Russian 'Threat': Every Time Pentagon Needs More Money a 'Bad Guy' Appears
© AFP 2016/ RAIGO PAJULA
Politics
18:37 09.02.2016Get short URL
121712180
Nothing hinted at any trouble in July 2015, when Financial Times finally admitted that the Kremlin is obviously not planning to rebuild the Russian or Soviet Empire in "a literal sense" anytime soon.
"A piece published by the Financial Times last July admitted that the 'consensus' among diplomats and analysts was that Putin had 'not embarked on a rampage' to recreate an empire 'as some feared last year'," Danielle Ryan, an Irish freelance journalist and media analyst, narrates in her article for RT.
"Given that new-found consensus, one might have suspected that the lull in stories about a forthcoming invasion could be chalked up to journalists deciding to put the subject to rest — but one would have been wrong. For they were back last week with a vengeance," she continues.
Indeed, on February 3, the UK's BBC broadcasted a controversial show that simulated a Russian invasion of Latvia, accompanied by a nuclear attack on Britain. On the same day, the RAND Corporation, an influential American think tank released a report saying that Russia is able to overrun the Baltic NATO member-states in 60 hours.
Ryan calls attention to the fact that a month ago, the Atlantic Council — "whose primary founding aim is to defend NATO interests" — began to bang the drums over Russia's imaginary imperial designs for the Baltic states.
"Most anxieties focus on the Baltic states as Russia's next potential military target," Stephen Blank, a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council, warned.
"The piece was then re-published by Newsweek with the headline: 'Counting down to a Russian invasion of the Baltics'," Ryan points out.
So, what was the root cause of the propaganda campaign?
According to the journalist the answer is obvious: on February 2, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced that the Pentagon would seek to quadruple its budget for Europe in 2017. The pretext for the increase is a "military threat" posed by Russia to Central and Eastern Europe.
"This happens every time the Pentagon wants more money to play with. Various 'studies' about the danger posed by whichever bad guy is in fashion start appearing. Experts suddenly realize that the US military is drastically underfunded in said area of immediate strategic importance. Officials begin making even more outlandish statements than usual. And the media eat it up, apparently completely unaware of the fact that they are being taken for a ride," Ryan underscores.
In light of this, the question arises why, for God's sake, would Russia attack the Baltics?
"So what would Russia gain from attacking the Baltics?" Doug Bandow, a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan, asked in his op-ed for The National Interest, commenting on the RAND report.
"[Russia would gain] a recalcitrant, majority non-ethnic Russian population. A possible temporary nationalist surge at home. A likely short-lived victory over the West. The costs would be far greater. Grabbing the Baltics likely would spur population exodus and trigger economic collapse," Bandow stressed, highlighting the absurdity of the assumption.
Unfortunately, the voice of reason is being silenced.
"We need to understand more and condemn less," Kent University Professor Richard Sakwa wrote in his letter to the Guardian last week, as quoted by Ryan. The academic argued that constant "demonization" of Russia would only deteriorate the current state of affairs.
"We note with alarm that public discourse about Russia is colored by militaristic and dangerous terms which may talk us into war. The country's portrayal as an aggressive power increases its perception of threat, accelerating a military and ideological escalation. Irresponsible talk of conflict is risky and mistaken," Sakwa underscored.
However, his letter remains largely unnoticed placed in the 'Letters' section, while leading articles continue to fan the flames.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160209/1034464438/russian-threat-pentagon-needs-more-money.html#ixzz3ziKQv4Ur
© AFP 2016/ RAIGO PAJULA
Politics
18:37 09.02.2016Get short URL
121712180
A nonsensical story of Russia's potential invasion of the Baltics has caught a second breath in Western mass media just a day after the Pentagon announced it would seek to quadruple its budget for Europe in 2017. Coincidence? Irish journalist Danielle Ryan does not think so.
There is something mysterious about the unanimity demonstrated by the Western media and think tanks in the past few days regarding the prospects of a Russian invasion of the Baltics.Nothing hinted at any trouble in July 2015, when Financial Times finally admitted that the Kremlin is obviously not planning to rebuild the Russian or Soviet Empire in "a literal sense" anytime soon.
"A piece published by the Financial Times last July admitted that the 'consensus' among diplomats and analysts was that Putin had 'not embarked on a rampage' to recreate an empire 'as some feared last year'," Danielle Ryan, an Irish freelance journalist and media analyst, narrates in her article for RT.
"Given that new-found consensus, one might have suspected that the lull in stories about a forthcoming invasion could be chalked up to journalists deciding to put the subject to rest — but one would have been wrong. For they were back last week with a vengeance," she continues.
Indeed, on February 3, the UK's BBC broadcasted a controversial show that simulated a Russian invasion of Latvia, accompanied by a nuclear attack on Britain. On the same day, the RAND Corporation, an influential American think tank released a report saying that Russia is able to overrun the Baltic NATO member-states in 60 hours.
Ryan calls attention to the fact that a month ago, the Atlantic Council — "whose primary founding aim is to defend NATO interests" — began to bang the drums over Russia's imaginary imperial designs for the Baltic states.
"Most anxieties focus on the Baltic states as Russia's next potential military target," Stephen Blank, a Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council, warned.
"The piece was then re-published by Newsweek with the headline: 'Counting down to a Russian invasion of the Baltics'," Ryan points out.
So, what was the root cause of the propaganda campaign?
According to the journalist the answer is obvious: on February 2, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced that the Pentagon would seek to quadruple its budget for Europe in 2017. The pretext for the increase is a "military threat" posed by Russia to Central and Eastern Europe.
"This happens every time the Pentagon wants more money to play with. Various 'studies' about the danger posed by whichever bad guy is in fashion start appearing. Experts suddenly realize that the US military is drastically underfunded in said area of immediate strategic importance. Officials begin making even more outlandish statements than usual. And the media eat it up, apparently completely unaware of the fact that they are being taken for a ride," Ryan underscores.
In light of this, the question arises why, for God's sake, would Russia attack the Baltics?
"So what would Russia gain from attacking the Baltics?" Doug Bandow, a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan, asked in his op-ed for The National Interest, commenting on the RAND report.
"[Russia would gain] a recalcitrant, majority non-ethnic Russian population. A possible temporary nationalist surge at home. A likely short-lived victory over the West. The costs would be far greater. Grabbing the Baltics likely would spur population exodus and trigger economic collapse," Bandow stressed, highlighting the absurdity of the assumption.
Unfortunately, the voice of reason is being silenced.
"We need to understand more and condemn less," Kent University Professor Richard Sakwa wrote in his letter to the Guardian last week, as quoted by Ryan. The academic argued that constant "demonization" of Russia would only deteriorate the current state of affairs.
"We note with alarm that public discourse about Russia is colored by militaristic and dangerous terms which may talk us into war. The country's portrayal as an aggressive power increases its perception of threat, accelerating a military and ideological escalation. Irresponsible talk of conflict is risky and mistaken," Sakwa underscored.
However, his letter remains largely unnoticed placed in the 'Letters' section, while leading articles continue to fan the flames.
Read more: http://sputniknews.com/politics/20160209/1034464438/russian-threat-pentagon-needs-more-money.html#ixzz3ziKQv4Ur
Today at 7:07 am by Rocky
» utube 9/16/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar Update - #xrpripple #iraqidinar - Electronic International Payments
Today at 7:07 am by Rocky
» Details of the American role in preventing Iraq from obtaining a Russian air defense system
Today at 7:02 am by Rocky
» MP gives details on the repercussions of the theft of the century and the leaked recording of Hanoun
Today at 7:01 am by Rocky
» MP warns of US ambassador's moves
Today at 7:00 am by Rocky
» Government stresses the need to develop the air transport sector in Iraq
Today at 6:57 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani stresses the importance of continuing the work of the Iraq Development Fund according to t
Today at 6:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank announces a 15.7% decline in Iraqi exports in the first quarter of this year
Today at 6:53 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary condition for passing the amnesty law.. Who are those covered by the fight against ter
Today at 6:50 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani confirms the government's intention to purchase services from investors
Today at 6:49 am by Rocky
» In preparation for Al-Sudani's visit... Formation of a high committee in Diyala - Urgent
Today at 6:47 am by Rocky
» The first customs point after the "yellow" between the region and the federation in Diyala
Today at 6:45 am by Rocky
» Misfortunes never come singly.. 15% tax on Facebook in Iraq
Today at 6:44 am by Rocky
» After being almost free... the increase in government transaction fees angers citizens
Today at 6:40 am by Rocky
» Private Banks Association: The number of electronic payment points in Iraq increased from 7 thousand
Today at 5:20 am by Rocky
» Customs: AI to enhance risk management in imports
Today at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Ministry of Foreign Affairs through development: It will be a safe corridor for the transport of goo
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» Government plans to impose 15% tax on social media sites
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Low prices.. Parliamentary demands to open the land distribution file to officials
Today at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Finance: Securing Employee Salaries for the Years 2024-2025
Today at 5:14 am by Rocky
» 85% of foreign workers in Iraq have “no useful skills”.. This is what they earn annually
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Foreign labor!
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» 100 new investment opportunities
Today at 5:10 am by Rocky
» Expatriate workers transfer $2 billion abroad annually
Today at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Al Sabah Finance Committee: The government has developed a plan to increase financial resources to s
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Water Supply Project in Nineveh Plain
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» November.. Iraq offers 100 investment opportunities
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» Tips to avoid electronic theft
Today at 5:03 am by Rocky
» Trends towards establishing digital banks
Today at 5:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the regular meeting of the Board of Directors of the Iraq Development Fund
Today at 4:58 am by Rocky
» Investment Authority: Egyptian companies wish to partner in implementing the development road
Today at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Cryptocurrencies suffer losses of more than 2%
Today at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Slight decrease in dollar exchange rates in Baghdad, Basra and Erbil
Today at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Minister of Electricity to Nina: We have maintained the system without any outage and we will adopt
Today at 4:53 am by Rocky
» American report monitors Turkish-Iranian competition in Iraq
Today at 4:52 am by Rocky
» “Interrogation” is almost absent from the fifth session of Parliament.. The absence of the “Presiden
Today at 4:50 am by Rocky
» After Pezeshkian's visit... Will Iraq help isolated Iran lead a new regional alliance?
Today at 4:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Continuing the policy of appointment in the government sector is something the state cann
Today at 4:48 am by Rocky
» After 21 years of change.. Challenges and complications threaten Iraq's democracy
Today at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Severe imprisonment for the director of the customs center at Al-Shaib border crossing in Maysan for
Today at 4:44 am by Rocky
» Planning: The numbering and inventory process will continue until the end of next month
Today at 4:43 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Operations talks about the entry of building materials into the regions
Today at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Basra employees demand salary scale adjustment and threaten to close city entrances and exits
Today at 4:39 am by Rocky
» On the International Day of Democracy, UNESCO sends a message to Iraq
Today at 4:37 am by Rocky
» This is what happened between Al-Sudani and Al-Sadr
Today at 4:36 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary Finance Committee: Employees’ salaries are secured for this year and next year even if
Today at 4:34 am by Rocky
» Parliament awaits a session full of disputes after the inclusion of three controversial laws
Today at 4:32 am by Rocky
» Who is responsible for the entry of building materials into agricultural and residential areas?
Today at 4:30 am by Rocky
» Tax on "social media" to secure funds.. Parliamentary Finance Committee reveals the number of months
Today at 4:28 am by Rocky
» 85% of foreign workers in Iraq have “no useful skills”...and they steal more than $2 billion annuall
Today at 4:26 am by Rocky
» What is the fate of the development road project?
Today at 4:25 am by Rocky
» List of dollar exchange rates in Iraq
Today at 4:23 am by Rocky
» Investigation into the file of renting the Baghdad Airport garage.. Its rental value is not commensu
Today at 4:22 am by Rocky
» shots fired around Trumps golf course while he was playing golf about 2:15 cst today 9/15/24 accordi
Yesterday at 2:26 pm by Rocky
» utube 9/12/24 MM&C Iraqi Dinar-#iraqdinar-#xrp-Baghdad-Kurdistan-Historical Meetings-Global Attent
Yesterday at 7:12 am by Rocky
» Government Advisor: E-Governance Application Contributed to Protecting Public Money and Reducing Cor
Yesterday at 7:07 am by Rocky
» At the forefront of which is the Minister of Oil...the wheel of interrogations in Parliament returns
Yesterday at 7:04 am by Rocky
» Iraq and UNAMI discuss mechanisms for implementing Security Council Resolution 2732
Yesterday at 7:01 am by Rocky
» Mr. Al-Hakim: Agriculture can make us independent of oil and reduce dependence on the rentier state
Yesterday at 6:59 am by Rocky
» Algeria establishes a foothold in Iraq's electricity sector
Yesterday at 6:59 am by Rocky
» Ministerial amendments and strengthening the reform program: Al-Sudani’s steps to confront crises
Yesterday at 6:54 am by Rocky
» Economist: The free mass is estimated at 70 trillion dinars and can be invested electronically
Yesterday at 6:51 am by Rocky
» Electricity announces that all its stations will be put under maintenance
Yesterday at 6:47 am by Rocky
» Iraq exports more than two million tons of oil derivatives in 3 months
Yesterday at 5:26 am by Rocky
» Chairman of the Private Banks Association: We have registered more than 13 million accounts and we s
Yesterday at 5:22 am by Rocky
» Government Advisor: These are ways to enhance the great development in the digital payments system i
Yesterday at 5:18 am by Rocky
» Economic Center Calls on the Government to Restructure Airlines and Separate Them from Transportatio
Yesterday at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The quadripartite agreement between Iraq, Türkiye, Qatar and the Emirates constitutes the
Yesterday at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Real Estate Bank terminates the assignment of its main branch manager upon his request
Yesterday at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Iraq's oil exports to America rose last week
Yesterday at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Jordan's imports of Iraqi oil decreased by (42%)
Yesterday at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Revealing the most important files that were resolved by the federal government delegation during it
Yesterday at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Tensions are over and goods will be available.. A Kurdish economic view of Pezeshkian’s visit to Erb
Yesterday at 5:06 am by Rocky
» MP: Al-Sudani bears responsibility for obstructing the laws that he withdrew from Parliament
Yesterday at 5:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani snatches the "stay" card from the angry "framework"... and the dispute between them intens
Yesterday at 5:02 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The Iraqi state cannot continue its policy of appointment in the government sector
Yesterday at 5:00 am by Rocky
» Delaying salaries.. Warnings of a “crisis” after two months and the government reassures
Yesterday at 4:59 am by Rocky
» Investment Authority: Opportunities to be presented at the Iraq Forum have completed sectoral approv
Yesterday at 4:57 am by Rocky
» Agriculture clarifies controls on the movement of poultry and its products between governorates
Yesterday at 4:56 am by Rocky
» Religious scholars in Kurdistan: Passing the amendment to the Iraqi Personal Status Law will have ba
Yesterday at 4:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Saabari: Amending the Personal Status Law has become a popular demand
Yesterday at 4:54 am by Rocky
» Baghdad-Ankara Military Agreement... The Terms Go Beyond the Limits!
Yesterday at 4:53 am by Rocky
» Association of Banks: Financial inclusion in Iraq increased by 48.5% during the current year
Yesterday at 4:52 am by Rocky
» Arab Monetary Fund: We are working with Iraq to build national financial strategies
Yesterday at 4:51 am by Rocky
» Prime Minister: We have developed a government program that addresses the real concerns of citizens
Yesterday at 4:50 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: 70 digital banks have applied to the Central Bank for a license
Yesterday at 4:48 am by Rocky
» Highlights of Al-Sudani's meeting with Basra dignitaries and farmers
Yesterday at 4:46 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: The path of development will transform Iraq into an open country
Yesterday at 4:45 am by Rocky
» Halbousi angry about equipping the Peshmerga with artillery
Yesterday at 4:43 am by Rocky
» Iraq prepares for the upcoming Arab summit
Yesterday at 4:42 am by Rocky
» Iraq imports fruits and vegetables worth $35 million
Yesterday at 4:41 am by Rocky
» Economic Center Calls on the Government to Restructure and Separate Iraqi Airways from the Ministry
Yesterday at 4:38 am by Rocky
» Alsumaria Newsletter: Controversy over laws, deterioration of Baghdad services, and changes in the R
Yesterday at 4:37 am by Rocky
» Oil Minister suffers health problems in the United States
Yesterday at 4:35 am by Rocky
» New York Times: Iraq may receive an Israeli strike... and Baghdad has abandoned its balance
Yesterday at 4:33 am by Rocky
» The dollar continues to rise.. Learn about the exchange rates in the Iraqi markets
Yesterday at 4:31 am by Rocky
» 1000 signatures on the table of 4 parliamentary committees to amend the “Access to Information Law”
Yesterday at 4:30 am by Rocky
» “Money for survival”: Al-Saihoud: Al-Sudani prevented the economics of the parties, so they turned a
Sat 14 Sep 2024, 6:54 am by Rocky
» Iraqi banks are in crisis: structural imbalance, double taxation and deep corruption
Sat 14 Sep 2024, 6:51 am by Rocky