Vladimir Putin's Open Letter to the American Public.

Vladimir Putin's Open Letter to the American Public.

NYTimes

MOSCOW — RECENT events surrounding Syria have prompted me to speak directly to the American people and their political leaders. It is important to do so at a time of insufficient communication between our societies.

Relations between us have passed through different stages. We stood against each other during the cold war. But we were also allies once, and defeated the Nazis together. The universal international organization — the United Nations — was then established to prevent such devastation from ever happening again.

The United Nations’ founders understood that decisions affecting war and peace should happen only by consensus, and with America’s consent the veto by Security Council permanent members was enshrined in the United Nations Charter. The profound wisdom of this has underpinned the stability of international relations for decades.

No one wants the United Nations to suffer the fate of the League of Nations, which collapsed because it lacked real leverage. This is possible if influential countries bypass the United Nations and take military action without Security Council authorization.

The potential strike by the United States against Syria, despite strong opposition from many countries and major political and religious leaders, including the pope, will result in more innocent victims and escalation, potentially spreading the conflict far beyond Syria’s borders. A strike would increase violence and unleash a new wave of terrorism. It could undermine multilateral efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear problem and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and further destabilize the Middle East and North Africa. It could throw the entire system of international law and order out of balance.

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NYTimes

Hmmm....this statement should appeal to both sides of the fence :O Sanity or progressive / socialism / communist / teapartying / republican ....LOL . When will the US realize, you all are on the same side as the rest of us? Life.......

~ETA~

I expect to see some heads spin with this....how to frame it.

reply to post by Connector


Its ridiculously embarrassing how badly Obama is being played by Putin .. and to think, Obama and Co. are the "best and brightest".

Well Jesus Christ Obama !!

Now it takes a foreign leader to write

something that at least sounds

Professional !!

At least Putin's writers can assemble some words without a bunch of fumbling and bumbling !!

Good God !!

And I would imagine the ultra Left in America is c-r-e-a-m-i-n-g right about now

Somebody PLEASE say this is a hoax

Please ?

Somebody Hurry Up and Get a New Pole Together ..

Who's got the highest approval rating NOW ?

Obama or Putin ?

Please post to the point.......you're just proving my OP.

What is Putin suggesting with this ?

Syria is not witnessing a battle for democracy, but an armed conflict between government and opposition in a multireligious country. There are few champions of democracy in Syria. But there are more than enough Qaeda fighters and extremists of all stripes battling the government. The United States State Department has designated Al Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, fighting with the opposition, as terrorist organizations. This internal conflict, fueled by foreign weapons supplied to the opposition, is one of the bloodiest in the world.

Mercenaries from Arab countries fighting there, and hundreds of militants from Western countries and even Russia, are an issue of our deep concern. Might they not return to our countries with experience acquired in Syria? After all, after fighting in Libya, extremists moved on to Mali. This threatens us all.

From the outset, Russia has advocated peaceful dialogue enabling Syrians to develop a compromise plan for their own future. We are not protecting the Syrian government, but international law. We need to use the United Nations Security Council and believe that preserving law and order in today’s complex and turbulent world is one of the few ways to keep international relations from sliding into chaos. The law is still the law, and we must follow it whether we like it or not. Under current international law, force is permitted only in self-defense or by the decision of the Security Council. Anything else is unacceptable under the United Nations Charter and would constitute an act of aggression.

Have we heard anything like this from our Administration ( Obama or Kerry ) ?

Is he saying Obama was wrong for suggesting a strike without U.N. 'approval' ?

reply to post by Connector


From a man accusing a US senator of treason in public to this what does it mean? I believe we are about to witness a true revolution of sorts inside the US.


I am not a sky is falling type of person but something is very wrong here people. And you had better believe TPTB are not going to just give up power. I sure hope I am wrong but I think the pieces might already be set in place this time.


Look how far we have fallen Americans. We are truly reaping what we have sowed. Fear and apathy have lead us all to this point. And only courage and honesty will lead us out.

I read this a bit ago and the two statements below are the ones I found the most moving.

I expect a war of words in here due to the need to be right. I actually think Putin would have remained quiet had Obama not needed to be so condescending and re-inflate his ego in front of the world. This is a needed attitude adjustment to Obama in my opinion (respectfully). He needs to stop being so arrogant; trying to throw in sucker punches, and little tid bits that sway the American people to think it was all his idea to begin with - that he wanted this all along. It's actually sad to see him embarrass himself. It's frustrating when he embarrasses the entire Nation. I'm not saying Putin is some sort of hero but rather I'm impressed that he called Obama out on his BS. Too many people see through it. Obama needs a new tactic. Manipulation and coercion does not work anymore. He needed someone to tell him this. Now if he would only humble himself.

The law is still the law, and we must follow it whether we like it or not. Under current international law, force is permitted only in self-defense or by the decision of the Security Council. Anything else is unacceptable under the United Nations Charter and would constitute an act of aggression. It is alarming that military intervention in internal conflicts in foreign countries has become commonplace for the United States. Is it in America’s long-term interest? I doubt it. Millions around the world increasingly see America not as a model of democracy but as relying solely on brute force, cobbling coalitions together under the slogan “you’re either with us or against us.” The world reacts by asking: if you cannot count on international law, then you must find other ways to ensure your security. Thus a growing number of countries seek to acquire weapons of mass destruction. This is logical: if you have the bomb, no one will touch you. We are left with talk of the need to strengthen nonproliferation, when in reality this is being eroded.

My working and personal relationship with President Obama is marked by growing trust. I appreciate this. I carefully studied his address to the nation on Tuesday. And I would rather disagree with a case he made on American exceptionalism, stating that the United States’ policy is “what makes America different. It’s what makes us exceptional.” It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation. There are big countries and small countries, rich and poor, those with long democratic traditions and those still finding their way to democracy. Their policies differ, too. We are all different, but when we ask for the Lord’s blessings, we must not forget that God created us equal. Vladimir V. Putin is the president of Russia. www.nytimes.com...://json8.nytimes.com/pages/opinion/index.jsonp

xuenchen
What is Putin suggesting with this ?

Syria is not witnessing a battle for democracy, but an armed conflict between government and opposition in a multireligious country. There are few champions of democracy in Syria. But there are more than enough Qaeda fighters and extremists of all stripes battling the government. The United States State Department has designated Al Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, fighting with the opposition, as terrorist organizations. This internal conflict, fueled by foreign weapons supplied to the opposition, is one of the bloodiest in the world.

Mercenaries from Arab countries fighting there, and hundreds of militants from Western countries and even Russia, are an issue of our deep concern. Might they not return to our countries with experience acquired in Syria? After all, after fighting in Libya, extremists moved on to Mali. This threatens us all.

From the outset, Russia has advocated peaceful dialogue enabling Syrians to develop a compromise plan for their own future. We are not protecting the Syrian government, but international law. We need to use the United Nations Security Council and believe that preserving law and order in today’s complex and turbulent world is one of the few ways to keep international relations from sliding into chaos. The law is still the law, and we must follow it whether we like it or not. Under current international law, force is permitted only in self-defense or by the decision of the Security Council. Anything else is unacceptable under the United Nations Charter and would constitute an act of aggression.

Have we heard anything like this from our Administration ( Obama or Kerry ) ?

Is he saying Obama was wrong for suggesting a strike without U.N. 'approval' ?

Yes he is saying a strike without UN approval is wrong. This is because without an imminent threat to your own country anyone can go bombing other countries. This makes each country want to have the greatest weapons. The UN is meant, in part, to have countries feel secure so they will stand down with weapon proliferation. If it doesn't work it takes that trust away.

No word yet from the administration but I hope if they start a war with their tongues they are prepared to fight it themselves too.

reply to post by Connector
This is sad to say it , what Obama should have done, Putin just said what is the truth, and points to the fact UN is weak and has no teeth, US is the bad guy, Russia has come and saved the day. It should have been the US to do and say this, not Putin.

US is now been slapped in the face, we now seem weak and afraid to act , not that we should go in with out UN approval , Obama should at the very moment of the report of the use of Chemical weapons, called an UN emergency meeting. but no he had to make a red line and say this and do that, that in the end, did nothing but stall.

Now, when all is said and done, we will need to have ground forces to seek out and find Syria's weapons , you do not think we will take the UN 's word for it or Russia's do you? Look back to Iraq, an other 12 year search and find nothing war, that will be the war of all wars. lets hope I am wrong and this be a an other failed vision of what is to come.

Some say yes but 100,000 lives have been lost we must do something to end it , yea well is an other 250,000 worth it in the long run if not more that will shed their blood to end a Civil war? we are sending aid, supply's, and weapons what more do you want , ground troops in their?

be clear..
mr Poetin worked himself up from the bottom to the ultimate top in the Russia system
other than US presidents who are bought in to the system to profit there sponsors ...!
that makes poetin an very expirienced charismatic leader with an clear vision for the future
granted ... not everything he did is clean but he did put Russia back on the maps after the chaos that occured
after gorbatsov and jeltzin
if someone is underestimated ...than it is poetin as an born LEADER

reply to post by bekod

It should have been the US to do and say this, not Putin.

And that's the key to the whole sheee-bang.

Next step - American's picking up the pieces and doing ----> What?

Probably nothing.

peace

I thought Washington would be sleeping but already a statement has come out. Basically what I expected, dismissive with statements like, "that's irrelevant". He has trained his staff well.

t.mediaite.com...#!/entry/white-house-responds-to-vladimir-putins-ny-times-oped-via,52312eb42ce9351e049e2328/1

His staff speaks for him I assume but I'm sure he will do much of the same.
For Obama its a constant battle for intellect (to find clever ways to come out on top at every turn). In this attempt however he smothers any social or emotional intelligence that may be present.

Someone else "will" win because all intelligences are in tact. And then he will stay silent with the well worn smug smile, throwing his head back slightly with - if only you know how stupid that sounds; I'm so much more intelligent than that so please people, take my cue and dismiss it since you see me as a god (what he seems to believe - not that anyone sees him as the all knowing). He may even throw in a few word we have heard before with that defensive grin - " "I wont even waste my time responding to that".

I feel so mean when I say these things yet he is the leader of a country and I think he should be fit for the job. Maybe my tolerance is lower for weaknesses when I know that person holds my life and millions of others in their hands. He holds billions according to him since, (according to him) he gets to do whatever he wants. I expect a more well rounded intelligence than this for that sort of responsibility.

While the message of the plea is altruistic, let's not forget that Putin is a politician of the highest degree. He is one of the worst international, criminal, KGB, thugs that exist. I'm sure his mammoth hunting expeditions, orca riding showcases, and shirtless escapades in Siberia keep him popular enough in Russia to numb the masses of his corruption and collusion. Yeesh.

Obama may be crooked, but Putin is much worse lol.

Does anyone here still think that these men actually make any decisions by themselves?? Wow.

reply to post by Goldcurrent

wat U actual saying is..:

Obama is orderd by his staff
Poetin orders his staff

reply to post by ressiv


Not in the least! They both answer to the almighty $$ that backs them. I won't get into it on this thread but Putin gets greased by his Mafia/Military thugs, and Obama by his Wall Street/Military thugs. Do your research.

reply to post by Goldcurrent

everything U accused poetin for is also related to the US thought in an moore sneeky way

maffia and mobs are also deep integrated in the US society and politic system

all those brave soldiers that died in Irak died for nothing ! based on one of the biggeset lie of the history

"the WMD of saddam"
that was an criminal act of the US gov. and the pay-off is now

no-one will ever believe the US anymoore if they come with so called proofs of anything...the only support for the US are those country's that are controlled by the US...ore are blackmailed by them

Yes irak and later afghanistan where the beginning of the end for the US supramacy wat remains is an militairy dictatorship for now

reply to post by Goldcurrent


I agree with that - both crooked and have agendas. Both are making powerful people behind the scenes more powerful. It comes down to what the right move is for the greater good though. It is because of personalities that this sort of thing can put us into a war but I believe if the public display of bravado could get set aside progress could ne made. Who will be the bigger man and put focus back on Syria?

I see Putin taking a hammer to the ice pick Obama set up for him. Letters like that have the potential to destroy a country. Turning it's own people against their leader. Obama needs to behave and be nice. He also needs better foreign affair people. When both lack of skill in foreign affairs along with ego get in the way it can become disaster. Especially when dealing with someone like Putin. Let the letter sit as it is - my advice. No need for a winner of wills in this.

What I find funny as hell, and embarrassing as all get-out is this - - Out of everything Putin has said, every point he brought up, people are having the biggest tantrum over the insinuation that we're not exceptional. I've read & heard far more miffed comments from people offended that someone doesn't think we're not all that special than I have any countering to his comments about Syria.

Talk about egos on a pedestal. We do it very well here in America, to the point where the real points don't even matter. To hell with foreign policy opinions, god forbid someone doesn't think we're speshul snowflakes. ( :if the rolling eye smilie still worked, it'd go here: )

reply to post by Nyiah


I haven't read comments from the times or other media outlets so thanks for sharing. This was my #1 favorite paragraph - the last one. He put it well. Noone should put themselves on a pedestal so what is offensive about actually saying that?

I found that he is the first to call N Korea out on their continued work on nuclear. I believe he is trying to show that even impoverished countries count with limits on weapons.

Is it just me or do you all feel safe with putin running the show? I glad he has the balls to keep our rouge government in check.