The official "World War ]i[" thread

[Troll]

Does anybody know how long to World War Three?
I wanna know, I've gotta book me holidee.
They want me in the army, but I just can't go,
I'm far too busy listening to the radio.

The whole thing's daft, I don't know why,
You have to laugh, or else you cry,
You have to live or else you die,
You have to laugh or else you cry.

My friends say that we're heading for a grotty time,
It's just a load of slapstick in a pantomime,
We're heading for disaster, but I just don't care,
Shut your eyes and count to ten, you won't be there.

The whole thing's daft, I don't know why,
You have to laugh, or else you cry,
You have to live or else you die,
You have to laugh or else you cry

The 80's were soooo fooking tulipe for music

[MicrosoftBob]

Putin is actually a mental isn't he?

I think Putin is a closet gay, but not mad

[doodab]

So @Doodab, do you still think I'm overreacting, or "being silly"? If so I have company.

In suggesting it will "go nuclear"? Yes, absolutely. Even suggesting NATO / UK military involvement is a bit on the hysterical side.

I never said there wouldn't be a war. In fact I said, before Yanukovich was deposed, that given the obvious divisions in the country itself it looked like Ukraine was heading for possible separation. I still think that is a likely outcome, although I also think it could happen without shots being fired.

You have to remember that Yanukovich was elected in elections judged to be "free and fair" by western observers. So it's hardly surprising that there is a substantial minority who aren't accepting the legitimacy of the new government, just as there was a substantial minority who didn't accept the old one.

The other possibility, assuming that most of those who support(ed) Yanukovich don't want to see Ukraine split in two, is that the current Russian aggression brings the two opposing factions closer together and unites the country.

Either way, it looks like the Russians have taken control of Crimea, and it will be tough to get it back.

[suityou01]

In suggesting it will "go nuclear"? Yes, absolutely. Even suggesting NATO / UK military involvement is a bit on the hysterical side.
I never said there wouldn't be a war. In fact I said, before Yanukovich was deposed, that given the obvious divisions in the country itself it looked like Ukraine was heading for possible separation. I still think that is a likely outcome, although I also think it could happen without shots being fired.

You have to remember that Yanukovich was elected in elections judged to be "free and fair" by western observers. So it's hardly surprising that there is a substantial minority who aren't accepting the legitimacy of the new government, just as there was a substantial minority who didn't accept the old one.

The other possibility, assuming that most of those who support(ed) Yanukovich don't want to see Ukraine split in two, is that the current Russian aggression brings the two opposing factions closer together and unites the country.

Either way, it looks like the Russians have taken control of Crimea, and it will be tough to get it back.

I hope you are right. There were those that were relieved when Harold Macmillan held "a piece of paper".

I suspect this is all a foregone conclusion, and the acts of diplomacy are there just to buy time.

[doodab]

In London and Berlin officials are already worrying about where the refugees might go

One suspects most of them will go to Russia, apparently 140,000 already have. Failing that Belarus and Poland are obvious candidates.

[DodgyAgent]

Putin has no choice but to secure Crimea. if he does not and simply allows Ukraine to go its own way they will run the risk of kicking out the Russian fleet. The Russian people would kick Putin out. The Russians and Ukrainians are basically friends so if Russia takes over Crimea there is little the west can do or should do other than isolate Russia economically.

The situation will escalate the more the Russians take over Ukraine though I am not sure the economy can sustain a full blown invasion and occupation.

[suityou01]

Russia has said China is largely "in agreement" over the situation in Ukraine after the other G8 nations condemned its intrusion into the country.

Why would China comment on a regional conflict that hasn't yet spiralled out of control, and in a completely different continent? This is too contrived. Did Russia comment on their recent rhetoric against Japan?

[doodab]

I hope you are right. There were those that were relieved when Harold Macmillan held "a piece of paper".

I suspect this is all a foregone conclusion, and the acts of diplomacy are there just to buy time.

Putin is getting away with what he can get away with. The only way we'll end up with NATO shooting at the Russians if is he actually tries to invade Europe proper, and as he has no chance of winning that war I doubt very much he's going to do it.

OTOH it might be best if he does try it, as then we can get rid of the silly ****er once and for all.

[doodab]

Why would China comment on a regional conflict that hasn't yet spiralled out of control, and in a completely different continent? This is too contrived. Did Russia comment on their recent rhetoric against Japan?

Because China also likes to annex places that aren't really Chinese.

Alternatively perhaps they and the Koreans are planning on joining in the 3rd world war as part of an unholy alliance with Russia, al queda, the iranians and the SNP.

[suityou01]

Putin is getting away with what he can get away with. The only way we'll end up with NATO shooting at the Russians if is he actually tries to invade Europe proper, and as he has no chance of winning that war I doubt very much he's going to do it.

OTOH it might be best if he does try it, as then we can get rid of the silly ****er once and for all.

I respectfully challenge your view. Putin saw Obama's reaction and backpedalling over Syria, and this has "emboldened" him, according to reports. Who knows what he thinks he can get away with. He is clearly planning for a conflict as the Russian troops are digging trenches on the border with Ukraine. He applied for (and got) permission to use military force in Ukraine, not Crimea, Ukraine.

His actions are those of someone about to go on a land grab.