Mahnmut

Putin’s Development Plan for Siberia Driven by Fears of Separatism But May Spark More

Vladimir Putin’s plan to move several ministries from Moscow to Krasnoyarsk and to launch a massive investment program there reflects fears in the Kremlin that separatist attitudes in Russia east of the Urals are growing and that only such steps have the potential to quiet them, according to Anton Chablin.

In a commentary on the Kavpolit.com portal this week, the Russian analyst says that it remains unclear whether the president’s plan will have that effect or whether having won these concessions from the center, people in Siberia and the Far East will demand even more in the future.

Russian artists in holy water attack on Lenin mausoleum



Two Russian artists have been arrested after throwing holy water and shouting "rise up and leave" at the mausoleum containing Vladimir Lenin's tomb.

A video of Monday's incident shows the men breaching a barrier to access the building in Moscow's Red Square before dowsing one of its walls with water.

Seconds later, police officers intervene and lead the two men to a nearby police vehicle.

They could be held for up to 15 days for disorderly conduct, reports say.

NATO and Ukraine: A Warning
byVeteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity

MEMORANDUM FOR: Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany

FROM: Veteran Intelligence Professionals for Sanity (VIPS)

SUBJECT: Ukraine and NATO

We the undersigned are long-time veterans of U.S. intelligence. We take the unusual step of writing this open letter to you to ensure that you have an opportunity to be briefed on our views prior to the NATO summit on Sept. 4-5.

( Read more... )

( Remember the mock attack on that US carrier? )

( Now there's more. Those pesky Russians, how dare they! )

Meanwhile, the totally-non-chessplayer Vova has launched his Eurasian project. After the recent mega energy deal with China, I'm sure we'll be scrambling to find all sorts of explanations how this isn't a "good enough" development for him. But, you see, this Eurasian Union is not exactly like that Soviet Union. Ergo, Putin sucks!

Meanwhile, Russian ambassadors discuss invading Miami, California in leaked call (no kiddin'!)

An American, a Frenchman and a Russian were asked what brand of cars they drive.

The American: "I go to work in a Dodge, around nature in a Jeep, and I travel abroad in a Ford".

The French: "I go to work in a Citroen, around nature in a Renault, and I travel abroad in a Peugeot".

The Russian: "I go to work in a trolleybus, around nature by horse-cart, and I travel abroad in a tank".