The Literal and Figurative Smoking Gun

[Yonivore]

"it's a military issue."

Not to the Austrians, it's "just business", which is something the US understands.

Business to which we objected because we knew where the weapons would end up. Now, it's a military issue.

[boutons_]

"it's a military issue."

Not to the Austrians, it's "just business", which is something the US understands.

Believe it or not, all the other countries are exactly like the USA: they put their own interests first, way ahead of any other country's interests.

dubya/ head's ham-handed, go-it-alone, smash-mouth anti-diplomacy has convinced a lot of friends and allies to be extremely cir spect when the US is involved, to look after their own interests above all, more than ever.

eg, the US could really use a lot of help from Russia in handling Iran, but the US expanded NATO right up to Russia's border, while absolutely denying Russia's request to join NATO. Now, Russia is floating in oil/gas wealth, has Europe's energy balls in it hands, is run by a quasi-dicatator, and can flip off the US with impunity.

[Yonivore]

"it's a military issue."

Not to the Austrians, it's "just business", which is something the US understands.

I'm not arguing the point. And, no one is accusing Austria of committing an act of war but, it's clear that the sale was instrumental in aiding the enemy in Iraq.

We tried to persuade Austria not to make the sale. It's disappointing that they did. The military issue is with Iran and what they did with the acquired weapons.

Believe it or not, all the other countries are exactly like the USA: they put their own interests first, way ahead of any other country's interests.

I believe it. In fact, America is the only country expected to forego their own self-interests in the name of globalization.

tourette's blather