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Originally posted by sanchoearlyjones
reply to post by Helmkat
Sure, I am, and was open in the OP. What you stated shows a level of extreme power to accomplish.
Even if it were a secret sophisticated spy ship, they'd have had a very good defensive capability, and an even better amount of paper work/registration.
I don't think they'd have allowed anyone to even come aboard had it simply been that, but I just don't know.
What's for sure is this turning into something which could have effects in the future; one way or another.
Originally posted by sanchoearlyjones
reply to post by Gordi The Drummer
Hi,
The only problem with that is this. In February 7,or 8th, of 2007...I believe that is close date.
Putin made a speech to the UN. In the speech he disclosed that the former USSR, and the USA had sold anyone in the world with the money, ***ANY*** weapon they wanted in the 80's, and early 90's.
I used to know the speech, and date by heart, but haven't referenced it in a long time.
It was near, and around a time when we were getting ready to hit Iran(as always).
Nukes aren't hard to come by.
Originally posted by jammer2012
Then you have Putin hes a master chess player and one savvy individual.
13.08.2009
The border troops trained to chase ships that intrude Russian territorial waters, use aviation to stop it and to dismount FSB commando units onboard of the detained vessel with the help of helicopters. They also drilled how to search and save ships in distress.
13/08/2009
Russian coast guards and Federal Security Service (FSB) air units have conducted a series of exercises in the Pacific, a spokesman said on Thursday.
He said the tactical exercise rehearsed actions to counter unlawful activities at sea, as well as search and rescue operations
Originally posted by rmiller196
reply to post by Gordi The Drummer
Ok, not too far-fetched. But why do the initial boarding in the Baltic where there is no where to hide? Why not do it in the channel with the help of the British? (They are our friends you know.)
And why would the Russians want to sell nukes to Africa or the Middle East? Don't forget they are fighting the same types of groups in some of their republics that we are in Afghanistan and elsewhere. They have a significant self interest is nonproliferation, probably more than the US. What they sell today might be used against them next year.
And why ship nukes by sea through heavily patrolled shipping lanes. The Russians have the Black Sea and could ship things overland to there then through the Black Sea and into the Med. I bet we have neutron detectors that could see the stuff from the shores of the Bosforus but why would they care? Besides, I bet the channel is monitored in the same way. If you really wanted to keep something secret you would ship it by air.
Originally posted by rmiller196
reply to post by Gordi The Drummer
Ok, not too far-fetched. But why do the initial boarding in the Baltic where there is no where to hide? Why not do it in the channel with the help of the British? (They are our friends you know.)
They board in the Baltic, so that the Russians won't suspect the US or UK involvement, and also to "Fit in" with the Swedish DEA cover story!
And why would the Russians want to sell nukes to Africa or the Middle East? Don't forget they are fighting the same types of groups in some of their republics that we are in Afghanistan and elsewhere. They have a significant self interest is nonproliferation, probably more than the US. What they sell today might be used against them next year.
It could be (as mentioned by another poster earlier) a rogue general financing his retirement, or Putin, trying to protect his countries interests in the Middle East, beefing up Irans arsenal? I'm not sure.
And why ship nukes by sea through heavily patrolled shipping lanes. The Russians have the Black Sea and could ship things overland to there then through the Black Sea and into the Med. I bet we have neutron detectors that could see the stuff from the shores of the Bosforus but why would they care? Besides, I bet the channel is monitored in the same way. If you really wanted to keep something secret you would ship it by air.
I'm guessing, for all of the reasons that you've just mentioned. The US would never expect them to use this route. So they find a way to hide the signature beneath several feet of lead, built in under the water-line of a freighter? The best route to take, would be the one that your enemy least expects!!