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Page added on May 25, 2014
Russia’s Rise To Global Power
Western propaganda about events in Ukraine has two main purposes. One is to cover up, or to distract from, Washington’s role in overthrowing the elected democratic government of Ukraine. The other is to demonize Russia.
The truth is known, but truth is not a part of the Western TV and print media. The intercepted telephone call between US Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland and the US Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt reveals the two coup plotters discussing which of Washington’s stooges will be installed as Washington’s person in the new puppet government. The intercepted telephone call between Estonian Foreign Minister Urmas Paet and EU foreign policy official Catherine Ashton revealed suspicions, later confirmed by independent reports, that the sniper fire that killed people on both sides of the Kiev protests came from the Washington-backed side of the conflict.
To summarize, when Washington orchestrated in 2004 the “Orange Revolution” and the revolution failed to deliver Ukraine into Western hands, Washington, according to Victoria Nuland, poured $5 billion into Ukraine over the next ten years. The money went to politicians, whom Washington groomed, and to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that operate as educational, pro-democracy, and human rights groups, but in fact are Washington’s fifth columns.
When President Yanukovych, after considering the costs and benefits, rejected the invitation for Ukraine to join the European Union, Washington sent its well-funded NGOs into action. Protests broke out in Kiev demanding that Yanukovych change his decision and join the EU.
These protests were peaceful, but soon ultra-nationalists and neo-nazis appeared and introduced violence into the protests. The protest demands changed from “join the EU” to “overthrow Yanukovych and his government.”
Political chaos ensued. Washington installed a puppet government, which Washington represented as a democratic force against corruption. However, the ultra-nationalists and neo-nazis, such as the Right Sector, began intimidating members of Washington’s stooge government. Perhaps in response, Washington’s stooges began issuing threats against the Russian speaking population in Ukraine.
Areas of southern and eastern Ukraine are former Russian territories added to Ukraine by Soviet leaders. Lenin added Russian areas to Ukraine in early years of the Soviet Union, and Khrushchev added Crimea in 1954. The people in these Russian areas, alarmed by the destruction of Soviet war memorials commemorating the Red Army’s liberation of Ukraine from Hitler, by the banning of Russian as an official language, and by physical assaults on Russian-speaking people in Ukraine broke out in protests. Crimea voted its independence and requested reunification with Russia, and so have the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Washington, its EU puppets, and the Western media have denied that the votes in Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk are sincere and spontaneous. Instead, Washington alleges that the protests leading to the votes and the votes themselves were orchestrated by the Russian government with the use of bribes, threats, and coercion. Crimea was said to be a case of Russian invasion and annexation.
These are blatant lies, and the foreign observers of the elections know it, but they have no voice in the Western media, which is a Ministry of Propaganda for Washington. Even the once proud BBC lies for Washington.
Washington has succeeded in controlling the explanation of the “Ukrainian crisis.” The unified peoples in Crimea, Donetsk, and Luhansk have been branded “terrorists.” In contrast, the Ukrainian neo-nazis have been elevated to membership in the “democratic coalition.” Even more amazing, the neo-nazis are being described in the Western media as “liberators” of the protest regions from “terrorists.” Most likely, the Russophobic neo-nazi militias are becoming Washington’s stooge government’s army, because so many units of the Ukrainian military have been unwilling to fire on peaceful protestors.
The question before us is how will Russia’s leader, President Putin, play this game. His hesitancy or reluctance to accept Donetsk and Luhansk again as part of Russia is used by the Western media to make him look weak and intimidated. Within Russia this will be used against Putin by Washington-funded GGOs and by Russian nationalists.
Putin understands this, but Putin also understands that Washington wants him to confirm their demonized portrait of him. If Putin accepts requests from Donetsk and Luhansk to return to Russia, Washington will repeat its allegation that Russia invaded and annexed. Most likely, Putin is not weak and intimidated, but for good reasons Putin does not want to give Washington more propaganda to employ in Europe.
Washington’s press for sanctions against Russia has an obstacle in Germany. The German Chancellor, Merkel, is Washington’s vassal, but Germany’s foreign Minister, Frank Walter Steinmeier and German industry are no friends of sanctions. In addition to Germany’s dependence on natural gas from Russia, thousands of German companies are doing business in Russia, and the employment of several hundred thousands of Germans is dependent on economic relations with Russia. Former German Chancellors, Helmut Schmidt and Gerhard Schroeder, have slammed Merkel for her subservience to Washington. Merkel’s position is weak, because she has stupidly put herself in the position of sacrificing the interests of Germany to Washington’s interests.
Putin, who has demonstrated that he is not the typical dumb Western politician, sees in the conflict between Washington’s pressure on Germany and Germany’s real interests a chance to break up NATO and the EU. If Germany decides, as Yanukovych did, that Germany’s interests lie in its economic relations with Russia, not in being a puppet state of Washington, can Washington overthrow the government of Germany and install a more reliable puppet?
Perhaps Germany has had enough of Washington. Still occupied by Washington’s troops 69 years after the end of World War II, Germany has had its educational practices, its history, its foreign policy, and its membership in the EU and euro mechanism coerced by Washington. If Germans have any national pride, and as a very recently unified peoples, they might still have some national pride, these impositions by Washington are too much to accept.
The last thing Germany wants is a confrontation, economic or military, with Russia. Germany’s vice chancellor, Sigmar Gabriel, said that it “was certainly not smart to create the impression in Ukraine that it had to decide between Russia and the EU.”
If the Russian government decides that Washington’s control of Ukraine, or whatever part remains after secession, is an unacceptable strategic threat to Russia, the Russian military will seize Ukraine, historically part of Russia. If Russia occupies Ukraine, there is nothing Washington can do but resort to nuclear war. NATO countries, with their own existence at stake, will not agree to this option.
Putin can take the Ukraine back whenever he wants and turn his back on the West, a declining corrupt entity mired in depression and looting by the capitalist class. The 21st century belongs to the East, to China and India. The enormous expanse of Russia sits above both of these most populous of all countries.
Russia can rise to power with the East. There is no reason for Russia to beg the West for acceptance. The basis for US foreign policy are the Brzezinski and Wolfowitz doctrines, which state that Washington must prevent the rise of Russia. Washington has no good will toward Russia and will hamper Russia at every opportunity. As long as Washington controls Europe, Russia has no prospects of being a part of the West, unless Russia becomes Washington’s puppet state, like Germany, Britain, and France.
Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. His latest book, The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West is now available.
21 Comments on "Russia’s Rise To Global Power"
bobinget on Sun, 25th May 2014 3:43 pm
Where were Obama’s sanctions when Goths invaded what is now called ‘Ukraine’ in the third Century?
Had we acted quickly in 255 AD Ukraine would have been a free democratic nation.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Ukraine
800 Years later modern killing really got started:
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=f54_1337075813
As you all can see, frontiers have been changing for 2000 years.
penury on Sun, 25th May 2014 4:04 pm
Speaking Truth to Power. I await the usual reaction from the USA USA crowd.
Davy, Hermann, MO on Sun, 25th May 2014 6:28 pm
Russia is a basket case resource supported state. China is a basket case export driven state. China is at limits of growth with a population in overshoot. China’s financial system is in a debt spiral and soon will barely make 3% growth which is very dangerous for an economy and society like China’s. Both these countries would be smart to not upset the global economy. Russia is oil and gas dependent for much of its hard currency. If the global economy contracts Russia will surely get less for its oil. Very bad for a non-diversified economy. Likewise China will be in a difficult position if the global economy can’t take its exports. Nothing needs to be said about the US because it is the target of majority on this board and many of the articles on this site so why should I be repetitious. The US is in Peak Absurdity so what more needs to be said. But I can’t stand the US bashing and all the crowing over how wonderful and powerful Russia and China are. Infowars is propaganda and not worth reading.
J-Gav on Sun, 25th May 2014 6:29 pm
Well, let’s not go overboard here. Russia has been ‘a power’ for a long time, and still is.
A bit more now that the Yelstin ‘jerk-my-chain’ period is in the past.
This should not delude people into believing that anybody is actually in control. USA/Canada/Europe vs China- Russia? What’s this shit all about?
They ALL know they can’t do without their OTHERS. That does’nt mean we won’t end up with WWIII, only that, if we do, it would be proof positive that humans are no more intelligent than yeast.
tahoe1780 on Sun, 25th May 2014 7:31 pm
Davy, ignore the messenger and focus on the message. The facts are the facts, no matter who presents them. You’ll probably have to go to alternative sources to follow the elections and real sentiment in Europe, such as: http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-05-25/european-voters-are-revolting-france-warns-situation-grave-europe
Makati1 on Sun, 25th May 2014 7:57 pm
J-Gav, maybe you better take a new look at the world of today. The anti-West bloc CAN and will do without the West, thank you. The West is dying. All of the Western countries are living on the fist printing presses and that is about over too.
This is a last gasp effort to bring about the NWO before it all collapses into dust and the West become 3rd world countries.
“America First” blinds Americans and some of the American wannabees of the reality of the situation. The US needs a world war to deflect the coming economic collapse. If they cannot start it, they know it is all over for the West.
The 21st century belongs to the East and Russia is a big part of that as it still has plenty of resources and space to grow in power and influence.
Tahoe, Zerohedge is a financial site totally Westernized. Do you want the real story? Try globalresearch dot ca or ClubOrlov or thebricspost dot com or journal-neo dot org.
tahoe1780 on Sun, 25th May 2014 8:06 pm
Thanks Makati, I do read Orlov. I’ll take a look at the others.
Davy, Hermann, MO on Sun, 25th May 2014 9:07 pm
Yea Mak, when the west becomes third world, which it will, many currently 3rd world countries including the Philippians will become failed states. You in particular are in for a rude awakening when the horde of hungry folks riots in your mist. Who would in their right mind live in a 3rd world metro area with 12MIL poor people then come on this board and righteously spout his smarts as a survivalist.
Makkie said: Tahoe, Zerohedge is a financial site totally Westernized. Do you want the real story? Try globalresearch dot ca or ClubOrlov or thebricspost dot com or journal-neo dot org.
There you go again Makkie with the good site bad site. The other day you were copying and pasting Zero Hedge. Please if you are going to spew propaganda be consistent.
Tahoe, I am not denying the message what I don’t like is the presentation. It reminds me of a Mak Attack. You will find in life presentation like attitude is 90% of the impact. Don’t be lured in by these sites that are bent on an agenda.
Boat on Sun, 25th May 2014 9:56 pm
Sure Russia is a global power. Then again so is N Korea and Pakistan. Pakistan has enough nukes to kill the world 10 times over along with several nations. But what does that buy you. Last time I looked I wouldn’t want to live there. The US is the only country with enough fire power to take out any other nations military hardware within weeks but with nukes it doesn’t matter, were all dead. In the end all this talk is rubbish. To nuke or not to nuke, that is the question. The fear of politics to keep the military industrial machine going to farm the minions of there cash my conspiracy theory.
Makati1 on Sun, 25th May 2014 10:04 pm
This sums up the current situation…
“… The West has overthrown itself. In the US the Constitution has been murdered by the Bush and Obama regimes. Nothing remains. As the US is the Constitution, what was once the United States no longer exists. A different entity has taken its place.
Europe died with the European Union, which requires the termination of sovereignty of all member countries. A few unaccountable bureaucrats in Brussels have become superior to the wills of the French, German, British, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Greek, and Portuguese peoples.
Western civilization is a skeleton. It still stands, barely, but there is no life in it. The blood of liberty has departed. Western peoples look at their governments and see nothing but enemies. Why else has Washington militarized local police forces, equipping them as if they were occupying armies? Why else has Homeland Security, the Department of Agriculture, and even the Postal Service and Social Security Administration ordered billions of rounds of ammunition and even submachine guns? What is this taxpayer-paid-for arsenal for if not to suppress US citizens? …”
http://beforeitsnews.com/gold-and-precious-metals/2014/05/why-war-is-inevitable-paul-craig-roberts-2592820.html?currentSplittedPage=0
Paul Craig Roberts says it all.
Boat on Sun, 25th May 2014 10:47 pm
Paul Craig Roberts is an idiot.
The American public contains a large number of misinformed people who think they know everything.
As opposed to who. Each one of us is merely one of 7 billion. You got to quit reading that crazy stuff Makatil.
tahoe1780 on Sun, 25th May 2014 10:56 pm
Makati, I loved “Water Time”. I can so identify. Thanks
Boat said “The American public contains a large number of misinformed people who think they know everything.”
Mark Twain said “It ain’t what you don’t know that gets you into trouble. It’s what you know for sure that just ain’t so.”
Boat on Sun, 25th May 2014 11:07 pm
http://news.yahoo.com/iran-supreme-leader-jihad-continue-until-america-no-180230486.html
I know this. When we have to take out Iran’s military you and others like you won’t like it. Looks like it may have to happen.
MKohnen on Mon, 26th May 2014 12:14 am
Davy,
I have to agree with you. All the arguing about who’s ascendant, who’s failing, etc. is all moot. Putin said it himself, “Russia has enough to supply it’s customers for 50 years” (yes, I’m paraphrasing.) 50 years? What’s that? And for all the countries of the world, that’s about as good as it gets. What kind of grand empire are you going to create in 50 years … while you’re running out of fuel?
It’s like having bets on which terminally ill patient is going to rule the cancer ward.
J-Gav on Mon, 26th May 2014 4:58 am
Makati – Were we able to hash things out face to face, I think we’d agree on many points regarding the present state of affairs in the world.
Where we disagree seems to be mainly here: I don’t believe that the 21st century will “belong to” anybody. Why? Because any aspiring hegemon or bloc will be running up against the same hard, physical resource limits as everybody else. Therefore, any such ’emergence’ (which, I concur, is already happening to some extent) will need to be relativized compared to the ‘American century’ (the 20th).
Makati1 on Mon, 26th May 2014 7:15 am
J-Gav, as much as the 21st can be anyone’s century, it will be the East. Why? The West is a dead man walking. The only thing the West can do now is to start World War 3 and try to take everyone down with it.
I’m waiting to see the results of the elections in Europe this weekend. I see the EU dissolving before the next elections there and the Euro dying even before that. Of course, the East will also suffer when the system goes down in the West, but not as much as the West would like to see. A few more years and trade will have changed so much the West will not matter. The West is broke, bankrupt, a zombie economy. The East is still growing. Interesting times.
Davy, Hermann, MO on Mon, 26th May 2014 9:16 am
OH Makster in his dreamy eastern fantasies of happy endings and prosperity. He only talks like that because he made the mistake of moving to a third world country to a grossly overpopulated metro area of 12MIL most of which are slums. He now is feeling cognitive dissonance for his mistake and trying to justify it by bashing the west.
Mak, the east is now in a spiral of debt, population overshoot, and ecological collapse. It will soon be involved in resource wars with itself. It is a picture of a perfect storm or war, environmental collapse, and hungry masses. Climate change is set to impact the east significantly and this will especially be true with typhoons in places like Taiwan, Philippians, and Japan. The severe population overshoot seen in the east will be particularly problematic with climate change and severe pollution of soils and water. This is especially true in China. The west is in the same boat but because of better of much better population dynamics and food production potential it will do significantly better. It has much more low hanging fruit to pick in improved behavior and attitudes. Crisis will allow the west to adapt to the coming decent and shift it away from the current destructive behaviors.
GregT on Mon, 26th May 2014 11:07 am
“This is a last gasp effort to bring about the NWO before it all collapses into dust and the West become 3rd world countries.”
Exactly, and TPTB couldn’t care less what nation, or nations survive. Just as they have done for hundreds of years, they will simply move their ‘headquarters’ to wherever best suits them, and wherever that may be, they will take ‘their’ wealth and power with them.
They have collapsed empires before, and they will do it again. They have also been instigating and financing wars on both sides, for a very long time. War has been very lucrative for them.
“When a government is dependent upon bankers for money, they and not the leaders of the government control the situation, since the hand that gives is above the hand that takes… Money has no motherland; financiers are without patriotism and without decency; their sole object is gain.” – Napoleon Bonaparte, Emperor of France, 1815
“I fear that foreign bankers with their craftiness and tortuous tricks will entirely control the exuberant riches of America and use it to systematically corrupt civilization.” Otto von Bismark (1815-1898)
Matt on Mon, 26th May 2014 12:28 pm
while there are 2 sides to the story in Ukraine, this article blatantly seeks to prop up only the pro Putin side.
how did a Russian leader get elected in a majority Ukraine country? there has been plenty of Russian meddling in Ukraine’s affairs. so much for “democratically elected”
and he wants us to believe that Ukrainian leadership used snipers to shoot their own people? what evidence is offered? none
totally bogus propaganda piece that should be stripped from the site
J-Gav on Mon, 26th May 2014 2:55 pm
Makati – You’re certainly not alone in that view. Some prominent people have been sending their kids off to learn Chinese and advising others to do the same …
I have nothing against learning foreign languages and studying foreign cultures – I speak 5 (used to be 7 but I’m getting old and lazy) and have lived in 4 different language/cultures – I just have a few reserves about an overly general “East rising, West nose-diving” scenario. Though I tend to share P.C. Roberts’ (and your own) disgust in the face of all the decadence, militarization, corruption, injustice etc that’s been building up in the U.S. for some time, I’m not sure that automatically translates into a winning hand for other parties.
We could start with India (that’s Asia too). Water? Energy? Social equality? I expect these and other issues to be getting more troublesome rather than less there, and sooner rather than later. We could then move on to Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Japan… The critical issues may not be the same in each country but each gives the impression of somehow being near a brink if you see what I mean. What’s going to happen to Jakarta when sea levels really start to rise?
We’ll end with China. Their economic growth and soft-power expansion has incontestably been little short of astounding over the last couple of decades. But what does that ‘success’ rest on? The same resources and globalized system that the West relies on. Not to mention that they’ve also massively Ponzied up their economy with very bad loans and will have to pay the Piper one day just like us. Will re-alignment with Russia, concentrating more on the internal market and developing markets with neighbors (oops, maybe not Vietnam just now, eh?) replace their sales to the West? Not even close. Not yet, anyway …
With time, we shall see. But for the time being, a BRICS (or some other combination of countries) rise to hegemonic status, whether it be culturally, economically or as a model for social virtue, still lacks credibility IMHO. And Dr Roberts is over-optimistic when he suggests that leaders outside the West are overwhelmingly more popular than ours are. Apologies for the lengthy comment.
Makati1 on Mon, 26th May 2014 7:51 pm
No problem, J-Gav. We only see the world from different angles. And, as in an accident scene, there are as many accounts as there are witnesses. Only time will tell who is closest to being correct.
As for the East rising, true, it may never reach Western levels, but Russia is now China’s source of resources in important areas like energy and some minerals. Many minerals are being stockpiled in China and their sources are being bought up all over the world. As long as the Chinese have Russian oil and NG to keep their growth going, it will.
The smaller Asia countries have their problems, but, without the US meddling, they would soon level out. True, India has a problem, but they seem to also have a lower expectation than Westerners as to what constitutes wealth. When the Indian type problems surface in America and Europe, is when the SHTF. And, they are coming. How many more years of drought before the US is importing much of its food? One year? Two?
The future is cloudy, but the road is obvious. It leads to contraction on a level not suspected by most who are traveling it today.