it's this type of 1-dimensional thinking that is causing us to lose our dominance in the world.

diplomacy and the art of aligning self-interests doesn't mean 1:1 interests are always going to be congruous...that's the art part.:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Oh man, let's talk about the space station, infrastructure development, pipelines, trade, democracy and missile defense as just a few of the carrots and sticks that can be used in successful diplomatic negotiations to align both our interests. We defeated the Soviets and counted them as allies just a few years ago.

How do you squander that?

Total lack of diplomacy.

You didn't answer the question. Their interest is to maintain $100+ per barrel oil prices. Our interest is to have lower oil prices. Putin has also discovered that turning the US into a foe is good for business; the Russian people have responded with more nationalism.

So, tell me, where do the interests align in any significant area?

Rearden needs to read up on histroy beofre he makes a comment
Mule is just a jackass by another name
POP has been hittin the crack pipe for too long
Shaun...well I gues he likes playin with the tards.

It's obvious what Shaun is getting at. We all become guilt-ridden, America-hating liberals who hate cars that run on gasoline, and our interests will be aligned with Russia's. ;)

Anyone notice that Iran launched another missle after oil prices declined by $10 a barrel?

Coincidence? I think not.

Yes, yes I do.:(

I'm making plans to be in Vegas on the 12th. Will you be around?

Do you really not understand "carrot and stick" or are you just backed into a corner and don't have an argument? Being a Bushboi, I can see how it might be both.

Reagan would be so disappointed in your defeatist attitude. Go back and read my list of negotiating table topics. You will find the answer there. and show a little backbone before throwing your hands in the air shouting about how bad the Russians are while playing the victim.

What do you suggest is the carrot with Russia?

You are good at making analogies. What is a real thing we could offer them?

Go


back


and


read


the


list.

Man, when Tabs is right, he's right!

The US can continue to pay for Russia's share of the space station, pay for their infrastructure development, pay for their pipelines, continue to trade with them, don't complain about Putin's dismantling of democracy, and abort the missile defense plans.

And then what do we get? They will stop selling weapon systems and nuclear technology to America's enemies?

Oh Yes Shaun I Am Always Around.

And tabs is, the guy who stuck up kids for their lunch money? You would have been eaten alive at East Jeff High.

I don't see a list. I see a lot of vague pleading for "diplomacy" with no mention of what to offer or what we want.

Diplomacy requires clear objectives and clear boundaries (including a timeframe). When it is clear that diplomacy will not yield that desired results, something else must be tried. Endlessly coming back to the table offering more and more is not diplomacy, it is a giveaway hoping for the other guy to play nice. When diplomacy fails (as it often does), one must be willing to take the next step--be it war or sanctions. Failure to do so shows that you are not serious about what you want. The threat of using "the stick" also helps to make negotiations go smoothly and quickly.

What you call "diplomacy" can better be called the "carrot and more carrots" approach.

Well Legion does seem to get it right once again.

Russia and Iran need high oil prices. It keeps the cash fowin in as the oil flows out.

When I was 16, yep your right, but if I was 16 now, nope. I would be eating them alive. All i would need to do it is the mindset I have now. Most adults can't compete with me.

I'm picturing that right now. Maybe you could come clean out the CP3. I bet your fat bald headed ass would strike fear into the hearts of those ghetto thugs, right before they broke you down like a shotgun!:eek:

Why in the world are you even worrying about Russia. Did you forget that our President Bush looked deep into Putin's baby blue eyes and saw nothing but goodness?

No worries man!:D

Quote: But the satellite did not reach orbit.

I guess it was not Allah's will.:cool:

Did it splash-down off the coast of France?