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FROM TALLINN IN THE BALTIC TO TBILISI IN THE CAUCASUS ….A Velvet Curtain with an Iron Fist has descended across the Continent
Part XI “The Rise or Fall of American Empire?”
By Doug Krieger
The legacy of President George Walker Bush – a relative of Winston Churchill and related, as well, to Barack Obama – will be the extension of the Velvet Curtain enclosed by an Iron Fist descending across the European Continent. At Westminster College, in Fulton, Missouri, in 1947, Winston Churchill uttered these now prophetic outbursts:
“From Stettin in the Baltic to Trieste in the Adriatic, an iron curtain has descended across the Continent.” (Winston Churchill, Fulton, Missouri, 1947)
Churchill elaborated . . .
“Behind that line lie all the capitals of the ancient states of Central and Eastern Europe. Warsaw, Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Budapest, Belgrade, Bucharest and Sofia, all these famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and, in many cases, increasing measure of control from Moscow. Athens alone - Greece with its immortal glories - is free to decide its future at an election under British, American and French observation. The Russian-dominated Polish Government has been encouraged to make enormous and wrongful inroads upon Germany, and mass expulsions of millions of Germans on a scale grievous and undreamed-of are now taking place. The Communist parties, which were very small in all these Eastern States of Europe, have been raised to pre-eminence and power far beyond their numbers and are seeking everywhere to obtain totalitarian control. Police governments are prevailing in nearly every case, and so far, except in Czechoslovakia, there is no true democracy.”
“The action in Poland will take place mainly in the city of Slupsk, near the Baltic Sea Coast. They (America-NATO) want to build the base in Redzikowo, 4 kms. from the city. We (anarchists) will go to this town for some direct actions but also will do some things in Slupsk. To follow up, we would like to hold some public and activist meetings in other, larger cities nearby Slupsk, namely Szczein and Gdansk.” (Call for International Mobilization against US Military Bases in Central Europe. NO to Anti-Missile Defense System!, CENTRUM INFORMACJI ANARCHISTYCZNEJ – STOP THE SHIELD, March 29, 2008, Slupsk, Poland)
Also – isn’t it really all about jobs?
“Unlike their Czech counterparts (Editor’s Note: Czech locals in Trokavec are not happy about the radar site.), residents in Redzikowo and Slupsk (Poland) appear to be enthusiastic about the prospect of a U.S. base here.
“‘It’s about jobs,’ said Arik Stolz, a waiter. ‘It is very difficult to find work in this region. If the Americans can bring jobs, then that would be good news.’” (Judy Dempsey, U.S. Faces Tough Sell for Missile Shield, International Herald Tribune – Americas, June 3, 2007) (See also: Czech, Poland close to deal on US anti-missile shield: officials, Space Daily, Feb. 25, 2008)
Who could possibly imagine the transformation upon Europe’s map and the nation who accomplished that metamorphosis? It is that same nation and group of peoples who engineered this Herculean effort without firing a shot! The same people to whom Churchill lavished with superlative praise . . .
“The United States stands at this time at the pinnacle of world power. It is a solemn moment for the American Democracy. For with primacy in power is also joined an awe-inspiring accountability to the future. If you look around you, you must feel not only the sense of duty done but also you must feel anxiety lest you fall below the level of achievement. Opportunity is here now, clear and shining for both our countries (The UK and USA). To reject it or ignore it or fritter it away will bring upon us all the long reproaches of the after-time. It is necessary that constancy of mind, persistency of purpose, and the grand simplicity of decision shall guide and rule the conduct of the English-speaking peoples in peace as they did in war. We must, and I believe we shall, prove ourselves equal to this severe requirement.” (Ibid.)
HAIL BRITANNIA, THE COMMONWEALTH AND PAX AMERICANA
“Now, while still pursuing the method of realizing our overall strategic concept, I come to the crux of what I have traveled here to say. Neither the sure prevention of war, nor the continuous rise of world organization will be gained without what I have called the fraternal association of the English-speaking peoples. This means a special relationship between the British Commonwealth and Empire and the United States. This is no time for generalities, and I will venture to be precise. Fraternal association requires not only the growing friendship and mutual understanding between our two vast but kindred systems of society, but the continuance of the intimate relationship between our military advisers, leading to common study of potential dangers, the similarity of weapons and manuals of instructions, and to the interchange of officers and cadets at technical colleges. It should carry with it the continuance of the present facilities for mutual security by the joint use of all Naval and Air Force bases in the possession of either country all over the world. This would perhaps double the mobility of the American Navy and Air Force. It would greatly expand that of the British Empire Forces and it might well lead, if and as the world calms down, to important financial savings. Already we use together a large number of islands; more may well be entrusted to our joint care in the near future.
“The United States has already a Permanent Defense Agreement with the Dominion of Canada, which is so devotedly attached to the British Commonwealth and Empire. This Agreement is more effective than many of those which have often been made under formal alliances. This principle should be extended to all British Commonwealths with full reciprocity. Thus, whatever happens, and thus only, shall we be secure ourselves and able to work together for the high and simple causes that are dear to us and bode no ill to any. Eventually there may come - I feel eventually there will come - the principle of common citizenship, but that we may be content to leave to destiny, whose outstretched arm many of us can already clearly see.
Yes, extended to Australia, New Zealand, India, South Africa, Nigeria, Pakistan, Kenya, and Malaysia – some 53 nations in all!
These peoples – not the United Nations – were the ones who created formidable military alliances throughout the globe (NATO in particular), which stayed the spread of Stalinist Communism, created a Transatlantic Coalition of like-minded partners; forming a militarily and economically viable Europe buttressed against the walls of that iron curtain – all at the largess of these United States of America.
And now, the US-backed anti-missile, missile defense system deployed in Poland and the Czech Republic:
“Anti-missile missiles, or interceptors, are being based in Alaska (40 of them) and California (4) and the plan is to put 10 of them in Poland with associated radar in the Czech Republic.
“There would also be 130 interceptors based on ships. The interceptors work by physically hitting the ballistic missile in mid-flight. There would also be missiles to try to destroy incoming rockets in the final stages.” (Q&A: US missile defence, BBC News, 12 Oct. 2007)
GEORGE W. BUSH – HE GOT WHAT HE WANTED!
President Bush’s legacy – NATO’s expansion throughout the former satellites of the once super power, the Soviet Union, did NOT flinch at accelerating NATO’s encroachments throughout Eastern Europe – even into Eurasia! Yes, some pundits insist he didn’t get what he wanted (viz. Ukraine’s and Georgia’s official entry into the NATO process)—but he did and then some, we’ll explain. Listen, as Bush acclaims the rights of Ukraine and Georgia – notwithstanding the Russian Federation’s consternations to such expansions, as well as Germany, France, Italy and Spain’s opposition to commence the process (MAP) for inclusion (Note: This is apart and separate from Bush’s drive to establish a “missile shield” based in Poland, and a massive radar expansion in the Czech Republic, to monitor “incoming missiles” from rogue states like Iran into the Continent.) – these news excerpts will demonstrate pertinent Bush breakthroughs, including cooperation from France’s full integration into NATO via President Sarkozy’s recent philo-American embrace, and commitment to send an additional 700 French troops to Afghanistan (in spite of popular French resistance) to relieve American troops in the north who would be redeployed to southern Afghanistan thereby assisting Canadian troops in thwarting renewed fighting with the Taliban, to Romania’s enthusiasm to include Ukraine and Georgia into the NATO alliance, in spite of France’s reluctance. In sum: The “New Europe” (Eastern Europeans) and the “Old Europe” (Western Europeans like France, Germany et al) are, quite frankly, eating out of Bush’s hand!
“Several EU heavyweights (Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands and Belgium) (the “Old Europe”) are opposed to such a project.
“In the meantime, several representatives of the new EU members expressed their support for opening the NATO door to Kiev and Tbilisi. (The “New Europe”)
“President Bush said today (2 April 2008) during his Bucharest speech that Romanian people have ‘looked evil in the eye’ and transformed their country from a communist dictatorship into a free nation and a NATO member, suggesting that the young democracies Ukraine and Georgia deserve the same chance.
“‘My country's position is clear: NATO should welcome Georgia and Ukraine into the Membership Action Plan. And, NATO membership must remain open to all of Europe's democracies that seek it, and are ready to share in the responsibilities of NATO membership,’ he said.” (‘Old’ and ‘New’ Europe Divided at NATO Summit, EurActiv.com)
Meanwhile the Romanians, who hosted the largest gathering of NATO members in its history, stood in total solidarity with Bush:
“Romanian President Traian Basescu, who is hosting the largest-ever summit of NATO’s 26 member states, stated that including Ukraine and Georgia in the MAP is ‘a logical step from the Romanian point of view.’
“He reiterated the other main topics of the summit: the decision to extend invitations to join NATO to three applicant countries (Croatia, Albania, and Macedonia), the situation in Afghanistan and the Western Balkans and the threats facing the Alliance in the 21st century: terrorism, energy security, missile defense and IT security.” (Ibid.)
Let’s be very clear – the Ukrainians are not about to return to the old Soviet military entanglements of the past – they adamantly and without reserve, embrace Bush’s push for their entry into the NATO alliance:
“‘We feel a gap in our security because all of our neighbors, to east and west, are in some sort of security arrangement,’ Oleksandr Chalyi, a foreign policy adviser to Yushchenko, said in an interview, referring to NATO and Russian-led alliances. ‘Only we participate in neither. We don't want to return back to the Russian security system.’ If NATO rebuffs Ukraine, he added, it would mean ‘the last page of the Cold War is not turned.’
“Moscow warned again Monday that even negotiations for membership for Ukraine and Georgia would cross a ‘red line’ for Russia. President Vladimir Putin has threatened to target the two countries with nuclear missiles if they join the alliance.” (“Bush Visits a Ukraine Deeply Split Over Bid to Join Western Alliance” – Peter Baker, Washington Post, April 1, 2008, Page A12)
Ah, so did NATO rebuff Ukraine and Georgia? Did they not include them . . . or as I prejudice this remark, did Bush orchestrate a brilliant tactical maneuver whereby you press hard, then take two steps back in order to take three forward down the road?
“‘We think it’s very, very, very important that Georgia and Ukraine, that we welcome their aspirations to be part of NATO,’ national security adviser Stephen J. Hadley told reporters on Air Force One. ‘And the president has made clear we think the best way to do that is to offer the MAP (membership action plans) at Bucharest, and that’s what the president is pushing hard for.’” (Ibid.)
(1) Solidified America’s unflinching solidarity with the Orange Revolution in the face of Russian consternation. (2) Demonstrated American determination, in spite of both “Old Europe” and Russian resistance by supporting inclusion of Ukraine and Georgia under the NATO umbrella. (3) Ukraine and Georgia received strong assurance from NATO they are headed for full membership in the NATO alliance (though immediate MAP was “postponed” – it’s only a matter of time—popular opinion for “the deal” is rising in Ukraine and Georgia simply needs to tidy up its political house a bit – de facto, MAP was accomplished). (4) Ukraine and other nations of the “New Europe” – including France of the “Old Europe” – continue to reinforce American engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq by additional troop commitments—especially enthusiastic are the Romanians.
In point of glaring fact, it was not so much Russia’s obstructionist efforts to thwart Ukraine and Georgia from entering MAP at this time—but Germany and other “Old Europe” allies of the USA who balked at the possibility—a possibility which is inevitable:
“NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer was careful in making the official announcement (regarding the delay of Ukraine and Georgia membership into NATO via MAP) to stress that the alliance saw the decision as short term.
“‘NATO welcomes Ukraine’s and Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations for membership in NATO,’ de Hoop Scheffer said. ‘We agree today that these countries will become members of NATO.’
“He said (these) two countries would remain in a stage of ‘intensified dialogue’ with NATO that he described as ‘a road to Membership Action Plan.’ Ukraine and Georgia expected that they would be granted the plan, which is the last step toward becoming a NATO member-state, at the summit.” (“Good and Bad NATO News for Putin” – By Nabi Abdullaev, the Moscow Times, April 5, 2008, p. 001)
And, this is reinforced by Ukraine and Georgia whose remarks, along with an additional nod from US national security adviser Hadley, made it abundantly clear who they blame for any delay in their quest for NATO membership:
“Boris I. Tarasyuk, a former Ukrainian foreign minister and close ally of President Viktor A. Yushchenko on NATO membership, said in an interview: ‘Moscow will be very satisfied with the outcome (i.e., the delay). But I'd like to say to them that this is not the end of the story. Sooner or later it (Ukraine’s full membership into NATO) will happen.’
“Hadley, the (USA) national security adviser, said most of the former Communist states that had joined NATO after the collapse of the Soviet Union had supported the US position (to admit Ukraine and Georgia into NATO’s MAP process). He and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice emphasized NATO’s final statement declaring that Georgia and Ukraine would become members someday, as would any other aspiring democracy in Europe. (NATO Endorses Missile Shield Plan but alliance rejects Georgia, and Ukraine bids – The Boston Globe by Steven Lee Myers and Graham Bowley - New York Times News Service / April 4, 2008)
Bush’s triumphs at the NATO Summit were stupendous – even his three-day surprise visit with President Putin (his 28th such encounter with the Russian President (at Putin’s invitation)—meeting more with Putin than any other leader, aside from Tony Blair)—sought to downplay differences and highlight friendship!
“NATO’s decision to take in Croatia and Albania was one of the highlights of its summit in Bucharest, which ended Friday. The alliance also decided to send additional troops to Afghanistan and back U.S. plans for a missile defense shield in Poland and the Czech Republic. But it delayed action granting ‘membership action plans’ to Ukraine and Georgia until at least December.
“The celebration in Croatia also will include leaders of Macedonia, even though Greece blocked its NATO membership because of a dispute over its shared name. If that is worked out, Macedonia — or whatever it will be called — will be NATO's 29th member.
“In his speech here tomorrow, Bush will note that two more former pieces of Yugoslavia — Bosnia-Herzegovina and Montenegro — were put on the long road toward NATO membership in Bucharest. He also has said that Serbia — from which Montenegro and most recently Kosovo have declared independence — could walk that road in the future. (“Bush basks in his NATO ‘Freedom Agenda’” – Richard Wolf, USA Today, 4 April 2008)
Quite frankly, Bush ostensibly steamrolled through Bucharest and got everything he wanted! Watching Putin posturing over NATO’s expansion to the East as a “direct threat” to Russian security is pure balderdash and Russian theater. Frankly, what can Putin really do? Just sit back, keep smiling, and hope for the best in that Russia’s economic boom is wholly contingent on trade with NATO European nations. Thus, signing benign deals with NATO for transporting non-military items through Russia into Afghanistan for the war effort against the Taliban at least demonstrates that Putin understand how to play the game.
MY PRECIOUS!
“‘Yes,’ Bush said at the close of the ‘George and Vladimir’ show, the two leaders on a first-name basis – a relationship which Putin today declared ‘precious.’
“‘You met today with his successor?’ Bush was asked. ‘Did you have a similar experience, and what was your take?’
“‘My comments about Vladimir Putin were aimed to say that I found him to be the kind of person -- I thought he’d be the kind of person who would tell me what's on his mind,’ Bush said. ‘A lot of times in politics you have people look you in the eye and tell you what’s not on their mind. He looks you in the eye and tells you what’s on his mind. He’s been very truthful….
“As for Medvedev: ‘He seemed like a straightforward fellow, somebody who would tell you what’s on his mind... And so my first impressions are very positive -- smart fellow.’” (Mark Silva, Bush and Putin: ‘Life Moves On’ – The SWAMP, April 6, 2008)
Ah, yes, somehow or other, announcing that someone is an honest person suffices the Russian angst! Sorry, the dolts in the American press and in academia think that our President is “Bush League” – well, my precious, think again – you’re not dealing with a country bumpkin here; and, one more thing, don’t be so stupid to think that a Texas twang connotes a dumb fool – fool ‘um twice, shame, shame! Dyslexia is precious when it comes to negotiating with the Russians – somehow they misconstrue it as poetic or something akin to some form of genius a al chess – in sum, coming out of a long Russian winter isn’t easy!
How disarming of President Bush to simply declare that President Putin is naught but a person who will “tell me what’s on his mind” and that his successor, Medvedev, is a “straightforward fellow” – man, if that don’t get rid of Russian angst, nothing will!
So, who’s committing troops in extending America’s pursuits at “democratic globalism” in Southwest Asia?
NATO AND USA COMMITMENT IN THE WAR ON TERROR
The chart below – though old, demonstrates the engagement of the “New and Old Europe” in Iraq, as well as the general “Coalition of the Willing” – which, in the main, does not represent but a token commitment of troops from participating nations up through 01/08:
Active troops Withdrawn troops Multinational Force Iraq units
TOTAL INVASION DEPLOYMENT
APPROXIMATE NUMBER OF CONTRACTORS AS OF 2/08
NATO Training Mission – Iraq
The commitments to fighting in Afghanistan are extensive (click here) – the map will be helpful to see the distribution of allied forces headed up by the United States of America:
Bush urged, and secured additional NATO troop commitments, not only from France and Romania for the Afghanistan Theater of operations, but most definitely the heat is on for other NATO participants to “get with the program.” In other words, these NATO troop commitments, along with remnants who comprised the “Coalition of the Willing” (juxtaposed to the virtually defunct United Nations military capabilities—which will never seriously be sought after again by the USA) constitute the on-going incursion and influence the USA continues to maintain in the region.
(Editor’s Note: Be it duly noted that “all the young lions” are solidly behind the NATO move for troop commitments in Afghanistan – including New Zealand, Australia and Canada – click here.)
There is no other nation on the planet which commands the military presence which the United States of America does, nor whose leadership is the center of attention for the extension of “democratic liberalization” – and, specifically, that foreign policy leadership is wholly domiciled in its Executive Branch, the Presidency. Bush has made ample use of his office in maintaining NATO’s leadership, and he has secured the wholehearted support from virtually all nations once harassed by the Soviet Union – Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, a united Germany (East Germany), the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Albania, Slovenia, Hungary, Macedonia, Ukraine, Kosovo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro – and he’s moving ahead under the assumption that Georgia, Ukraine, Moldova and even Serbia will also join in (and, I’m sure, he’s eyeing Azerbaijan and Armenia as well).
I SAW A WHITE HORSE RIDING WHOSE RIDER CARRIED A BOW (NO ARROW) – “AND HE WENT OUT CONQUERING AND TO CONQUER” (Rev. 6:2)
They who confuse the man on the White Horse who arises from beneath the First Seal of the Revelation with the Son of Man to administer divine retributive justice upon the earth dwellers, do so at their own peril—a peril which unfolds from the subsequent horses and horsemen who ravage the earth with their wars, famines and death—this is not Christ, this is Antichrist! Say not that “conquering and to conquer” without an arrow cannot be done – not only can it be, it is much easier than you think, especially as we prophetically reflect upon that ultimate cunning . . .
“And at the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors shall have come to the full, a king of bold countenance, and understanding riddles, shall stand up. And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; and he shall destroy marvelously, and shall prosper, and shall practice, and shall destroy the mighty ones, and the people of the saints. And through his cunning shall he cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he will magnify [himself] in his heart, and by prosperity will corrupt many; and he will stand up against the Prince of princes: but he shall be broken without hand.” (Daniel 8:23-26 – Darby’s New Translation)
“And stood up on his station hath a despicable one, and they have not given unto him the honour of the kingdom, and he hath come in quietly, and hath strengthened the kingdom by flatteries. Peaceably even into the fertile places of the province He cometh, and he hath done that which his fathers did not, nor his fathers' fathers; prey, and spoil, and substance, to them he scattereth, and against fenced places he deviseth his devices, even for a time.” (Daniel 11:21, 24 – Young’s Literal Translation)
The amazing amalgamation of power, led by the USA, is the “logical conclusion” of the triumph of US military and diplomatic enhancements (following World War II) and addressed by Sir Winston Churchill in his now famous “Iron Curtain Speech,” and the subsequent pressure applied by the indefatigable aforesaid efforts of succeeding presidencies, leading to the collapse of the former Soviet Union, and the consolidation of US power applied through her NATO alliance upon all of the former states of the Soviet Union—even to so audaciously attempt to include Russia in that embrace!
The US Military now shares bases in Bulgaria:
“The deal allows US forces to be stationed at Bezmer air base and the Novo Selo army training range near the border with Turkey, and at Graf Ignatievo airfield in central Bulgaria.” (US Troops Set for Bulgaria Bases, BBC News, Europe – 28 April 2006)
Even so, the US has established forward operating bases in Romania which are extensive and growing . . .
And, don’t think the Romanians aren’t excited about the American presence!
“On the eve of Condoleezza Rice’s visit to Romania, the foreign minister of that country was in a state of great emotion, almost in tears, as he emphasized the global and historical significance of the visit in lyrical terms: ‘That which our grandparents and parents have been waiting for 60 years, and which hundreds of prisoners hoped for back in the time of communism, is now happening: the Americans are coming!’ (Andrej Grubacic, The Americans Are Coming! Democracy As Cooperation Between Secret Services – ZNET, December 16, 2005)
This entire strategic military equation will be enhanced with the US moving into Moldova—next to Romania—and ultimately into the Ukraine itself!
“With the United States securing its strategic positions in Bulgaria and Romania, the Black Sea region is moving fast toward a new power configuration. Since the EU’s integration process is flawed by the Union’s inability to quickly adapt to the new configuration and by the European public's dissatisfaction with the enlargement itself, the U.S. is rapidly taking the lead in Western penetration of the once Russian-dominated region.
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