Russia and Iran Sittin' in a tree...

The Russian company building Iran's first nuclear power plant has renewed a commitment to complete the project, the official IRNA news agency reported on Tuesday.

Russia, one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, is building the plant at Bushehr on the Gulf coast of Iran despite a long-running standoff over Tehran's controversial nuclear drive. (Cont...)

Raptor has first encounter with Russians

By Erik Holmes - Staff writer

Posted : Thursday Dec 27, 2007 20:46:10 EST
The F-22 Raptor, the Air Force’s newest operational fighter jet, had its first encounter with Russian bombers off the coast of Alaska on Thanksgiving Day.

Two Raptors from the 90th Fighter Squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, scrambled to identify and escort two Russian Bear-H bombers as they approached Alaskan airspace Nov. 22, said Maj. Allen Herritage, a spokesman for the Alaska region of the North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD.

It marked the first time a Raptor has intercepted unknown aircraft or launched in support of a NORAD mission, Herritage said.

NORAD also launched tanker and command-and-control aircraft for the mission, according to a NORAD press release.

The Raptors performed the mission because F-15s at Elmendorf are grounded due to safety concerns raised by a Nov. 2 crash. Canadian CF-18 fighters filled in for two weeks in November before the Raptors took over, Herritage said. The Canadian jets performed several such intercepts.

Encounters between American and Canadian fighter jets and Russian bombers over the Pacific are common because the countries’ airspaces are in close proximity. Russia has also increased its bomber training and patrol flights in the region in recent months.

The 90th Fighter Squadron has 14 F-22s, Herritage said.

Happy Thanksgiving, but the world still turns.

C.I.R. Press Editorial

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Well folks, I say Happy Thanksgiving to all!! I have much to be thankful for and while on this day many celebrate and let everything drift to the back of their minds, I cannot. We should be thankful, but we must also be cautious. To illustrate this I will start with the good and finish with the bad.

The surge in Iraq is working (even the NYT has to admit it), has turned the war around, and as long as we can play whack-a-mole long enough with the politicians that like to say “the war is lost” we can make this work. That is right violence is dropping at not impressive rates. The Sunni’s were a problem being Saddam’s people, but the Shia also became a problem with support from Iran. However they have become as mad with Iran for killing Americans and causing disorder as we are. They have composed a petition regarding Iran’s actions that reportedly have 300,000 signatures including 600 tribal leaders.

This is a must read. It is 12 myths of 21st Century Warfare. This is a fantastic piece. Please follow the link to get the whole piece. These are myths that the lefties want to force feed us, the left wants us to believe their garbage in order to bring their own country to its knees.

Myth No. 1: War doesn't change anything.
Myth No. 2: Victory is impossible today.
Myth No. 3: Insurgencies can never be defeated.
Myth No. 4: There's no military solution; only negotiations can solve our problems.
Myth No. 5: When we fight back, we only provoke our enemies.
Myth No. 6: Killing terrorists only turns them into martyrs.
Myth No. 7: If we fight as fiercely as our enemies, we're no better than them.

Did the bombing campaign against Germany turn us into Nazis? Did dropping atomic bombs on Japan to end the war and save hundreds of thousands of American lives, as well as millions of Japanese lives, turn us into the beasts who conducted the Bataan Death March?

Myth No. 8: The United States is more hated today than ever before.
Myth No. 9: Our invasion of Iraq created our terrorist problems.
Myth No. 10: If we just leave, the Iraqis will patch up their differences on their own.
Myth No. 11: It's all Israel's fault. Or the popular Washington corollary: "The Saudis are our friends."
Myth No. 12: The Middle East's problems are all America's fault.

Now while we could win this war, I agree with the politicians and talking heads. It is going to take diplomacy, and who do we turn to that for? The Department of State, and the front line people there are Foreign Service Officers (FSOs). These are the people tasked to go out in to the field around the globe to work with people and develop ties. Of the many jobs in State this one specifically tasks the person with going abroad, and going in you know the following:

"Worldwide availability is both an affirmed willingness to serve anywhere in the world and a matter of being medically qualified to do so. Both the willingness and being medically qualified are essential requirements for appointment to the Foreign Service. Worldwide availability also means that members of the Foreign Service are expected to serve anywhere in the world, even in cases where family members cannot go to post due to political instability and/or other concerns, or when family members must leave post as conditions deteriorate (evacuations).

"Candidates should also bear in mind that Foreign Service Officers are expected to take assignments that can involve extremely difficult work, hardship, and even danger. We are looking for capable,
healthy, dedicated candidates who are prepared to step up to the challenges the Foreign Service faces in today’s world.

"The need to influence the rapid pace of world change effectively requires more assignments to hardship posts where such change is occurring. Some of these positions are in danger or war zones and a good number involve sending officers without their families, who usually remain in the U.S. for the duration of the particular assignment."

Why do I not hear the politicians telling the Diplomatic “marines” to do their duty? These FSOs always resist be “directed” to a certain location, most of the time it is by preference. I have no problem with that, usually you have a better worker when they are happy. But when we have the possibility of calming tensions in the mid-east and getting on the right track… and our forces to aid that say they do not want to, they should retire. If they do not they should be fired and lose any government pension for failure to adequately perform their duties. Start putting the State DEPARTMENT ahead of the individual. The individuals at State do not make the policy, they carry it out… well that is how it is supposed to be.

And while we have those that are supposed to be serving our country in a diplomacy manner refuse to do so, we have our friends the communists complaining and sticking their thumbs in our eyes. While we have the USSR complaining that the “west” is plotting against them, keep in mind this is all while the USSR is selling weapons to not just our enemies but state sponsors of terrorism.

The ChiComs are canning a long time planned visit from the Kitty Hawk and its battle group. Which made no sense because they have been following it and spying on the group why not let them sit right near by? What made it worse was hundreds of families had flown to Hong Kong to celebrate Thanksgiving, they were already there. Instead the ships would be out at sea leaving the families on the shore. This is just one more occurrence in a long line of issues that really make me feel like we should consider boycotting the Olympics. Yes, so unfair to the athletes… NBC will lose money. I don’t care, but sure enough as the commies like to do…play games…they suddenly said the group could dock. However in my opinion they made that decision only after knowing the group had headed away and was too far to return. That is just the start. More of a slap in the face than significant action.

There are plenty of reasons to keep an eye on China. From the 2006 QDR China “has the greatest potential to compete militarily with the United States and fi eld disruptive military technologies that could over time offset traditional U.S. military advantages.” In addition to that, the band is getting back together.

“PRC President Hu Jintao and Russian President Vladimir Putin proclaimed 2006 as “The Year of Russia” during their March meeting in Beijing, the leaders’ fi fth meeting in less than twelve months. Building on their joint exercise in 2005, the two leaders agreed to increase military exchanges and hold eight cooperative military activities in 2007.”

The United States has seen work and progress in China’s power. They have been actively transforming their military from one solely based on overwhelming manpower with little to no projection capability, but now they have developed a variety of air, naval, and missile assets that is making it possible that they could project power should they decide. All of that tied in to their concept of being able to take out our communications.

While they have little to no modern warfare battle tested forces they have been running large scale operational exercises with our bestest friends the USSR. Much of their work has been based on studying the modern wars. Applying similar tactics from the first Gulf War to the more current ones. Information can be your biggest weapon. That is why they are spending much more time than in the past employing a variety of imagery and reconnaissance satellites, which is of course normal for every single country with the ability and assets to do so. What is not normal is developing a system to take out satellites, a system and test performed still has yet to be explained.

In the end, little is explained. Therefore we must treat China as a serious problem for the future, be it their military or the road blocks they put up for us in the international community (such as the U.N. and Taiwan).

Thanksgiving Iraq surge myths State+Department FSO USSR China

USSR WATCH 3

C.I.R. Press Editorial

UNDISCLOSED -- What is it that we always hear people say? Oh yes “the children are our future.” Let’s hope that is not the case, otherwise my USSR talk which started off as a mild half-truth is becoming a scary fact in the world. A new poll conducted in the current Russia (soon to be USSR) showed that half of nearly 2,000 kids between 16-19 thought Stalin was a wise leader.

All you lefties out there that spend every waking moment of your free time bad mouthing Gitmo… Go bitch at these kids that think it is fine for a leader to imprison and kill millions, MILLIONS!!! Compared to the under 400 held at Gtimo who are not abused or killed. And are now getting trials.

Going further the fine young future of the USSR feel it is a shame the CCCP collapsed, and two thirds feel America is the enemy while only 1/5 see Iran as an enemy. Well there is your reason for the USSR to be against missile defense. The young people want Iran to be able to destroy any country with a nuclear weapon. Heck, it won’t be them right? Just all those countries where gosh darn foreigners live. But those are only the “kids” we don’t need to worry…

Oh but then the USSR under the hand of KGB Agent Putin is spying more on Britain and the US. All's fair right, although I could give them a tip. Just get an agent or two in the New York Times. All the democrats and loony lefties call up the NYT with state secrets. Seriously, instead of paying a spy to…well….spy, just have them get a job at the Times or WaPo. The USSR would not only get the secrets but actually receive a paycheck for it!

USSR Stalin Putin

USSR Watch 2

C.I.R. Press Editorial

UNDISCLOSED – The Soviet Union is once again ratcheting up the rhetoric aimed at the US like they did in the Cold War. The only problem is they are not the force they were then. Between the fall of communism and their grip on vast areas they failed. However, as the months pass the (need I remind you) “ex-“KGB President Putin has taken steps back towards the good ol’ days. The steps he has taken have even had some on the left, and those that hate America peeved.

It was over a year ago that the Soviet President was announcing to the world that they developed a new stealth cruise missile that is capable of penetrating any missile defense system. Ok, so quit your bitching about the US getting allies (don’t you lefties like them) to allow us to place a nominal number of interceptors that could counter a rogue missile launch towards the US or Europe. Putin claims our plan will turn Europe in to a “powder keg.” Only thanks to you, Mr. Putin.

Quite frankly I don’t understand why 10 missiles with hit-to-kill vehicles on them (no explosives involved) would concern you. I cannot remember the exact quote but he went on to speak about the protection of Europe and how important that is. I would say that stopping missiles against hitting the European countries is a good way to start that protection. As I have said an uncountable number of times 10 interceptors in no way counteracts the Soviet Union’s ICBMs! We fought that war and won. Although it seems as though we didn’t, we didn’t get rid of all the cockroaches and left one communist loving spook that happen to become President.

And to President Putin, I ask if your super-duper special missiles are so amazing then why the concern over our missile defense? We acknowledge that our system cannot defend against a full attack from the USSR. So either your super missile is not so super. Or you want to cause problems. Tie that in with the fact that a year ago while yapping about your new missile you brought up our “ally” Chirac and went over the system with him. Oh also at the time you were going to be inviting Hamas to come for a slumber party.

Now why would I have any concern of the Soviet Union complaining about our missile defense system when he is meeting with terrorist organizations, detailing secrets to our enemy Chriac, and boasting of new missiles left and right able to penetrate ANY missile defense system the US has and/or develops?

OH YEAH (just remembered)...

While we are talking about creating "powder kegs" President Putin, how about YOUR sale of SAMs to Iran at a very interesting time!?

USSR Putin Europe missile defense MDA BMDS

USSR Watch 1

C.I.R. USSR Watch

"For the first time elements of the U.S. strategic nuclear system are appearing on the European continent," Putin said on Friday.

The Soviet President is lying and he must know that these systems in no way endanger the USSR. We are not placing nuclear weapons there. For those that do not understand how the Missile Defense system works (their lame brained ranting: example), brief intro. The radar detects a launch determines which missile to use. The missile launches and directs a “hit to kill” vehicle into the incoming missile. The object literally hits the warhead and uses kinetic energy to destroy it. This is not the old nuclear tipped Nike system as the Soviets would lead you to believe.

We can already monitor military activities in the USSR. To equate this BMDS with our “strategic nuclear” force is a joke. They want to fuss about this to try and maintain they are a force to be reckoned with. In reality as the military top brass conclude: “Moscow's top brass say the missile shield does not pose any immediate military threat for Russia…” Believe me they are more worried about our ICBMs, SLBMs, and B-2s. This is a farce and just like good communists they are having a show trial of sorts.

USSR Putin Europe missile defense MDA BMDS