Comments on: US “Private Contractors” in Georgia

By: Aleks

Aleks — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:32:49 +0000

A thought on the Crimea. Would the Ukraine be tempted if Russia bought it back? They could either do this by announcing energy price rises (but for you sir, 20% less over 10 years in return) or providing the locals with the cash to buy up as much land as possible? What am I talking about? The Ukranian law on property rights is as clear as mud. Bugger.

By: ivanov

ivanov — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 22:37:56 +0000

Nice photos

http://vif2ne.ru/nvk/forum/0/co/1692330.htm

US servicemen training Georgians the art of hand-made mines?

By: Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius

Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 17:42:02 +0000

Lenin argued that the main enemy was “Great Russian Chauvinism” and asserted, at least rhetorically, that small nations should have the right of self-determination all the way to secession. That’s why the Chechens supported the Bolsheviks. He also had that things about “oppressor nation nationalism” (bad) and “oppressed nation nationalism” (good).

“Why, court-appointed not-so-Russia-friendlies, of course. Who else?”

I was thinking of the large-scale ethnic murders and cleansings in Azerbaijan (Armenian refugees hacked to death in Sumgait, ethnic cleansing of city), Georgia, North Ossetia, and Chechnya.

By: Tim Newman

Tim Newman — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 16:21:49 +0000

That’s the opposite of what Lenin said.

Ah, okay.

Tim, who have actually been the perpetrators of pogroms in the fSU?

Why, court-appointed not-so-Russia-friendlies, of course. Who else?

By: Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius

Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:12:57 +0000

“A Russian warning of the dangers of small-country nationalism whilst downplaying big-country nationalism?!! Whatever next?!!”

That’s the opposite of what Lenin said. Since I’m not Russian, you can’t mean me.

Tim, who have actually been the perpetrators of pogroms in the fSU? Hacking people apart with axes, ethnic cleansing, and stuff like that? HINT: not Russians.

By: Tim Newman

Tim Newman — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 11:01:55 +0000

In my opinion, Georgia’s main problem is nationalism, all that “we are a freedom-loving mountain people with great traditions who were great once and we will be again” bullshit.

Take out “freedom-loving mountain people” and you’ve just described the prevailing opinion in Russia. All I keep hearing these days is bullshit like “we’re back” and “we’re gonna…” and “everyone will have to…”

One of my translators was telling me that Crimea rightly belongs to Russia and that Ukraine will have noticed what happened to Georgia and that unless they want the same they’d better get ready to ghand back Crimea in a few years. Worrying thing is, if Putin was stupid enough (which he most certainly isn’t) to announce a full-scale invasion of the Crimea tomorrow in order to make it part of Russia again, I think most Russians would think it was brilliant. At least half of the US opposed Bush going into Iraq, I think Russians would go along with pretty much anything right now.

Contrary to what that Lenin guy said, the worst, most putrid nationalisms are those not of the big guy, but of the little guy

A Russian warning of the dangers of small-country nationalism whilst downplaying big-country nationalism?!! Whatever next?!!

By: Tim Newman

Tim Newman — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 10:50:39 +0000

To Israel’s credit they did an investigation of this war and ruled that Olmert messed up bad.

That must have been the shortest investigation in history.

By: Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius

Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:31:02 +0000

“All I can say is that in terms of leaders since its independence, Georgia had terrible luck.”

In my opinion, Georgia’s main problem is nationalism, all that “we are a freedom-loving mountain people with great traditions who were great once and we will be again” bullshit.

Contrary to what that Lenin guy said, the worst, most putrid nationalisms are those not of the big guy, but of the little guy, or rather of the little guy with respect to his own little guys. Kind of like the Chechens, in fact, and the Ichkerian “we are the natural leaders of the North Caucasus” line.

Sort of like the kid who beats up his little sister because Dad likes her more and he hasn’t gotten his allowance.

By: Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius

Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:21:36 +0000

“If the US didn’t return the Georgian soldiers home”

Which by some odd coincidence they did when fighting was over, after hemming and hawwing for several days. Hmmm.

By: Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius

Chrisius Courtappointedrussiafriendlius — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 06:48:51 +0000

“So, I was very specific with my language.”

Damn you and your point-by-point refutations, Shedd!