Friday, May 17, 2019

Ha, Somebody Actually Does Their Job.

Interesting. CBS decided to do what normal media are supposed to be doing and actually interviewed Iran's Ambassador to the United States. What do ya know. 


Obviously an important step--to give a voice to Iranian side. Surprising, but good. 

Daniel Larison who I quote a lot lately notes:
Yes, this is the only way to conduct business, especially since Trump is now on record with his not really wanting war with Iran. Of course, Trump lacks understanding that his attempts of good cop-bad cop BS or "better deals" peculiar modes of negotiations do not impress people on the international arena. People who run large and important countries with huge history, such as Iran, they do their due diligence and study issues which define international relations. In other words, what works in shady New York real estate business absolutely doesn't work in global affairs. So, Trump needs to understand that the more he and his administration behave like this, the less his word or promises, hollow as they are already now, will weight. He must understand a simple thing: countries such as Iran, not to mention Russia or China are long ago inside America's OODA Loop and forestall the United States at every step on every turn. 

Here is Putin talking to his Austrian counter-parts in Sochi and he is very clear, actually, on Russia's role in this whole situation. The question-statement by Russian reporter about Russian-Austrian dialogue being very different (in positive way) from Russian-European one is indicative of how Russia views Europe today. 


By Putin's demeanor it is clear that he, frankly, is tired of telling Europeans (not Austrians in this particular instance) about obvious things. While dropping a little teeny-weeny bomblet today:
Russian leader Vladimir Putin says that laser technology will play a crucial role in the nation’s military might as he spoke about the “first practical results” of the country’s Peresvet combat laser system.Putin highlighted the importance of developing laser technology, including the “tactical-level combat laser complexes,” at a defense-themed cabinet meeting on Friday.
This probably explains Putin's earlier (May 13) statement about anti-hyper-sonic defenses, which apart from S-500 capable of dealing with some types of hypersonic weapons, will be based primarily around laser and whatever the hell other "death-ray" technologies. Putin never states anything without having a complete grasp of the issue related to Russia's security. So, make your guesses (or bets)--how long will it be before Russia unveils another weapon system capable to deal with perspective US hyper-sonic weapons, which, judging by Defense Budget Proposal 2020 will be primarily built around now lavishly financed good ol' Prompt Global Strike (GPS) program. I don't think the United States is near any real truly hyper-sonic anti-shipping missile--for that there are reasons of history and institutional culture, but that is a separate topic in itself. So, as you can see--a very eventful week. I need a drink, honestly.    

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