April 16, 2015. Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, answers questions from the public during the annual Direct Line with Vladimir Putin special broadcast live on Russian television and radio. Left: Kirill Kleimenov, head of the Channel One News Directorate. Right: Rossiya TV journalist Maria Sittel (RIA Novosti / Michael Klimentyev) / RIA Novosti
Samuel Bendett, The Compass: Putin: You Can't Scare Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin is feeling confident amid Russia's quick entry into the Syrian civil war and the continuing ground operations by the Russian air force. Speaking recently in Moscow during the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the city of Derbent in Dagestan, Russia's southern republic in the Caucasus that has seen its share of Islamist-inspired anti-Russian violence, Putin said that "no one has ever been successful so far in scaring the Russian - and Dagestani - people. Trying to do so is absolutely hopeless."
Putin further elaborated that "our goal in Syria, and wherever it may be, is the fight against terrorism. We are ready to cooperate with all forces that are fighting against terrorism, regardless of religious affiliation. As for our internal affairs, much still has to be done for the development of our country. We have, I would say, a unique case, a unique setting for this development - life is such that even those who wanted to interfere with our plans are now helping us because we are forced to focus on our own internal development. What we yesterday easily bought with so-called petrodollars, today we are thinking of how to produce on our own. That would require attention to fundamental and applied sciences, as well as the high-tech industry."
WNU Editor: The biggest fear for Russians has always been to get into a war .... so yes .... you can scare Russia. But is Russian President Putin scared? If his rhetoric is to be believed .... I would have to say no .... he is not scared. But he better be .... getting involved in a mess that is Syria (and others) opens a Pandora's box of possibilities where most of them (if not all of them) will give a disappointing result. And while he may be riding high in Russian approval polls .... this can never last forever, and if the economy continues to degrade and the body-bags from Syria start to come in .... I can guarantee you one thing .... Putin will become afraid ..... afraid (and scared) of the Russian public.
WNU Editor,
ReplyDeleteThe pace of R+5 success in Syria is accelerating exponentially,
While the Al-CIAda groups are apparently running on multiple fronts.
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2015/11/todays-battle-progress-in-iraq-and-syria.html#comments
http://turcopolier.typepad.com/sic_semper_tyrannis/2015/11/operation-free-sinjar-ttg.html
Deletehttp://www.counterpunch.org/2015/11/11/us-turkey-invasion-derailed-by-syrian-army-triumph-at-kuweires/
Does the Russian public have such an influence on Russian politics that it can have Putin replaced? We consistently read that he has all the reins of power tightly in his hands. How would such a scenario, as you allude to, occur?
ReplyDeleteThis is the way of the totalitarian what ever putin puts on TV the Russian people have no choice but to believe but as for the doping scandal he cannot force the whole world to believes the lies as seen in the news that russia may be ban from the up coming olympic
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteNo you can not scare the russian people or army.
ReplyDeleteEveryone in history has failed the closest race or military that russia has ever been afraid of is the fins but def not any western power.
Unfortunately for us russia and its leadership has no such fear and therefore has the political will to act accordingly .
I think oeople are confusing Putin with Obama and Russians with western peoples who balk at the thought of a war where casualties are measured in tens of thousands not 5000.
Anon .... I was there when the old guard tried to take over but people like Yeltsin and a good part of the population rose up to stop them. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1993_Russian_constitutional_crisis
ReplyDeleteWhen push comes to show .... never underestimate what the people may do.
Jay. I am aware of the progress that is being made in Syria. And yup .... the U.S. (after one year) is stepping up as best as they can.
Thank you for the link RRH
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome Editor.
DeleteI agree with your position on the Russian people but I see 1917 as the real measure of their mettle.
He may not be scared but he's wary; and he should be. The people Russia is interfering with are as mad as a hatter. They don't take kindly to "rogues and upstarts". Like rats they're most dangerous when cornered.
ReplyDeleteAgreed go for it vlad and do oamas job for him.
ReplyDeleteIf he had enforced his own red line we wouldnt be in this mess.