Jouhou wrote:Nicoeddf wrote:Jouhou wrote:False equivalency. Yes. It's a tactic also frequently used by the Trump admin. Funny that.
Come on, bit more flesh on the bone, please: Why is it a false equivalency? Explain.
Regarding Trump admin: I am not sure your implied thesis (Trump / GOP use the tactic, DEMs not) would hold the test of evidence.
Anyway, I am not here to defend Russia and certainly not to defend Trump, but this black and white colouring is preeeeeetty boring and, simple, if I may say so.
I think I've said it before, I'm writing on a kindle. I'm not going to type up an essay. I post a thread saying Russia is on a dangerous streak of bad behavior. People respond "yeah but, the US and iraq" or something to that effect. Wtf does that have to do with what Russia is doing now? I want them to stop, but the US literally can't do anything about it right now because Putin owns Trump. Its up to Europe now and it seems most of Europe won't pay attention until their country gets personally attacked. Pay attention. Only thing I can do is raise awareness on it.
It is difficult after all, NOT to point the finger, if the accuser is a US citizen, who supposedly has never been to Russia (at least Europe I hope?). If you accuse, sorry, you need to cope with the responses. And pointing out your countries shortcomings (any countries for that matter) is fair game.
To the point: In my opinion Russia is not on a bad streak. Russia certainly tested the waters with Crimea and Syria and is eager to be seen again on the world stage as a world power. But most importantly, they are investing heavily to keep their direct neighbours out of western influence and draw them closer to their own agenda. That IS fair game, as every other country does that.
The means differ to European countries, as Russia is hardly a democracy and can get away with a lot more of a militaristic style. It isn't however very different than what the US is doing since decades with boots on the ground in countless countries. And China, I would bet serious money on it, will be in the game sooner rather than later.
Russia is doing what the Putin administration thinks is best for themselves first and the country a close second. Also not very different to one very large country in the west.
Europe IS paying attention. We are just not so easily scared as our friends 10k km west, well, apart from Dutchy maybe
. And Russia is much closer to Europe so naturally MUST have a more compromise-based and partnership-based approach with Russia.
And just to kill one counter-argument before it is even tried: I know of all of Russia's shortcomings, democrazy-wise for example. But the west is partnering with MUCH WORSE countries since forever out of economic interest. Not sure why there is such a huge fuss about Russia, then.