Putin is about to unleash his ultimate weapon in the war for Ukraine.
The Knights who say Nye!
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=monty+python+-+the+people+who+say+nyet&view=detail&mid=039BB34D1B7981E2529E039BB34D1B7981E2529E&FORM=VIRE

"Nye! (Nyet)"

In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy.

In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war.

https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e

Don't worry. The whole world knows Putin had no choice of action.
I know Albanese would cry to America if China set up shop in PNG and Solomons.

Frank wrote on Feb 4^th, 2023 at 7:15pm:

In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e

I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche.

After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic. 

Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset. 

The problem with assigning blame for the invasion of Ukraine, to the West or the USA, is the fact that Europe, while part of NATO, has bent over backwards to integrate commercially with the Russian Federation. They even talked Ukraine into giving up its nuclear weapons. What more were they supposed to do, for F!@# sake?

No. This war has been sold to Russians on the idea the Americans and Nazis were coming to enslave them. Whether Putin believes this narrative or not, he has worked his way into an unassailable political position which has more in common with Nazi Germany, than the democracy which he still claims.

Russians are inherently paranoid about invasion.

They have always taught their children, in school and home, of the 'times of troubles'.

These are times when a foreign force has invaded Russia and savaged the great Russian people and the country. Then, from among their numbers, a Russian saviour and strongman, (typically a Tsar, but also a Soviet leader and, recently, Putin), rises to defeat and drive out the invaders.

This extends as far back as Russia has existed and includes stories of the horrors of the Mongol invasion from the east.

Turkish invasion too.

Belgarion wrote on Feb 4^th, 2023 at 9:24pm:

Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.

So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia?
What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014?
Nothing?
What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect.

Yep, Russia's fault.
Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs.

Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack.

Well said Capt Caveman

Albanese the Dog will do anything Dopey Joe tells him to do.
Hope every one of those Bushmasters that Australia sent, get blown to bits like a waste of Australian tax-payer's money.

Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6^th, 2023 at 1:30pm:

Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack.

What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::)

Then its Two Wrongs not making a Right Belgarion.
The Yanks are just as much at fault as the Russians then.
Wars usually start like that.

...and how many times does the world have to put up with the USA's selfish bulls*hit wars of lies and self gain?

Putin is a coward and loser.

Postmodern Trendoid III wrote on Feb 6^th, 2023 at 10:06pm:

Putin is a coward and loser.

Are you sure he's not Ras-putin?

Belgarion wrote on Feb 6^th, 2023 at 3:18pm:

Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack. What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::)

You'd only parrot what the US MSM told you.

I don't think USA Political Policies and Agenda's actually reflect that of Australia's which is more Commonwealth as a whole now, more than just British and definitely more 'United Nations' in standing.

Running headlong into conflicts based on USA's machinations is not really what Australia should be getting involved with.

Thing is ..................................... NATO was clearly unprepared for any real war...... ergo ........ well .. the rest is easy...

Frank wrote on Feb 4^th, 2023 at 7:15pm:

In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e

Well said  :)

How many times has putin asked to join against the war on terror and always gets knocked back plus he wanted to join NATO again the same.

The USA has to have a bad guy that they can point the finger at lol.

The problem is the USA has been petitioning Europe to STOP buying Russian natural gas cheap as chips through a pipe line into Europe from Russia and start buying the more expensive USA supplied gas delivered by ships.

The USA could not get Europe off this trip of cheap Russian gas.

So the USA through NATO invited the Ukraine into NATO knowing full well what the outcome would be.

The USA has now managed to get Europe over to buying the more expensive USA gas....LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYaa5Zp7qBI

This is a war between corporations and the front men in the spot light are the governments.

AJAX ABSOLUTELY NAILS IT!!!!

Belgarion wrote on Feb 6^th, 2023 at 3:18pm:

Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack. What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::)

Not sure there's anything anyone can say when confronted with such stupidity.

It doesn't matter if Russia likes what their neighbours are doing.  That's for their neighbours to decide,  not Russia to dictate. Not liking what their neighbours do is not an excuse to INVADE another country. 

Hmmm.



https://m.journal-neo.org/2015/06/12/an-american-oligarch-s-dirty-tale-of-corruption/

John Smith wrote on Apr 1^st, 2023 at 2:56pm:

Belgarion wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 3:18pm: Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack. What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::) Not sure there's anything anyone can say when confronted with such stupidity. It doesn't matter if Russia likes what their neighbours are doing.  That's for their neighbours to decide,  not Russia to dictate. Not liking what their neighbours do is not an excuse to INVADE another country.

The neighbours did decide.
They voted unanimously to remain with Russia.  ;)

He called for the power sword.

Captain Caveman wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2023 at 8:33am:

John Smith wrote on Apr 1st, 2023 at 2:56pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 3:18pm: Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack. What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::) Not sure there's anything anyone can say when confronted with such stupidity. It doesn't matter if Russia likes what their neighbours are doing.  That's for their neighbours to decide,  not Russia to dictate. Not liking what their neighbours do is not an excuse to INVADE another country.  The neighbours did decide. They voted unanimously to remain with Russia.  ;)

Crap. Christ you get dumber by the day.

Ignore Smith Captain Caveman.
He's 5-dogs short of a pack Moron

John Smith wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2023 at 8:32pm:

Captain Caveman wrote on Apr 3rd, 2023 at 8:33am: John Smith wrote on Apr 1st, 2023 at 2:56pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 3:18pm: Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack. What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::) Not sure there's anything anyone can say when confronted with such stupidity. It doesn't matter if Russia likes what their neighbours are doing.  That's for their neighbours to decide,  not Russia to dictate. Not liking what their neighbours do is not an excuse to INVADE another country.  The neighbours did decide. They voted unanimously to remain with Russia.  ;) Crap. Christ you get dumber by the day.

Hmmmm.
Over 90% of people in the donbass, luhansk and donetsk went to the polls and voted in favour of remaining with russia. 93% in one area, and 91% in the other.  ;)

Jasin wrote on Apr 3^rd, 2023 at 8:39pm:

Ignore Smith Captain Caveman. He's 5-dogs short of a pack Moron

It's okay to be brainwashed by Western media.
The penny will drop one day, then they'll realise their short comings.

'Yevgeny Prigozhin said Bakhmut was now Russian "in a legal sense".' The Soviet territory of everything east of Berlin is very legal while London gets fat on Russian corrupt rubles. Alaska is really Russian, joined by the law of the sea to Ireland and Siberia. Moscow is the Third Rome of Pax Putin of the True Icons and Candles, by law.

Captain Caveman wrote on Apr 4^th, 2023 at 6:59am:

John Smith wrote on Apr 3rd, 2023 at 8:32pm: Captain Caveman wrote on Apr 3rd, 2023 at 8:33am: John Smith wrote on Apr 1st, 2023 at 2:56pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 3:18pm: Captain Caveman wrote on Feb 6th, 2023 at 1:30pm: Belgarion wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 9:24pm: Frank wrote on Feb 4th, 2023 at 7:15pm: In this essay, I argue that the Western narrative is incorrect. In crucial respects, it is the opposite of truth. The underlying cause of the war lies not in an unbridled expansionism of Mr. Putin, or in paranoid delusions of military planners in the Kremlin, but in a 30-year history of Western provocations, directed at Russia, that began during the dissolution of the Soviet Union and continued to the start of the war. These provocations placed Russia in an untenable situation, for which war seemed, to Mr. Putin and his military staff, the only workable solution. In arguing this case, I pay special attention to the United States — and subject it to particularly sharp criticism — because it has played the decisive role in shaping Western policy. In criticizing the West, it is not my aim to justify Moscow’s invasion or exonerate Russia’s leaders. I have no brief for Mr. Putin. Notwithstanding all I will say, I believe he had alternatives to war. But I do want to understand him — in the sense of seeking to rationally assess the causal sequence that led him to launch the war. https://medium.com/@benjamin.abelow/western-policies-caused-the-ukraine-crisis-and-now-risk-nuclear-war-1e402a67f44e I can see where the author is coming from, however I disagree with the conclusion that it is the fault of the US and the west in general.  Russia has a long history of paranoia about invasion from the west and Napoleon and Hitler served to confirm that in the Russian psyche. After the collapse of the USSR it was only natural that the countries that had been used as unwilling roadblocks against any western invasion would seek to distance themseves from their former occupiers. However this disturbed the Russians, and when Ukraine, a former USSR republic, did the same the paranoia went ballistic.  Nothing to do with the US and everything to do with the Russian mindset.  So the US setting up military bases in, I don't know, every country that surrounds Russia had nothing to do with the paranoia? What about Obama installing a rogue Ukraine gov in 2014? Nothing? What about NATO bombing innocent people, the same innocent people it says (in western media) that it's trying to protect. Yep, Russia's fault. Blame trump, or the abos in Alice Springs. Turn off the western media mate. It will rot your brain, worse than crack. What can I say that will have any effect on such stupidity?  ::) Not sure there's anything anyone can say when confronted with such stupidity. It doesn't matter if Russia likes what their neighbours are doing.  That's for their neighbours to decide,  not Russia to dictate. Not liking what their neighbours do is not an excuse to INVADE another country.  The neighbours did decide. They voted unanimously to remain with Russia.  ;) Crap. Christ you get dumber by the day. Hmmmm. Over 90% of people in the donbass, luhansk and donetsk went to the polls and voted in favour of remaining with russia. 93% in one area, and 91% in the other.  ;)

So if 90 of Brisbane voted to stay British that's it, the rest of Australia doesn't get a say? England is free to invade Australia? Just how stupid are you people.  If the people of donbass region want to stay with Russia they need to go through proper processes to first seek independence.  Russia doesn't get to make up crap about nazis and invade :'(

Jasin wrote on Feb 4^th, 2023 at 7:45pm:

I know Albanese would cry to America if China set up shop in PNG and Solomons.

China's shop is the south China Sea,Taiwan, slices of the Philippines and north India. In the old days, Britain seized whatever it could in Gibraltar, Malta, Cyprus, Palestine and Vladivostok a century ago. But US is not taking Ukraine and won't even let it join NATO after 8 years war against Russian occupation. Moscow lost east Europe as its colony, 'a disaster' says the emperor, and he won't let his Ukraine or Belarus go.
There is honour among thieves and Putin does much thieving.