Aug 23, 2007
Aug 22, 2007
The Fix Is In
Georgia's opposition is hopping mad over the "covert privatization" of Georgian Railways.
Saakashvili transfered the company to UK-based "Parkfield Investments" under an 89 year managment agreement. Yet, for some unknown reason, people are skeptical how a one year-old company, with an ambigious ownership structure and initial assets of only $12 million, is going to come up with the promised $100 million dollars a year in promised investments. Will you take a check?
Then again, "privatization is privatization, it doesn't matter who gets these companies," as Mr. Privatization (Anders Aslund) would say. And someone has to pay for Saakashvili's Italian suits.
Divorce Russian Style
Russian woman claims Lorraina Bobbit was an amateur...
YahooNews: A woman set fire to her ex-husband's penis as he sat naked watching television and drinking vodka, Moscow police said Wednesday. Asked if the man would make a full recovery, a police spokeswoman said it was "difficult to predict."
The attack climaxed three years of acrimonious enforced co-habitation. The couple divorced three years ago but continued to share a small flat, something common in Russia where property costs are very high. "It was monstrously painful," the wounded ex-husband told Tvoi Den newspaper. "I was burning like a torch. I don't know what I did to deserve this."
Questions:
1. Is saving money really worth having your genitals set ablaze?
2. Why watch TV naked?
3. What was he watching exactly?
4. Did he run to the shower to put out the flames only to realize there was no running water?
YahooNews: A woman set fire to her ex-husband's penis as he sat naked watching television and drinking vodka, Moscow police said Wednesday. Asked if the man would make a full recovery, a police spokeswoman said it was "difficult to predict."
The attack climaxed three years of acrimonious enforced co-habitation. The couple divorced three years ago but continued to share a small flat, something common in Russia where property costs are very high. "It was monstrously painful," the wounded ex-husband told Tvoi Den newspaper. "I was burning like a torch. I don't know what I did to deserve this."
Questions:
1. Is saving money really worth having your genitals set ablaze?
2. Why watch TV naked?
3. What was he watching exactly?
4. Did he run to the shower to put out the flames only to realize there was no running water?
Not That We Ever Had Standards
So here you go people: Putin without his shirt, looking every bit the Marlboro Man. We tried to ignore this story, but the Russians can't seem to get enough. Hell, the Kremlin put in on their website for Christ's sake. Its so obviously an attempt to one-up Sarkozy, but no-one seems to care. If Dick Cheney decides he will not be out-done, we're going to just close up shop and move to Lake Como. To hell with you all.
IHT: "Few could have predicted the squall of gossip and speculation that would follow after Putin stripped off his shirt for the cameras while on holiday with Prince Albert II of Monaco in the Siberian mountains last week. The resulting images of the presidential abs, prominently enshrined on the presidential web site, inspired admiration, criticism and some racing pulses among his admirers. The Russian media still can't get enough. The mass market tabloid Komsomolskaya Pravda on Wednesday published a huge color photo of the barechested president, under the headline: 'Be Like Putin.'" Oh sweet Lord.
More 'genocide' word inflation...
...this time from the Estonians. /sigh
"The cousin of Estonia's late president, Lennart Meri, committed genocide by helping deport his countrymen to Siberia nearly 60 years ago, prosecutors said Wednesday. But Arnold Meri, 88, a former top ranking Communist Party official in Estonia, claimed he was a mere civil servant."
Of course, the 'just following orders' defence always works.
"The cousin of Estonia's late president, Lennart Meri, committed genocide by helping deport his countrymen to Siberia nearly 60 years ago, prosecutors said Wednesday. But Arnold Meri, 88, a former top ranking Communist Party official in Estonia, claimed he was a mere civil servant."
Of course, the 'just following orders' defence always works.
Aug 21, 2007
Those Magnificent Russians & Their Flying Machines
This week, Moscow hosted Russia’s largest air show in the post-Soviet era.
Right before a low-level Mig fly-over, Putin felt confident enough to assert that Russia was already the world's leading producer of military aircraft, and would soon become the worlds third largest producer of civilian aircraft. You read that right. Fasten your seatbelt and get out those rosary beads, because we’re all going to be flying Russia’s safe, spacious, eco-friendly, and of course, whisper quiet Tupolev jetliners.
Also, Putin tapped First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov to lead the new state-controlled United Aircraft Corporation, an umbrella group to oversee Russia's resurgent aircraft manufacturing industry. See more on Ivanov's improving presidential odds below.
They May Have Claimed the Arctic...
...but they still have no hot running water in the summer. Maybe they should have stuck a titanium flag on an evian or bon aqua factory...
NY Times: The dour Moscow of cold war film strips is long gone. But every summer, the people here get a taste of old-style deprivation, as if they were flung back to a time when they had to queue up at dawn to buy a few coils of mealy sausage. In neighborhoods rich and poor, for as long as a month, most buildings have no running hot water, not a drop.
Buildings in Moscow usually receive hot water from a series of plants throughout the city, not from basement boilers, as in the US. By summer, the plants and the network of pipelines that transport hot water need maintenance. Off goes the hot water. And in homes across the city, out come the pots and sponges and grumbling.
Moscow is not alone in its summertime water woes. St. Petersburg and other Russian cities have similar systems. But it galls some Muscovites that a city of such power and money cannot provide a basic necessity year-round.
NY Times: The dour Moscow of cold war film strips is long gone. But every summer, the people here get a taste of old-style deprivation, as if they were flung back to a time when they had to queue up at dawn to buy a few coils of mealy sausage. In neighborhoods rich and poor, for as long as a month, most buildings have no running hot water, not a drop.
Buildings in Moscow usually receive hot water from a series of plants throughout the city, not from basement boilers, as in the US. By summer, the plants and the network of pipelines that transport hot water need maintenance. Off goes the hot water. And in homes across the city, out come the pots and sponges and grumbling.
Moscow is not alone in its summertime water woes. St. Petersburg and other Russian cities have similar systems. But it galls some Muscovites that a city of such power and money cannot provide a basic necessity year-round.
Aug 20, 2007
Ukraine Faces Natural Gas Shortage Crisis
Now is the time to open our sweater factory with retail locations in Kyiv and Lviv (Jen).
"Presidential advisor says majority of stored gas not Ukrainian Kiev, Ukraine—Ukraine may face an energy crisis by the end of the year because Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the national oil and gas company, has failed to accumulate sufficient reserves of its own natural gas..."
"Presidential advisor says majority of stored gas not Ukrainian Kiev, Ukraine—Ukraine may face an energy crisis by the end of the year because Naftogaz Ukrayiny, the national oil and gas company, has failed to accumulate sufficient reserves of its own natural gas..."
What Are the Odds?
The British will bet on anything, and UK-bookmaker Unibet has posted the current line on the Russian Presidential Election 2008: "To replace Putin who will be the next Russian president? Others on request." (Thanks Chalmers)
Ivanov, Sergei 2.20
Medvedev, Dmitry 3.75
Fradkov, Mikhail 10.00
Gryzlov, Boris 14.00
Kasyanov, Mikhail 14.00
Mironov, Sergei 15.00
Yakunin, Vladimir 15.00
Trutnev, Yuri 18.00
Gerashchenko, Viktor 18.00
Stepashin, Sergei 20.00
Matviyenko, Valentina 20.00
Zyuganov, Gennardy 30.00
Seleznyov, Gennadiy 30.00
Nemtsov, Boris 30.00
Kristenko, Viktor 30.00
Shenin, Oleg 50.00
Donskoi, Alexander 75.00
Yavlinsky, Grigory 100.00
Anpilov, Viktor 100.00
Liminov, Eduard 100.00
Zjirinovskij, Vladimir 150.00
Khordokovsky, Mikhail 200.00
Putina, Lyudmila 200.00
Abramovitch, Roman 200.00
Ivanov, Sergei 2.20
Medvedev, Dmitry 3.75
Fradkov, Mikhail 10.00
Gryzlov, Boris 14.00
Kasyanov, Mikhail 14.00
Mironov, Sergei 15.00
Yakunin, Vladimir 15.00
Trutnev, Yuri 18.00
Gerashchenko, Viktor 18.00
Stepashin, Sergei 20.00
Matviyenko, Valentina 20.00
Zyuganov, Gennardy 30.00
Seleznyov, Gennadiy 30.00
Nemtsov, Boris 30.00
Kristenko, Viktor 30.00
Shenin, Oleg 50.00
Donskoi, Alexander 75.00
Yavlinsky, Grigory 100.00
Anpilov, Viktor 100.00
Liminov, Eduard 100.00
Zjirinovskij, Vladimir 150.00
Khordokovsky, Mikhail 200.00
Putina, Lyudmila 200.00
Abramovitch, Roman 200.00
Mr. 88 Percent
Kazakhstan finished it's parliamentary election this weekend. Nazarbayev's party pulled 88% of the vote and every seat in parlarment. Always decisive, the OSCE called it a flawed step forward. The question is, if you're going to win anyway, why cheat?"Yo, Kosovo..!"
Hearing the Rocky theme in the background, we imagine the villagers from Borat running up the steps at the Philadelphia Art Museum. (Vika & Igor)
'Rocky' statue erected in Serbian village.
Two Words I NEVER Wanted to See in a Headline Together
The Sofia Weekly: Bulgaria Launches Probe into Roma Vendetta
Prosecutors have launched pre-trial proceedings into the 2 days of Roma violence in a Sofia district that set the capital on edge and renewed the debate about minority discrimination. Sofia district prosecutor's office said it is conducting interrogations, collecting evidence and examining video recordings of the incident.
At least 200 Roma gathered Monday night in the district, including children under ten, who carried axes, cudgels, pitchforks and stones, chanting "Death for the Bulgarians". The policemen apparently did not know how to react and decided to watch passively the scenes of violence.
Interior Chief Secretary Iliya Iliev defended the police lack of actions, saying they feared they might be accused of discrimination if they were too tough. "A policeman is timid in his actions when he fears he may end up at the military prosecutor's office if he uses his powers to the fullest," he commented.
The police are still investigating the circumstances of the brawl, but Roma witnesses claimed it was retaliation for a clash the previous night, when 30 skinheads reportedly attacked three Roma teenagers, one of whom was badly beaten. Between 20 and 30 people were involved in the row, although witness reports are contradictory, the police said. Four people, all of them Roma, were detained to testify and were released shortly afterwards.
The Conga: Not just for weddings anymore
The Sofia Weekly: Bulgarian Eco-Activists Do the Conga along Strandzha Border
Bulgarian environmental activists plan to encircle with their bodies Strandzha national park in protest against the lack of a plan for its further development. The Strandzha natural park, covering 5.400 hectares of land near the border with Turkey in southeastern Bulgaria, is home to historical landmarks and unique natural monuments. It hit the headlines in June this year after a court decision to revoke the statute of its parts as protected areas triggered a series of protests in Sofia streets. The chain will trace the park borders as outlined in the papers of the municipality of Tsarevo, starting from the seaside, going through the Tsarevo-Varvara road and along the forest areas. The initiative will repeat on a larger scale the one from the middle of July when environmental activists made a conga line 200 meters long marching through Sofia's pedestrian area.
Next thing you know, they'll be doing the chicken dance to raise awareness. Where will it end?!
Solzhenitsyn, Sakharov…President Bush?
The WashPost takes an in-depth look at the president's faltering policy to promote democracy world-wide. How did we miss this priceless Bush quote, “I too am a dissident in Washington. Bureaucracy in the United States does not help change.” (That's Sharansky getting the Medal of Freedom for inspiring the policy that the State Depatment willfully ignores -- so says the article.)
Aug 17, 2007
'I'm Not a Dunk, It's a Health Spa'
The BBC reports on a Ukrainian health spa's 'wine therapy' program. "The formula is simple - lots of dried herbs are mixed with lots of Crimean wine. Sometimes vodka is added for an extra kick." Sweet Lord, vodka and wine? Eternal Remont once experimented with this deadly combo and woke up beside a troupe of acrobat midgets and a bearded hooker from Krasnoyarsk.
'How Did You Make The Terrorists So Small?'
Chinese President Hu Jintao ponders the mystries of Putin's micro-mini tank collection, and other highlights from the wrap-up of the SCO's Arms Expo 2007: "Try Before You Buy."
Aug 16, 2007
More Yukos Hilarity (Jen)
The Russian government has sold off chunks of Yukos, much to the dismay of everyone else with claims pending before a Dutch court.
The Russian government “might as well have offered up the Statue of Liberty to the participating bidders, as [it] has the same right to sell that landmark as [it] had to sell Yukos Finance—none whatsoever,” said the company.
(Jen: I heard yesterday that Russia levied back-taxes on The Clausing Barn Restaurant in Eagle, Wisconsin.)
The Russian government “might as well have offered up the Statue of Liberty to the participating bidders, as [it] has the same right to sell that landmark as [it] had to sell Yukos Finance—none whatsoever,” said the company.
(Jen: I heard yesterday that Russia levied back-taxes on The Clausing Barn Restaurant in Eagle, Wisconsin.)
Man-Portable?
The initial report on the Georgian missile affair is in. Yup, radar tapes show not one, but three separate incursions by a SU-24 from Russian airspace. The missile was either dropped (oops) or sputtered out (oops) when the pilot attempted to fire at a Georgian radar instilation.
The missile in question is a Russian-made Kh-58 (above), specially designed for the SU-24. The Georgian's don't fly this aircraft, nor do they have this missile in their arsenal.
Originally, South Ossetia's "President" claimed the Georgians had planted the missile to embarrass Russia. This is the same line which the Kremlin has adopted throughout. However, nobody seems to have CC-ed Russia's peacekeeping commander in South Ossetia on the talking-points memo. On August 7, Major-General Marat Kulakhmetov claimed that South Ossetian forces had fired a man-portable missile at a unidentified Georgian aircraft which had flown into South Ossetian airspace. (Get it, Georgia invaded us!) So that's what must have fallen to the ground. Too bad the Kh-58 weights well over 300 pounds, is not very "man portable," and did we mention the can-only-be-fired-from-a-SU-24 part?
Not that it matters. This is the Caucuses. We don't need no stinking facts.
It Was the Summer of '99
Remember August-September 1999, when "Chechen Terrorists" were felling Russian apartment buildings with a high-grade military explosvie that one could only procure from KGB-run factories?
Well, so do the Georgians (Messenger ): "Davit Bakradze, the new State Minister for Conflict Resolution, had the sharpest of sharp re-joinders for Ivanov's statement [that Tbilisi planted the missile].'Unlike its neighboring country, Georgian authorities do not plant bombs in apartment buildings,' Bakradze said."
To our knowledge, this is the first time a government official has just come out said it.
(If you're in the mood on these hot muggy days, take a min. to stroll down memory lane.)
Well, so do the Georgians (Messenger ): "Davit Bakradze, the new State Minister for Conflict Resolution, had the sharpest of sharp re-joinders for Ivanov's statement [that Tbilisi planted the missile].'Unlike its neighboring country, Georgian authorities do not plant bombs in apartment buildings,' Bakradze said."
To our knowledge, this is the first time a government official has just come out said it.
(If you're in the mood on these hot muggy days, take a min. to stroll down memory lane.)
Lunchtime Poll: What would you do with 5,000 Dragunov rifles?
And perhaps more importantly, what the hell is Venezuela planning to do with 5,000 sniper rifles?
NYT: A proposed contract between Russia & Venezuela that could transfer 1,000s of sniper rifles to Venezuela has raised concerns in the US about the potential use or regional distribution of the weapons by the socialist-inspired government of Pres. Hugo Chavez. Venezuela is negotiating a contract with Rosoboronexport to purchase about 5,000 modernized Dragunov rifles.
Venezuela has about 34,000 soldiers in its army & 23,000 in its national guard. Because sniper rifles are specialized infantry weapons & not typically issued to large numbers of soldiers, diplomats and military officers and analysts said, a purchase of several thousand Dragunovs would not seem to have a conventional military use for Venezuela’s armed forces.
“Sales like this, & other sales of military equipment & arms to Venezuela, don’t seem consistent with Venezuela’s needs,” David J. Kramer, deputy assistant secretary of state for european and eurasian affairs, said. “It does raise questions about their ultimate use,” he added.
Aug 14, 2007
Russia's Railroad Bomb, Who's To Blame?
A lot of people smell somthing fishy in the "it was a terrorist bomb" explination for yesterday's train accident between Moscow and Peter.
Aug. 14 (Bloomberg) -- "Russia's top security official warned of a heightened terrorist threat ahead of elections after a homemade bomb derailed an express train, injuring dozens of people...'The terrorist threat in Russia has been used repeatedly' by the authorities to cement control, said Masha Lipman, an analyst with the Moscow Carnegie Center. 'This raises concern.'"
The last time Russia changed its head of state, the Kremlin orchistrated the affair under the manufactured threat of Chechen terrorist attacks. The Presidential election is in seven short months away. If OJ shows up to hunt for the "real terrorists" behind the accident, we'll konw the fix is in...
The Definition of Insanity
Insanity is commonly defined as doing the same thing over and over again while expecting different results each time. No one has apparently explained this concept to Nasrullah ibn Ibadullah. Ibadullah, former chief mufti of Turkmenistan, was released from prison last week after being jailed for his alleged participation in the failed 2002 assassination attempt on Niyazov. Today RFE/RL reports that Ibadullah has agreed to join the Turkmen government, AGAIN, as an adviser to the State Council of Religious Affairs.
After sampling some of Turkmenistan's 1100 different types of musk melon while celebrating national Melon Day on Sunday, Ibadullah decided to give working for the Turkmen government another shot. One can only hope it works out better for him this time around.
After sampling some of Turkmenistan's 1100 different types of musk melon while celebrating national Melon Day on Sunday, Ibadullah decided to give working for the Turkmen government another shot. One can only hope it works out better for him this time around.
Aug 13, 2007
Russians Do Love Their Chess
Its not exactly playing chess with death, but it comes damn close. IHT reports on the macabre trial of a Russian mass murderer who marked off his dead on a chessboard.... "One by one, the squares on the chessboard filled up with numbers — each commemorating a murder. Alexander Pichushkin allegedly killed most of his victims in a Moscow park, smashing their skulls with a hammer or throwing them into sewage pits after getting them drunk. He boasted he had nearly reached the last square, No. 64, by the time police captured him last year."
Turkmenistan Celebrates Melon Day
I bet it still doesn't hold a candle to the Suzdal Cucumber Festival.
August 12, 2007 -- Turkmenistan is celebrating its annual "Melon Day" holiday today. Melon Day, which pays tribute to the approximately 1,100 different sorts of melons that grow in the country, has been an annual holiday in Turkmenistan since 1994. Newspapers in Turkmenistan on August 11 carried a message from President Gurbanguly Berdymukhammedov in which he reminded the country that "since ancient times Turkmenistan has been considered the homeland of the best melons in the world." [Insert joke here.]
(RFE/RL)
Thanks Hill...!
"Peace Mission 2007" Turns Into A Goat Rodeo
The SCO held an elaborate arms expo/anti-terrorist exercise over the weekend, essentially allowing Chinese generals to test drive all the new toys Russia intendeds to sell them next year. The affair quickly descended into hillarity. Kommersant's lead was priceless...
"....About 6000 soldiers from SCO member states Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are participating in the exercise. Their initial efforts at staging an antiterrorist operation were hampered by the language barrier and the lack of clean water and toilets." Other highlights included:
- The promised Russian-Chinese airborne drop didn't happen. Instead empty Ilyushin-76MD's did a low fly-over of the exercise area.
- The Chinese refused to airlift their own troops and equipment, saying that the terrain was "unfamiliar."
- Tajik and Kyrgyz units did not take part in the joint training on August 6, as they arrived a day late and were forced to sit around and watch.
- Russian Chief of the General Staff Yuri Baluyevsky expounding on his belief that democracy was the region's largest security threat.
Aug 10, 2007
The Eternal Flame Gets Snuffed
Lenta.ru reports that last night, three drunk Belarussian youths have done what the Germans could not 60 years ago, by extinguishing the Eternal Flame dedicated to World War II soldiers in Minsk's Victory Square.
Although the article does not note the precise method used by the perpetrators of this heinous crime, erudite EternalRemont readers could probably venture a guess or two. Reaction from Moscow is forthcoming. EternalRemont, always dedicated to providing timely political analysis, offers the following future scenarios:
1) A massive Nashi demonstration in front of the Belarussian Embassy in Moscow. Nashi leader Vasily Yakemenko personally hounds the Belarussian Ambassador for the next 5-6 months.
2) The Duma announces a boycott of Belarussian goods in Russia. After establishing that such goods consist solely of potatoes, Duma announces the yam as the new Russian national staple food.
3) Within hours, all three Belarussian servers are shut down by Russian hackers
4) Gazprom establishes a $30/cubic meter " Eternal Flame Tax" on gas exports to Belarus. When EU officials object, tax extended to all EU members, excluding Germany.
5) All Belarussian guest workers are ordered to leave Moscow, while the police searches for their children in Russian schools.
In the confusion over the indistinguishably-Slavic features of Belarussian natives, all citizens whose last name end in -shenko are deported from Russia. Ukrainian opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko writes another article in Foreign Affairs, decrying Putin's "imperial tendencies."
NOT!!!
(Igor)Some Go in, Others Go Out
Yesterday on this site I commented on Berdymukhammedov throwing people in jail. Today the opposite is true. Ferghana.ru reports that the President of Turkmenistan has granted amnesty to at least 11 people imprisoned during the late Niyazov's reign.
Among the pardoned is Nasrulla Ibn Ibadulla who served as head Mufti of the Turkmen spiritual board from its creation in 1994 to 2003. In 2004, Ibadulla was sentenced to 22 years. While the exact charges against him were not made public, there was widespread speculation about the reason for his downfall. Was it because of his ethnic Uzbek background? His unwillingness to elevate the Rukhnama to the status of the Q'uran? Or had he participated in the 2002 assignation attempt against Niyazov?
Whatever the reason, Ibadulla was a prominent figure in Turkmenistan and Berdymukhammedov has made yet another bold move in granting him amnesty.
Among the pardoned is Nasrulla Ibn Ibadulla who served as head Mufti of the Turkmen spiritual board from its creation in 1994 to 2003. In 2004, Ibadulla was sentenced to 22 years. While the exact charges against him were not made public, there was widespread speculation about the reason for his downfall. Was it because of his ethnic Uzbek background? His unwillingness to elevate the Rukhnama to the status of the Q'uran? Or had he participated in the 2002 assignation attempt against Niyazov?
Whatever the reason, Ibadulla was a prominent figure in Turkmenistan and Berdymukhammedov has made yet another bold move in granting him amnesty.
Aug 9, 2007
Russian Bombers Prompt Flood of 80s Nostalgia
As the AP reports: "A Russian bomber flew over a U.S. naval base on the Pacific island of Guam on Wednesday and 'exchanged smiles' with U.S. pilots."
Tell Maverick and the gang they need to come out of retirement. We've got a job for those rakishly handsome flyboys! (Vika)
Bold Moves in Turkmenistan
Berdymukhammedov has been in power for less than a year and he has been very busy. Not only has Turkmenistan recently signed agreements to provide natural gas to China, Iran and Turkey - agreements that have the potential to upset Turkmenistan's relations with Russia - the President is taking swift action against any possible domestic opposition.
John C.K. Daly writing for the Eurasia Daily Monitor covered how former head of the Turkmen secret police, Lieutenant-General Akumra Redzhepov and his son have been arrested and sentenced to prison. RFE/RL today reports that Former Turkmen Agriculture Minister Paizygeldy Meredov has also been arrested. Listed among the missing is Alexander Zhadan, former head of Niyazov's finances, who disappeared right before the death of his boss was made public in December.
It is speculated that Zhadan, Meredov and Redzhepov all have massive bank accounts, padded with natural gas and cotton revenues siphoned off throughout Niyazov's reign. Berdymukhammedov, it appears, wants to both get this money back and remove any potential opposition. He is moving quickly and boldly to do so. But how secure is he? Secure enough to disrupt relations with Russia? Secure enough purge domestic political elites?
John C.K. Daly writing for the Eurasia Daily Monitor covered how former head of the Turkmen secret police, Lieutenant-General Akumra Redzhepov and his son have been arrested and sentenced to prison. RFE/RL today reports that Former Turkmen Agriculture Minister Paizygeldy Meredov has also been arrested. Listed among the missing is Alexander Zhadan, former head of Niyazov's finances, who disappeared right before the death of his boss was made public in December.
It is speculated that Zhadan, Meredov and Redzhepov all have massive bank accounts, padded with natural gas and cotton revenues siphoned off throughout Niyazov's reign. Berdymukhammedov, it appears, wants to both get this money back and remove any potential opposition. He is moving quickly and boldly to do so. But how secure is he? Secure enough to disrupt relations with Russia? Secure enough purge domestic political elites?
Saakashvili is a Bad Ass
Two points have been overlooked in the instant analysis of the Georgian missile row. First, the Russians are taking their PR talkers from the South Ossetians. (South Ossetia's 'president' was the first to front the "Georgia planted it" story.) But hell, Russia got away with it in the spring, why not try again? This is the only kind of recycling Russia likes, but it shows a general lack of creativity.
Second, Saakashvili should get a high-five. Sure the “Saakashvili-sucks” crowd will be miffed, buy he’s played this just about as pitch perfect as you can: Grab your Versace sunglasses, roll up your tailored Burberry sleves, invite foreign ambassadors to accompany you to the impact site, then just look serious and in-charge. When its all over, go home, get a neck massage from the wife, and lodge a complaint with the U.N. in the morning.
This is how aspiring NATO members act. And The bastard looks good doing it.
Aug 8, 2007
Ukrainian Man Tallest in World
Insert Chernobyl joke here.
YahooNews: A Ukrainian man is the tallest person in the world at 8'5", overshadowing a Chinese man who previously held the title, Guinness World Records said Wednesday. Leonid Stadnik, a 37-yr-old former veterinarian, is 8 in. taller than the former titleholder, China's Bao Xishun, who measured 7'9".
Stadnik's growth spurt started at age 14 after a brain operation apparently stimulated his pituitary gland, which produces the human growth hormone. He lives with his mother, Halyna, in NW Ukraine, taking care of the family's house and garden.
According to Guiness, the tallest man in medical history was Illinois native Robert Pershing Wadlow, who was 8 feet 11 inches and died in 1940 at the age of 22.
Belarus pays its whole debt. So the question is...
...how many women did the Belarusian government have to sell to raise $460 million?
RFE/RL: Russia's state-controlled gas monopoly, Gazprom, says Belarus has paid all of its $460 million debt for Russian gas deliveries in the 1st 1/2 of the year. Gazprom threatened to limit gas deliveries to Belarus earlier this month if the bill went unpaid. Belarus made a 1st $190-million payment on its debt for Russian natural gas on August 3. The dispute over the bill was watched closely by the West, as pipelines in Belarus are a key transit route for Russian oil and gas to Europe.
Aug 7, 2007
You can't touch it, if its not really there...
Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Kovalenko on the missile row: What Su-24? Georgia has its own airspace? And we sure as hell don't know anything about no missile, not even that one right there, smoking in the crater. No idea. Its not ours. You must have planted it. Don't you people have visa applications to be filling out?
Georgia: Russia is Shooting Blanks
(Thanks LJ) AP: Georgia accused Russia of ''undisguised aggression'', saying 2 Russian fighter jets intruded on its airspace and fired a missile that landed near a house. Russia denied the allegation -- the latest dispute between Moscow and the former Soviet republic.
The Interior Ministry said 2 Russian Su-24 bombers illegally entered Georgia's airspace Monday night over the Gori region, about 35 miles NW of the capital, and fired a missile that landed on the edge of the village of Shavshvebi.
The missile did not explode, Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili said.
Georgia has long accused Russia of trying to destabilize the country and of backing separatists in its breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which President Mikhail Saakashvili has pledged to bring back into the Georgian fold.
The Gori region where the missile was dropped is next to South Ossetia.
The Interior Ministry said 2 Russian Su-24 bombers illegally entered Georgia's airspace Monday night over the Gori region, about 35 miles NW of the capital, and fired a missile that landed on the edge of the village of Shavshvebi.
The missile did not explode, Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili said.
Georgia has long accused Russia of trying to destabilize the country and of backing separatists in its breakaway provinces of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, which President Mikhail Saakashvili has pledged to bring back into the Georgian fold.
The Gori region where the missile was dropped is next to South Ossetia.
"False Patriotism"
Pavel Baev has really outdone himself.
"Seeking to maintain the breathtaking run-of-luck momentum, Russia has arrived in a rather tight corner where its fast growing internal demand for cheap energy clashes with the imperative to export huge volumes of hydrocarbons at the highest possible prices....The symbol of Gazprom – a capital G with a blue flame – has become a sign of energy insecurity, and Russia’s attempts to maximize its benefits by stamping this symbol on every available reservoir, even deep under the Northern Pole, would inevitably backfire. False patriotism fuelled by gas intoxication is a recipe for a truly bad hangover."
Aliev, Scapegoat or Total Criminal?
While it would be naive to think that Rakhat Aliev, former son-in-law to President Nazerbayev, never acted unethically and respected both the spirit and the letter of Kazakh law - did this guy really murder, abduct, assault and launder money AND get away with it for years?
RFE/RL is reporting that the body of Anastasia Novikova, missing since 2004, has been found. Novikova worked for NTK television, a subsidiary of Alma-Media group which was co-owned by Aliev until his flight from Kazakhstan earlier this summer. According to RFE/RL, Aliev and Novikova "reportedly had a personal relationship" and the Kazakh Interior Ministry is investigating the possibility that Aliev was involved in her death.
If Aliev is the criminal he is being made out to be, shame on the Kazakh government and shame on the ruling family to let him get away with so many crimes for so long. If, however, Aliev is being persecuted for expressing a desire to replace Nazerbayev as President, this is but more evidence that Kazakhstan is not the democracy it wants the west to think it is.
RFE/RL is reporting that the body of Anastasia Novikova, missing since 2004, has been found. Novikova worked for NTK television, a subsidiary of Alma-Media group which was co-owned by Aliev until his flight from Kazakhstan earlier this summer. According to RFE/RL, Aliev and Novikova "reportedly had a personal relationship" and the Kazakh Interior Ministry is investigating the possibility that Aliev was involved in her death.
If Aliev is the criminal he is being made out to be, shame on the Kazakh government and shame on the ruling family to let him get away with so many crimes for so long. If, however, Aliev is being persecuted for expressing a desire to replace Nazerbayev as President, this is but more evidence that Kazakhstan is not the democracy it wants the west to think it is.
Aug 6, 2007
Russia Cancels 90 Percent of Afghan Debt (Vika)
Russia to Afghanistan: Sure, we'll forgive your debt...let's be real good friends! By the way, how do you feel about evil, imperialistic American influences? Eternal Remont is anxiously awaiting its invitation to the formal exchange of BFF braclets between Presidents Putin and Karzai at the Kremlin.
WWTD: What would Turkmenbashi do?
As in the fashion world, in Turkmenistan, you're either "EEn" or your "Out." From the looks of it, the Turkmenbashi's National Security Chief, Akmura Redzhepov, will not be debuting his new line at this year's Prêt à Porter show in Paris.
According to published reports, Le Petite Presidente Gurbanguly Berdimukhamedov has sent Redzhepov up the river for 20 years on "unspecified crimes related to abuse of power." Not to worry though, Redzhepov will have some company in the clink. His son, Nurmurad, a colonel in the secret police, received a 13-year sentence.
If he lives, however, Redzhepov will get the last laugh. It seems that he is the only one alive who knows how to access the secret $3 billion Turkmenbashi retirement fund.
Aug 3, 2007
How Much For a Vollyball Team?
For those of you who are counting. The current world market value of one Bulgarian nurse is $11.2 million -- tradable in sovereign bonds.
Bulgaria forgives Libyan debt. (Thanks Jen!)
Bulgaria forgives Libyan debt. (Thanks Jen!)
Old Is New Again
Remember the days of Stalin, when you had to go down to the police station in person to denounce your neighbors and get their apartment? Not anymore.
Thanks to the Internet, Russians can induldge in their favorite national passtime from the comfort of their own home.
"Back in February 2007, a poll on the legal status of foreign nationals in Moscow showed that 47% of Moscow residents would like to anonymously finger illegal migrants via the Internet."
That's nearly 1 out of every 2 people.
Thanks to the Internet, Russians can induldge in their favorite national passtime from the comfort of their own home.
"Back in February 2007, a poll on the legal status of foreign nationals in Moscow showed that 47% of Moscow residents would like to anonymously finger illegal migrants via the Internet."
That's nearly 1 out of every 2 people.
Jingoistic Geology III
The Canadian's have a right to be pissed. That same ridge which the Russian's claim to be part of "their" continental shelf, also belongs to Canada. Oops.
State Department spokesman Tom Casey gets second prize. "I'm not sure of whether they've put a metal flag, a rubber flag or a bed sheet on the ocean floor," he said. "Either way, it doesn't have any legal standing or effect on this claim."
All of this has got us thinking. When the Apollo 11 astronauts landed on the moon in 1969, they planted an American flag. Employing Russia's same logic, the United States should, by rights, own the moon. This opens up a universe of possibilities, like charging fees anytime someone looks at the moon. It would be just like the time Eternal Remont sold tickets to glimps the image of Boris Yeltsin, which miracously appeared on the bottom side of a cheese quesadilla. Say goodbye to the national debt.
Adding Venezuela to the mix has made East European energy politics SO fun
Financial Times: Belarus has turned to Venezuela to help pay back a $456m debt to Russia for gas supplies after Moscow threatened to halve its gas deliveries, Alexander Lukashenko, Belarusan president, said on Thursday.
“I have instructed the government to reach into the reserve fund for $460m to pay Russia for gas. Hugo Chávez [the president of Venezuela] and our other friends can give us credits today. Even foreign commercial banks are prepared to lend to Belarus,” the Itar-Tass news agency quoted Mr Lukashenko as saying.
A Venezuelan loan to Belarus would not be surprising. Mr Chávez visited the country in June, describing Mr Lukashenko as a “brother in arms”.
A supply cut to Belarus could threaten countries in northern Europe importing Russian gas through Belarusan transit pipelines, a charge Gazprom denies.
“I have instructed the government to reach into the reserve fund for $460m to pay Russia for gas. Hugo Chávez [the president of Venezuela] and our other friends can give us credits today. Even foreign commercial banks are prepared to lend to Belarus,” the Itar-Tass news agency quoted Mr Lukashenko as saying.
A Venezuelan loan to Belarus would not be surprising. Mr Chávez visited the country in June, describing Mr Lukashenko as a “brother in arms”.
A supply cut to Belarus could threaten countries in northern Europe importing Russian gas through Belarusan transit pipelines, a charge Gazprom denies.
CSIS Study: Russian Media Working As Intended
CSIS wanted to know what Russia's "Putin Generation" (ages 16 to 29) thought about the United States:
"Nearly 80 percent agreed that 'the United States tries to impose its norms and way of life on the rest of the world,' we found. Nearly 70 percent disagreed that the United States 'does more good than harm.' Three-quarters agreed that the 'United States gives aid in order to influence the internal politics of countries,'" say the authors of the study.
Aug 2, 2007
Now that's what I call a Holiday!
I wonder if Aeroflot will offer discounted tickets to get to this little festival? RFE/RL reports:
GOVERNOR SUGGESTS A DAY OFF TO PRODUCE CHILDREN
Sergei Morozov, who is governor of Ulyanovsk Oblast, said on August 2 that citizens should be given September 12 as a day off work in order to conceive children and help offset Russia's demographic decline, newsru.com reported. He proposed calling the holiday the Day of Conception. Morozov has previously captured attention with calls for officials from around Russia to send him their unwanted statues of Lenin for an open-air museum and his insistence that officials pass a test in Russian-language proficiency. PM
GOVERNOR SUGGESTS A DAY OFF TO PRODUCE CHILDREN
Sergei Morozov, who is governor of Ulyanovsk Oblast, said on August 2 that citizens should be given September 12 as a day off work in order to conceive children and help offset Russia's demographic decline, newsru.com reported. He proposed calling the holiday the Day of Conception. Morozov has previously captured attention with calls for officials from around Russia to send him their unwanted statues of Lenin for an open-air museum and his insistence that officials pass a test in Russian-language proficiency. PM
Moldova Dissed From World Santa Claus Congress
"Moldova didn’t receive an invitation to this event despite the fact it has a special Academy, a national Santa Claus and activities similar to the institutions of this kind from Europe."
It all has to do with a fight over when to celebrate Christmas. Oh yeah, and Moldova has "too many official holiays" already, so the National Assembly won't recognize a December Christmas. No word yet on the fate of August 31, Limba Noastra (National Language Day).
In solidarity with little Moldova, Eternal Remont will hereby change its Official Lanugage to Coloradian. From now on, all posts on this blog will be made in Coloradian. All non-Coloradian posts will first have to be translated from English into Coloradian.
Aug 1, 2007
Rumor Mill: Lukashenko is Leaving Politics to Become a Musician
The word on the blogosphere is that Lukashenko is starting up a Beastie Boys tribute band. Check it out:
Today before a packed press conference in Minsk, the President of Belarus, Aleksandr Lukashenko, announced that he would be stepping down from his post to devote his life to an even greater undertaking: over-50 Beastie Boys cover band, which he dubbed "Sabotage."
"I've been a huge fan of the Beasties for years," explained Lukashenko. "As you can see, I've been cultivating this look for some time now."
Lukashenko hopes the band will start touring in the near future, playing medium-level clubs and bars in Belarus, as well as the aging hipster circuit in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Auditions for Sabotage start Monday.
http://axisofstupid.blogspot.com/2007/08/lukashenko-to-start-beastie-boys.html
"A Cruder Kremlin"
Today’s FT sports a slick write up on the state of Kremlin spin-ology, “In front of a domestic audience [Putin] often slips into harsh language, even street slang, to get across his message."
On the Litvinenko case, “Mr Putin suddenly switched from calm analysis to harsh words. ‘They are making proposals to change our constitution, which is insulting for our nation and our people,' the president declared at the televised meeting. 'It is their brains, not our constitution, that need to be changed.’"
Easy pickings for UK Ambassador Anthony Brenton:
The Russian constitution, he said in an interview, also "states that economic activities aimed at monopolization are prohibited (Article 34); that people have the right to choose freely their place of residence in Russia, including in Moscow (Article 27); and that Duma deputies cannot engage in paid work (Article 97)."
Rock and roll Anthony Brenton. The "our-constitution-is-sacred" argument just won't hold water.
Bulgaria's Honeymoon With Democracy Ends…
…as Jury Duty begins. Get this, you're elected.
From Darik: "This is the first time when a court jury is introduced to Bulgarian juridical system after changes to the Judiciary Law last week. All Bulgarians over 18 years of age, who have authority with the society and do not have a criminal record, are eligible to apply for jurors, the law states. The youngest elected juror is 22 years old, the oldest is 72." It is always wild to see a country with a Justinian Legal Tradition seat Celtic juries. Hilarity is sure to follow.
European Human Rights Court Continues to Hand Russia Her Ass
You'd think all the journalists and Chechen victims would file one large class action suit. Just a thought.
RFE/RL: STRASBOURG COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF RUSSIAN JOURNALISTS AGAINST THE STATE. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg ruled on July 31 in favor of 3 Russian journalists and ordered the Russian government to pay compensation. Russian courts previously convicted the 3 on different charges of allegedly slandering government officials. The German weekly "Der Spiegel" of July 30 described the Strasbourg court as a "beacon of hope" for Russians, many of whom have little confidence in their own judicial system. More Russian citizens file cases in Strasbourg than do citizens of any other country belonging to the Council of Europe. Putin has called many of the resulting court rulings politically motivated.
RFE/RL: STRASBOURG COURT RULES IN FAVOR OF RUSSIAN JOURNALISTS AGAINST THE STATE. The European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg ruled on July 31 in favor of 3 Russian journalists and ordered the Russian government to pay compensation. Russian courts previously convicted the 3 on different charges of allegedly slandering government officials. The German weekly "Der Spiegel" of July 30 described the Strasbourg court as a "beacon of hope" for Russians, many of whom have little confidence in their own judicial system. More Russian citizens file cases in Strasbourg than do citizens of any other country belonging to the Council of Europe. Putin has called many of the resulting court rulings politically motivated.
Jul 31, 2007
Tossing the Treaty
What happens when you start tossing treaties?
"The Kremlin’s decision to suspend compliance with a key arms treaty bodes of a new era in Russia’s foreign and domestic politics." From ToL: Tossing the Treaty
Putin Downgrades Relations with Hamas for Palestine
Putin, you continue to confuse and amaze me.
CNN: Russia said on Tuesday it had downgraded its ties with the Hamas Islamist group, in a show of support for visiting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Russia established high-level contacts with Hamas after it won Palestinian elections last year, even though Western powers shunned the militant group because of its refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence.
"Recently, we have somewhat downgraded the level of contacts with Hamas. Now we are pursuing a pragmatic goal of trying to influence them directly and indirectly to resume national unity," First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov told reporters after Putin and Abbas met in the Kremlin.
CNN: Russia said on Tuesday it had downgraded its ties with the Hamas Islamist group, in a show of support for visiting Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Russia established high-level contacts with Hamas after it won Palestinian elections last year, even though Western powers shunned the militant group because of its refusal to recognize Israel and renounce violence.
"Recently, we have somewhat downgraded the level of contacts with Hamas. Now we are pursuing a pragmatic goal of trying to influence them directly and indirectly to resume national unity," First Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov told reporters after Putin and Abbas met in the Kremlin.
Propaganda War
As the US and Russia descend into an unproductive, and ultimately, harmful tête-à-tête, sometimes its fun just to stop and saver the glory of our newly minted propaganda war.This little gem comes from the Moscow Weekly News: "10 Reasons Why Russia Can’t Trust Uncle Sam." But there's a twist.
While the usual talkers are on display: Mutually Assured Destruction is a good thing, Bush is evil, the Pentagon has lots of money, NATO is too big, the Council on Foreign Relations is a war-mongering think tank...the author is an American living in Moscow.
The marriage of Kremlin publicity and the Cindy Sheehan crowd was certainly a matter of time. But now, the first buds of spring are sprouting.
It's Time for Everyone's Favorite Game...
...Who is to blame? Terrorists or the Russian Government?
VOA: A group of family members of those killed in the 2004 Beslan school massacre says a newly released videotape contradicts the official explanation of how the hostages died. The Beslan Mothers Committee says the tape supports their theory that many of the 331 deaths were caused by Russian security forces firing on the buildings where terrorists held students and teachers.
The government's account says the hostages died when the terrorists set off explosives inside the building. But an investigator can be heard on a film of the aftermath saying the explosions came from the outside.
Gunmen seized the Beslan school in September of 2004 demanding a pullout of Russian forces from Chechnya. They held more than 1000 hostages for more than 2 days until a series of explosions and gunfire ended the standoff.
VOA: A group of family members of those killed in the 2004 Beslan school massacre says a newly released videotape contradicts the official explanation of how the hostages died. The Beslan Mothers Committee says the tape supports their theory that many of the 331 deaths were caused by Russian security forces firing on the buildings where terrorists held students and teachers.
The government's account says the hostages died when the terrorists set off explosives inside the building. But an investigator can be heard on a film of the aftermath saying the explosions came from the outside.
Gunmen seized the Beslan school in September of 2004 demanding a pullout of Russian forces from Chechnya. They held more than 1000 hostages for more than 2 days until a series of explosions and gunfire ended the standoff.
Jul 30, 2007
Bulgarian Cops: What Babies for Sale?
In a follow-up to the BBC report on child smuggling in Bulgaria, the local Five-O apparently has no idea what the journalists are talking about....
"Shortly after the news piece aired last Thursday, a high-ranking Bulgarian police official disputed such allegations. Commissioner Veselin Petrov, the top police official for the city of Varna, said there was no evidence to support the BBC's allegations of a child-trafficking ring."
We guess the BBC must have just fabricated the story. If Commissioner Petrov says its false, then we are forced to believe the local cops. They would never have let this happen under their noses, and they sure as heck-fire aren't going to let the BBC make it look like they aren't doing their jobs... Commissioner Petrov says so.
Jul 27, 2007
Mikhail S. Gorbachev, Fashion Icon?
So Mikhail Gorbachev, Annie Leibovitz, Louis Vuitton walk into a bar...Wait. Strike that. Wrong post. But you'll never guess who's the new face of Vuitton.
NYT: "Mr. Gorbachev’s appearance in a Pizza Hut commercial was generally greeted as a low point in his career. The Vuitton ad, however, is part of a campaign to emphasize the company’s heritage in luggage and travel accessories. Photographed by Annie Leibovitz, the ads include other celebrities using Vuitton bags..." Oh, and Gorbachev would never be caught dead driving through the neighborhood pictured in the background. His face is classic. "Where the fuck are we?" At least we'll know what to take on our next vacation to Abkhazia. (Thanks Igor)
" Vacation in a Non-Existent Country"
What do you do as a photographer who’s been kicked out of Russia? Travel to the fringes of the post-Soviet Empire and take vacations to places that, technically, do not exist.
Few photographers have ever been able to truly conceptualize or capture Russia after The Fall. Jonas Bendiksen is unique.
Abkhazia. 2005. A Vacation in a Non-Existent Country
Transdniester. 2004. The European Ghost Republic
Kazakhstan & Russia. 2000. The Spaceship Junkyard
Nothing against the European Court of Human Rights
but $200,000? People have won much more just for spilling scalding coffee on themselves (www.lectlaw.com/files/cur78.htm). In any case, it will be interesting to see if Russia pays up.
Washington Post: The European Court of Human Rights found Russia liable Thurs in the killing of more than 50 civilians in a Chechen village in 2000 and ordered the government to pay $200,000 to 5 relatives of those who died. "In the Court's view, the astonishing ineffectiveness of the prosecuting authorities in this case could only be qualified as acquiescence in the events," said the unanimous decision by the seven-judge panel.
Another decision handed down by the court Thurs. found Russia liable in 2 other deaths stemming from the Chechen conflict and similarly faulted authorities for failing to carry out a thorough investigation.
Russian politicians have criticized the court as anti-Russian and politicized. Yury Sharandin, a leading member of Russia's upper house of parliament, attempted to play down the rulings. "When a court, including the one in Strasbourg, makes a decision in favor of a citizen, it does not mean at all that the decision is made against his state," Sharandin told the Interfax news agency.
Washington Post: The European Court of Human Rights found Russia liable Thurs in the killing of more than 50 civilians in a Chechen village in 2000 and ordered the government to pay $200,000 to 5 relatives of those who died. "In the Court's view, the astonishing ineffectiveness of the prosecuting authorities in this case could only be qualified as acquiescence in the events," said the unanimous decision by the seven-judge panel.
Another decision handed down by the court Thurs. found Russia liable in 2 other deaths stemming from the Chechen conflict and similarly faulted authorities for failing to carry out a thorough investigation.
Russian politicians have criticized the court as anti-Russian and politicized. Yury Sharandin, a leading member of Russia's upper house of parliament, attempted to play down the rulings. "When a court, including the one in Strasbourg, makes a decision in favor of a citizen, it does not mean at all that the decision is made against his state," Sharandin told the Interfax news agency.
Jul 26, 2007
Bulgaria: How Much Is That Baby In The Window?
BBC: "Babies are being illegally offered for sale in Bulgaria with the promise of smuggling them abroad, an undercover BBC News team has discovered. A self-confessed human trafficker in the resort city of Varna showed off toddlers with a selling price of 60,000 euros (£40,000) each...For an extra fee, [the smuggler] said he would personally deliver a child to London."
Follow this link to loose your faith in humanity (via BBC).
Did you hear the new one about the Polock bus driver?
He got fired for approxiamately $34,000 worth of text messaging on a company phone.
AP: A Polish bus driver has been fired for sending 38,000 text messages on his company cell phone in a losing effort to win contest jackpot, a spokesman said Thursday. Leszek Wojcik, a bus driver in the Polish city of Slupsk, ran up a tab of some $34,000 with his text messages while trying to win a $36,000 SMS contest that ended June 30.
Boba said a city bus drivers' monthly company phone bill is supposed to be limited to $5. Wojcik sent an average of 1,200 SMS text messages a day, each costing $0.86, on his work cell phone. Wojcik told TVN24 television he wanted to buy a second car with his possible winnings. "Now I'm without work," he said.
Aw....
AP: A Polish bus driver has been fired for sending 38,000 text messages on his company cell phone in a losing effort to win contest jackpot, a spokesman said Thursday. Leszek Wojcik, a bus driver in the Polish city of Slupsk, ran up a tab of some $34,000 with his text messages while trying to win a $36,000 SMS contest that ended June 30.
Boba said a city bus drivers' monthly company phone bill is supposed to be limited to $5. Wojcik sent an average of 1,200 SMS text messages a day, each costing $0.86, on his work cell phone. Wojcik told TVN24 television he wanted to buy a second car with his possible winnings. "Now I'm without work," he said.
Aw....
GazPutin: "Lock and Load'
Putin's latest call to strengthen Russia's crippled military forces has raised eyebrows and prompted a flurry of analysis. Yet the typically dry writers at Stratfor win this week's prize for honesty in analysis.
"Stratfor never takes such statements from people who possess nuclear capabilities lightly. But, in this case, the apparent militancy behind the comment is sadly funny...Low birth rates, combined with soaring death rates -- particularly among men between the ages of 30 and 55 -- have saddled the country with the worst demographic picture in centuries...As a country, Russia is -- quite literally -- dying.
"For the Russians, it is about being told in a rather absentminded and oblique way that they and their interests no longer matter. But matter they do, and while the Russians are indeed dying, they are not dead yet. Acting as if they were is tantamount to discussing a grandmother's past marital infidelities before she finalizes her will, and expecting her to be oblivious to it. "
Jingoistic Geology, Part II
VOA reports: "Russia has launched an expedition to the North Pole aimed at proving that a ridge of arctic seabed thought to contain vast oil and natural gas reserves is an extension of continental Russia." This is a follow-up to Russia's claims that it should, by rights, own the North Pole. Nevermind the existance of an international treaty to the contrary.
Then again, Russia has been having a lot of trouble with treaties lately.
Separated at birth?
In light of Lybia's recent release of the Bulgarian nurses, we couldn't help but notice the strong similarities between Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi and Gene Simmons.
These two may have more in common then their rock-and roll attitude, penchant for make-up, and take-no-prisoners fashion sense.
Jul 25, 2007
Yes, I should I write for The Economist...
Lith Jenn sent me this article with the message "I believe you called it first. :)" Why yes, I did indeed call it on July 24 in my entry "What I don't get about Belarus"
The Economist then published this article the following day. Better luck next time, The Economist!
Here's a selection from johnny-come-lately's article "Preparing for Tougher Times":
Belarusian Pres. A. Lukashenka is reshuffling senior officials, at the same time as his energy minister is in Moscow for talks over an unpaid US$500m gas debt. The 2 issues are related, for cheap energy and a strong "power vertical" have been the bedrock of Mr Lukashenka's rule. Belarus says it doesn't have the resources to meet its debt, particularly as Russia has been slow to respond the Belarusian request for a US$1.5bn loan.
To judge by the published budgetary figures, Belarus's budget is awash with cash. In reality the position may be less strong. Revenues are sharply higher this year because of the Russian-dictated increase in export duty on oil products. However, 80% of the revenue is supposed eventually to be transferred to Russia, so in practice Belarus is less able to pay.
You Need Money, Belarus! Yout Don't Have Your Own Energy Sources And You Have Nothing To Sell That Europe Or Anyone With Money Wants! Time To Reform!
(Editorial note: Belarus is one of the largest exporter of weapons to African wars, somebody loves them.)
The Economist then published this article the following day. Better luck next time, The Economist!
Here's a selection from johnny-come-lately's article "Preparing for Tougher Times":
Belarusian Pres. A. Lukashenka is reshuffling senior officials, at the same time as his energy minister is in Moscow for talks over an unpaid US$500m gas debt. The 2 issues are related, for cheap energy and a strong "power vertical" have been the bedrock of Mr Lukashenka's rule. Belarus says it doesn't have the resources to meet its debt, particularly as Russia has been slow to respond the Belarusian request for a US$1.5bn loan.
To judge by the published budgetary figures, Belarus's budget is awash with cash. In reality the position may be less strong. Revenues are sharply higher this year because of the Russian-dictated increase in export duty on oil products. However, 80% of the revenue is supposed eventually to be transferred to Russia, so in practice Belarus is less able to pay.
You Need Money, Belarus! Yout Don't Have Your Own Energy Sources And You Have Nothing To Sell That Europe Or Anyone With Money Wants! Time To Reform!
(Editorial note: Belarus is one of the largest exporter of weapons to African wars, somebody loves them.)
Lunchtime Poll
Is Solzhenitsyn too old to be interviewed or taken seriously anymore? I vote for yes.
RFE/RL: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said in an interview on July 23 that he recently accepted a State Award for lifetime humanitarian achievement from Pres Putin, after declining similar honors in the past, because the State Award was proposed by a group of "leading experts". Solzhenitsyn said of Putin's secret service background that "he was an officer of the intelligence services, but he was not a KGB investigator, nor was he the head of a camp in the Gulag.
As for service in foreign intelligence agencies, that is not a negative in any country -- sometimes it even draws praise. George Bush Sr. was not much criticized for being the ex-head of the CIA, for example." Solzhenitsyn charged that in unnamed former communist countries, "the new generation is only too happy to voice grievances and level accusations, with present-day Moscow a convenient target. They behave as if they heroically liberated themselves and lead a new life now, while Moscow has remained communist. Nevertheless, I dare hope that this unhealthy phase will soon be over." He said Russia will need "time and experience" to develop democracy, but argued that Putin has been a far better president than his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.
Solzhenitsyn believes the "worship" of the West that characterized the Yeltsin years began to change in 1999 because of "the cruel NATO bombings of Serbia." He charged Western countries with being cynical and hypocritical in their dealings with Russia. He also suggested that the US rejected Moscow's "helping hand" after September 11, 2001, and that Europe's policy toward Russia is driven by "fears about energy." Solzhenitsyn argued that the West will need Russia as an ally in the future and is unwise to spurn its offers of cooperation now.
RFE/RL: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn said in an interview on July 23 that he recently accepted a State Award for lifetime humanitarian achievement from Pres Putin, after declining similar honors in the past, because the State Award was proposed by a group of "leading experts". Solzhenitsyn said of Putin's secret service background that "he was an officer of the intelligence services, but he was not a KGB investigator, nor was he the head of a camp in the Gulag.
As for service in foreign intelligence agencies, that is not a negative in any country -- sometimes it even draws praise. George Bush Sr. was not much criticized for being the ex-head of the CIA, for example." Solzhenitsyn charged that in unnamed former communist countries, "the new generation is only too happy to voice grievances and level accusations, with present-day Moscow a convenient target. They behave as if they heroically liberated themselves and lead a new life now, while Moscow has remained communist. Nevertheless, I dare hope that this unhealthy phase will soon be over." He said Russia will need "time and experience" to develop democracy, but argued that Putin has been a far better president than his predecessor, Boris Yeltsin.
Solzhenitsyn believes the "worship" of the West that characterized the Yeltsin years began to change in 1999 because of "the cruel NATO bombings of Serbia." He charged Western countries with being cynical and hypocritical in their dealings with Russia. He also suggested that the US rejected Moscow's "helping hand" after September 11, 2001, and that Europe's policy toward Russia is driven by "fears about energy." Solzhenitsyn argued that the West will need Russia as an ally in the future and is unwise to spurn its offers of cooperation now.
The "Bulava" Okudzhava
In June, Russia announced the sucessful test of its new Bulava ICBM. News of the Bulava's previous four failures (exploding after take-off, etc) were quietly swept aside. Only Kommersant's intrepid defense reporter Ivan Safronov, a retired colnel in the Space Rocket Forces, covered the issue. This is, until he decided to 'jump' from his apartment widnow in March.
There are now a flurry of questions as to the sucesss of the latest Bulava test. "The main designer of the Bulava, Yuri Solomonov, has in the past attributed the multiple mishaps of test-launches to the progressive degradation of the Russian defense industry, the inferior quality of Russian-made components and materials, and the 'loss' of key military technology (Jamestown)."
Jul 24, 2007
So much for change...
Apparently Berdymukhammedov suffers from the same delusion that gripped his predecessor, the idea that it is possible to turn a desert into a forest:
IWPR: President Gurbanguly Berdymuhammedov is on a mission to make Turkmenistan greener through a new tree-planting scheme, but NBCentralAsia experts say the plants will die in the arid climate and salinated soil unless an efficient irrigation system is put in place.
During a cabinet meeting on July 14, Berdymuhammedov announced that everyone in Turkmenistan must take part in a massive scheme to “make the entire country greener”.
Mandatory volunteerism and wasteful spending is alive and well in Turkmenistan!
IWPR: President Gurbanguly Berdymuhammedov is on a mission to make Turkmenistan greener through a new tree-planting scheme, but NBCentralAsia experts say the plants will die in the arid climate and salinated soil unless an efficient irrigation system is put in place.
During a cabinet meeting on July 14, Berdymuhammedov announced that everyone in Turkmenistan must take part in a massive scheme to “make the entire country greener”.
Mandatory volunteerism and wasteful spending is alive and well in Turkmenistan!
What I don't get about Belarus...
...well, that could fill the oceans, but what I don't get is that, unlike the Central Asian countries and Russia, they have no gas or oil or natural resources to sell the rest of the world. This reality carries with it at least 2 consequences.
1. You're going to need to bring in money some other way. Tourism could work, if you could convince people Belarus is worth visiting and safe enough to visit.
2. The EU is not going to stand by idly while you trample on basic rights and freedoms, because you have nothing to offer them to invite such brazen hypocrisy.
Think, Belarus!
RFE/RL: Pavel Sevyarynets of the Youth Front (Malady Front) movement, and Aleksey Shein, co-chairman of the Belarusian Christian Democracy party, were found guilty of distributing illegal literature. The 2 were detained on July 23 after police found them in possession of leaflets containing information about a future opposition meeting. Sevyarynets was freed from an earlier prison term in May after being convicted for organizing an unsanctioned rally. Several other members of the Youth Front have been fined or sentenced to prison in recent months for participating in an unauthorized organization. The group has made several attempts to gain legal authorization.
1. You're going to need to bring in money some other way. Tourism could work, if you could convince people Belarus is worth visiting and safe enough to visit.
2. The EU is not going to stand by idly while you trample on basic rights and freedoms, because you have nothing to offer them to invite such brazen hypocrisy.
Think, Belarus!
RFE/RL: Pavel Sevyarynets of the Youth Front (Malady Front) movement, and Aleksey Shein, co-chairman of the Belarusian Christian Democracy party, were found guilty of distributing illegal literature. The 2 were detained on July 23 after police found them in possession of leaflets containing information about a future opposition meeting. Sevyarynets was freed from an earlier prison term in May after being convicted for organizing an unsanctioned rally. Several other members of the Youth Front have been fined or sentenced to prison in recent months for participating in an unauthorized organization. The group has made several attempts to gain legal authorization.
Some Great News
VOA: 6 medics held in Libya on charges of infecting 100s of children with the AIDS virus have been released. They have received a warm welcome in the Bulgarian capital, Sofia. The 5 Bulgarian nurses and 1 Palestinian doctor boarded a French presidential plane bound for Bulgaria. They were accompanied by EU External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner and French First Lady Cecilia Sarkozy.
Bulgarian EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva says the case was another reason for her country to join the EU, this year. "This is not only about cohesion funds. This is not only about agriculture," she said. "This is this overwhelming feeling of solidarity when you are really in a desperate situation, as we have been for all these years, trying to release our medics.
Libya lifted death sentences against the medics, last week, commuting the terms to life imprisonment, after families of the more-than-400 infected children received about $1 million, each, in compensation.
Bulgarian EU Commissioner Meglena Kuneva says the case was another reason for her country to join the EU, this year. "This is not only about cohesion funds. This is not only about agriculture," she said. "This is this overwhelming feeling of solidarity when you are really in a desperate situation, as we have been for all these years, trying to release our medics.
Libya lifted death sentences against the medics, last week, commuting the terms to life imprisonment, after families of the more-than-400 infected children received about $1 million, each, in compensation.
Jul 23, 2007
What happens in Bulgaria...usually leads to death
The Sofia Weekly: A night of shameless boozing has claimed the life of an 18-yr-old Dane in Bulgaria's Sunny Beach resort, on the southern Black Sea coast. Peter Alink, together with a group of friends of his, toured 5 pubs in the resort with the intention to just have a taste of the famously delicious Bulgarian wine. The innocent plan, however, turned into a booze orgy laced with industrial quantities of the lethal combination of vodka, beer and tequila.
Cheap drink, bargain flights and cut-price hotels are giving foreigners licence to save their money and lose their inhibitions in Bulgaria. Doctors in Sunny Beach say they find it hard to handle the emergency cases involving foreigners as it is not only teenagers, but also elderly people, who spend the night drinking heavily in the numerous pubs of what was once an up-market resort. It has become a common site to see a dozen of unconscious bodies sprawling on the streets of the resort in the early morning hours, they add.
Cheap drink, bargain flights and cut-price hotels are giving foreigners licence to save their money and lose their inhibitions in Bulgaria. Doctors in Sunny Beach say they find it hard to handle the emergency cases involving foreigners as it is not only teenagers, but also elderly people, who spend the night drinking heavily in the numerous pubs of what was once an up-market resort. It has become a common site to see a dozen of unconscious bodies sprawling on the streets of the resort in the early morning hours, they add.
"Energy Security" Gets Less Secure
Some excellent analysis in Jamestown's EDM today on the real meaning of "Energy security" in the CIS. Seems the transit bill is about to go up again, while Chevron and ExxonMobil are looking at a rather large bill for 'back taxes.'
"[Western] companies are permanently exposed to shakedown tactics on the Russian section of the pipeline in the absence of alternative options. "
Read it here...
"[Western] companies are permanently exposed to shakedown tactics on the Russian section of the pipeline in the absence of alternative options. "
Read it here...
Jul 20, 2007
The Cult of Putin-ality
This is a much longer article, PLEASE read the whole thing.
Washington Post: With 2 new manuals for high school history and social studies teachers, written in part by Kremlin political consultants, Russian authorities are attempting to imbue classroom debate with a nationalist outlook.
The history guide contains a laudatory review of Putin's years in power. "We see that practically every significant deed is connected with the name and activity of President V.V. Putin," declares its last chapter. The social studies guide is marked by intense hostility to the US.
Both books reflect the themes dominating official political discourse here: that Putin restored Russian strength and built what the Kremlin calls a "sovereign democracy" despite American efforts to isolate the country.
I love this part. As if we could have successfully pulled off a color revolution! We couldn't even kill Castro!
Other events, such as the so-called Orange Revolution in Ukraine in 2004, in which hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians overturned the official results of a presidential election they believed to be fraudulent, are explained as largely American-inspired plots.
And my favorite part...You always got to bring it back to Uncle Joe.
According to the new history manual, Stalin was brutal but also "the most successful leader of the U.S.S.R."
Jul 19, 2007
In case you've been living in a cave with your eyes shut and your fingers in your ears...
Diplomatic relations between Russia and Britain have officially collapsed.
Washington Post: Russia expelled 4 British diplomats on Thursday, retaliating in-kind just days after officials in London kicked 4 Russians out of the country in protest over the progress of a murder investigation.
The tit-for-tat expulsions stem from Moscow's refusal to extradite the Russian man accused of poisoning Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian domestic intelligence officer, in London last November. The incident unnerved Londoners because it involved the use of a radioactive element later found in other parts of the city, and now has become a full-fledged diplomatic row.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday that Russia should extradite Andrei Lugovoy, the man accused by Britain of murdering Litvinenko. The EU has expressed its "disappointment" at Russia's lack of cooperation.
Lugovoy is accused of using polonium-210 to kill Litvinenko, a fierce critic of Putin. Litvinenko, a former officer in the FSB, a KGB successor agency, fled to Britain in 2000, where he became a citizen. The case is particularly charged because Litvinenko suffered a slow and gruesome death. In addition, 100s of Londoners feared they were exposed to the radioactive substance and underwent tests amid panic in the city last November.
Washington Post: Russia expelled 4 British diplomats on Thursday, retaliating in-kind just days after officials in London kicked 4 Russians out of the country in protest over the progress of a murder investigation.
The tit-for-tat expulsions stem from Moscow's refusal to extradite the Russian man accused of poisoning Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian domestic intelligence officer, in London last November. The incident unnerved Londoners because it involved the use of a radioactive element later found in other parts of the city, and now has become a full-fledged diplomatic row.
U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said Thursday that Russia should extradite Andrei Lugovoy, the man accused by Britain of murdering Litvinenko. The EU has expressed its "disappointment" at Russia's lack of cooperation.
Lugovoy is accused of using polonium-210 to kill Litvinenko, a fierce critic of Putin. Litvinenko, a former officer in the FSB, a KGB successor agency, fled to Britain in 2000, where he became a citizen. The case is particularly charged because Litvinenko suffered a slow and gruesome death. In addition, 100s of Londoners feared they were exposed to the radioactive substance and underwent tests amid panic in the city last November.
Jul 17, 2007
Ford Celebrates Its Growth and Success in Russia
NYTimes: Moscow - A troupe of majorettes marched past a lineup of new Ford Focus and Fiesta sedans here on Monday. Dignitaries toured a new automotive service center, where nary a grease-stained rag could be seen. Then, with the snip of a red ribbon, Ford Motor opened its largest dealership in Europe, beside a highway outside Moscow.
Ford’s fortunes may be less than glittering elsewhere, but in Russia — Europe’s fastest-growing car market — there is reason to celebrate. Ford sales here, in contrast to slumping performance in the US, were up 122% in the first 6 months of 2007, compared with the same period last year. In fact, the Focus was Russia’s No. 1 selling foreign sedan in 2006, easily surpassing competitors like Toyota, Nissan and Mitsubishi, according to the Association of European Businesses, a group that tracks automotive sales.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/business/worldbusiness/17ford.html?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss
Bad Religion
6 miles from the nearest road, in the vast Siberian wilderness, a bearded man in flowing white linen robes sat at his kitchen table and talked about his crucifixion at the hands of Pontius Pilate 2,000 years ago.
In a voice barely louder than the rain falling on the mountaintop home his followers have built for him, Sergei Torop said it was painful to remember the end of his last life, in which he says he walked the Earth as Jesus Christ.
Torop, 46, is a former Siberian traffic cop who is now spiritual leader of at least 5,000 devoted followers. They have abandoned lives as artists, engineers and professionals in other fields to move to this remote corner of Siberia, 2,000 miles from Moscow. In empty woodlands, they are building from scratch an entire new town, where they pass their lives near the man they call Vissarion, "he who gives new life."
Russian government officials and religion analysts call his Church of the Last Testament one of the largest new religious groups in Russia, which has become an incubator of novel faiths since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/16/AR2007071601938.html?nav=rss_world/europe
In a voice barely louder than the rain falling on the mountaintop home his followers have built for him, Sergei Torop said it was painful to remember the end of his last life, in which he says he walked the Earth as Jesus Christ.
Torop, 46, is a former Siberian traffic cop who is now spiritual leader of at least 5,000 devoted followers. They have abandoned lives as artists, engineers and professionals in other fields to move to this remote corner of Siberia, 2,000 miles from Moscow. In empty woodlands, they are building from scratch an entire new town, where they pass their lives near the man they call Vissarion, "he who gives new life."
Russian government officials and religion analysts call his Church of the Last Testament one of the largest new religious groups in Russia, which has become an incubator of novel faiths since the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/16/AR2007071601938.html?nav=rss_world/europe
Yellow Phosphorus
"July 17, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- A freight train carrying toxic yellow phosphorus derailed on the evening of July 16 in western Ukraine, sparking a fire and a poisonous cloud that has contaminated over a dozen nearby villages....Yellow phosphorus is highly flammable and can catch fire spontaneously upon contact with air, creating a distinctive garlic smell."The accident did have a positive spin, as it forced the mass evacuation of local vampires. Romania's minister for displaced persons was unavaliable to comment.
Jul 16, 2007
Being a journalist in Russia...
...has to be the most dangerous job in the country. Siberian miners have a better shot at this point.
RFE/RL: An executive with German publishing house Bertelsmann has been found stabbed to death at her home near Moscow. Prosecutors said Marina Pisareva, the deputy head of Bertelsmann's Russian branch, was apparently killed with a collector's dagger that belonged to her. Media giant Bertelsmann operates in 63 countries. In Russia, the company is a stakeholder in television and production company REN TV. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility that Pisareva's murder is connected to her professional work.
RFE/RL: An executive with German publishing house Bertelsmann has been found stabbed to death at her home near Moscow. Prosecutors said Marina Pisareva, the deputy head of Bertelsmann's Russian branch, was apparently killed with a collector's dagger that belonged to her. Media giant Bertelsmann operates in 63 countries. In Russia, the company is a stakeholder in television and production company REN TV. Prosecutors have not ruled out the possibility that Pisareva's murder is connected to her professional work.
Turkmenistan joins the 20th century.
RFE/RL: Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimukhammedov has signed a decree abolishing internal travel permits for the country's citizens, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service reported. The presidential office said the decision was aimed at improving the welfare of the population and ensuring their free movement. Turkmen citizens previously had to apply for special permission to travel within the country. It's not yet clear when the move will come into effect.
Does this mean they've abolished serfdom as well?
Does this mean they've abolished serfdom as well?
The lesson is...Never trust Ukrainians.
From The Sofia Weekly: Ukrainians Arrested in Czech Republic for Trafficking of Bulgarians. The Czech police arrested on Tuesday three Ukrainians for the human trafficking of Ukranian and Bulgarian nationals, the iDnes news site reported.
The Ukrainians lured their countrymen and Bulgarian workers in the Czech Republic, promising them employment, but when the workers arrived to the country their passports were seized and they were forced to work under heavy conditions and for minimal payment.
The Czech police has already identified more than 50 victims of the mock employers. The arrestees now face up to 15 years in prison. The group of three has been operating in Central and Western Bohemia from the end of 2004.
The Ukrainians lured their countrymen and Bulgarian workers in the Czech Republic, promising them employment, but when the workers arrived to the country their passports were seized and they were forced to work under heavy conditions and for minimal payment.
The Czech police has already identified more than 50 victims of the mock employers. The arrestees now face up to 15 years in prison. The group of three has been operating in Central and Western Bohemia from the end of 2004.
Jul 13, 2007
President Tkachev?
With the Sochi Olympics under his belt, there's a whisper campaign afoot to cast Krasnodar Gov. Alexander Tkachev as the "dark horse" candidate for president. Never say never in Russian politics, but with a PR machine pumping out pictures like this...it's hard to ignore.
"Gypsies are like a nation of criminals."
From the SOVA-Center
12 июля 2007 г. в газете «Новые Известия» опубликована статья Алексея Смирнова «Скандинавский табор» откровенно антицыганского содержания.
В материале рассказывается, что после вступления Румынии в Евросоюз румынские цыгане получили возможность приехать в Данию. «С появлением цыган Данию захлестнула волна самых разнообразных преступлений». В изложении автора все приехавшие цыгане занимаются исключительно криминальной деятельностью – воровством и мошенничеством: ««Цыгане играют на чувстве сострадания людей, пытаясь проникнуть к ним в дом под видом того, что ребенку нужно напиться или сходить в туалет. Они устраивают западню на дороге, поднимая капот машины и прося о помощи. Как только жертва вступила в контакт с преступниками, ее тут же окружает целая толпа, и вы лишитесь всего ценного … предлагают поиграть в наперсток, причем подставной прохожий на глазах у всех выигрывает. В собравшейся толпе работают карманники. … Не покупайте золота у цыган. Это латунные изделия … Не обменивайте у них деньги. Вас запутают и подсунут куклу. … советуют при появлении в городе цыганского кочевья особенно пристально следить за кредитными карточками. Гости … прибыли в Данию с целым арсеналом технических средств для воровства кодов доступа».
Статья не содержит даже и намека на то, что кто-то из цыган может не быть преступником. Большие цыганские семьи именуются «мобильными цыганскими шайками».
Следует отметить, что прежде материалы с такой высокой концентрацией языка вражды нам в «Новых Известиях» не встречались и были для газеты абсолютно не характерны.
12 июля 2007 г. в газете «Новые Известия» опубликована статья Алексея Смирнова «Скандинавский табор» откровенно антицыганского содержания.
В материале рассказывается, что после вступления Румынии в Евросоюз румынские цыгане получили возможность приехать в Данию. «С появлением цыган Данию захлестнула волна самых разнообразных преступлений». В изложении автора все приехавшие цыгане занимаются исключительно криминальной деятельностью – воровством и мошенничеством: ««Цыгане играют на чувстве сострадания людей, пытаясь проникнуть к ним в дом под видом того, что ребенку нужно напиться или сходить в туалет. Они устраивают западню на дороге, поднимая капот машины и прося о помощи. Как только жертва вступила в контакт с преступниками, ее тут же окружает целая толпа, и вы лишитесь всего ценного … предлагают поиграть в наперсток, причем подставной прохожий на глазах у всех выигрывает. В собравшейся толпе работают карманники. … Не покупайте золота у цыган. Это латунные изделия … Не обменивайте у них деньги. Вас запутают и подсунут куклу. … советуют при появлении в городе цыганского кочевья особенно пристально следить за кредитными карточками. Гости … прибыли в Данию с целым арсеналом технических средств для воровства кодов доступа».
Статья не содержит даже и намека на то, что кто-то из цыган может не быть преступником. Большие цыганские семьи именуются «мобильными цыганскими шайками».
Следует отметить, что прежде материалы с такой высокой концентрацией языка вражды нам в «Новых Известиях» не встречались и были для газеты абсолютно не характерны.
Jul 12, 2007
Well, it seems my trip to Ukraine was a failure
Podrobnosti.ua: Большинство украинцев не верит в демократию -
56,3% граждан Украины считают, что практически не имеют средств контроля над властью. Такие данные исследования общественного мнения населения Украины сегодня на пресс-конференции в Киеве обнародовали научный руководитель фонда Демократические инициативы Ирина Бекешкина и руководитель фирмы Юкрейниан социолоджи сервис Александр Вишняк. Согласно результатам исследования, 24,8% опрошенных оценивают свое влияние на нынешнюю власть как "достаточно слабое", "достаточно сильным" считают свое влияние на власть 3,9% респондентов, 0,8% граждан оценивают его как "очень сильное" и 14,2% респондентов было трудно ответить на вопрос.
56,3% граждан Украины считают, что практически не имеют средств контроля над властью. Такие данные исследования общественного мнения населения Украины сегодня на пресс-конференции в Киеве обнародовали научный руководитель фонда Демократические инициативы Ирина Бекешкина и руководитель фирмы Юкрейниан социолоджи сервис Александр Вишняк. Согласно результатам исследования, 24,8% опрошенных оценивают свое влияние на нынешнюю власть как "достаточно слабое", "достаточно сильным" считают свое влияние на власть 3,9% респондентов, 0,8% граждан оценивают его как "очень сильное" и 14,2% респондентов было трудно ответить на вопрос.
Iran Get's an Invite?
The time has come...Iran may finally be told the password and allowed to hang out with all the other kids in the SCO treehouse.
We're braced for the hilarity to come.
Watch out, Azerbaijan
"When the [U.S.] Army was firming up plans for its force of the future, it needed to invade and occupy a country in its war games, to model how all the new tanks, robots, and fighting vehicles might perform. That country, oddly enough, was Azerbaijan."
Jul 11, 2007
The Mongols Are Coming…To Build Roads?
Our man in Dushanbe hits the road, only to discover that there isn't one, yet (from James).
The Chinese have seen fit to rebuild virtually every major road in Tajikistan, including the main north-south corridor linking Dushanbe with Khojand, the commercial center in the north.
The Chinese have seen fit to rebuild virtually every major road in Tajikistan, including the main north-south corridor linking Dushanbe with Khojand, the commercial center in the north.
I was on the road a few weeks ago and it's not good. Picture I-95, but one lane, dirt, prone to rock slides, hugging sheer cliffs, climbing a 12,000 foot pass and closed for three months every year. And the Chinese have decided to work on the entire road at once, rather than piece by piece, so the whole thing is bulldozed and cratered.
The article below points to the unforeseen downside of 400 million dollars in zero interest loans (besides impending economic servitude to the Middle Kingdom, that is). The Chinese have insisted that only Chinese workers build the road, so the country is flooded with thousands of bewildered peasants from Anhui and other cheery provinces living in tents along the road. I didn't believe it until I saw it. I'll try to get you a picture.
Yet, craving some good old home cooking, the Chinese workers are now ravaging the countryside in search of snakes, turtles and god knows what else, threatening to wipe them out. And after having eaten meat on a stick for the past few weeks, I don't blame them.
Jul 10, 2007
This one from the Department of Shameless Self-promotion...
"US-Russia relations: The first casualty"
ISN Security Watch, Peter Doran and John Elliott
“If a cooperative and mutually beneficial deal is not possible to save the treaty, then all sides must be prepared to envision a European security structure without the CFE.”
Read it here...
"US-Russia relations: The first casualty"
ISN Security Watch, Peter Doran and John Elliott
“If a cooperative and mutually beneficial deal is not possible to save the treaty, then all sides must be prepared to envision a European security structure without the CFE.”
Read it here...
Jul 8, 2007
Driving Drunk in Uzbekistan
Thinking of driving home drunk? Make sure you do it in Azerbaijan, Czech Republic, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, Romania, Slovakia or Uzbekistan -- none of which have laws prohibiting drunk-driving.
But, watch out in Estonia or Poland, where the legal blood alchohol limit is a draconian .02, followed by an equally punishing .03 in Georgia, Moldova and Turkmenistan -- or roughly equal to a shot of mouthwash. (Read it here.)
0.08 BAC - Is the legal limit in most of the United States.
0.35 BAC - Will induce blackouts and stupor.
0.50 BAC - Is the published overdose level leading to death.
0.60 BAC - Is the limit for Aeroflot pilots to fly a passenger jet.
0.74 BAC - Is the highest recorded blood alcohol level by a US hospital.
But, watch out in Estonia or Poland, where the legal blood alchohol limit is a draconian .02, followed by an equally punishing .03 in Georgia, Moldova and Turkmenistan -- or roughly equal to a shot of mouthwash. (Read it here.)
0.08 BAC - Is the legal limit in most of the United States.
0.35 BAC - Will induce blackouts and stupor.
0.50 BAC - Is the published overdose level leading to death.
0.60 BAC - Is the limit for Aeroflot pilots to fly a passenger jet.
0.74 BAC - Is the highest recorded blood alcohol level by a US hospital.
Jul 6, 2007
EU: Let's 'Come' Together
For the purposes of Eternal Remont, we're going to file this one under "EU integration woes." It was just too good to pass up.
This week, the European Commission's "daily news briefing sprung to life with questions over whether a 44-second clip of 18 couples achieving ecstasy in a variety of positions and venues was the best way to show how Brussels uses taxpayers' money," Reuters reports.
"The raunchy clip is made up of snippets from various general release films that have been funded by the EU...Some reporters also took a swipe at the title of the sequence, asking whether "Let's Come Together" was acceptable innuendo -- and if it was, whether the pun worked in the 27-member Union's other official languages."
NSFW, except in the EU, we guess.
Jul 5, 2007
Kaliningrad is Asymmetrical
After months of speculation, Russia has offered its "asymmetrical response" to the proposed missile shield in Eastern Europe: missiles in Kaliningrad?That's right. "First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov said today the deployment will not be necessary if Washington abandons plans for missile-defense facilities in Poland and the Czech Republic," reports RFE/RL. Where exactly Russia will target said missiles, or what actual purpose they will serve in Kaliningrad, remain unanswered.
Tajikistan Needs More Landmine Money
IWPR reports that Tajikistan is woefully behind in efforts to clear the country of landmines. Lack of funding is an issue. But worse than that, no-one seems to know exactly where Tajikistan ends and Uzbekistan begins."Uzbek border guards laid landmines along the border with Tajikistan in 1999 and 2000, but they have not yet handed over the maps marking their whereabouts," said Jonmahmad Rajabov head of the Centre for Landmine Issues. He adds, "Since the line where the border runs has not been defined, we cannot work there. We have no precise information [on where the mines are]...We don’t know why the Uzbeks haven’t yet started clearing mines on their own territory."
Jul 3, 2007
Jingoistic Geology?
Russian geologists have determined that an oil-and-gas rich region under the North Pole is connected to Russia via an underwater shelf. The North Pole, therefore, should belong to Russia.
Nevermind there's a treaty recognizing the region as an international zone, or that other scientists doubt the validity of the findidng.
"Frankly I think it's a little bit strange," Sergey Priamikov, the international co-operation director of Russia's Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in St Petersburg, told the Guardian. "Canada could make exactly the same claim."
That's because the Canadians are sane.
Nevermind there's a treaty recognizing the region as an international zone, or that other scientists doubt the validity of the findidng.
"Frankly I think it's a little bit strange," Sergey Priamikov, the international co-operation director of Russia's Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute in St Petersburg, told the Guardian. "Canada could make exactly the same claim."
That's because the Canadians are sane.
Jul 2, 2007
"I Reserved the Sniper-Proof Suite..."
At last, Russia's nouveau riche have a place to spend their money. "The Ritz-Carlton hotel near Moscow's Red Square sets a new standard for decadence... The hotel's presidential suite - where the dining room is fitted with bullet-proof glass and windows - costs a little over $US16,000 a night. The hotel's wine list features a 1961 Chateau Petrus at $US68,000 a bottle, and a 1969 vintage Macallan Single Malt Scotch Whiskey priced at $US400 a shot."
At these prices, the in-house prostitutes must be to-die-for.
“Our guests are very discriminating and have high expectations,” said Ritz-Carlton president Simon Cooper. We bet they do.
The Lobster Summit
Rose Gottemoeller, the best looking woman in arms control, summed up the Bush-Putin "Lobster Summit" better than anyone. "What I’m hearing from the White House is that this is going to be another summit that does not emphasize deliverables," she said.
Eternal Remont has permanently afixed this nifty little zinger to the Batman tool belt.
--"Show that you love me."
--"When did this become a relationship that emphasized deliverables...?"
Eternal Remont has permanently afixed this nifty little zinger to the Batman tool belt.
--"Show that you love me."
--"When did this become a relationship that emphasized deliverables...?"
Russia Pulls Out of Georgia and Into Armenia
The good news over the weekend is that Russia has pulled out of the Akhalkalaki base in Georgia. The bad news is that all of the equipment is now parked in Armenia.
With friends like these, who needs an oil field?
With friends like these, who needs an oil field?
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