To lose one general may be regarded as misfortune; to lose two looks like carelessness.
Dejin
6659
UK Ministry of Defence Update
I find it difficult to imagine that many of the upper echelon in Russia are happy with the way Putin is leading them. Other than his inner circle of til-the-death cronies, which folks have pointed out may well be the only ones left with any pull, anyone else has to see that a perpetual insurgency, a reputation for mass murder and aggressive war, a crippled economy, and a gutted military are hardly the building blocks for a bright future. Unless they really do want to become a bigger North Korea, you have to think that at some point–maybe soon, maybe not until Putin kicks the bucket and a succession struggle breaks out–folks are going to want to reverse course and try to pick up the pieces and get Russia back to a point where it can play with all of the rich kids in the playground.
That may very well be true, but the problem is that it’s Russia. The moment you dare stick your head up it’s going to get FSB’ed. And do you dare talk to your buddies about it, with the fear that one of them is going to turn you in?
Aceris
6662
That was my thought too, but then I wondered how many of the security hardliners in the structures which hold real power (so not only the top few people) might prefer a Russia asserting itself and in a state of autarky to a Russia entangled to the west and subject to the wests “hypocritical” moral scruples.
Which dovetails well with all the “strong alpha male” bullshit imagery a lot of Russia’s useful western idiots use in their descriptions of Russia.
antlers
6663
No one challenged Hitler after it was clear that he was nuts and Germany was headed for utter ruin. If Putin falls he will take his entire inner circle with him. There’s no upside for an insider to get rid of Putin.
Not entirely true but things had to get pretty bleak before there was a serious coup attempt.
And that’s where we’ve seen this before.
Aceris
6667
Reading about the assassination attempts on Hitler I can see why Putin likes long tables, especially when sitting with military officers.
Even before July 20 there were many assassination attempts on Hitler. I think the spectacular successes of 1940 bought him some time though. It wasn’t until maybe '43 that it was apparent he was not only evil, but also driving Germany to ruin.
Hitler didn’t have to contend with the Internet and neighbors who were actually stronger and more militarily capable, either. That is, it was a lot easier for Germans to deceive themselves. Not saying you are wrong–you are probably close to the truth I’m guessing. But Putin’s situation is far weaker than Hitler’s was, or Stalin’s.
Timex
6670
Hey guys, MacGregor says that the sanctions on Russia won’t actually do anything.
You know, if you ignore the fact that their economy has already collapsed and their money is worth less than imaginary game currency.
Other than that, the sanctions will probably make Russia stronger, so we should drop them if we know what’s good for us!
ShivaX
6671
“My checks from Putin aren’t clearing.”
I’m not going to click on a Fox clip, but I am curious as to what Tucker was trying to convey with that look on his face. Disbelief at what MacGregor was saying, rapt attention, agreement?
vyshka
6673
That is his resting moron face
All of the above? That’s the only expression I ever see of him.
I hope Putin’s been paying him in rubles.
Same thing he thinks every night, Pinkie: “Will no one rid me of this troublesome constipation?”
