The Soviet Union raped the baltic nations for a half century, in a modern colonial system of extractive industries to enrich Russia while depleting any economic autonomy within these states. Despite the fact that Putin has continued to act like a thug in diplomatic relations with these countries, these states continue to thrive and prosper as they turn to the west in a shared outlook. You have additionally failed to address my other points raised above. Uncomfortable as it may be, it isn't true the former SSR's desire a close alliance with Russia.
Wrong. There are many Russians left there and believe me, many people can speak Russian language, Russian Channel One is broadcasting across all post soviet countries, not just these 3 baltic once that you know of. The joke with Bush was to show how educated some people are. Not knowing f all about the region. The Kazakhstan had less casualties in WW2 because its located further than Russia and Latvia.
If you never knew it, Finland also was a part of Russia long time ago, so whats your point bringing these history facts? Like you never raped anyone in your history. Both hate each other, thats okay for me. Do you jnow whats war is? How the territory was gained? Maybe not, cos you had far less wars than Russia 7 USSR. Visit times website and see how "Putin has continued to act like a thug in diplomatic relations". When they digg ww2 monuments for soviet soldier noone ever will act with them in a good matter.
If you'll see my post in your thread mentioning Putin's "honor," Hitler was also named Time's Man of the Year. It isn't an honor - did you not know that? My point? You indicated the former SSR's would surely fall within the Russian orbit. The facts indicate otherwise. You have not dealt with those facts.
Hahahah - uh, yep, jealous. I really crave a climate of Russian mob murder, and brutal repression of every free thought contradictory to my government. N_F_S, it may be hard for you to accept - but there is much I admire in Russian History. One of the most amazing people and civilizations ever to grace the Earth. I simply don't count Stalinist rape, nor Putin's era of repression and retrenchment, as high points.
now point why Putin is a bad president/politician? And at the same level, please tell me was Eltsin better? If neither are good, then who was a "good" man, there has to be someone, cos "there is much you admire in Russian History", right ?
I'm confused. You say you don't want to bring in history, yet you bring in Eltsin. Which would you prefer - where the world is now, or in the past? Putin is a great dictator, in a long line of autocrats. Hitler was hell on order as well. I don't know that makes either anything more than an accomplished thug.
Sure thing, I prefer the world now. Or do you want me to state and compare the economics, investments, bank situation, depts, then and now? You can research yourself.
I'm glad your world has improved. As I have friends and family that have firsthand accounts of the dangers involved in doing business in Russia (or any of its former colonies, where the Russian mob is still quite alive and well), I sincerely wish you well. You have yet to deal with the points raised above, which responded to your statement re: former SSRs aligning with Russia.
see post 322, thats just about 3 of them. Isnt that a response? What else would you want to see as a response? Close integration isnt a strong argument ? VISa-free entrance (for some of them) isnt a strong argument ? Wanna see how many of them work in Russia and send bln of $ to their home country, making that sum almost half of a budget of their country? Low gas prices deals compared to the west, there are many things that are shared, and we have military bases in east countries just as you do all over the world. Where is your single argument?
I'm sure you missed, so I'll help with a refresher: I do not see "close integration" in the above history; quite the opposite. These are structural changes that are not insubstantial. This is how spheres of influence and alliance building are made and lost. Now, that said, it is clear that Putin is seeking to stem the tide of dissolution by making strong overtures to Russia's neighbors - particularly in central asia, and perhaps rightfully so. With China to its north, and Nato to its west, Russia finds itself in its traditional difficulty, since ancient Muscovy, of being isolated. But to say Putin is making these overtures only illustrates how far the ball is dropped since the heady days of the USSR.
oh common, the GUAM is one and only, there are many "unions" created with Russia, far more than without it. You missed Ukraine & Belarussia, how come ?
Putin has done alot of Russia and I respect him alot, it is a shame he wont be able to run another term.
he brought stability and reformed our Army that was dragged in Eltsin times, thats the main his achievement for me.
Thank you for the response. GUAM's "One and only" comprises 4 of the 15 SSRs. I consider that consequential. You also did not deal with the other two points raised.
forgive my laziness Here you go: is that enough? The CIS you mentioned was stronger in 90's, now its almost dead, new unions are replacing it: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eurasian_Economic_Community