Monday, August 18, 2008

New Europe Fleeing Russian Sphere of Influence

It seems that New Europe is finally starting the strengthen themselves against the shadow of the Russian Bear since they know the enemy far better then Old Europe does. Hell, the enemy controlled their countries for 40 years.

From Poland to Ukraine, the Czech Republic to Bulgaria, Russia's invasion of Georgia with tanks, troops, and planes is described as a test of Western resolve. The former Soviet states are vowing to thwart Russian aims – in deals with the European Union, in a missile-defense pact with the US, and in trade and diplomacy.

Polish and Baltic officials, most of whom grew up under Soviet occupation, have long chafed at being described in Western Europe as too "Russia-phobic" in their oft-repeated warnings about Moscow's intentions. But now in this gritty capital, the refrain is, "We told you so."

I just wonder that pushing back against the Russian Sphere of Influence is going to get them invaded as well. As we can see the West really aren't going to help Georgia but will they come to the aid of the Ukraine or Poland if the Russian missiles start to fall? That is open to debate I think depending on who is at the helm of the US. If Obama gets in I think the Russians have a free hand in their Empire building. Maybe not so with McCain. There is a nice conspiracy theory added into this article as well:

Most Poles will agree that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili made a serious mistake in trying to enter South Ossetia with force. But they feel it was an error that Russia seized upon in a planned operation to annex Ossetia and Abkhazia, where they say a new millionaire class in Moscow is rapidly buying up coastal property.

Why isn't the Left shouting "No Blood for Coastal Real Estate?" So this conjecture actually fills a very important "Why was Russia so ready to invade Georgia" component to the Russo-Georgian war. Russia wanted to flex their muscles to the world, expose the weakness of the West in their sphere of influence, and annex some nice real estate for their millionaire former KGB chiefs in the bargain. I guess it makes about as much sense as "Oilman Bush attacks Iraq in order to steal their oil."

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