nucklehead Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-03-21/petrodollar-alert-isolated-west-putin-prepares-announce-holy-grail-gas-deal-china While Europe is furiously scrambling to find alternative sources of energy should Gazprom pull the plug on natgas exports to Germany and Europe (the imminent surge in Ukraine gas prices by 40% is probably the best indication of what the outcome would be), Russia is preparing the announcement of the "Holy Grail" energy deal with none other than China, a move which would send geopolitical shockwaves around the world and bind the two nations in a commodity-backed axis. Putins indiffernce to western sanctions come a little clearer... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Building Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2014-03-21/petrodollar-alert-isolated-west-putin-prepares-announce-holy-grail-gas-deal-china Putins indiffernce to western sanctions come a little clearer... I for one will be happy to pay an increase in %40 in order to make a point to Russia. /sarcasm Seriously, who is surprised in the least? Ukraine who? Supply us with your Russian oil. I'm not sure if the last one is sarcasm or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BanTSN Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Obama's foreign policy isn't exactly working, is it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Ed Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Check, your move Obama. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonLever Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 The world does not revolve around the US and Europe anymore. Western countries are near bankrupt and foreign intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the US trillions of dollars. The decade-long American wars in Afghanistan and Iraq would end up costing as much as $6 trillion, the equivalent of $75,000 for every American household, calculates the prestigious Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Remember, when President George Bush’s National Economic Council Director, Lawrence Lindsey, had told the country’s largest newspaper “The Wall Street Journal” that the war would cost between $100 billion and $200 billion, he had found himself under intense fire from his colleagues in the administration who claimed that this was a gross overestimation. Consequently, Lawrence Lindsey was forced to resign. It is also imperative to recall that the Bush administration had claimed at the very outset that the Iraq war would finance itself out of Iraqi oil revenues, but Washington DC had instead ended up borrowing some $2 trillion to finance the two wars, the bulk of it from foreign lenders. According to the Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government 2013 report, this accounted for roughly 20 per cent of the total amount added to the US national debt between 2001 and 2012. According to the report, the US “has already paid $260 billion in interest on the war debt,” and future interest payments would amount to trillions of dollars. This Harvard University report has also been carried on its website by the Centre for Research on Globalisation, which is a widely-quoted Montreal-based independent research and media organisation. In its report under review, the 377-year old Harvard University has viewed that these afore-mentioned wars had not only left the United States heavily indebted, but would also have a profound impact on the federal government’s fiscal and budgetary crises over a protracted period. The report has attributed the largest share of the trillions of dollars in continuing costs to care and compensation for hundreds of thousands of troops left physically and psychologically damaged by the two wars being discussed here. The report states: “The Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts, taken together, will be the most expensive wars in US history—totaling somewhere between $4 trillion and $6 trillion. This includes long-term medical care and disability compensation for service members, veterans and families, military replenishment and social and economic costs. The largest portion of that bill is yet to be paid.” It asserts: “Another major share of the long-term costs of the wars comes from paying off trillions of dollars in debt incurred as the US government failed to include their cost in annual budgets and simultaneously implemented sweeping tax cuts for the rich. In addition, huge expenditures are being made to replace military equipment used in the two wars. The report also cites improvements in military pay and benefits made in 2004 to counter declining recruitment rates as casualties rose in the Iraq war.” The authors of this report have warned that the legacy of decisions taken during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars would dominate future federal budgets for decades to come. According to the Harvard University report, some 1.56 million US troops—56 per cent of all Afghanistan and Iraq veterans—were receiving medical treatment at Veterans Administration facilities and would be granted benefits for the rest of their lives. It reveals: “One out of every two veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan has already applied for permanent disability benefits. The official figure of 50,000 American troops “wounded in action” vastly underestimates the real human costs of the two US wars. One-third of returning veterans are being diagnosed with mental health issues—suffering from anxiety, depression, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).” The report notes that in addition, over a quarter of a million troops have suffered traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which, in many cases, were combined with PTSD, posing greater problems in treatment and recovery. “Constituting a particularly grim facet of this mental health crisis is the doubling of the suicide rate for US Army personnel, with many who attempted suicide suffering serious injuries,” opine the report authors. It maintains: “Overall, the Veterans Administration’s budget has more than doubled over the past decade, from $61.4 billion in 2001 to $140.3 billion in 2013. As a share of the total US budget it has grown from 2.5 percent to 3.5 percent over the same period. Soaring medical costs for veterans is attributable to several factors. Among them is that, thanks to advancements in medical technology and rapid treatment, soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have survived wounds that would have cost their lives in earlier conflicts.” The Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government report has estimated: “While the US government has already spent $134 billion on medical care and disability benefits for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, this figure will climb by an additional $836 billion over the coming decades.” It notes that the largest expenditures on health care for World War II veterans took place in the 1980s, roughly four decades after the war, and that spending on medical care and disability payments for Vietnam War veterans was still on the rise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Green Building Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 The world does not revolve around the US and Europe anymore. Western countries are near bankrupt and foreign intervention in Iraq and Afghanistan cost the US trillions of dollars. That was a good read. When was it written/where did you get it from? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonLever Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 That was a good read. When was it written/where did you get it from? here is the link: http://www.globalresearch.ca/us-wars-in-afghanistan-iraq-to-cost-6-trillion/5350789 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
key2thecup Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 BRICS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drummer4now Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 BRICS The future is bright for BRICS. Can't wait for the balance of power to switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DonLever Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Obama's foreign policy isn't exactly working, is it. I am not a fan of Obama but he did not start any wars, yet. Sure, he continued some wars but he did not create any.so far. George Bush started one, George W. Bush started two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nucklehead Posted April 3, 2014 Author Share Posted April 3, 2014 I am not a fan of Obama but he did not start any wars, yet. Sure, he continued some wars but he did not create any.so far. George Bush started one, George W. Bush started two. He's not finished, yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostsof1915 Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 All the more reason to go this way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drummer4now Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 He's not finished, yet. True he still has 2 more years to redeem himself. I must admit he is a very sneaky and smart man especially with his use of drones in the Middle East. Bush was just beginning to utilize them, but Obama has relied on them heavily to carry out his dirty work. Even though he hasn't formally started any new wars his hands aren't exactly clean of blood. Also the fact there is basically zero regulation right now on the use of drone strikes, they basically have no third party over site like the UN and can attack anyone with military precision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brick Tamland Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 True he still has 2 more years to redeem himself. I must admit he is a very sneaky and smart man especially with his use of drones in the Middle East. Bush was just beginning to utilize them, but Obama has relied on them heavily to carry out his dirty work. Even though he hasn't formally started any new wars his hands aren't exactly clean of blood. Also the fact there is basically zero regulation right now on the use of drone strikes, they basically have no third party over site like the UN and can attack anyone with military precision. JSOC and Blackwater two examples of how his hands are dirty. The US and NATO are seriously going to be in trouble if China and Russia get into bed together. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NightHawkSniper Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 JSOC and Blackwater two examples of how his hands are dirty. The US and NATO are seriously going to be in trouble if China and Russia get into bed together. That wont be a problem, 2 dictatorships will agree instantly... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Ed Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 JSOC and Blackwater two examples of how his hands are dirty. The US and NATO are seriously going to be in trouble if China and Russia get into bed together. I don't believe it will ever happen(Russian Chinese dominance). Been hearing this forever now. Bottom line to me is location is key. A lot of Russians prefer to live in America if they can, even Russian hockey stars when they could make far more going back home. And the Chinese.... Well if you live in Vancouver you should clearly see the amount of Chinese that don't want to live in China. How are any of those countries suppose to dominate when most of their successful people simply leave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drummer4now Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 I don't believe it will ever happen(Russian Chinese dominance). Been hearing this forever now. Bottom line to me is location is key. A lot of Russians prefer to live in America if they can, even Russian hockey stars when they could make far more going back home. And the Chinese.... Well if you live in Vancouver you should clearly see the amount of Chinese that don't want to live in China. How are any of those countries suppose to dominate when most of their successful people simply leave. Its actually the contrary, most of the immigrants that come out of immigrant hubs like China and India are not really successful in their home countries retrospectively hence why they come abroad to seek a new life. The very few successful ones either stay here temporarily or send their children abroad here to later establish ties or increase their wealth back home. One of my Chinese roommates told me this after he repeatedly kept telling he was poor even though he would buy very expensive things, and the fact that many asian students pick degrees like Economics to help back home. Theres also a saying in countries like India where they're actually happy many people emigrate out of their country because it gives the smart people a chance to emerge and thrive within India. Now in regards to China and Russia dominance. I think its still possible because of the history between these two countries. Both seem to always agree on the same issues and have similar values. As of right now IMO they are focused on dominating by boosting their economies. China's GDP in particular is supposed to surpass the USA pretty soon in like 10 years. I think once these countries boost their economies you will see a shift towards the humanistic aspect of their society (Increasing living standards, Human rights, etc..). Which will entice many people to stay. As of right now its full steam ahead comrade! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Special Ed Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Its actually the contrary, most of the immigrants that come out of immigrant hubs like China and India are not really successful in their home countries retrospectively hence why they come abroad to seek a new life. The very few successful ones either stay here temporarily or send their children abroad here to later establish ties or increase their wealth back home. One of my Chinese roommates told me this after he repeatedly kept telling he was poor even though he would buy very expensive things, and the fact that many asian students pick degrees like Economics to help back home. Theres also a saying in countries like India where they're actually happy many people emigrate out of their country because it gives the smart people a chance to emerge and thrive within India. Now in regards to China and Russia dominance. I think its still possible because of the history between these two countries. Both seem to always agree on the same issues and have similar values. As of right now IMO they are focused on dominating by boosting their economies. China's GDP in particular is supposed to surpass the USA pretty soon in like 10 years. I think once these countries boost their economies you will see a shift towards the humanistic aspect of their society (Increasing living standards, Human rights, etc..). As of right now its full steam ahead comrade! Hmmm it must be your experience then. In my experience it's all the wealthiest ones who move here and buy expensive million dollar suites downtown Vancouver. I have worked in luxury buildings for quite a while and witnessed it first hand. Yes poor ones come looking for opportunity but they at least have to speak English. The rich ones come here and don't bother learning. Also I have met some who moved here as soon as they became successful back home. I have checked immigration stats and if you take a look the numbers are staggering. It's all one way into modern western style countries for the most part. Unless that key trend changes I don't see any economy taking a dive all the way down. But I'm not an expert on economics just following the traffic flow. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drummer4now Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Hmmm it must be your experience then. In my experience it's all the wealthiest ones who move here and buy expensive million dollar suites downtown Vancouver. I have worked in luxury buildings for quite a while and witnessed it first hand. Yes poor ones come looking for opportunity but they at least have to speak English. The rich ones come here and don't bother learning. Also I have met some who moved here as soon as they became successful back home. I have checked immigration stats and if you take a look the numbers are staggering. It's all one way into modern western style countries for the most part. Unless that key trend changes I don't see any economy taking a dive all the way down. But I'm not an expert on economics just following the traffic flow. I agree, the rich ones I was describing like my Chinese roommate don't particular have a connection or need to integrate within our society since most live here temporarily. But I still think the best and brightest live in their home countries because of the incentives the governments give them. One of my extended relatives child was ranked in the top 100 in all of India in SAT type of testing and has now received many incentives by the government to stay and study in India. Even though she has received offers to study abroad. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IamHomer Posted April 3, 2014 Share Posted April 3, 2014 Hmmm it must be your experience then. In my experience it's all the wealthiest ones who move here and buy expensive million dollar suites downtown Vancouver. I have worked in luxury buildings for quite a while and witnessed it first hand. Yes poor ones come looking for opportunity but they at least have to speak English. The rich ones come here and don't bother learning. Also I have met some who moved here as soon as they became successful back home. I have checked immigration stats and if you take a look the numbers are staggering. It's all one way into modern western style countries for the most part. Unless that key trend changes I don't see any economy taking a dive all the way down. But I'm not an expert on economics just following the traffic flow. They don't come permanently, where do you think they get their money from lol. They usually just send their kids over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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