Odds & Ends: 99 Luftballons Edition | 85 comments (82 topical, 3 editorial, 0 hidden)

A must read, really cold-blooded and sharp analysis. Here is the conclusion :

So how should we deal with the Russians?
For a start, look at a map. Russia's real enemies are to the south and east, and none of those folks, Chinese or Islamist, wish us well, either. Second, take a page from the Russians. Our foreign and defense policies have to take a back seat to fundamental economic restructuring because it is our wealth that enables us to implement our policies. Then let's start acting like adults: adults make foreign policy based upon a realistic assessment of their interests and capabilities, and the interests and capabilities of those around them. They don't pick fights they can't win and have nothing to gain from, with people who don't want to fight them.
The real world is a nasty place and America needs friends and allies. Why are we making an unnecessary enemy of a power that by all rights, as well as by logic and morality, ought to be our friend?

by balbuz on Thu Aug 21st, 2008 at 09:33:37 PM EST
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Re: Great. (4.00 / 2)

It really is a great article. There are a few minor bones I have to pick with it, but it is a must read. I really wish I could post the whole entire thing here. I'm trying to pick out a few representative paragraphs, but I can't decide among them all.

"Pretending that you already know the answer when you don't is not actually very helpful." ~Migeru.

by poemless on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 at 10:58:35 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Great. (none / 1)

The real world is a nasty place and America needs friends and allies. Why are we making an unnecessary enemy of a power that by all rights, as well as by logic and morality, ought to be our friend?

Time for seven years of peace and good relations right after the election.

"It is not necessary to have hope in order to persevere."

by ARGeezer (ARGeezer a in a circle eurotrib daught com) on Fri Aug 22nd, 2008 at 02:11:43 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Odds & Ends: 99 Luftballons Edition | 85 comments (82 topical, 3 editorial, 0 hidden)