goes on.

ALL of those actions threaten Russia's strategic interests, and most of them are very close to their borders.

Russia would not be posturing if WE didn't actively get engaged in all of those areas.

Hell, you're worried about Russians sending a few planes near the US borders, when we're actively engaged in open warfare...with the sole purpose of destabilizing Russia's interests while establishing our interests.

If I were Russia, I'd step up my nuclear program and tell the US to stop crapping on my interests, especially anything close to my border, or I'd lob a few non-nuke cruise missiles into Panama while arming divisive factions in Mexico.

At this point, Russia can't face us straight up militarily, so they need to raise the stakes.

I'm not sure why we expect other people to face us simply mano-a-mano on our terms. We get angry when jihadists behead our folks (too primitive), and we ge angry when someone threatens us with nukes (too over the top). Yup, we simply want people to play by our rules. Of course, no one can, since we spend more money than everyone on weapons.

F that. I'd expect Russia to do what they are doing. And if WE push more, then I'd expect them to take it to another level. If we back off, Russia will go back to playing in what they consider their sand box.

All the while, China is watching us both.

[DSUrocks07]

I don't feel threatened by Russia doing what they are doing in their side of the world, either. Nor I am in favor of getting involved over there.

But we aren't talking about what Russia is doing in Ukraine or Georgia. We are talking about them restarting deterrent nuclear patrols. Add to this their violations of nuke testing treaties and they are beating that drum just a little too much- what they are doing is offensive in nature and directed at the US.... not at the Ukraine or Georgia or anywhere else.

and what have we done to Russia to cause all of this? Placed toothless sanctions on Putin's oligarch buddies. We need to meet those fvcking Tu-95s with F-15s just like we used to and rattle their fvcking windows when they fly into the box, and remind them that their shitty airplanes fly at our pleasure.

CID, you're a reasonable guy.

Think about this.

We've taken out Lybia, we're in Afghanistan and Iraq, we're trying desperately to take out Syria, we're attempting to install a pro-West government in Ukraine, after helping oust the elected government...and the list goes on.

ALL of those actions threaten Russia's strategic interests, and most of them are very close to their borders.

Russia would not be posturing if WE didn't actively get engaged in all of those areas.

Hell, you're worried about Russians sending a few planes near the US borders, when we're actively engaged in open warfare...with the sole purpose of destabilizing Russia's interests while establishing our interests.

If I were Russia, I'd step up my nuclear program and tell the US to stop crapping on my interests, especially anything close to my border, or I'd lob a few non-nuke cruise missiles into Panama while arming divisive factions in Mexico.

At this point, Russia can't face us straight up militarily, so they need to raise the stakes.

I'm not sure why we expect other people to face us simply mano-a-mano on our terms. We get angry when jihadists behead our folks (too primitive), and we ge angry when someone threatens us with nukes (too over the top). Yup, we simply want people to play by our rules. Of course, no one can, since we spend more money than everyone on weapons.

F that. I'd expect Russia to do what they are doing. And if WE push more, then I'd expect them to take it to another level. If we back off, Russia will go back to playing in what they consider their sand box.

All the while, China is watching us both.

Wasn't there another story recently about how the Ruskies targeted one of our spy planes that was flying near their coastline? And everyone's reaction was "I wish they would try to shoot it down", knowing damn well that if there was Russian spy planes flying near the East Coast those same people would say "Launch the F-15s!!! Shoot dat sumbitch down!!!"

Reeks of double standards, but hey, double standards are what this nation was built on.

[andy7171]

CID, you're a reasonable guy.

Think about this.

We've taken out Lybia, we're in Afghanistan and Iraq, we're trying desperately to take out Syria, we're attempting to install a pro-West government in Ukraine, after helping oust the elected government...and the list goes on.

ALL of those actions threaten Russia's strategic interests, and most of them are very close to their borders.

Russia would not be posturing if WE didn't actively get engaged in all of those areas.

Hell, you're worried about Russians sending a few planes near the US borders, when we're actively engaged in open warfare...with the sole purpose of destabilizing Russia's interests while establishing our interests.

If I were Russia, I'd step up my nuclear program and tell the US to stop crapping on my interests, especially anything close to my border, or I'd lob a few non-nuke cruise missiles into Panama while arming divisive factions in Mexico.

At this point, Russia can't face us straight up militarily, so they need to raise the stakes.

I'm not sure why we expect other people to face us simply mano-a-mano on our terms. We get angry when jihadists behead our folks (too primitive), and we ge angry when someone threatens us with nukes (too over the top). Yup, we simply want people to play by our rules. Of course, no one can, since we spend more money than everyone on weapons.

F that. I'd expect Russia to do what they are doing. And if WE push more, then I'd expect them to take it to another level. If we back off, Russia will go back to playing in what they consider their sand box.

All the while, China is watching us both.

Wasn't there another story recently about how the Ruskies targeted one of our spy planes that was flying near their coastline? And everyone's reaction was "I wish they would try to shoot it down", knowing damn well that if there was Russian spy planes flying near the East Coast those same people would say "Launch the F-15s!!! Shoot dat sumbitch down!!!"

Reeks of double standards, but hey, double standards are what this nation was built on.

China barrel rolled our spy plane last month. While firing another high speed middle.

We are getting walked all over across the globe.

[CAA Flagship]

Wasn't there another story recently about how the Ruskies targeted one of our spy planes that was flying near their coastline? And everyone's reaction was "I wish they would try to shoot it down", knowing damn well that if there was Russian spy planes flying near the East Coast those same people would say "Launch the F-15s!!! Shoot dat sumbitch down!!!"

Reeks of double standards, but hey, double standards are what this nation was built on.

China barrel rolled our spy plane last month. While firing another high speed middle.

We are getting walked all over across the globe.

[Skjellyfetti]

They've been doing this fairly often since 2007.

Not at Cold War levels, they haven't.

Go ahead and post us an irrelevant link and I'll repeat-

Not like this they haven't, and "fairly often" is incorrect if you are trying to compare these flights to Cold War levels.

What are you talking about with "at Cold War levels" - frequency?