Russia tests world's biggest bomb

limerickman

Has something to do with what, exactly?

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.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets" - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

Crankyfeet

Waste of forum space. And you think we are going to learn something about Israel from reading this? Or you just want to relate to us something that you've read.

Think - short, sharp and to the point. What is this thread about anyway?

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Crankyfeet

You're all over the place. You're trying to hijack your own thread.

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Carrera

Both conflicts are related to ethnnic and religious divides. Both conflicts came about as a result of a former third power. In the case of Israel, it was mainly Hadrian who pushed Jews out and in the case of the Ingush, Stalin deported them.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

Carrera

I saw two interesting news reports last night. With regard to Iraq, it seems it's not specifically true Iraqi refugees are returning there from Syria because the country is now stable. Rather, it seems many of the exiles ran out of cash and have been struggling to get by in Syria. I'll accept for now the major violence in Iraq has lessened but remain skeptical. Plus, I just heard Turkey carried out some operation against Iraqi Kurdish rebels on their borders now that more and more Kurds in Turkey want to form a Kurdish State.
The next news report was on Kosovo and Serbia. They were interviewing people across the divide but it now seems a possibility Serbia could go over to Russia and withdraw from E.U. membership. This is now a very potential cold war hotspot as it's feared ethnic violence could break out across the region and this time the Serbs are looking to see Russia take their side now the political situation has changed.
Putin has declared Kosovo a red line for Russia if the U.S. supports its independence from Serbia.
This same BBC report suggests there is indeed a new Cold War on the horizon and the focal points are the proposed missile shield in Czech Republic as well as Kosovo.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

Carrera

Correction. I didn't mean Serbia was in the E.U. already. I meant it has 2 choices either the E.U. or Russia for political union.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

Carrera

Sometimes we diverge here and there but it wouldn't hijack the main thread. Mind you, I suppose someone somewhere did hijack the main thread as we've been discussing Iraq when the actual thread was about the vacuum bomb.
I'm sure it will somehow fall into place.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

Carrera

Funny how there's so much sour grapes in the media about Russian elections with Putin set for a landslide.
It may well be true Putin has used quite a few stratagems and levers to hold onto power but what has to be taken into account is Russia needs strong leadership at this time when the U.S. is set on provoking a new Cold War.
Basically, Russia would have a multiparty system by now if its new status as a capitalist, democratic country hadn't been taken advantage of.
Above all with regard to this election it has to be a walkover anyway. Moscow's economy and economic status is pretty much booming and Russians have never had it so good. The idea of creating a oil/gas economy to close the gap with the U.S. and China was something of a master plan.
What the U.S. hoped out of all this was the continuation of another boozy, incompetent leader of the Yeltsin ilk they could manipulate and thereby take a big slice of the oil market in Russia. How infuriating Putin closed the door and made sure the oil will be exploited by Russian firms so the Russian people would get richer, enjoy a good education and prosper - which is why Putin is in effect very popular within his country.
Besides, how can the U.S. criticize lack of democracy? The U.S. has two main political parties repubs and Democrats and both of these don't tend to consult the American people on major issues. I mean, were Americans given a referendum on going to war in Iraq? Were they actually consulted over such a major decision? How much clout does the average American really have over national political issues and policy? In truth, Americans are ruled by a political elite and merely enjoy the opportunity of choosing one horse in a two horse race every once in a while.
True, there is more press freedom in the U.S. than in Russia or China but the fact there's less personal freedom tips the scales the other way.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

fscyclist

Carrera, I know how much you like documentaries and Star Trek. I found a clip from a great documentary you may enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wed_b6yShc

Hey, is that you in the blue shirt and Spock ears?

nns1400

Great one, fs...I was thinking about that skit just the other day...great find!

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This stuff is just crap...Hitchy

Crankyfeet

How can you say that there is more personal freedom in Russia and China compared to the US and keep a straight face? What Star Trek planet are you stranded on?

You have to be joking right?

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Carrera

I was referring to stuff like alcohol and so-called morality issues.

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"Everybody has a philosophy. However, what philosophy you have is a matter of choice, and most people don't make a conscious choice with regard to what philosophy they accept."

nns1400

Wait a minute!! Are you accusing the Russians and Chinese of being immoral drunkards???? What the hell is wrong with you? How can you impugn the character of the peoples of your favorite nations like that?!

Well, okay...I'll give you the vodka-soaked Russians...but that's it!

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This stuff is just crap...Hitchy

garage sale GT

???so...you feel we would...vote for lax drinking laws if there was a referendum?

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Your mouthwash ain't makin' it.