US Foreign Policy 3.0: We're The Mets of International Diplomacy

[Kepler]

While we can't trust everything we are hearing, the fact this is still going is all that truly matters. (as you know) I mean by now Russia should have beaten them into submission (leading to one way negotiations) or at least put the fear of God into them...instead Russia and Putin look like they need some Viagra.

IINM the leaks were Russia expected taking Kiev in 15 days and full capitulation in 30.

Were only on day 13. They could still make it.

 

[Kepler]

As I understand it, it's not that simple.

Crude oil is different around the world. Therefore, how you refine crude oil into the various products, depends on where you buy the crude oil. You can't just substitute one crude oil supply with another, unless you have the capacity in the refining plants to handle the change of quantity in that particular crude oil (or have the proper plants at all). This is one of the reasons Europe just can't shut off Russia purchases and turn on/increase Middle East or US purchases.

I didn't fully realize this and it's great information. I thought of oil as a fungible and that the origin of oil was entirely irrelevant, and I was pretty PO'ed at Germany, but I see I'm wrong. Thank you for this.

 

[Slap Shot]

An interesting look into what got us here (don't shoot the messenger), and another about what's going on now.

 

[Jimjamesak]

Great video. Does a better job of summing up what I've been trying to explain to friends, adding additional detail around those hazy "promises" in the early 90s that may or may not have been made.

Yup, exactly my thoughts on it too. It’s the perfect response to my far left friends whenever they parrot some Kremlin talking point.

 

[mookie1995]

I didn't fully realize this and it's great information. I thought of oil as a fungible and that the origin of oil was entirely irrelevant, and I was pretty PO'ed at Germany, but I see I'm wrong. Thank you for this.

anyone else do the fonzie “wwrwrrrgg” in their head when reading this??

(and why Texas oil referred to as sweet ;<) )

 

[Handyman]

IINM the leaks were Russia expected taking Kiev in 15 days and full capitulation in 30.

Were only on day 13. They could still make it.

Yeah but even if they do they got pantsed on live worldwide TV. Even if they win, they lost. They needed this done fast and quick the longer it goes the worse they look.

 

[Steffek]

While we can't trust everything we are hearing, the fact this is still going is all that truly matters. (as you know) I mean by now Russia should have beaten them into submission (leading to one way negotiations) or at least put the fear of God into them...instead Russia and Putin look like they need some Viagra.

It took over a month for Iraq to fall; and this was with an invading coalition of the US, UK and Australia.
Ukraine is no small undertaking. Putin made the mistake of thinking Ukraine would've capitulated by now. This was never gonna happen. They've a reasonably solid military and are a proud people.

I'd say Russia is somewhat on schedule. The issue is sustainabliliy in light of sanctions and their initial blundering of things (causing needless losses/casualties).
Unfortunately, unless something internal occurs in Russia, it looks like we're headed for a lot more death, destruction and misery.



Really cool synopsis of the situation on the ground. This guy deserves his own show.

 

[Kepler]

Yup, exactly my thoughts on it too. It’s the perfect response to my far left friends whenever they parrot some Kremlin talking point.

You're friends with Tankies?

Because literally every other person on the far Left HATES Putin.

 

[Jimjamesak]

You're friends with Tankies?

Because literally every other person on the far Left HATES Putin.

Plenty of far left, Bernie bro types parrot the “this war is the US’ fault for expanding NATO” talking point and of course the “what about Iraq and Afghanistan?” whataboutism.

They hate Putin, but they hate the “establishment” and “American imperialism” even more.

 

[Kepler]

Plenty of far left, Bernie bro types parrot the “this war is the US’ fault for expanding NATO” talking point and of course the “what about Iraq and Afghanistan?” whataboutism.

They hate Putin, but they hate the “establishment” and “American imperialism” even more.

No.

You sound like a Fox News viewer trying to describe the Left.

 

[Deutsche Gopher Fan]

Plenty of far left, Bernie bro types parrot the “this war is the US’ fault for expanding NATO” talking point and of course the “what about Iraq and Afghanistan?” whataboutism.

They hate Putin, but they hate the “establishment” and “American imperialism” even more.

That sounds like my libertarian friend. Who also swears Glenn greenwald has always been consistent in his thoughts

 

[Handyman]

It took over a month for Iraq to fall; and this was with an invading coalition of the US, UK and Australia.
Ukraine is no small undertaking. Putin made the mistake of thinking Ukraine would've capitulated by now. This was never gonna happen. They've a reasonably solid military and are a proud people.

I'd say Russia is somewhat on schedule. The issue is sustainabliliy in light of sanctions and their initial blundering of things (causing needless losses/casualties).
Unfortunately, unless something internal occurs in Russia, it looks like we're headed for a lot more death, destruction and misery.



Really cool synopsis of the situation on the ground. This guy deserves his own show.

Its a little different invading a country that is in another part of the world. (yes I know we had bases but still) Plus at the time people seemed surprised we defeated Iraq so quickly. I doubt we have these types of problems if we invade Canada ;^)

These countries are obviously much closer and Russia has a clear numbers advantage. I guarantee no matter how much they spin they didn't think they would be still be outside of Kyiv and there is no way a Melomaniac like Putin is taking what is going on well.

Found this on Twitter which made me smile:

Here is video of that actually happening: https://twitter.com/IAPonomarenko/status/1501293371071123456

 

[Jimjamesak]

No.

You sound like a Fox News viewer trying to describe the Left.

*rolls eyes*

 

[Handyman]

No.

You sound like a Fox News viewer trying to describe the Left.

Or he sounds like someone who has seen what some of those clowns post on Twitter. Not all of them are Bernie Bros (Bernie is probably too Centrist for them) but they are all part of the Left...the part that really only has any sort of sway in parts of San Francisco. The ones who think Abraham Lincoln should be denigrated.

Its a small group but they are loud and annoying and make sure to be seen.

 

[Kepler]

Or he sounds like someone who has seen what some of those clowns post on Twitter. Not all of them are Bernie Bros (Bernie is probably too Centrist for them) but they are all part of the Left...the part that really only has any sort of sway in parts of San Francisco. The ones who think Abraham Lincoln should be denigrated.

Its a small group but they are loud and annoying and make sure to be seen.

The problem with which is I swim in these waters every day. Yes, there are Tankies who are ridiculous. Yes, they are loud and obnoxious. No, they are not indicative of the Left. They are a TINY group. It's a bullsh-t trope used by those who would paint us with the brush of the worst of us. And what is the purpose of bringing up their existence? Are you "just asking questions"?

The entitlement of the Center in this country is beyond belief. STOP SH-TTING ON YOUR ALLIES YOU MOTHERFUCKING PRIVILEGED MORONS!

 

[Kepler]

Per DW: Poland says they will give all their MiG-29s to the US to transfer to Ukraine.

US: nobody consulted us.

 

[WisconsinWildcard]

Plenty of far left, Bernie bro types parrot the “this war is the US’ fault for expanding NATO” talking point and of course the “what about Iraq and Afghanistan?” whataboutism.

They hate Putin, but they hate the “establishment” and “American imperialism” even more.

Can confirm this sentiment by some of the far left online

 

[psych]

The problem with which is I swim in these waters every day. Yes, there are Tankies who are ridiculous. Yes, they are loud and obnoxious. No, they are not indicative of the Left. They are a TINY group. It's a bullsh-t trope used by those who would paint us with the brush of the worst of us. And what is the purpose of bringing up their existence? Are you "just asking questions"?

The entitlement of the Center in this country is beyond belief. STOP SH-TTING ON YOUR ALLIES YOU MOTHERFUCKING PRIVILEGED MORONS!

Two questions: 1) Do these far left people you know already loyally vote Democrat and 2) If they don’t, are they brittle enough to not vote at all, or vote 3rd party, because of mean centrists rightfully mocking some of their positions and/or demands? If #1 is yes, then who the fuck cares what the centrists are saying about you? Grow a larger coalition and beat them in the primaries.

 

[aparch]

Per DW: Poland says they will give all their MiG-29s to the US to transfer to Ukraine.

US: nobody consulted us.

I get the impression Poland knows it's next (prior history) and doesn't want to draw attention.

NATO + US: Hey. Anyone got some old Soviet Jets laying around that Ukranian pilots can use? The US will help resupply with new aircraft.

Poland: *looks at ground and kicks rocks*

Other old Soviet Bloc countries: We only got a few left. Heard Poland has a stash of 'em though. We'll donate what we got. Just gotta come get them.

Poland: *mumbles* I didn't say that.

NATO: What was that Poland? You got a fleet of 'em?

Poland: *sheepishly* Yeeaaahhhh.....???!?

Ukraine: OH! Thank heavens. We'll send our pilots to pick them up.

Poland: *staring at a painting of Putin with the eye holes cut out* Uhhh... I don't think I will allow that.

NATO/Ukraine/US: Goddammit.

NATO: Are you sure? We may drag our feet defending you if you don't.

Poland: Okay, maybe. *leaning into Soviet microphone hastily taped to a lampshade* But the US needs to take them first.

US: *sees eyes move in Putin painting* Wait, what?

 

[Kepler]

Two questions: 1) Do these far left people you know already loyally vote Democrat and 2) If they don’t, are they brittle enough to not vote at all, or vote 3rd party, because of mean centrists rightfully mocking some of their positions and/or demands? If #1 is yes, then who the fuck cares what the centrists are saying about you? Grow a larger coalition and beat them in the primaries.

1) They have lately. It is true there was a thriving third party Left, primarily the Greens. But we learned. The Leftist discussion groups now host some of the most eloquent spokespeople for "we've got a bigger problem now" and not making the perfect the enemy of the good.

2. The Left is anything but brittle. Having gotten nothing from the Democrats for almost our entire history but scorn and then a brief outpouring of meaningless verbal support every fourth year, the Left, whether African American, urban white, or suburban white, is the most resilient political force in America.

As for your conclusion, it's stupid. There's a reason we aren't at each other's throats anymore -- the fascists are at the gates, literally. Until the Center learns they aren't the default, like olde tyme whites who didn't even think to realize that white is itself a color, then the opponents of the fascists will be weakened.

All we are saying to the Center is grow up. You're in a coalition, and you aren't the default. You're just another special interest group, like us or the fascists. You have your needs and your illusions and your bullsh-t self-congratulatory ideology, same as the rest of us do. You're just another John trying to buy off the whore of the American electorate. Start being a good teammate.