We're going to Russia

[Francko]

Why would anybody want to invade Russia in the first place is beyond me -

Could it be because it's probably the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources?

[Gunnery Sergeant Highway]

I'm up for a crack at it.

[AtW]

Could it be because it's probably the richest country in the world in terms of natural resources?

Resources don't walk on legs to your house - do you know the conditions under which oil and gas is obtained there? I know since I lived in the region that specialised in it - pretty much everyone there worked for oil/gas needs one way or another - some of the actual workers are beyond Polar circle - that means permafrost and -40C most of winter which incidentally is like 10 months out of 12.

Do you want to invade that? Do you know what kind of rates it would take sane Western person to work in these conditions? Its far cheaper to leave things as is - you can be darn sure that in case of invasion all gas/oil wells will be comprehensively blown up with nukes.

[Dundeegeorge]

Alexei

what a nice change it is to have someone enter a discussion who actually knows what they're talking about.
But you've somewhat missed the point of the posting, which is a kick against Tony B.Liar.

[mcquiggd]

How long before Al Qaeda attack the gas pipelines, now we have highlighted how valuable a target they are....?

[AtW]

How long before Al Qaeda attack the gas pipelines, now we have highlighted how valuable a target they are....?

A one off attack on pipelines is not a big deal - accidents happen already and they can be dealt with very easily. The only serious issue with pipelines if there is a sustained sabotage program over a period of time - this means daily explosions in many different parts of system, particularly important points like compressor stations rather than just making hole in a pipe. This sort of activity can only be done if serious guerilla organisation exists such as in Iraq or Chechnya, where, suprise suprise, such attacks don't happen very often even though its much safer to blow pipeline than attack an armed patrol, why do you think this is?

That's right - guerillas get paid off not to do it.

[Dundeegeorge]

McQ

How long before Al Qaeda attack the gas pipelines, now we have highlighted how valuable a target they are....?

do you really think that AQ are monitoring this site and would act upon it?

Why, as I was saying to chico only the other day "I think your criticism of Islam is too much chico, and even if you think that Al Queda (blessed by Allah) are a bunch of murderous ignorant savages, you shouldn't say so".


(DG in massively optimistic mode)

[Phoenix]

Shhhh! Al Qaeda keep a close eye on this site.
It's nice to know that our educational system produces such balanced/fair minded adults that will think a problem through the "Nuke" it

[EternalOptimist]

I think we get all the Russian emigres we can find and ship them to the gas fields north of the arctic circle as 'sleepers'.

We can then activate them with some sort of orbital SKA mind control laser to take over the compressor stations and ze pipelines. seig heil.

[DodgyAgent]

Iraq shows that it makes sense to just train all population in guerilla warfare and distribute small arms with lots of explosives in great many places, then let the attacker march in and try to keep the territory if they can afford daily losses.

Pipelines are particularly weak - the only reason we don't see complete collapse of exports from Iraq is due to insurgents being paid off not to blow them all.

I thought that the people who are committing the attacks on the US forces and local Iraquis were what is called "insurgents" AtW? in other words non Iraqis