Russia secretly offered bounties on US troops to Taliban, report says
S E E D E D C O N T E N T
A Russian military intelligence unit secretly offered bounties to militants in Afghanistan for killing coalition forces — including targeting American troops, according to a report Friday.
The revelations, from American intelligence officials — reported by The New York Times — came as the US, Taliban militants and the Afghan government are struggling to cut a peace deal to end the 18-year conflict.
The US determined months ago that the Russian unit, which has also been linked to assassination attempts and covert operations in Europe that are intended to destabilize the West, had secretly offered rewards for successful attacks last year, the paper reported.
Taliban-linked Islamist militants, as well as armed criminals closely associated with them, collected some of the bounty money, the intelligence officials said.
Twenty Americans were killed in combat in Afghanistan in 2019, but it was not clear which of them could have been linked to Russia’s bounty.
Trump was briefed on the bounties, and the National Security Council discussed the problem in late March, the officials told The Times.
The NSC brass developed potential options — from demanding that the Kremlin stop the practice to sanctions and other possible responses — but the White House has not approved of any action against Russia or President Vladimir Putin, a former top KBG official himself.
American and Afghan officials have long said that Russia was supporting the Taliban, but the revelation was the first time Russia had been accused of sponsoring armed attacks against American and NATO troops.
The officials who shared the intelligence did not explain the Trump administration’s delayed response — though normalizing relations with Russia was a key part of Trump’s campaign for office.
Since then, he’s lobbied for Russia’s return to the G-7, after it was bounced for its invasion and annexation of Crimea.
Trump at a summit in Helsinki in 2018 suggested that he believed Putin’s denial that the Kremlin interfered in the 2016 presidential election on his behalf despite the unanimous conclusion of the US intelligence community that it had.
Special counsel Robert Mueller’s probe reached the same conclusion.
But the administration did share the intelligence with the UK this week, according to the report, because British forces were also among those targeted.
American and Afghan officials had already accused Russia of providing small arms to the Taliban, although Russian government officials dismissed the claims as “idle gossip.”
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You've got to be fucking kidding me...!
These are our sons and daughters..... My brothers and sisters in arms.
This piece of shit that you [Deleted] on the right think belongs in the White House was informed about this in March, yet was pushing for Russia's return to the G7 as recently as this past week.
What is it going to take for you [Deleted] on the right to get the message that Trump doesn't care about America, it's people or even you.....!
Come on Trump supporters...... defend this!!!!!
That's right..... your savior in the WH is a Russian asset that says "He loves the military" while he sucks up to asshole that is putting a bounty on our kids in Afghanistan.
how they defend/deflect on this should be interesting
I love this thread. Watching Democrats freak out about Trump when Obama did much worse with Iran is pure comedy. [Deleted]
Obama is no longer president.
(But then, I assume you already knew that)
I love your whataboutism Sean..... Trump has weakened us around the world and with our allies. Russia, China are having a field day while your buddy Trump is giving Putin the best blowjob he's ever had.
So.... Tell me why Russia has earned the privilege to be part of the G7 again? Your buddy Trump thinks that it's more important then sending a message about bounties on our soldiers.
[Deleted]
When Obama gave pallets of cash to a regime that not only gave bounties out on Americans in Afghanistan, but killed them, you were quiet as a church mouse. Now Russia did it and suddenly, miraculously, it's a problem that Trump even suggests letting them back in the G7! Do you know how ridiculous your position is? Some countries that put bounties on American troops should be rewarded and others punished, depending on the political needs of the Democratic party? Good luck with that.
ell me why Russia has earned the privilege to be part of the G7 again
Why would I do that? I don't think they should.
uddy Trump thinks that it's more important then sending a message about bounties on our soldiers.
And your hero Obama thought it was more important to give cash and a path to nuke than send a message about bounties on our soldiers.
See, my position is consistent. No country who puts bounties on our soldiers should be rewarded. Pity you can't say the same.
But Obama.....
You must mumble his name in your sleep Sean. Too bad you can't bring yourself to deal with the present. You want to talk about Iran and the nuke treaty.... go start your own seed on the topic...... I'll be there.
This one is about Trump giving Putin a blowjob again.
Too bad you can't bring yourself to deal with the present.
I did..I have principles that transcend the party of the President.
[Deleted] pointing out your position from a couple of years ago provides causes such angst to you. In order for you to pretend to have a principled position on this topic, you have to wipe away all history before 2016 (except when talking about Russian bad acts that occurred prior to 2016, of course). and then, when the next Democrat is elected, you can forget all the positions you took when Trump was President and start arguing whatever talking points help that President.
People arguing from principle don't have a problem demonstrating how those principles are applied across different situations. Your refusal to address your support for other countries that offered bounties to kill Americans speaks volumes about your motivation in attacking Trump and lack of any actual principled objections to his behavior. It's just feigned outrage.
I'm so sick of that debunked nonsense.
[Deleted]
[Deleted]
Texas Rep. Michael McCaul, the ranking Republican on House Foreign Affairs, said in a statement Saturday that he "immediately reached out to the Administration," adding that if the accusations in the New York Times report are true, the administration "must take swift and serious action to hold the Putin regime accountable."
McCaul must be up for reelection.......
That bullshit has been debunked too many times to count Sean. Only the willfully uninformed repeat it now.
There is no evidence that anyone was aware of Russian bounties until March of this year.
Pity Trump's position isn't consistent.
That was Iran's money to begin with.
At least when we held it, we knew it wasn't financing terrorism.
We also kept four modified Spruance class destroyers (Kidd class) that Iran bought once the 79 revolution came about. We ran the guts out of from 1981 to 1998. They were also informally known "The Ayatolla or dead admiral" class." Each one at the time had a cost of $890 million.
Of course they did. Are you really that ignorant?
no evidence that anyone was aware of Russian bounties until March of this year.
Wrong again!
And these two and thousands more like them will be voting for Trump...
Russians do NOT "Support America". Russia supports Trump!
BIG DIFFERENCE...
Russians do not support America in anyway. Putin is determined to destroy western democracy and he is using gullible conservatives to do it. He is appealing to white nationalists and putting out all sort of rhetoric and false narratives to rile up the conservative base as he did in the 2016 election because he wants us to fight among ourselves. He wants to pretend to be white conservatives friends so they eat up all the lies and misinformation he disseminates via RT and Sputnik which are often picked up by right wing rags and regurgitated all over conservative airwaves.
Putin isn't a "former" KGB agent, he is an active KGB agent who blames America for the old Russian regimes downfall. Anyone telling themselves anything different are lying to themselves. This most recent story about Russia paying for American soldiers to be killed is Putin's delayed response to what we found out America did to Russia in Afghanistan back in the late 1980's that was exposed in "Charlie Wilson's War".
We all know very well that the current 'president' is Putin's cockholder.
We don't love Russians.
tRump's supporters sure do.
Um, the cockholster is still in office blowing as we type. Now I am wondering if any of you can actually discuss what this seed is about, Putin offering bounties on American lives to Afghan militants and Trump doesn't care. Do you care? Do republicans care? Do you think the military will care? What do you think should be done about it? Invite Putin to join the G7? Come on now, lets hear the excuses for allowing Trump's best buddy Putin to off American troops. See if it can be done without deflection.
Under international law, we had to return it.
I'd say people like you that put Trump in office and still want him therel
Get off your libertarian fence and take a stand for America.
It appears that once again you were duped by the fake news coming from FoxNews, in their never ending efforts to suck up to POTUS.
When you are talking FoxNews....YES.
When you are talking FoxNews, when they are merely reporting what Trump claims...... YES!
As of 2 1/2 months ago:
President Trump made 18,000 false or misleading claims in 1,170 days
"Trump says....."
That's just stellar brilliance Loki.......!
You want to take a known habitual liar's word on this.... and as reported by Fox news, an organization that has proven it will lie at the drop of a hat.
The Lincoln Project is a group of Republicans who are strongly opposed to re-electing Trump. They have a series of powerful ads making that point.
Here's one they did on the collusion between Trump and his puppet-master Vladimir Putin:
The Lincoln Project: "Fellow Traveler'
a few of my trivial thought less ofs'
Can't stand, or stand width, the height of the mental midget man with the maniacal malicious mind, that which whence forth and thought applied, the areas' covered that witch he can't spell , yet still cast and While sitting up in bed, continuously and incessantly , LIED, it is obvious the complete void, present and current, Inside...as this 'man' is on , only HIS side, where he has been left, too mentally deficient to occupy an office he should have never been Putin, asz Russian round our system, via, passing out bullshit and LIES, is a tyrannical wrecks our rule of Law, remains silent on Russian bounties on the heads of our sons , daughters, fathers, sisters , and brothers, cause he's a mother, Fckr of All of US, but asz too many swim in their vast deep can't sea of D Nile, a Corona Covid 19, is far too old for thee, or is it thy , cause , all this Russian Pawn does is Lie while looking into the eye, his hollow stair can't climb, from ware he's housed , as he escalates the amount of stares, needed to climb from wear his Base was meant, built upon a crumbling foundation , is where he's purposely placed , wear our Found Nation does Knot B long to B tied, but too it, we have been bowing as he attempts to tie our Bow, a Job, he does NO, for not even the stagnating air, from his below grade stares can breath life into the bed ware he LIES in the Capitol P, all as he attempts to prostitute , me , and ewe, and all as he violates so many of our Laws , our flushed whirled spins like a tornadic centrifugal our world liter, quart cheater, crony excuser of won giant LOSS absent of liter ship , sinks, to depths not understood. But damn peep holes, look through the glass door this man has thrown US , only stones, and break the panes, as WE ALL SUFFER, from one so lame, who just entered the 20,000 plus , where he LIES with out Shame, and their R only his deceived and receivers of the deceiver in Chiefs' message, who can stop the pains, as seen through the Glass housed Door with peep holes who refuse to take a peek at what their peers pressure them not to call out and see, all, as they continue to wash the open windows, of the Trumped up and screened in sun room , worn like ice, as my tongue is left silent , whence stuck to those open windows , as it was on the short yellow bus, the One, sum, have aloud one so dumb, to drive our country, not level, just plumb crazy, so perhaps stop being so damn Lazy, eye think you and all, can see what he's done, with hands and minds so small, perhaps, attempt some critical thinking skills, cause Trumps' lies, due, over and over, KILLZ, as he White Power Washes his hands and our house, all while grabbin some Pussy, asz he unbuttons the blouse, the Republicans had sewn shut tight, its time to tear off the ball gags, and fight and say what is long overdue and owed, cause Trump AINT RIGHT, the Republicans that have allowed what was heard and saw in half The divided nation going down the wrong path, or deserving of all of our WRATH.!. The Death of our Nation. Has become very basic Math, and there is no solution to cleanse a 'man' or party, from the blood Bath, Trump claims he had know time to read, all while our brave Service Men and Women DIE and BLEED, as he says NOT A THING to PUTIN, just kisses his ring while LYING about Science, as the Pandemic KILLS US, and he Lies, as Russia pays for those who KILL OUR SOLDIERS, how can Trump, or ANY AMERICAN REMAIN SILENT....? Cause it is NOT for what this country stands for, or via our forefathers design, THE COUNTRY THEY MEANT! Sorry Trumpers, can bite my tongue any longer, and everyone is entitled to their opinions, but argue against my stated FACTS, and I will not relent or relax! Had enough of people spouting about that which they DO NOT KNOW, cause F U must, I will show, what a self uneducated asswhole heartedly believes, as I'm fairly well red, but not blushing, cause I'll wipe , while flushing , detractors that attempt to defend a president who has been the cause of so many American lives lost, cause there is not anything higher than that cost, and eye can't see myself silent, knight is up and over pent,,,,up for an overdue Vent, cause my hot air can flow, as I've read up and might know, from many various sources, the nature of beasts, and not afraid to teach the courses
Never forget who Putin was/is. He is not now, never was, and never will be a friend to the US.
Knowing he would get no push back from the present limp administration, Putin finally found an opportunity to get even for Operation_Cyclone.
But Obama.....!. Another one that want's to deflect from the fact that Putin has an operational asset in the Oval Office.....
Seems the man is still living rent free right between your ears XD.....
I thought it was Bush 2 who said he was able to look into Putin's sou l.
Tell that to Dear Leader!
(On secoind thought, save your breath. For some reason that not many people know, Putin "has something" on Trump-- and Trump avoids doing anything that will piss off his"puppet-master" Vlad
Gee, maybe Trump should start a war with Russia so all the dire predictions Democrats made about a Trump Administration will finally come true in regards to getting us into a war.
Would that satisfy the left?
or will they still find something to whine and cry about?
Gee.... maybe Trump shouldn't give a blow job to Putin by getting Russia back into the G7 when they give money to promote the killing of our soldiers.
That would satisfy those of us that care about this country.
So profound.
Trump would never start a war with Russia. He needs Putin to find him a new bride from one of the former Soviet countries.
Didn't you learn in 2012 that Russia isn't much of a threat?
Were you satisfied we gave Iran back its money to finance terrorism?
Yes, once the turd is out of office, Melania is going to kick his ugly big fat sloppy ass to the curb and write a tell all book.
Then tRump can go to Russia and get peed on by underage prostitutes to his hearts' content.
Right.
I'll put that one up on the shelf with all the other crackpot, idiotic, insane, ridiculous theories.
Were you satisfied we gave Iran back its money to finance terrorism?
Here's another one pushing the conservative conspiracy......
Were you satisfied that Trump paved the way for Iran to start it's journey to build a nuclear weapon when he pulled us out of the international treaty that was working, even by conservative standards?
"Here's another one pushing the conservative conspiracy......
Were you satisfied that Trump paved the way for Iran to start it's journey to build a nuclear weapon when he pulled us out of the international treaty that was working, even by conservative standards?
https://www.theamericanconservative.com/larison/the-nuclear-deal-is-working/"
tRump just had to make sure to obliterate every single thing that President Obama put in place.
He is so insanely jealous of him.
It's pathetic and deplorable.
It's pathological
None the less..... Iran silenced its refining operations to the satisfaction of the IAEA, and that serves everyone in the region.
John Kerry said he knew some of the money would go to terrorist groups.
If Kerry can admit the obvious, why can't you?
John Kerry said he knew some of the money would go to terrorist groups.
I'm sure it did....
The world knows that Trump kowtows to Putin at almost every turn.... why can't you admit to that?
Why not simply address what I actually wrote, instead of what you think or wanted me to write?
I said nothing about any exact amount, and I acknowledged that it was Iran's money we were holding.
How fucking lazy and intellectually DISHONEST.
[Deleted]
Great, so we are on the same page. Iran killed American troops, put bounties on our soldiers and Obama rewarded them with funds for terrorism. And you are fine with that.
Again, if you've been paying attention, I have no problem saying Trump should be tougher on Russia. But if you think Trump "kowtows" to Putin after putting additional sanctions on Russia, arming the Ukrainains after Obama gave them pillows, I guess you call Obama Putin's catamite?
Your problem is the facts are slapping you in the face. Iran put bounties on US troops and neither you, nor the Obama administration think that called for getting tougher with Iran. Instead, the opposite occurred. So your supposed anger over Trump merely saying Russia should be back in the G7 is as transparent as a window. And by any objective standard, Trump has been tougher on Russia than Obama, who among other things, refused to arm Ukraine when it was attacked and told the NSC wto stand down when they wanted to push back in the summer of 2016 when they learned Russia was interfering in the 2016 election.
Tough day for you.
I did.... you just didn't like having you nose rubbed in the truth.
deleted
[deleted]
What truth have you presented here?
Please alert the community when you decide to post something honest.
Precious little. Most of it is just lazy lies, regurgitating Democratic Party propaganda.
Do you remember one of our former members Einstein Insanity by chance?
It just happened that he was a British inspector for the IAEA, and we debated the the topic here on NT. It was pretty heated as you might expect. The bottom line is that the deal did stop Iran from refining beyond 21% which was key for a ten year period of time to where the mistrust between all parties could be reduced to where additional progress could be made. That alone was worth the time of achieving the agreement. And verified progress was being made per the IAEA reports.
Trump came in, and put a match to all of that, and for what? Your talking points of missile testing and the like ring totally hollow when the real issue was preventing Iran from producing a nuclear weapon. I know you have to toe the Trump talking points.... what else could we possibly expect.
All this being said..... Lets get back to the topic of the Russian asset in the WH that cares more about protecting confederate statues than he does about protecting American soldiers.....
Of course there was no treaty.
But it sure sounds good to lie and say there was--to a select few who refuse to recognize reality and truth.
Why do so many seem intent on still proving Reagan was right?
Really.... do I need to post the video of Trump wanting to have Russia in the G7 while Putin is paying money for dead American Soldiers?
Seems like you have the problem with convenience of truth in order to defend the Russian asset in the WH..... Have you no shame?
You have posted so much stuff you just know is right, but the truth is, it isn't.
There was no treaty. A blatant lie. No matter how much you spin it, that is what you claimed, and most people can see that. The ones who can't are simply in denial or don't care anything about truth.
I posted something about giving Iran its money back which we were holding, and you counter with some insane gibberish about some conservative theory.
I'm glad you seem to know lots of things.
I just wish that what you knew was true.
Truth - everything you're saying, is SPOT ON.
To your point:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/iran-breached-the-nuclear_b_9977768
Iran has been proving they won't abide with agreement.
https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/...
https://freebeacon.com/national-security/report...
https://isis-online.org/isis-reports/detail/iaea-iran-safeguards-report-analysis
I trust Fly. He is beyond reproach.
You?
LOL!
How is Reggin doing? I haven't seen him around.
But, but, but President Obama
These bounties that the 'president' knew about, are yet one more treasonous act from the traitor in chief.
[deleted]
Sure you don't.
President Obama is not the topic yet the tRumpsters always deflect to President Obama or Hillary or . . . anything other than the subject at hand, this treasonous traitorous scum of a 'president' tRump.
What facts?
Don't bother.
The subject isn't President Obama.
You surmise incorrectly, as usual.
When you provide some actual facts, I'll let YOU know.
Wow, you just wasted a whole lot of words on a different topic. Don't have a valid defense of Trump being either ok with or so incompetent he didn't listen to a briefing (or is LYING)? Are you ok with Putin offering bounties on American troops to Afghan militants? If not, what do you think about Trump's response or lack of knowing?
I think she will take Baron and try to live outside of the limelight so she can try to undo the psychological damage caused by his father.
Baron was raised with his first language being Slovenian. He also has dual citizenship. US and Slovenian. The financial arrangement Melania renegotiated in 2018 with Trump is---hefty. The three urchin Trump children will not like it when she flees---with her son and the cash to the safe haven of Slovenia. Look for the urchins to sue and wait for them to lose.
Let's clear your comment up.....Exactly who loved Russia in the 1980s comrade?
As you're once again covering Trumps ass... you are on the side of Russia and against American troops.
Hi Greg... right on time.
What, are you too choosing to cover Trumps' ass and that of Russia's over American Troops? Actually, I never figured you would do anything else so there, so no surprise.
I wonder how Trump is going to defend this?
(Probably doesn't matter-- the mindless groupies in his will believe anything he says..or doesn't say!)
You notice Krishna, this seed has been up for 18 hours.... where are all the Trump Lovers?
You notice Krishna, this seed has been up for 18 hours.... where are all the Trump Lovers?
Probably most of them are smart enough to realize that these "true facts" are tough to argue with.
But they can still use their usual strategies.
1. Blame "Fake News". "The Media" (for some strange reason, many of them don't know that Fox News is media! Go figure...weird).
2. Attempt to derail the conversation by bringing up some figure who no longer is in power and can't affect the situation. (To deflect the conversation away from someone who is currently in power and can have an impact).
For example, the current president of the USA of course does have a lot of power, so instead they bring up and obsess about someone else-- someone who is no longer in office.and no longer has any power.
Their favourite is usually Hillary, but sometimes Obama, (I'm wondering when they'll get tired of that, and try to convince us its all JFK's fault-- or FDR. (Or maybe President Tyler, or Harrison or... Calvin Coolidge?)
And of blaming the media, Hillary, or Obama is their favourite derail-- no matter what the topic is!
But Hillary. But Biden. But lefties.
How about what about Trump allowing Putin to offer bounties on American troops?
Are you really friggin' serious??????
Here is one. Trump and the VP and others say they never got briefed on that and you know that there are records of all the briefings, so they wouldn't be saying that if there was evidence to the contrary. On the other side of this is the New York Times with their unnamed sources AGAIN!
As far as I'm concerned this is yet another mammoth media lie.
Good morning Mr. Qanon, I hope you had a pleasant weekend.
Don't worry yourself too much having to protect the liar-in-chief. A person with your level of curiosity shouldn't mind if a congressional hearing or two is initiated on the subject. I think Liz Cheney is up for it. Others in the senate will most likely take this up too. That should help clear things up for everyone except hard core conspiracy theorists.
She is demanding it. I, with my level of curiosity, am doing what I always do - trying to verify everything the New York Times says. I have a hunch that I will be doing the next article on this claim. I look forward to hearing from you then.
"Fair Winds"...
Perhaps you should read up on Operation Cyclone.
With that said, also it should be remembered that nations do not have friends they have interests. Find the interest for wanting to bring Russa back into the G7 and you find more understanding. Or don't research and continue to mindlessly blame the current administration. I just hope that you remember that someone once said that Democrats and Republicans are two sides of the same damn coin.
So you think give Russia what they want and they will play nice?
do you really think that's the interest in the thought process behind bringing Russa back into the G7? something so simple and banal? damn... Or maybe it is that simple. I don't know, never said I did. All I said was do the research or don't bother and continue to blame the current administration. No skin off my nose regardless of what you do. Only real problem is on you because eventually this administration will end and you will need to find someone or something new to blame.
So you don't know what his thought process is or the reasoning behind it.
Then basically say I am just looking for anything to blame on donald.
Gotcha.
Why reward Putin and Russia for bad behavior by letting them back into the G7?
Crimea annex, military operations in Ukraine, shooting down of airliners, cutting US military presence in Europe, and now Russian bounties on US Soldiers....Sure these are all things to reward Russia for.
Here's the real question to you snuffy..... Why is Trump the only one of the G7 pushing for Russia to be back in that group. The rest have rejected the idea.
I can tell you this: many people are saying that Putin is his "Puppet Master"-- in the case of Trump-- Putin pulls the strings!
That I can tell you.
Excellent comment-- voted up!
And as you mentioned, there's a lot fo interest in bringing Russia back into the G7-- a lot of interest coming from-- our Dear Leader!!! (So please don't deny it).
Trump Says 'Common Sense' To Invite Russia to G7
"The problem is many of the things that we talk about are about Putin, so we're just sitting around wasting time because then you have to finish your meeting and somebody has to call Putin or deal with Putin on different things.
And I say have him in the room," Trump said.
Russia was expelled from the G8 in 2014 after it invaded and illegally annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Moscow has simultaneously supported separatists in parts of eastern Ukraine in a conflict that has claimed more than 13,000 lives
Well, he could give Putin a "stern warning", or impose some kind of sanctions that Putin will ignore.
Or Trump start war with Russian...that'll show him!
Looks like the best gift Trump gave Putin is the green light.
In a red light district. The yellow is the stripe down his back.
No.
So our actions in Operation Cyclone that led to the eaths of Soviet invasion forces justifies Trump to ignore bounties paid by the Russians to kill our Soldiers.... Tit for tat Eh?
Is that how you think this makes everything okay?
how in the hell did you pull any of that out of my comment where I said to read up on Operation Cyclone? In no way did I even hint about any such thing. It seems like you are just making bullshit up to try to score points.
Then why did you even bring up Operation Cyclone then? I remember it, and as you didn't make any specific point, the only logical thing to be gleaned from your post is that you were okay with the payback by Russia on our troops.
You have the floor to make your point..... Have at it.
Ok, the point of this seed was that while a Russian intelligence unit was offering (supposedly) cash rewards to the Taliban for the killing of American solders President Trump was also talking about bringing Russia back into the G7.
I countered with Operation Cyclone which was to point out that during the Soviet-Afghan war (Dec 25, 1979 - Feb 15, 1989) the two countries were still interacting on the world stage and still did business. During Operation Cyclone the CIA did support the mujahideen with both arms as well as cash. And the mujahideen did use this to kill Soviet troops.
Major US - Soviet interactions during the Soviet-Afghan war:
Nov 1985 - 1st Reagan - Gorbachev summit
Oct 1986 - 2rd Reagan - Gorbachev summit (almost agree on nuclear weapon elimination)
Dev 1987 - 3rd Reagan - Gorbachev summit : Signed the INF treaty
It seems like the point you are making is that 'How dare Trump try to be friendly to Russia when they are paying to kill US solders'. And I countered with Operation Cyclone and tried to make the point that nations don't have friends, they have interests. Countries will do all sorts of things while at the same time still attempting to do harmful things. Hell, who was the largest trading partner of Germany in 1941?
Okay, I'll acknowledge your tact.
Now to you..... of what possible benefit to the US would it be to reward Putin with G7 readmission when Russia still occupies the Crimea, still has technical and funds the separatists in Ukraine, and now as found out, funds the Taliban bounties? Then numbers don't add up Tex. Talking and negotiation is fine, but rewarding for nothing in return.....?
Besides, pulling our troops out of Germany and pulling out of NATO does NOT help America in any way, and only plays to help Putin and Russia. These are constant talking points for this administration.
You problem is that you think that Putin is somehow being rewarded by the G7 readmission. I doubt that "getting tough" with Putin will change his behavior one bit. Harsh words and sabre rattling by Trump is not going to scare Putin and make him undo his past aggression, as you appear to think. Better to have him in the loop where he may have to negotiate if shown a united front against this actions
And why should we still have troops and bases in Germany? Those European bastards need to provide for their own defense.
You seem to imply that everything must balance up as if on a ledger sheet. My position is that government and international relations is to large and multi-faceted for a simple balance of accounts. Russia still occupies the Crimea and still funds the separatists in the Ukraine but Trump is also providing weapons to Ukraine as well. This is the nature of the cold war with the two powers fighting thru a proxy rather than directly as a direct war could escalate too large as both powers have nuclear weapons.
And funds the Taliban bounties... according to a NY Times article. I don't know as I'm not in the intelligence circles and would not have access to any such information but then again this would not be the first time that the NY Times has constructed a story. I have no proof one way or another so I don't know if it's true. As I said before on the topic, countries have interests and will do things that normal people will not do. But if the story is true, then once again we have a criminal leak out of the National Security Counsel, does this concern you?
We have been reducing the number of troops stationed in Germany for many years for several reasons. First there has been a drive to bring troops home for many years from many corners of the country. An additional reason is that western border of the Russian powers has moved many many miles east, so there are many more countries that Russia would have to fight thru in order to get troops into Germany. And we have moved some troops into Poland so as to have the trip-wire closer to the current Russian border. While we only have something like 5000 troops in Poland, it will take years to build up that infrastructure to host the US military. Also the Romping Stomping Big Red Army no longer exists in it's past form. At the height of the Cold War the Soviet Army was between 4 and 5 million men, today the Russian Army is about 766,000. When the Soviet Union dissolved the equipment was split between between Russia and the emerging states. Economic realities for Russia have impacted the ability to build new equipment. So the danger to Europe is nowhere close to what it was prior to 1990.
One of the campaign promises that Trump made was to try to get the European countries to do more for their common defense. Germany for years has not spent the monies they promised to pay for their own self defense, instead relying on the US military to be it's watchdog so that it could instead spend that money on internal needs. Part of the threat by President Trump to reduce the US military presence is to try to get Germany to increase it's defense spending up to the level they have promised to meet. It's not like President Trump can march into the Bundestag and write their budgets, so this is one tool he has to try to get them to meet their promise. For many years the US has paid for the defense of Europe and President Trump is trying to get them to handle a more realistic portion of their own defense. I don't see any issue with that. But as said above, the danger to Europe today is nothing like it was prior to 1990.
But as I said, Russia also has a sizable nuclear weapons force. That has a large tendency to screw up any attempt to balance the equation. So from watching the world over all the years that I've been alive, any interaction between such countries normally takes several strange twists and turns to reduce contention and avoid the potential of greater harm. Life would be so much simpler if such weapons systems had never been created but they do exist and as such they must be included in every calculation.
And do your best to describe how this isn't elevating Putin if he is reinstated to the G7 without having to return the Crimea, or stop supporting the separatists in Ukraine....
Don't take my word for it.... I think the rest of the EU is pretty much good with holding Putin and Russia accountable for their actions too.
Snuffy... this is a binary choice. You either choose to come out on the side of our American soldiers, or you are on the side of Trump, Putin and Russia. There is no middle ground here.
Real leadership is giving a country a path to a nuclear bomb and billions in cash after they kill American troops in Afghanistan. Right?
I have no problem criticizing Russia. Or trumps response to Russia. He’s obviously been much tougher on them then Obama, but not as tough I would like. This just demonstrates yet again how foolish Obama was to attack Romney for calling Russia a threat to our security and ordering a stand down when Russia began interfering in our election.
Yet those who are apparently so mad about this were perfectly happing propping up the Iranian regime that killed American troops. Go head and defend that.
Iran also gave bounties for the killing of American troops in Afghanistan
Two posts Sean, and you've managed to criticize everyone else for everything else.
This is happening in the here and now. Crimea annexation by force, Russian military operations in Ukraine, passenger jet shootdown by Russian supported militia, and now bounties paid by Russia on US Military personnel. You say you have no problem criticizing Russia and Trump under the circumstances. All I have to say is..... When?
[Deleted]
But Russia got ejected from the G7 didn't they.\? Your little buddy in the WH want's him back in the club while ignoring bounties being paid on American soldiers.
how exactly does that excuse Trump ? As he delayed sanctions on Russia, and has been wanting to lift them, and all the while, Russia was paying bounties for DEAD AMERICANS in Afghanastan, and TRUMP KNEW ! There is NO PASS the buck WTF, call Trump out for once, as EVERYONE should not have a problem, having a problem, with THIS
As MUVA points out you are mentioning things that happened years ago as the "hear and now," so I have no idea what point you think you are making other than completely avoiding what I wrote. T
Iran killed Americans in Afghanistan and gave bounties to the Taliban. That's a fact. Then Obama gave them a billion in cash in the middle of the night and path to a nuclear weapon. More money to kill Americans! Did that bother you? Did you attack Obama for it? (Just being polite, we both know the answer to that). Because if it didn't you are just being a partisan hack feigning outrage because It's Trump who did something, not Obama for doing the exact same thing. Obama's outreach to a regime that gave money to the Taliban to kill Americans was a helluva lot more substantial than simply saying Russia should be back in the G7 and doing precisely nothing.
ll I have to say is..... When?
Um...I just did. Trump's too soft on Russia and should increase sanctions on Russia, yet again. My position on Russia doesn't change with the Presidency, unlike the whiplash one gets from the Democrats as we've gone from the reset and mocking Romney for calling Russia a threat etc..etc..to suddenly deciding anyone (who is a Republican, I should add) who talks to a Russian is a traitor as soon as Clinton lost.
But let's hear about you criticizing Obama for delivering pallets full of cash to a regime that gave money to the Taliban to kill American soldiers. I've never seen you offer anything but typical DNC approved talking points, so surprise me.
But Obama....!!!!! Nothing but deflection Sean.
Again.... Just what has Putin done to earn being part of the G7? Why would Trump even suggest it?
Are you out of your mind....! THESE ARE OUR KIDS, or do Russian soldiers rate more than ours with you?
bama....!!!!! Nothing but deflection Sean.
[Deleted]
I don't think any country that put out bounties on American soldiers should be rewarded. You do. I'm still waiting to hear the Flynavy doctrine that justifies giving cash and a path to a nuke to a country that not only gave bounties to the Taliban for killing Americans, but killed Americans troops as well. Do Iranian soldiers rate more than our kids with you?
Again with the deflection from the matter at hand.
Go start your own seed on Iran and the nuke deal.
Stay on topic or be gone..... last warning.
Sure, a country paying bounties to the Taliban to kill american soldiers is off topic in an article about a country paying bounties to the Taliban to kill american soldiers.
That's what you have to resort to? Tough look for you.
My works done, I'll happily leave the thread.
Republican Rep. Adam Kinzinger of Illinois, an Air Force veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, tweeted that "Russia is not a partner, and not to be negotiated with" and that Trump "needs to immediately expose and handle this, and stop Russia's shadow war."
At least some of the Trump Fluffers know when to come down on the side of America and her military!!!!
Your comments are hard to understand when you keep repeating yourself by repeating yourself!
When somethings not working, why not try something different-- instead of repeating whats not working perhaps try something different.
Instead of repeating yourself by repeating yourself?
They can't argue in the here and now Krishna.... not when their hero is being shown to be the Russian lacky he is.... again.
No.
"Only I can fix it" DJT.
They're really going to go after him on Twitter for this!
Look up FleetEx 83-1 What your are able to read about it online..... The CVN65, VS-37, and I were all there. Pucker factor 10 out of 10.
While tracking a Delta III and her Sierra II escort, our little crew of four were locked on to by a pair of Su-15s, and were meat on the table. We managed to hold both contacts till the F-14s chased the Flagons off. Water temperature that time of year wasn't favorable to survival. I'd say that comes close to being boots on the ground in Afghanistan..... Our squadron was flying either contact or barrier ASW Ops everyday along with doing ELINT missions to monitor Soviet responses during the operation.
You can download a PDF copy of the "USS ENTERPRISE COMMAND HISTORY 1983" here:
I've spent thirty years researching both sides of "the event". FleetEx 83-1 was a big reason as to why the Soviets shot down KAL 007 in September of that same year.
Well, after all, everyone knows that he the world's greatest expert on....everything!
Not to mention his great humility!
Oh, and BTW-- did I mention his great humility?
And brokering deals for Russia after being briefed about the bounties.
Obama is not tough on them at all...for several reasons!
Not the least of which is that Obama is no longer president!
(But then, you already knew that).
If you want to talk about people who no longer have any elected office-- what about Bush? Are you worried that he is less tough on the than Trump?
No.
(Once again that's the best answer IMO)
We all know Putin is murdering scum and tRump wants to be just like him.
Yes.
Seriously Sean, why do you continue to regurgitate that bullshit?
I was wondering about that too. Does he actually know its bullshit and hopes he can get us to believe it?
OR
Does he actually believe it? Is he actually so gullible that he honestly believes its the truth?
(I think we should give him the benefit of the doubt and assume that yes-- he is being totally honest. Because strange as it may seem to some of us, he actually does believe everything that Trump says!
(Not that there's anything wrong with that!)
Oh...So now I'm an acceptable topic per fly, but Iran paying bounties to kill American soldiers is off topic on a topic about paying bounties to kill American soldiers.
What a surprise there's no principle behind deciding what's on topic! But since Fly reversed himself, I guess I'll help teach you and point out what should be common knowledge.
"U.S. military intelligence assessments detailed that Iran’s Quds Force shelled out cash for every American soldier killed or for every U.S. military vehicle destroyed."
You are wrong again! You should really try and look things up before embarrassing yourself. You should really avoid trying to make substantive points. It doesn't go well for you.
No anger from any progressive about Iran putting bounties on American troops. Sad to see.
Once again..... Stop with the lie about "Obama gave Iran Money"
And as far as the international nuclear treaty with Iran.... Even one of your own said it was working....
Trump lies and turns everything to shit Sean... It's about time you learn that.
Stop with the lie about "Obama gave Iran Money"
Of course he did.
There was no reason to give the money to Iran except Obama wanted his precious nuclear deal ...
You, of course, are avoiding the central point that Obama began dealing with Iran after learning Iran paid bounties for killing Americans. All Trump has done was make a suggestion..
Again, where is your anger over those bounties?
n.... Even one of your own said it was working....
And numerous ones of your own opposed the deal...What does that have to do with Iran offering bounties to the Taliban to kill american troops?
BTW.... That IRAN Quid Force bounty on US forces dates back to 2010...... Hardly current events Sean. Trump sucking off Putin.....again..... happened within the last two weeks.
A bunch of countries wanted that treaty Sean.....
Deflect all you want..... because you can't make a supportive argument worth a damn and you know it.
Go back over to Breitbart and sell your BS to them. The rest of the thinking world has already debunked your lies to death and moved on.
So you are okay with Iran offering a bounty on American troops because "a bunch of countries wanted that treaty"
So if a "bunch of countries" decide Russia should be back in the G7, you'd have no objection to their placing a bounty on American troops?
That's your argument?
The rest of the thinking world has already debunked your lies to death and moved on.
You haven't debunked shit, and you are probably smart enough to know it. You are just offering rationalizations why it doesn't bother you that Obama ignored bounties on American troops.
Which he did. And you did too.
You should check out Parler also.
I'm sure that 'conservative' site will be to your liking.
And, let's not forget that besides paying bounties, Iran was responsible for the deaths of 603 servicemen in Afghanistan.
And progressives didn't care when Obama started wooing Iran...
It wasn't working. They were cheating the whole time.
It was working.
But 'president' I'm insanely pathologically jealous of President Obama and had to obliterate it.
They won't ever believe it.
After all, the Great Obama Administration arranged the whole deal, so therefore it MUST be the greatest thing since the PPACA!!!
Facts and truth notwithstanding, of course!
No he didn't Sean.
Again, Obama didn't 'give the money to Iran' Sean.
Secondly, the P5+1 negotiated the Iran nuclear deal.
Well gee Sean, since Trump can claim that he wasn't briefed about the Russian bounties, how can you be so fucking sure that Obama was briefed about Iran's?
Trump backed out of the Iran deal.
The same place Trump's anger is over Russia's bounties.
You're whataboutism is noted Sean.
Where is YOUR anger over Trump blowing off Russia's bounties, ya know, the topic of the seed.
They cannot stay on topic.
It's always deflection, projection, and denial.
I thought you had said your piece.
I thought you were leaving.
Give up. Sean wants to piss on your leg and convince you that it is warm rain.
'I have no problem criticizing Russia. Or trumps response to Russia. He’s obviously been much tougher on them then Obama, but not as tough I would like. This just demonstrates yet again how foolish Obama was to attack Romney for calling Russia a threat to our security and ordering a stand down when Russia began interfering in our election.'
When?
Russia has denied this U.S. Intelligence assessment. As is his usual custom and practice, Trump will soon denounce the U.S. Intelligence agencies, and confirm that he believes the Russians.
Yes.
And the Brits believe the intelligence viable....... But Trump doesn't believe our allies.
President Bone Spur would rather believe Putin.
Why?
Trump considers Russia to be our (his) ally.
[deleted] He's a lying POS, the WORST president in the history of this country
No friend to the US Constitution, nor anyone in uniform. Yet they still support him....
It boggles my mind that anyone at all supports this lying POS...he's been caught in lie after lie and people twist every which way to defend him...sickening.....don't forget nothing is ever his fault doncha know, he's as pure as the driven snow.
Actually I think that while many do, that's starting to change. Especially amongst older, wiser, and more experienced military. For example, a highly respected Marine Corps General such as James Mattis.
My mind has been in a constant state of bogglement. I can't wait until November so I can de-boggle myself.
Yes.
Double Yes-- with a Cherry on top!
That's priceless Tess...!
Putin has him by his tiny little balls.
God I'd love to know the dirt he has on him.
Is he giving his puppet a wedgie?
All facts!
Coming from you, that is a given.
This has to be the stupidest seed ever.
First of all from the article itself- once again unnamed "sources" within the administration leaking to an ever eager press will to take any negative spin; and if it isn't there the press make it up themselves.
Next is this lovely tidbit of misinformation.
They didn't just start this last year. Anyone that follows history knows the US supported the Taliban and Al Qaeda against the Russian occupation funneling money, weapons, and training their way. Why is everyone shocked that Russia has been doing the same damn thing after we occupied Afghanistan? I am willing to take all bets Russia did it all throughout the Bush Jr and Obama administrations as well. Both of them knew about it and did jack shit about it. They were busy poking the Russian bear elsewhere.
This is all part of the new tit for tat proxy cold war we have going on with Russia. Get used to it unless you want to fight WWIII.
The faux indignation from the left is hilarious.
But Trruuummmmppppp!!!!!
Cry us all a river.
Sorry , but to me this is starting to smell an awful lot like a Steele file type thing , and a potential election tampering attempt as has been claimed in the past. I do find it funny how these types of things always come up around major election times and someone always takes the bait , useful idiots .
Only thing missing is NK and the axis of evil would be complete, But that one is still up in the air , have to wait and see what Jr bird man/ woman there has up his/her sleeve.
I cant help forgetting that the best espionage capers is messing with an opponents intelligence services letting them think they have found out something is happening when something else entirely is going on.
With that I will withdraw , finish my rockey patel Undercrown , and my Walker black label ,neat ,and head to bed.
Oh snap!
Now Trump is saying that no one told him about this.
So which is it, HE KNOWS EVERYTHING THERE IS TO KNOW, MORE THAN THE GENERALS AND HIS ADVISORS, or HE DOESN'T KNOW DICK ABOUT DIDDLY?
That's like a anthypoporal question - right?
Well it looks like the truth is starting to trickle out. Trump has once again chosen loyalty to Russia over America. I'm not surprised at all by his lack of action to defend our troops and our country and I'm not surprised by those who continue to offer one excuse after another to support his decision to do nothing.
If this Taliban/Russia bounty story is true---------------------then what does America do with the MAGA's?
Ah - Comrade Adam have answer - change letters from MAGA to CPCB. Can keep hats Red.
Сделай Россию снова великой
Will be big hit in mother Russia.
Will be fun to see new hats at Trump rallies.
Holy crackers! lol
Does this remind anyone of the Manchurian Candidate?