They’re baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack…, eh Comrades? (by Corey Thompson)
By Corey Thompson, filed in Corey Thompson, General on Mar.16, 2009
“They’re baaaaaaaaaaaack…, eh Comrades?”
By: Corey Thompson, “The Thirsty Quill”
Over the weekend, an eyebrow-raising story came across the wires. It seems that Russia is quietly (or, not so quietly) negotiating a deal that would allow the former American adversary to house long-range bombers on bases in Cuba and Venezuela. It is no secret that relations between the United States and Russia have turned a little ‘cold’ (no historical pun intended) recently, and that diplomatic ties to Cuba and Venezuela are nearly nonexistent.
As one who remembers the old Soviet Union from my childhood in the early-80s, what makes this so interesting is the gradual shift of Russia away from the cordial ties established with the United States since the end of the Cold War. The reaffirmation of power by the likes of Vladimir Putin and his cronies strikes a chord that reminds me more of the ‘old order,’ instead of the era of progress since the fall of the ‘Hammer and Sickle’ from the ‘Field of Red.’
Mysterious deaths of informants and political opponents; stern talk about arms and missile defense systems; the over-extension of political power; negotiations with our known adversaries, such as Iran, along with the aforementioned Cuba and Venezuela…Let’s face some pretty sobering facts here folks. Russia is currently posturing itself for a regression to the days of old.
Now don’t get me wrong. I’m not expecting a rebuilding of the Berlin Wall, nor am I foreshadowing the return of the ghoulish specter of Communism around the globe. However, I am growing more and more concerned about what is taking place inside the den of the ‘Great Bear,’ while America has fallen into a deep slumber of preoccupation with our own domestic perils.
One need look no further than the questionable conflict that emerged last summer between Russia and her old republic of Georgia for evidence that things are indeed changing. The latest talks with the lands of Castro and Chavez should firmly plant the seeds of concern among the American people and within our government. Perhaps it is time to reevaluate our stance…and to make sure that we aren’t getting too cozy in a world not far removed from the height of the Cold War.
A Return To The Old Order?
March 16th, 2009 on 5:23 pm
Yea, it is going to be interesting to see how all this unfolds. Right now, Russia is in the hands of a bunch of ex-KGB agents who have probably been pretty restless these last couple of years. Are they looking to just flex their muscles, or is this a little Cold War-esque intimidation?
Also though, the lack of communication with Venezuela and Cuba stem from ages of American neglect, mistreatment and centuries old, deep rooted ethnocentrism. None of the current leaders in power in those countries can be at fault for allying themselves with former enemies of America. Look how America has treated them thus far.
March 16th, 2009 on 8:40 pm
Well, now Obamas talking about stopping the missile defense system over in Europe because Russia might get upset. I can certainly see that missle defense as a stop against Russia, not only against Iran. So I know why Russia gets mad. But after hearing about this whole mess in Venezuela, it really makes me want to have that defense system in Europe just in case. Maybe we need to build a few near the Gulf Coast. The part that saddens me is that we don’t have a leader who will make a strong National Security stand. I would have liked to hear something public addressing this issue because of what it could very quickly mean. But we all know he’d rather talk while everyone else makes a move because it’s more P.C.
March 17th, 2009 on 9:42 am
Didn’t you hear? Putting a flower in the gun barrel is the new cool way to solve problems!
I will agree that what little I have heard about a defense strategy from Obama sounds like “reaction” stuff instead of “pre-action”