http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10684110

- Interesting article in the news this week. It's unnverving to see Russian foreign policy as being anything other than anti-NATO or Western, or hell American. But perhaps after his burger with Obama a few weeks back, there's been a less anti-US streak in Russian moves, and a more opportunistic one if matters allow. Being more forthcoming on matters pertaining to Iran, may be a nod and a wink to a different future for Russian foreign affairs. Who knows? Personally, I think they're realising how much money is to be made in playing the system, as opposed to lying down in front of it and not budging an inch.

Interesting. I guess since its no longer politically sound to trade with Iran, they're backing out as gracefully as they can? Smart move, if not supported for morally sound reasons. I also read another article on the BBC about how Russia is ordering two (Mistral? I think?) warships from France that has the rest of NATO, the USA in particular, pretty upset.

Good article. I think they're realising how much money is to be made in playing the system, as opposed to lying down in front of it and not budging an inch.


Hit the nail on the head with that.

Also, Putin put in an appearance at the biker rally in the Crimea, riding in on a Harley trike with shades and black shirt and fingerless gloves.....he stated the motorcycle is the most democratic means of transportation. :D

He can't be all bad.

'I also read another article on the BBC about how Russia is ordering two (Mistral? I think?) warships from France that has the rest of NATO, the USA in particular, pretty upset.'

- http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-10740291
Yep, two cracking assault ships, but it's a nice volte-face considering Russia is usually the one exporting arms. You know, sometimes the French just enjoy ruffling feathers.

I'd just like to state that 'Mistral' (a specific type of cold dry wind, for those who were wondering) is possibly the coolest, pardon the pun, name for a warship I've heard in recent memory ;)...

With regard to the CNN article, I agree with your assessment, Halo; Russia's economy and infrastructure are still a mess, and they're very much trying to consolidate what they can of their immediate interests, and not only is the money much selling to both the Saudi's and Israel, both countries are a lot more stable in real terms (monarchy that isn't going anywhere in SA, semblance of democracy in Israel).

As far as the France> Russia warship deal goes, good on the French both for having the capacity, and for the deal itself - and lord knows we certainly have zero moral high ground to stand on with regard to whom anyone else should be selling arms to.

Regards,
Nydia

'I'd just like to state that 'Mistral' (a specific type of cold dry wind, for those who were wondering) is possibly the coolest, pardon the pun, name for a warship I've heard in recent memory ... '

- In Provence, Mistral is the name for the infamous wind that tunnels through the Rhone valley and blasts the Chateau-neuf-de-Pape vineyards in summer; it is absolutely one of the strongest winds I've ever felt, and chills you to the bone. We were wine-tasting up there last month and I honestly thought I had all of a sudden got caught in a wind machine or something. Something interesting one of the locals told us - literally most of Provence is planned the way it has, and has been for centuries, simply to protect people from the Mistral.

Anyway...!

Yes, we definately have no recognisable high ground, especially the Brits of the Yanks, but it is very French on the one level to make a jibe to NATO by supplying warships at a time when relations (though of course better over recent weeks) are strained over things such as the anti-missle defensive shields in Eastern Europe; but it's also mind-bogglingly French to help modernise the navy of a nation who annually holds Europe, including France, to ransom by withholding gas supplies.

Mistral sounds like the cold annoying version of Southern California's Santa Ana wind.

- In Provence, Mistral is the name for the infamous wind that tunnels through the Rhone valley and blasts the Chateau-neuf-de-Pape vineyards in summer; it is absolutely one of the strongest winds I've ever felt, and chills you to the bone. We were wine-tasting up there last month and I honestly thought I had all of a sudden got caught in a wind machine or something.
Serious envy for your wine tasting expedition. Chateau-neuf is a real favorite of mine. Let the damn wind blow if it flavors the grapes.

France makes a few bucks and Russia gets to project a little power should it desire to do so. Not a bad move for either nation, I guess.