Russia General

[surpher 1]

(The Independent) Putin’s far-right ambition: Think-tank reveals how Russian President is wooing – and funding – populist parties across Europe to gain influence in the EU

In recent weeks, the Kremlin’s targets have included France’s xenophobic Front National (FN) party, and politicians from three German parties including the neo-Nazi National Democratic Party (NPD), the Eurosceptic Alternative for Germany (AfD) and the Social Democrats (SPD).

Marine Le Pen’s Front National was recently granted a €9m (£7m) loan by a small financial institution called the First Czech-Russian Bank. The cash will be used to fund the party’s campaign for next year’s regional elections.

[Sub-Human 10]

Putin threatening Poroshenko. Very nice and kind...

http://euromaidanpress.com/2014/11/27/putin-threatened-invasion-in-phone-call-with-poroshenko-media-sources/

[surpher 1]

(Business Insider) The Russian Rouble Is Collapsing To New Record Lows

Russia's currency is tanking after OPEC declined to cut production to support oil prices on Thursday.

In early trading the rouble briefly touched a new record low of 50 roubles to the dollar, before bouncing back.

[Tonci87 163]

(Business Insider) The Russian Rouble Is Collapsing To New Record Lows

http://i.imgur.com/Hey44vn.jpg

Russia will have a hard time with the long term consequences of the sanctions. A short drop of the rouble is just a part of the missery they have brought upon themselves.

[oxmox 73]

The Oil Price is especially the reason not only the sanctions. Russia main income is about ressources Oil & Gas and it is a weak point.

NATO east expansion: Agreements between Genscher & Baker 1990

Here is a video about Foreign Ministers Genscher & Baker and agreements between both about the NATO east expansion in 1990. But like I mentioned in my last post, promises or treaties in 1990 about NATO east expansions are a myth created by the media, says Gorbatschov. But there were talks and agreements about it shown in the video.

Edited November 28, 2014 by oxmox

[vilas 477]

FREEDOM is that nations can decide if they want to nato, not Gorbachev or Putin, it is will of other nations, it is called freedom- something which pro-Russians have problem to understood, it is up to Lithuanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Georgian nations what they want

[mistyronin 1181]

The Oil Price is especially the reason not only the sanctions. Russia main income is about ressources Oil & Gas and it is a weak point.

Yup, according to different articles and studies, the oil price drop was WAY worst for Russia than the sanctions.

[x3kj 1247]

Then all Human History is wrong. Bullies bully no matter if they are strong or weak. In fact stronger bullies tend to end fast, as everyone unites against them.

In 1939 neither Germany, nor Russia ( USSR ) nor Japan were the strongest nations in the World, and they managed to bully it all.

I wouldn't call German actions bullying... more like handing out knife punches to everyone in arms reach and beyond. But as you said... they where not the strongest and failed. At a certain point the strongest always gets away with bullying. Just look at mexico recently. US rating agencies reduced rating. Mexico opens oil market to "private" companies. Rating agency raise rating...And all the "interventions" in oilrich countries "fighting for freedom". Opposition? China's not in the position to put up an economic fight. Last big opponent is currently in the vice and it gets tighter.

[oxmox 73]

FREEDOM is that nations can decide if they want to nato, not Gorbachev or Putin, it is will of other nations, it is called freedom- something which pro-Russians have problem to understood, it is up to Lithuanian, Latvian, Ukrainian, Georgian nations what they want

As long the decisions does not generate tensions, otherwise de-escalation and precaution is aswell important. You cant just decide like a bull in a china shop, you need diplomacy and this counts for everyone.

The conflict in the Ukraine is not just about freedom and democracy. It is about geostrategical influence, about power and it is about a clash of interests (sphere of interests).

Edited November 28, 2014 by oxmox

[vilas 477]

As long the decisions does not generate tensions,

than you do not understand sense of freedom and independence which first rule is "i decide what happens in my house, not my neighbor"

what tensions ? f* Russian imperialistic ambitions ego not fulfilled ? what tensions ? does tension is caused cause people from Lithuania decide about Lithuania not Putin or Ukrainians deciding about Ukraine ? and Putin's ego was hurt ?

. It is about geostrategical influence, about power and it is about a clash of interests (sphere of interests).

i know it, and thats why many here criticize Russian imperialism,

in previous decades we would be telling this about USA (Vietnam and more)

i know it is about geopolitics, cause some rich fuckers in this globe want to play 7 bilions people lives like it was their chessboard

Edited November 28, 2014 by vilas

[x3kj 1247]

f* Russian imperialistic ambitions ego not fulfilled ? what tensions ? does tension is caused cause people from Lithuania decide about Lithuania not Putin or Ukrainians deciding about Ukraine ? and Putin's ego was hurt ?

Ukrainians more like switching from russian imperialism to us imperialism. Corruption is hardly going down just because the old russian influenced government is no more. Either you cooperate or you are enemy. Unless you are so unimportant and have no ressources or important location then nobody cares about you. China will be the next evil guy. Look at Iran. Pakistan can have nuklear weapons but evil Iran not? And how dare they talking about taking the Euro as currency instead of $$$. Better put sanctions on Iran then. Explain to the americas how dangerous Iran is and that they will throw an EMP on US because that surely is a great idea for iran to provoke it and NATO.

---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 PM ----------

(The Independent) Putin’s far-right ambition: Think-tank reveals how Russian President is wooing – and funding – populist parties across Europe to gain influence in the EU

The source they mention is Bild... which is the worst Boulevard magazine in existance in Germany. Everyone knows it supports US interests. They also put great efford into making the new german party AfD (which was quite successfull for a new party in the elections) look bad/ put them on the same page as the Nazi party. That as background...

Makes me wonder if the paper came from a Moscow Think-Tank or rather a West Think-Tank.

Edited November 28, 2014 by Fennek

[Tonci87 163]

Ukrainians more like switching from russian imperialism to us imperialism. Corruption is hardly going down just because the old russian influenced government is no more. Either you cooperate or you are enemy. Unless you are so unimportant and have no ressources or important location then nobody cares about you. China will be the next evil guy. Look at Iran. Pakistan can have nuklear weapons but evil Iran not? And how dare they talking about taking the Euro as currency instead of $$$. Better put sanctions on Iran then. Explain to the americas how dangerous Iran is and that they will throw an EMP on US because that surely is a great idea for iran to provoke it and NATO.

---------- Post added at 11:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:32 PM ----------

The source they mention is Bild... which is the worst Boulevard magazine in existance in Germany. Everyone knows it supports US interests. They also put great efford into making the new german party AfD (which was quite successfull for a new party in the elections) look bad/ put them on the same page as the Nazi party. That as background...

Makes me wonder if the paper came from a Moscow Think-Tank or rather a West Think-Tank.

Hey, here is a surprise for you: The AFD is indeed a nazi party that has managed to attract people by focusing on their anti EU politics. Check the backgrounds of the leading partys members.

[surpher 1]

(BBC) How buckwheat sheds light on Russia's soul

As the rouble loses value against the US dollar and inflation increases, what do buckwheat sales say about the Russian state of mind?

Audio version here.

Edited November 29, 2014 by surpher

[Tonci87 163]

(BBC) How buckwheat sheds light on Russia's soul

Nice read.

[negah 26]

Hey, here is a surprise for you: The AFD is indeed a nazi party that has managed to attract people by focusing on their anti EU politics. Check the backgrounds of the leading partys members.

And here is the thing, any conservative party that is not CDU/CSU is automatically NAZI in Germany. No one has called Sarkozi nazi IIRC although his party is right wing.

I dont mean the NPD, they surely are nazis, but the AfD seems like another conservative party to me, right wing yes, but not outright nazi.

Its just that our politics want to hold on the two party system (CDU/CSU vs SPD) and tend to discredit any other party who becomes a threat to them.

FPD was just an extension of CDU so it has vanished, Die Linke and Die Grünen are all crazy (according to Bild) and AfD are all nazis (according to Bild again).

So if you are an honest Bürger, go vote for the CDU/CSU or if you are a damned socialist who has lost his mind, go vote for the SPD. And dont you dare to vote for someone else. At least thats what you get from our media.

Both parties are more like mirror images of each other. Thats our democracy and freedom. I do exaggerate, but just a bit.

As for the background of AfD Leaders:

Bernd Lucke was a member of CDU and Konrad Adam was an editor at FAZ (a very mainstream magazine). Not much about Frauke Petry since she wasn't really politically involved before joining the AfD.

I dont see any nazi backgrounds here (unless you call our ruling party and those who support it nazis).

Edited November 30, 2014 by negah

[ProfTournesol 956]

And here is the thing, any conservative party that is not CDU/CSU is automatically NAZI in Germany. No one has called Sarkozi nazi IIRC although his party is right wing..

Sarkozy's party (UMP) is like your CDU.

[negah 26]

Sarkozy's party (UMP) is like your CDU.

Ah just read they are center wing at Wikipedia.

I was just remembering a news report on Sarkozy here in Germany speaking of his party as right wing compared to Hollandes socialists.

That just proves however how people with little knowledge (e.g. Me) of foreign countries are easily manipulated by our media into believing something which isnt really true.

[Tonci87 163]

Or who hear what they want to hear...

[negah 26]

Or who hear what they want to hear...

Claiming AfD are a nazi party (which they aren't) and then getting personal do not make your statements any more credible.

FYI I couldn't care less if Sarkozy was left, right or center wing so your theory does not apply here.

Edited November 30, 2014 by negah

[Tonci87 163]

The AFD is populistic in the most negative way. They promise their voters all kinds of stuff while they are fully aware that they never could keep those promises if they get voted. They are also highly xenophobic. The perfect party for everyone of those "I don´t hate foreigners, but...." people

If you wish to educate yourself on the AFD have a read (german)

http://www.netz-gegen-nazis.de/artikel/was-ist-eigentlich-rechtspopulistisch-der-afd-9751

[negah 26]

I guess we should discuss in the European Politics thread.

http://forums.bistudio.com/showthread.php?39263-European-Politics-Thread/page216

[surpher 1]

(The Moscow Times) Ruble on Track for Biggest One-Day Fall Since 1998 Crisis

The ruble looked set for its steepest one-day fall since the Russian financial crisis of 1998 on Monday, plunging about 4 percent as oil prices slid below $70 a barrel and Russian assets nosedived across the board.

By 1055 GMT, the ruble was down 3.9 percent at 52.45 against the dollar and 3.8 percent lower at 65.39 against the euro, hitting fresh record lows.

(The New York Times) Russian Money Suspected Behind Fracking Protests

PUNGESTI, Romania — Vlasa Mircia, the mayor of this destitute village in eastern Romania, thought he had struck it rich when the American energy giant Chevron showed up here last year and leased a plot of land he owned for exploratory shale gas drilling.

But the encounter between big business and rural Romania quickly turned into a nightmare.

(NATO) NATO-Russia relations: the facts

Since Russia began its illegal military intervention in Ukraine, Russian officials have accused NATO of a series of provocations, threats and hostile actions stretching back over 25 years. This webpage sets out the facts.

(BBCTrending) Chechen leader sends mixed Instagram messages

Chechnya's leader has received flak for promoting Russian products and criticising the West, using an American social network.

Edited December 1, 2014 by surpher

[x3kj 1247]

So in short: Ridiculous pointing fingers at each other of both sides resumes. Russian finances in decline.

They promise their voters all kinds of stuff while they are fully aware that they never could keep those promises if they get voted

You are talking like this would be something new in election campaigns... either its generic diffuse statements or its goals they can (possibly) never reach if they dont have enough power.

[ProfTournesol 956]

Russia finally awakens, thinking it was still living under the autarkic regime of USSR, where the official Ruble quotation was fake, but now being in the modern world where you can't invade your neighbour without seing the foreign investors fleing away because of higher risks.

[surpher 1]

(BBC) Russia drops South Stream gas pipeline plan

Speaking in Ankara after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, he said Russia would look at a possible gas hub on the Turkish-Greek border.

He blamed the European Union's opposition to the South Stream plan.

(Reuters) Russia says NATO destabilizes Baltics, plans war games

Russia accused NATO on Monday of destabilizing northern Europe and the Baltics by carrying out drills there and announced new military exercises of its own, increasing tension over the Ukraine crisis.