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FROM TALLINN IN THE BALTIC TO TBILISI IN THE CAUCASUS ….A Velvet Curtain with an Iron Fist has descended across the Continent
Part XI “The Rise or Fall of American Empire?”
By Doug Krieger
The legacy of President George Walker Bush – a relative of Winston Churchill and related, as well, to Barack Obama – will be the extension of the Velvet Curtain enclosed by an Iron Fist descending across the European Continent. At Westminster College, in Fulton, Missouri, in 1947, Winston Churchill uttered these now prophetic outbursts:
“From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.” (Winston Churchill, Fulton, Missouri, 1947)
Churchill elaborated . . .
“Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases, increasing measure of control from Moscow. Athens alone - Greece with its immortal glories - is free to decide its future at an election under British, American and French observation. The Russian-dominated Polish Government has been encouraged to make enormous and wrongful inroads upon Germany, and mass expulsions of millions of Germans on a scale grievous and undreamed-of are now taking place. The Communist parties, which were very small in all these Eastern States of Europe, have been raised to pre-eminence and power far beyond their numbers and are seeking everywhere to obtain totalitarian control. Police governments are prevailing in nearly every case, and so far, except in Czechoslovakia, there is no true democracy.”
“The action in Poland will take place mainly in the city of Slupsk, near the Baltic Sea Coast. They (America-NATO) want to build the base in Redzikowo, 4 kms. from the city. We (anarchists) will go to this town for some direct actions but also will do some things in Slupsk. To follow up, we would like to hold some public and activist meetings in other, larger cities nearby Slupsk, namely Szczein and Gdansk.” (Call for International Mobilization against US Military Bases in Central Europe. NO to Anti-Missile Defense System!, CENTRUM INFORMACJI ANARCHISTYCZNEJ – STOP THE SHIELD, March 29, 2008, Slupsk, Poland)
Also – isn’t it really all about jobs?
“Unlike their Czech counterparts (Editor’s Note: Czech locals in Trokavec are not happy about the radar site.), residents in Redzikowo and Slupsk (Poland) appear to be enthusiastic about the prospect of a U.S. base here.
“‘It’s about jobs,’ said Arik Stolz, a waiter. ‘It is very difficult to find work in this region. If the Americans can bring jobs, then that would be good news.’” (Judy Dempsey, U.S. Faces Tough Sell for Missile Shield, International Herald Tribune – Americas, June 3, 2007) (See also: Czech, Poland close to deal on US anti-missile shield: officials, Space Daily, Feb. 25, 2008)
Who could possibly imagine the transformation upon Europe’s map and the nation who accomplished that metamorphosis? It is that same nation and group of peoples who engineered this Herculean effort without firing a shot! The same people to whom Churchill lavished with superlative praise . . .
“The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. If you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also you must feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. Opportunity is here now, clear and shining for both our countries (The UK and USA). To reject it or ignore it or fritter it away will bring upon us all the long reproaches of the after-time. It is necessary that constancy of mind, persistency of purpose, and the grand simplicity of decision shall guide and rule the conduct of the English-speaking peoples in peace as they did in war. We must, and I believe we shall, prove ourselves equal to this severe requirement.” (Ibid.)
HAIL BRITANNIA, THE COMMONWEALTH AND PAX AMERICANA
“Now, while still pursuing the method of realizing our overall strategic concept, I come to the crux of what I have traveled here to say. Neither the sure prevention of war, nor the continuous rise of world organization will be gained without what I have called the fraternal association of the English-speaking peoples. This means a special relationship between the British Commonwealth and Empire and the United States. This is no time for generalities, and I will venture to be precise. Fraternal association requires not only the growing friendship and mutual understanding between our two vast but kindred systems of society, but the continuance of the intimate relationship between our military advisers, leading to common study of potential dangers, the similarity of weapons and manuals of instructions, and to the interchange of officers and cadets at technical colleges. It should carry with it the continuance of the present facilities for mutual security by the joint use of all Naval and Air Force bases in the possession of either country all over the world. This would perhaps double the mobility of the American Navy and Air Force. It would greatly expand that of the British Empire Forces and it might well lead, if and as the world calms down, to important financial savings. Already we use together a large number of islands; more may well be entrusted to our joint care in the near future.
“The United States has already a Permanent Defense Agreement with the Dominion of Canada, which is so devotedly attached to the British Commonwealth and Empire. This Agreement is more effective than many of those which have often been made under formal alliances. This principle should be extended to all British Commonwealths with full reciprocity. Thus, whatever happens, and thus only, shall we be secure ourselves and able to work together for the high and simple causes that are dear to us and bode no ill to any. Eventually there may come - I feel eventually there will come - the principle of common citizenship, but that we may be content to leave to destiny, whose outstretched arm many of us can already clearly see.
Yes, extended to Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, and Malaysia – some 53 nations in all!
These peoples – not the United Nations – were the ones who created formidable military alliances throughout the globe (NATO in particular), which stayed the spread of Stalinist Communism, created a Transatlantic Coalition of like-minded partners; forming a militarily and economically viable Europe buttressed against the walls of that iron curtain – all at the largess of these United States of America.
And now, the US-backed anti-missile, missile defense system deployed in Poland and the Czech Republic:
“Anti-missile missiles, or interceptors, are being based in Alaska (40 of them) and California (4) and the plan is to put 10 of them in Poland with associated radar in the Czech Republic.
“There would also be 130 interceptors based on ships. The interceptors work by physically hitting the ballistic missile in mid-flight. There would also be missiles to try to destroy incoming rockets in the final stages.” (Q&A: US missile defence, BBC News, 12 Oct. 2007)
GEORGE W. BUSH – HE GOT WHAT HE WANTED!
President Bush’s legacy – NATO’s expansion throughout the former satellites of the once super power, the Soviet Union, did NOT flinch at accelerating NATO’s encroachments throughout Eastern Europe – even into Eurasia! Yes, some pundits insist he didn’t get what he wanted (viz. Ukraine’s and Georgia’s official entry into the NATO process)—but he did and then some, we’ll explain. Listen, as Bush acclaims the rights of Ukraine and Georgia – notwithstanding the Russian Federation’s consternations to such expansions, as well as Germany, France, Italy and Spain’s opposition to commence the process (MAP) for inclusion (Note: This is apart and separate from Bush’s drive to establish a “missile shield” based in Poland, and a massive radar expansion in the Czech Republic, to monitor “incoming missiles” from rogue states like Iran into the Continent.) – these news excerpts will demonstrate pertinent Bush breakthroughs, including cooperation from France’s full integration into NATO via President Sarkozy’s recent philo-American embrace, and commitment to send an additional 700 French troops to Afghanistan (in spite of popular French resistance) to relieve American troops in the north who would be redeployed to southern Afghanistan thereby assisting Canadian troops in thwarting renewed fighting with the Taliban, to Romania’s enthusiasm to include Ukraine and Georgia into the NATO alliance, in spite of France’s reluctance. In sum: The “New Europe” (Eastern Europeans) and the “Old Europe” (Western Europeans like France, Germany et al) are, quite frankly, eating out of Bush’s hand!
“Several EU heavyweights (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium) (the “Old Europe”) are opposed to such a project.
“In the meantime, several representatives of the new EU members expressed their support for opening the NATO door to Kiev and Tbilisi. (The “New Europe”)
“President Bush said today (2 April 2008) during his Bucharest speech that Romanian people have ‘looked evil in the eye’ and transformed their country from a communist dictatorship into a free nation and a NATO member, suggesting that the young democracies Ukraine and Georgia deserve the same chance.
“‘My country's position is clear: NATO should welcome Georgia and Ukraine into the Membership Action Plan. And, NATO membership must remain open to all of Europe's democracies that seek it, and are ready to share in the responsibilities of NATO membership,’ he said.” (‘Old’ and ‘New’ Europe Divided at NATO Summit, EurActiv.com)
Meanwhile the Romanians, who hosted the largest gathering of NATO members in its history, stood in total solidarity with Bush:
“Romanian President Traian Basescu, who is hosting the largest-ever summit of NATO’s 26 member states, stated that including Ukraine and Georgia in the MAP is ‘a logical step from the Romanian point of view.’
“He reiterated the other main topics of the summit: the decision to extend invitations to join NATO to three applicant countries (Croatia, Albania, and Macedonia), the situation in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans and the threats facing the Alliance in the 21st century: terrorism, energy security, missile defense and IT security.” (Ibid.)
Let’s be very clear – the Ukrainians are not about to return to the old Soviet military entanglements of the past – they adamantly and without reserve, embrace Bush’s push for their entry into the NATO alliance:
“‘We feel a gap in our security because all of our neighbors, to east and west, are in some sort of security arrangement,’ Oleksandr Chalyi, a foreign policy adviser to Yushchenko, said in an interview, referring to NATO and Russian-led alliances. ‘Only we participate in neither. We don't want to return back to the Russian security system.’ If NATO rebuffs Ukraine, he added, it would mean ‘the last page of the Cold War is not turned.’
“Moscow warned again Monday that even negotiations for membership for Ukraine and Georgia would cross a ‘red line’ for Russia. President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target the two countries with nuclear missiles if they join the alliance.” (“Bush Visits a Ukraine Deeply Split Over Bid to Join Western Alliance” – Peter Baker, Washington Post, April 1, 2008, Page A12)
Ah, so did NATO rebuff Ukraine and Georgia? Did they not include them . . . or as I prejudice this remark, did Bush orchestrate a brilliant tactical maneuver whereby you press hard, then take two steps back in order to take three forward down the road?
“‘We think it’s very, very, very important that Georgia and Ukraine, that we welcome their aspirations to be part of NATO,’ national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley told reporters on Air Force One. ‘And the president has made clear we think the best way to do that is to offer the MAP (membership action plans) at Bucharest, and that’s what the president is pushing hard for.’” (Ibid.)
(1) Solidified America’s unflinching solidarity with the Orange Revolution in the face of Russian consternation. (2) Demonstrated American determination, in spite of both “Old Europe” and Russian resistance by supporting inclusion of Ukraine and Georgia under the NATO umbrella. (3) Ukraine and Georgia received strong assurance from NATO they are headed for full membership in the NATO alliance (though immediate MAP was “postponed” – it’s only a matter of time—popular opinion for “the deal” is rising in Ukraine and Georgia simply needs to tidy up its political house a bit – de facto, MAP was accomplished). (4) Ukraine and other nations of the “New Europe” – including France of the “Old Europe” – continue to reinforce American engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq by additional troop commitments—especially enthusiastic are the Romanians.
In point of glaring fact, it was not so much Russia’s obstructionist efforts to thwart Ukraine and Georgia from entering MAP at this time—but Germany and other “Old Europe” allies of the USA who balked at the possibility—a possibility which is inevitable:
“NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer was careful in making the official announcement (regarding the delay of Ukraine and Georgia membership into NATO via MAP) to stress that the alliance saw the decision as short term.
“‘NATO welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO,’ de Hoop Scheffer said. ‘We agree today that these countries will become members of NATO.’
“He said (these) two countries would remain in a stage of ‘intensified dialogue’ with NATO that he described as ‘a road to Membership Action Plan.’ Ukraine and Georgia expected that they would be granted the plan, which is the last step toward becoming a NATO member-state, at the summit.” (“Good and Bad NATO News for Putin” – By Nabi Abdullaev, the Moscow Times, April 5, 2008, p. 001)
And, this is reinforced by Ukraine and Georgia whose remarks, along with an additional nod from US national security adviser Hadley, made it abundantly clear who they blame for any delay in their quest for NATO membership:
“Boris I. Tarasyuk, a former Ukrainian foreign minister and close ally of President Viktor A. Yushchenko on NATO membership, said in an interview: ‘Moscow will be very satisfied with the outcome (i.e., the delay). But I'd like to say to them that this is not the end of the story. Sooner or later it (Ukraine’s full membership into NATO) will happen.’
“Hadley, the (USA) national security adviser, said most of the former Communist states that had joined NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union had supported the US position (to admit Ukraine and Georgia into NATO’s MAP process). He and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice emphasized NATO’s final statement declaring that Georgia and Ukraine would become members someday, as would any other aspiring democracy in Europe. (NATO Endorses Missile Shield Plan but alliance rejects Georgia, and Ukraine bids – The Boston Globe by Steven Lee Myers and Graham Bowley - New York Times News Service / April 4, 2008)
Bush’s triumphs at the NATO Summit were stupendous – even his three-day surprise visit with President Putin (his 28th such encounter with the Russian President (at Putin’s invitation)—meeting more with Putin than any other leader, aside from Tony Blair)—sought to downplay differences and highlight friendship!
“NATO’s decision to take in Croatia and Albania was one of the highlights of its summit in Bucharest, which ended Friday. The alliance also decided to send additional troops to Afghanistan and back U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. But it delayed action granting ‘membership action plans’ to Ukraine and Georgia until at least December.
“The celebration in Croatia also will include leaders of Macedonia, even though Greece blocked its NATO membership because of a dispute over its shared name. If that is worked out, Macedonia — or whatever it will be called — will be NATO's 29th member.
“In his speech here tomorrow, Bush will note that two more former pieces of Yugoslavia — Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro — were put on the long road toward NATO membership in Bucharest. He also has said that Serbia — from which Montenegro and most recently Kosovo have declared independence — could walk that road in the future. (“Bush basks in his NATO ‘Freedom Agenda’” – Richard Wolf, USA Today, 4 April 2008)
Quite frankly, Bush ostensibly steamrolled through Bucharest and got everything he wanted! Watching Putin posturing over NATO’s expansion to the East as a “direct threat” to Russian security is pure balderdash and Russian theater. Frankly, what can Putin really do? Just sit back, keep smiling, and hope for the best in that Russia’s economic boom is wholly contingent on trade with NATO European nations. Thus, signing benign deals with NATO for transporting non-military items through Russia into Afghanistan for the war effort against the Taliban at least demonstrates that Putin understand how to play the game.
MY PRECIOUS!
“‘Yes,’ Bush said at the close of the ‘George and Vladimir’ show, the two leaders on a first-name basis – a relationship which Putin today declared ‘precious.’
“‘You met today with his successor?’ Bush was asked. ‘Did you have a similar experience, and what was your take?’
“‘My comments about Vladimir Putin were aimed to say that I found him to be the kind of person -- I thought he’d be the kind of person who would tell me what's on his mind,’ Bush said. ‘A lot of times in politics you have people look you in the eye and tell you what’s not on their mind. He looks you in the eye and tells you what’s on his mind. He’s been very truthful….
“As for Medvedev: ‘He seemed like a straightforward fellow, somebody who would tell you what’s on his mind... And so my first impressions are very positive -- smart fellow.’” (Mark Silva, Bush and Putin: ‘Life Moves On’ – The SWAMP, April 6, 2008)
Ah, yes, somehow or other, announcing that someone is an honest person suffices the Russian angst! Sorry, the dolts in the American press and in academia think that our President is “Bush League” – well, my precious, think again – you’re not dealing with a country bumpkin here; and, one more thing, don’t be so stupid to think that a Texas twang connotes a dumb fool – fool ‘um twice, shame, shame! Dyslexia is precious when it comes to negotiating with the Russians – somehow they misconstrue it as poetic or something akin to some form of genius a al chess – in sum, coming out of a long Russian winter isn’t easy!
How disarming of President Bush to simply declare that President Putin is naught but a person who will “tell me what’s on his mind” and that his successor, Medvedev, is a “straightforward fellow” – man, if that don’t get rid of Russian angst, nothing will!
So, who’s committing troops in extending America’s pursuits at “democratic globalism” in Southwest Asia?
NATO AND USA COMMITMENT IN THE WAR ON TERROR
The chart below – though old, demonstrates the engagement of the “New and Old Europe” in Iraq, as well as the general “Coalition of the Willing” – which, in the main, does not represent but a token commitment of troops from participating nations up through 01/08:
Active troops Withdrawn troops Multinational Force Iraq units
TOTAL INVASION DEPLOYMENT
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF CONTRACTORS AS OF 2/08
NATO Training Mission – Iraq
The commitments to fighting in Afghanistan are extensive (click here) – the map will be helpful to see the distribution of allied forces headed up by the United States of America:
Bush urged, and secured additional NATO troop commitments, not only from France and Romania for the Afghanistan Theater of operations, but most definitely the heat is on for other NATO participants to “get with the program.” In other words, these NATO troop commitments, along with remnants who comprised the “Coalition of the Willing” (juxtaposed to the virtually defunct United Nations military capabilities—which will never seriously be sought after again by the USA) constitute the on-going incursion and influence the USA continues to maintain in the region.
(Editor’s Note: Be it duly noted that “all the young lions” are solidly behind the NATO move for troop commitments in Afghanistan – including New Zealand, Australia and Canada – click here.)
There is no other nation on the planet which commands the military presence which the United States of America does, nor whose leadership is the center of attention for the extension of “democratic liberalization” – and, specifically, that foreign policy leadership is wholly domiciled in its Executive Branch, the Presidency. Bush has made ample use of his office in maintaining NATO’s leadership, and he has secured the wholehearted support from virtually all nations once harassed by the Soviet Union – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, a united Germany (East Germany), the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Slovenia, Hungary, Macedonia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro – and he’s moving ahead under the assumption that Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and even Serbia will also join in (and, I’m sure, he’s eyeing Azerbaijan and Armenia as well).
I SAW A WHITE HORSE RIDING WHOSE RIDER CARRIED A BOW (NO ARROW) – “AND HE WENT OUT CONQUERING AND TO CONQUER” (Rev. 6:2)
They who confuse the man on the White Horse who arises from beneath the First Seal of the Revelation with the Son of Man to administer divine retributive justice upon the earth dwellers, do so at their own peril—a peril which unfolds from the subsequent horses and horsemen who ravage the earth with their wars, famines and death—this is not Christ, this is Antichrist! Say not that “conquering and to conquer” without an arrow cannot be done – not only can it be, it is much easier than you think, especially as we prophetically reflect upon that ultimate cunning . . .
“And at the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors shall have come to the full, a king of bold countenance, and understanding riddles, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy marvelously, and shall prosper, and shall practice, and shall destroy the mighty ones, and the people of the saints. And through his cunning shall he cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he will magnify [himself] in his heart, and by prosperity will corrupt many; and he will stand up against the Prince of princes: but he shall be broken without hand.” (Daniel 8:23-26 – Darby’s New Translation)
“And stood up on his station hath a despicable one, and they have not given unto him the honour of the kingdom, and he hath come in quietly, and hath strengthened the kingdom by flatteries. Peaceably even into the fertile places of the province He cometh, and he hath done that which his fathers did not, nor his fathers' fathers; prey, and spoil, and substance, to them he scattereth, and against fenced places he deviseth his devices, even for a time.” (Daniel 11:21, 24 – Young’s Literal Translation)
The amazing amalgamation of power, led by the USA, is the “logical conclusion” of the triumph of US military and diplomatic enhancements (following World War II) and addressed by Sir Winston Churchill in his now famous “Iron Curtain Speech,” and the subsequent pressure applied by the indefatigable aforesaid efforts of succeeding presidencies, leading to the collapse of the former Soviet Union, and the consolidation of US power applied through her NATO alliance upon all of the former states of the Soviet Union—even to so audaciously attempt to include Russia in that embrace!
The US Military now shares bases in Bulgaria:
“The deal allows US forces to be stationed at Bezmer air base and the Novo Selo army training range near the border with Turkey, and at Graf Ignatievo airfield in central Bulgaria.” (US Troops Set for Bulgaria Bases, BBC News, Europe – 28 April 2006)
Even so, the US has established forward operating bases in Romania which are extensive and growing . . .
And, don’t think the Romanians aren’t excited about the American presence!
“On the eve of Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Romania, the foreign minister of that country was in a state of great emotion, almost in tears, as he emphasized the global and historical significance of the visit in lyrical terms: ‘That which our grandparents and parents have been waiting for 60 years, and which hundreds of prisoners hoped for back in the time of communism, is now happening: the Americans are coming!’ (Andrej Grubacic, The Americans Are Coming! Democracy As Cooperation Between Secret Services – ZNET, December 16, 2005)
This entire strategic military equation will be enhanced with the US moving into Moldova—next to Romania—and ultimately into the Ukraine itself!
“With the United States securing its strategic positions in Bulgaria and Romania, the Black Sea region is moving fast toward a new power configuration. Since the EU’s integration process is flawed by the Union’s inability to quickly adapt to the new configuration and by the European public's dissatisfaction with the enlargement itself, the U.S. is rapidly taking the lead in Western penetration of the once Russian-dominated region.
“At the same time, Western Europe will hastily become aware that integrating southeastern and Balkan countries will likely produce a further advancement of pro-Atlantic, pro-U.S. European factions and will undermine any attempt to build an autonomous E.U. power. (US Military Bases in the Black Sea Region, Dr. Federico Bordonaro, Power and Interest News Report, November 19, 2005 – my emphasis)
It is that final statement by Dr. Federico Bordonaro which must come as a total shock and awe to American prophetic pundits who needlessly and vacuously trumpet just such an AUTONOMOUS E.U. POWER – but to no avail do they conjecture such a nonsensical prospect, when all the time it is the United States of America, under the prevailing foreign policy of its President, George Walker Bush, who is making ALL the moves, demonstrating unbelievable timing in his calculated decisions and able to do it all with a Texas grin on his face – he’s obviously the right man for the job, but not an evangelical pundit can bring themselves to admit that Bush’s aggressive diplomacy will result in a headless European superpower – an oxymoronic expression that cannot nor ever will be! Furthermore, it must irritate these same pundits that it is Bush, not Javier Solana, who has taken center stage and led the nations of Europe – both East and West – in a masterful coup de grâce wherein virtually the whole of Eastern Europe and the nation states of Eurasia shall join the American-led NATO alliance!
If one cannot grasp the significance of this coup de maître – this stroke of utter genius – I can only assume it’s because they simply do not want to acknowledge America’s predominant leadership over the West. Listen, it is the US Military with its entire organizational and technological advance that inspires this alliance . . . to be outside it is to be left out in the cold, isolated and adrift. Bush is the man who pulled it off – the left in all of its finagling, nor the right (which hardly saw it coming) is obliged to give the man credit – yes, give credit to where credit is due! Only the rapture can save these pretribulationists who so vehemently deny who is leading the pack—when it is altogether obvious throughout all the earth who heads up the world’s most powerful military alliance: It is unequivocal, relentless and unrestrained in its drive to persuade the nations of Europe to follow in his train.
So, in sum, it looks something like this:
Forward operating bases in Europe (European Union, NATO and US) (Note: Does not include Permanent Bases and Hubs in Europe)
Bosnia and Herzegovina—Eagle Base, Tuzla (EU/US) (European Union Forces, Camp McGovern, Brcko EUFOR) Mostar ‘Europe Base’, south-eastern Bosnia and Herzegovina, Banja Luka metal factory, north-western Bosnia and Herzegovina Bulgaria—Novo Selo training area, Novo Selo, Bezmer airbase, Yambol, Graf Ignatievo airfield, near Plovdiv Czech Republic–Poland—US missile defence bases (planned—but well on its way) Romania—Mihail Kogalniceanu airbase, Constanza; Babadag, Cincu and Smardan training ranges Serbia, Kosovo—Camp Bondsteel; US Army base, Urosevac Turkey—Incirlik airbase, near Adana
(Source: Foreign Military Bases in Eurasia – SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) Policy Paper No. 18, by Zdzislaw Lachowski – June, 2007) (Note: Dr. Lachowski is Polish from Poland – His CONCLUSIONS in this geo-political analysis illustrates the dominance of US military and diplomatic extensions throughout the Balkans and Eastern Europe and their necessity, logic and inevitability.)
Frankly, the permeation of the U.S. military throughout Eastern Europe and the Balkans is a foregone conclusion – with the rest of “Old Europe” paddling to keep up. I might hasten to add that with the monetary crisis now affecting the USA, and, consequently, world financial markets, the day of the “free ride” is over—you want “US protection – you pay for it!” That won’t be soon enough for Uncle Sam – outspending virtually the entire earth on weaponry:
Chalmers Johnson puts it like this:
But Chalmers doesn’t leave you adrift on the “actual” defense spending of the USA – adding to this burgeoning figure of $600 Billion are hidden defense expenditures in “supplemental” and other “slight-of-the-hand budgetary” considerations. By the time Chalmers gives a grand tally, he’s around $1.1 Trillion Dollars (Annual 2007 Defense Spending - or 1/3rd of the US Federal Budget).
“Missing from this compilation is $1.9bn to the Department of Justice for the paramilitary activities of the FBI; $38.5bn to the Department of the Treasury for the Military Retirement Fund; $7.6bn for the military-related activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; and well over $200bn in interest for past debt-financed defence outlays. This brings US spending for its military establishment during the current fiscal year, conservatively calculated, to at least $1.1 trillion.” (Why the US has really gone broke, The economic disaster that is military Keynesianism, Chalmers Johnson, Le Monde diplomatique, February 2008)
Insightful as Chalmers truly is, and as prophetic his analyses of the US economy and the weight of the military-industrial complex thereon, as you shall see hereunder, he is (Aren’t we all?) flabbergasted (if he’d come to grips with Bush’s fancy footwork amongst NATO, pre-NATO partners and “straightforward Russians,” all combined) that somehow, this “thing” just won’t go away. Just how on earth can the USA sustain such endeavors? Simply because the international monetary system—notwithstanding the so-called collapse of the US Dollar on international exchanges—is “designed” and “maintained” by international cartels and guarantees from all nations and their central banks to “sustain the present system” at all costs! Eliminating the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy will NOT relieve the economic devolution now taking place in the USA and world markets—the sparing of the “oil and wine” extends, in particular, to the same military-industrial complex whose ominous threatenings we’ve never heard!
What will change within the system are additional guarantees (directly and indirectly) to allow the USA and its surrogate NATO and international allies (including the Saudis and Gulf State partners) a myriad of international financial gymnastic which will enable the present “balance of power” to sustain and thrive in the unipolar world. Thus mystified, Chalmers plods on . . .
“Global confidence in the US economy has reached zero, as was proved by last month’s stock market meltdown. (Editor’s Note: What would Chalmer’s views be today—just one month from the date of this article (March 10, 2008)—with the collapse of the housing market and Bear Stearns and, in sum, the entire investment banking charade, along with $500 Trillion Dollars of bogus derivatives?) But there is an enormous anomaly in the US economy above and beyond the subprime mortgage crisis, the housing bubble and the prospect of recession: 60 years of misallocation of resources, and borrowings, to the establishment and maintenance of a military-industrial complex as the basis of the nation’s economic life.
“There are three broad aspects to the US debt crisis. First, in the current fiscal year (2008) we are spending insane amounts of money on ‘defence’ projects that bear no relation to the national security of the US. We are also keeping the income tax burdens on the richest segment of the population at strikingly low levels.
“Second, we continue to believe that we can compensate for the accelerating erosion of our base and our loss of jobs to foreign countries through massive military expenditures — ‘military Keynesianism’ (which I discuss in detail in my book Nemesis: The Last Days of the American Republic). By that, I mean the mistaken belief that public policies focused on frequent wars, huge expenditures on weapons and munitions, and large standing armies can indefinitely sustain a wealthy capitalist economy. The opposite is actually true.
“Third, in our devotion to militarism (despite our limited resources), we are failing to invest in our social infrastructure and other requirements for the long-term health of the US. These are what economists call opportunity costs, things not done because we spent our money on something else. Our public education system has deteriorated alarmingly. We have failed to provide health care to all our citizens and neglected our responsibilities as the world’s number one polluter. Most important, we have lost our competitiveness as a manufacturer for civilian needs, an infinitely more efficient use of scarce resources than arms manufacturing.” (Ibid.)
Yet, President George Walker Bush and President Vladimir Putin take a gingerly and highly personal stroll silhouetted against the setting of a Black Sea sun. Ah, here abides magic and nigh pure political mysticism. It is beyond resolution, beyond, quite frankly, human comprehension, as to what is really going on here . . . in a word, it’s precious!
For one, America/NATO and Russia have agreed to disagree in such an amicable fashion in order to maintain the legacy of each president, that the shear absence of mutual acrimony is considered a major breakthrough—notwithstanding the blatant disagreement and the ominous tasks facing President-to-be Medvedev and the heir apparent to the Bush achievements.
One must simply do a
double take – Chalmers Johnson notwithstanding – that this
military-industrial complex appears impervious to the external rules of
economic disintegration. Quite possibly, this is due in part to the
unfathomable and meteoritic financial consolidations of the world’s
merchants—merchants who know not national boundaries but who, as Winston
Churchill configured, practically celebrate their “principle of common
citizenship.” Indeed, “but that we may be content to leave to destiny,
whose outstretched arm many of us
There is much room for conspiratorial contemplation which persists in these heady survivals of Western prowess and financial manipulation; but such contrivances are moving at warp speed—having taken on a life of their own, hardly subject to the mendacities of human ingenuity. To the contrary, there is a supernatural inclination which has infected itself within the confines of these earth dwellers which defies manly dimensions.
Behind these doings – we affirm – are principalities and powers in high places who do the bidding of the one whose “kingdom is of this world.” Yes, a silhouette is seen along the Black Sea – it is the frame of him known as the Prince of Darkness . . . and you wonder, this time, if perchance we may have discovered his whereabouts, discerned his workings and dabbled in Babylon’s greatest hour awaiting his epiphanous climax in the day of His vengeance. He rides, he conquers, he dissuades, persuades and aspires to amass his powers until there is none other . . . but his ultimate foe are they “who know their God” – they who “overcome by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” who “love not their lives unto the death” because they are “still at odds with this place!”
BUT AMERICA IS NOT IN BIBLE PROPHECY
The only unease which will confront “them” and the international system of dollars and their black gold of financial mutuality will be the Gog-Magog War, yet future, between the forces of the West and Islam’s outrage against Israel . . .
“Sheba, Dedan, the merchants of Tarshish, and all their young lions will say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your army to take booty, to carry away silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, to take great plunder?’” (Ezekiel 38:13).
Note – their entire focus is upon the loss of commodity control, and hence, upon that which accumulates to “buy and sell.”
But America is not in Bible prophecy . . .
JIMMY DeYOUNG AND JER U.S.A. LEM – YES! AMERICA IS IN BIBLE PROPHECY
One of the world’s foremost evangelical ministries – doing quiet the work in Israel – is that of Jimmy DeYoung. Prophecy Today has been around for many years – its impact amongst devout Christians concerned for Israel and awaiting the Second Coming of Christ is significant. Devotion to the pre-tribulational rapture of the Church, and I hate to confess, the total disarray of America’s role in end-time’s events, is predictable; to wit:
“‘Where is America in Bible prophecy? That is the most asked question in any ‘Prophecy Question and Answer’ time. I am always asked this question when I open up to inquiring people.
“Once in a ‘Prophecy Question and Answer’ time someone told me that they knew, so I asked ‘Where?’
“They said, ‘Jerusalem.’
“I asked them to explain, and they spelled out the word Jerusalem.
“‘J - e - r - U - S - A - l - e – m’, to which everybody laughed.
“As I thought about the answer though, I believe that it is correct; the only place in Bible prophecy that I see the possibility of the mention of the United States or an illusion to the United States is in Zechariah 14:2.
“Zechariah revealed that at the time of the end all of the armies of the world would gather at Jerusalem, under the leadership of Satan, Anti-Christ, and the False Prophet - there to confront Jesus Christ on His return to the Mount of Olives from where He departed some 2,000 years ago. If America survives the 7 year Tribulation Period, their army would join the other armies of the world at Jerusalem.
“America today is great because the backbone of this nation is made up of true, Bible believing, born-again Christians. When the Christians leave this world at the rapture of the church, which could happen at any moment, the most powerful nation in the world will most likely fall from its power base.
“America's spiritual decline, in the present, will result in a power decline in the future. Bible prophecy will be fulfilled.” (America’s Place in Bible Prophecy Revealed, Jimmy DeYoung’s News Updates, July 4, 2006)
Once again, the rapture of the American Church spells her habitat’s decline; her provider’s decadent fall from preeminence awaits her survivors in Zechariah 14. After a somewhat exhaustive search on brother DeYoung’s website I discovered what was in fact the only allusion to any article regarding this topic—a site otherwise filled with a commitment to Bible prophecy. Well, since America’s not in Bible prophecy—what else can we expect? Yes, my cynicism is displayed, and my disappointment exhausts me.
THE EUROPEAN UNION – PIPSQUEAKS OF THE LATTER DAYS – A GRAND DELUSION!
My ridicule knows no bounds. My outrage over the ignorance and the “prophetical arrogance” amongst God’s people for their denial of the present and irreversible reality, which grows all the more prevalent and grotesque each day and seems to outdistance what little comfort I might have had in the knowledge of knowing the whereabouts of Babylon’s heart of hearts and the dissipating pride of that fact juxtaposed to evangelical prophets whose intransigence to believe the unending march through history of eschatological inevitability, astounds; especially, given the light of today’s imagery beside the Black Sea. Yet, they would not – because in their ignorance, they resist the proliferation of the signs of the times – and do despite to the Last Trump by dissipating both their message and followings in diverting His Testimony to another era, charging them to await His imminent appearing, rather than to gird up their loins in preparation for the Church’s most glorious hour! Instead, they view with excitement the buffoonery of President Jose Manuel Barroso of the European Commission and his “dimension of empires!”
Quote:
And this is exactly what the Bible predicted would come to pass. The book of Daniel describes four or five world empires that would rise and fall before the return of Jesus Christ to this earth. There was Babylon (Daniel 2:38), Medo-Persia (Daniel 10:20), Greece (Daniel 10:20) and Rome (Luke 2:1). Now there have been other empires that have existed after the fall of the Roman Empire. Some people have emailed me recently on the subject of why America is not mentioned in Bible prophecy. Of course, America isn’t the only country that is not mentioned in the Bible. Other nations such as Australia, and even the British Empire are not mentioned either. The British Empire once covered over 3/5ths of the globe, yet there is not a single mention of it in prophecy. Why? Because God’s prophetic timetable always centres around the nation of Israel. The British Empire did rule over the Holy Land at one particular time, but we never ruled over the Jews when Israel was a nation. But in 1948 everything changed. On March 17th, 1948, five European nations signed the Treaty of Brussels, which would pave the way for the establishment of the Western European Union and ultimately the European Union itself. That same year, on May 14th, 1948, the state of Israel was reborn (Isaiah 66:8). The Bible prophesied that this final world empire, which would eventually rule over the nation of Israel, would be different from all the other empires that have come before it, just like Barroso says.
Daniel 7:23-27
According to the book of Revelation, this empire would not be carved out by conquest, but would rise up by itself out of the Mediterranean area (Revelation 13:1). And Daniel states that this final world empire would be partly strong and partly weak, just like Barroso says. For while the European Union would retain in it the strength of the Roman Empire, it would remain divided into nation states (Daniel 2:41-43). As we can see from today’s news, the European Union is actively seeking ways in which it can govern the Mediterranean region, and ultimately Israel itself. As one website states, the EuroMed Parliamentary Assembly is the only international political body that includes both Israel and Palestinian representatives. Clearly it is the European Union and not the United States of America or any other world power that is in the position to secure peace in the Middle East. Daniel 9:26-27 states that a leader from this last world empire will arise, who will strengthen a covenant of peace between Israel and the surrounding nations for a period of seven years. And in the midst of this seven year period, the agreement will be broken, and this world leader will turn against Israel, commencing the greatest period of persecution the Jewish people have ever witnessed.
As we can see, the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place. Bible prophecy is no longer the realm of speculation; it is happening here and now for all to see. What does all this mean? Jesus Christ is coming back, just like He promised (John 14:3). God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He has ordained (Acts 17:31). Will you meet Jesus Christ as your Saviour today, or as your Judge tomorrow? Don’t leave it until it is too late. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved (Acts 16:31). (Barroso: EU is a ‘non-imperial empire’ – Chris Perver, Unsealed Prophecy – Prophetic News and Observation – March 30, 2008)
Unsealed Prophecy is in the flow of EU supremacy (utterly oblivious as what and/or who is orchestrating the entire evolution of the EU) – somehow America’s mark evades them all! Is it a wonder then that scoffers and crackpots like Satan’s Rapture have a field day in mocking our forecasts? Yes, “The Rise or Fall of American Empire” certainly does not endear itself to the prophetic pundits who circle the globe and deny Babylon’s devices, intrigues and expansions. We are living in the Last Days with “signs of the time” enveloping us – but so few, so very few among us see it – and those who do would rather keep their mouths shut, for some inexplicable reason, to cover her nakedness, guide her through her blindness and give every reason to explain her wretchedness away.
ALPHA NEWS DAILY – DID SOMEONE SAY “STRONG LEADER?”
“The Bible says the final ‘Empire’ on Earth before Christ returns will be a ‘re-united’ Roman Empire of strong nations mixed with weak nations out of which the Anti-christ will rise . . . Europe!
The Bible clearly says in the last days 10 nations will rise out of the ancient Roman Empire. Many believe these 10 nations will rise out of the European Union as we now clearly see ‘the strong mixed with weak’ nations of Europe re-uniting into a powerful federation . . . (It should be noted some suggest the 10 nations may be worldwide trading blocs of nations, or the UN, or NATO, or nations out of the Eastern leg of the Roman Empire, which was based out of Constantinople in Turkey.)
It is worth noting that the leaders of France, Italy, Germany, and England have called for the need to have a ‘powerful leader’ lead and head the new and rising ‘European Union’ ... this man would immediately possess, in a moment of time, the power over all of Europe that eluded Adolph Hitler (Germany), Kaiser Wilhelm (Germany), Napoleon Bonaparte (France), and the Royalties of England, Spain, and others to gain and restore the dominion and power of the ancient Roman Empire . . . .” (Europe: Strong Nations Mixed with Weak will Unite, Alpha News Daily)
And, as always, the rapture of the Church plays a central role in America’s demise, so that the Euro-Centric Antichrist will arise from a Revived Roman Empire, minus the USA . . .
“God warns of a world leader who will soon rise and grow in power. This coming world leader has been given around 33 names and titles (which describe attributes) in the Bible (both in the Old and New Testaments) ... one of which is the 'Antichrist.' The Bible says this man will not be revealed until after the 'Restrainer' (the Holy Spirit - including the body of believers alive at the time) is 'removed' (as a note, some believe it might also include the U.S. being 'removed' from its role as a restraining world power). This coming world leader (the Antichrist) will begin by exerting control over ten nations which were once part of the Roman Empire (most likely European) . . . .” (The Coming Antichrist, Alpha News Daily)
The entire concept of a separate European Union within the NATO matrix is supported by the upstart, France – hardly a credible source for such a separate entity (envisioned by the French as a sort of “counter weight” between the US-Canadians and Russia), given France’s less than sterling record as a champion of NATO solidarity. Thence, a powerful leader should arise in Europe to suffice Antichrist’s origins and placate American Evangelical eschatologists who completely divorce America from the Euro-Centric Antichrist. This concept will be forthrightly discarded out of hand by the Americans and their British allies . . .
What future for the European Union within NATO?
After the collapse of the USSR, and thus of the Warsaw Pact, NATO has lost its raison d’etre and is trying in all ways to transform itself into an organisation defending freedom against Islamic totalitarianism and the so-called “Axis of evil”.
But several challenges still need to be tackled. In the XXI century, the EU is still looking for an identity, and needs to adopt a position vis-à-vis a state like Russia, which is trying to gain some lost respectability back. Should the EU become a transcontinental entity, or focus on the security of the European continent?
The US against an independent European defence
Under the pressure of the French President Sarkozy, the demand for an ‘independent’ European defence has become more pressing.
But this idea of independence needs to be addressed as a possibility to progress towards a more advanced intergovernmental structure. It does not include the possibility of creating a proper European army, (an) idea which is incompatible with the American vision of Europe. The enlargement of the EU, (a) disturbing element, has always gone together with the enlargement of NATO, in order to reach a similitude of borders.
What role then for the European Union, economic giant but political and military dwarf? The transatlantic partnership is important, but it must be revised on an egalitarian basis, allowing the emergence of a real autonomous strategic European policy! (What place for a European Army within NATO? Lionel Luttenbacher, thenewfederalisteu.com, Webzine of the Young European Federalists, March 29, 2008)
The conclusions reached by Luttenbacher may excite the likes of philo-Euro-Centric proponents of Antichrist, but America’s absolute lock on NATO’s military leadership makes such a proposal ludicrous to the extreme – in sum: There are as many Euro geopolitical goofballs out there as there are American evangelicals suffering from Euro-fatigue; anything and everything to keep the onus off the Americans!
The overwhelming reality of American leadership of the NATO military alliance – and, for that matter, the economic wherewithal upheld by the central banks of the world to maintain that military superiority – somehow, deliberately or inadvertently (and I do believe the devious “former” is the case, rather than the later inadvertence, due not only to “the city set on a hill holier-than-thou complex” of the Americans and the entire globalization of economies—a.k.a., “The Merchants of the Earth”) – is irrevocable. The vast majority of evangelical eschatologists among the Americans, and the missions throughout the earth that they control, who deny America’s unquestioned leadership of NATO and ipso facto celebrate European leadership, either have their heads in the eschatological sands of the Nineteenth Century, or purposefully, with strident arrogance, insist that America is not involved as the MAJOR PLAYER among the Gentile World Powers of the Latter Days—a proposition that lacks geopolitical credulity and biblical admonition.
The march continues – can you see the light?
Silent Wonder (Speak Up)
I tell you the truth Our sun is bleeding and the sky is full of tears You thought it was raining here But it’s more than meets the human eye This place is full of images / convoluted Where actions speak much louder than words You can think all you want about the way things are And the way things ought to be But it’s not gonna change one thing Silent wonder
If at this time there is a better way to love Than putting off the old charade Saying you would lay your life down Then silent wonder speak up Silent wonder speak up
Been watching the news There’s all this hatred when love is behind the scenes You don’t have to look far to find it When it’s in you / you just need to set it free Everyone has their baggage and pain But in the end all we have is one another I don’t think you’re really so happy With living for yourself Even though you get what you want You don’t look well silent wonder
If at this time there is a better way to love Than putting off the old charade Saying you would lay your life down Then silent wonder speak up Silent wonder speak up
Watch for omens Beware emotion Forget the notion everything ends with a bad taste
If at this time there is a better way to love Than putting off the old charade Saying you would lay your life down Then silent wonder speak up Silent wonder speak up
(Geoff Krieger – from the Album: Count the Days)
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