Stuff I Think You Should Know

There he goes again

Note: The link for this is from CNN, but my computer doesn't want to go to their site right now. Post will be properly linked when my computer decides to Act Rightâ„¢.

-confound it! Now CNN has updated their story, and I can't find the right link! Time to pull a Kos! Screw 'em! No link! Ha ha ha!!!

Whatever. Here's the post, anyway:

Dear Mr. Putin:

1. Open mouth.
2. Insert foot.

Didn't I just have to set you straight the other day? Wise up and pay attention.

Sincerely,
The Editorial Staff at SITYSKâ„¢

Well, good ol' Politburo Chairman RasPutin has added to his list of "I Love The 70's" moments. Apparently pining for the days of missile parades and chocolately Cold War goodness, he visited Israel, and, well... I'd'a kicked him out. Good thing I'm not in charge, I guess.

Russian President Vladimir Putin faced down Israeli criticism Thursday, saying that Russia's planned sale of anti-aircraft missiles to Syria and supply of nuclear components to Iran do not threaten Israel's security.

Interesting... and just how did you come about this theory? I'm not sure, but I do believe the only country that's ever had its planes shot down by Syrian missiles is Israel. Y'know, the three? four? times they tried to push the Eeeeeevil Jooooooooooosâ„¢ into the sea, and the Eeeeeevil Jooooooooooosâ„¢ refused to go.

As far as providing Iran with nuclear anything- that's stupid. I have a nifty idea for third-world countries run by psychotic dictators- if they say they need nuclear material to provide power for The Peopleâ„¢, don't believe them. They build bombs with that crap. *cough* North Korea *cough*

He also pledged to tackle the growing problem of anti-Semitism in his country.

That's nice, seeing as his country is second only to Nazi Germany in terms of historical pogroms against Jews.

Putin spoke on the second day of his historic visit to Israel -- the first trip here by a Kremlin leader. The trip was intended to cement Russia's rapprochement with the Jewish state and boost its profile in the international arena.

"I sure hope we can be friends, good buddy! -oh, that? Never mind that. That's just some stuff that the people who always try to kill you can eventually make a nuclear weapon out of. It can't hurt you."

Putin was greeted Thursday morning by the pomp of an official welcoming ceremony, complete with a military honor guard and Jewish, Muslim and Christian religious leaders.

But the visit was shadowed by disagreements with Israel over Russia's aid to Syria and Iran, two of Israel's staunchest enemies. Russia has provided assistance for Iran's nuclear program and has agreed to sell anti-aircraft missiles to Syria. Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said repeatedly the missiles pose a danger to Israel and wants Putin to halt the deal.

Which anyone with common sense could see.

Israeli Vice Premier Ehud Olmert said Thursday that Russia is selling Iran components that can be used to make non-conventional weapons, and that Russia's assistance to Iran is a cause of concern. Israel accuses Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, though Tehran says its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

Oh, well, then, they must be telling the truth! World leaders are always completely up front about their intentions!

*cough* Munich Pact *cough*

"His deal with Iran is not just an arms deal," Olmert told Army Radio on Thursday, referring to Putin. "He also supplies Iran with components that could be used for possible production of non-conventional weapons."

"Could"? "Possible"? You are far too nice.

The United States announced Wednesday it had authorized the sale of as many as 100 large bunker-buster bombs to Israel, which experts saw as a warning to Iran about its nuclear ambitions.

Which "experts"? I think the supply of nuclear weapons Israel already possesses should be enough of a deterrent- but Mutually Assured Destruction only works against countries that care about- or at least need for survival- their populations.

Putin defended the moves in talks with Katsav, who holds a largely ceremonial role, saying that Russia was sensitive to Israel's security concerns. "Regarding Iran, we are working to make sure their nuclear ability is used for peaceful means."

Really? What exactly are you doing? Asking them "pretty please with sugar on top"?

The agreement with Iran requires it to return all its spent nuclear fuel to Russia so it cannot be used for military purposes, Putin said. "I agree that these steps are not enough and we have to get Iran to agree to nuclear inspections," he said at a joint news conference in Jerusalem with Katzav.

You agree that what you're doing isn't enough. And your plan is to try something that's been tried countless times on evil regimes the world over- and has never worked. Good plan, genius.

He also sought to allay concerns about the Syrian arms deal, saying the missiles should pose no threat to Israel. "The missiles we are providing to Syria are short-range anti-aircraft missiles that cannot reach Israeli territory," he said. "To come within their range, you would have to attack Syria. Do you want to do that?"

Id. I. Ot. Has Israel ever attacked Syria? Have they ever attacked anyone? No. Have Arab missiles shot down Israeli planes? Yes. In wars that the Arabs started, where the IAF was attempting to drive out the invaders.

Israeli warplanes bombed alleged militant training bases outside Damascus on October 5, 2003, and have buzzed one of Syrian President Bashar Assad's palaces.

Always with the "alleged". The Mossad is very good at what they do, so I doubt a mistake was made. And if the Israelis said they bombed militant training bases, then by golly, that's what they bombed.

Oh, and by the way- show me the Syrian election results that show Assad is a "president". One of these days a real good rant on the proper use of that word is coming.

Putin said he had personally vetoed the sale of longer-range missiles to Syria out of concern for Israel's safety.

Aw, how sweet.

Officials close to the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Russia had already signed a deal with Syria for missiles with a range of 300 kilometers (185 miles). According to the officials, Putin told Katzav "then I checked and my experts told me that Israel has no way to intercept these missiles so I canceled the deal."

Well, I can't tell ya how much better that makes me feel, considering Israel's only about 60 miles across at its widest point. My guess is Syria didn't need missiles that can hit empty air above the Med three times as far away as the closest Israeli plane.

"We are taking the opinions and concerns of our partners into consideration, and not changing the balance of power in the region," Putin said at the news conference. "Israel has no problem here."

Aside from the constant threat of invasion and annihilation.

Israeli media reported Thursday that Sharon also opposes Russia's plan to sell military equipment to the Palestinians. Palestinian officials have said Russia is interested in selling armored vehicles to their security services for use in riot control. Israel fears the armored vehicles could fall into the hands of militants.

Or that they would skip the "falling into" step and just start out in the hands of the militants. This is Palestine we're talking about.

Putin began his visit here late Wednesday on a note of controversy, proposing, just before his arrival, that Russia host a Mideast peace conference in the fall, after Israel withdraws from Gaza. Palestinians warmly embraced the idea, but Israel and the United States brushed it aside.

He did not bring up the conference proposal during Thursday's news conference with Katsav, but said there was a unique opportunity to achieve peace in the region.

What opportunity is that? Set up an independent Palestinian state on the moon and arrange to transport all the Palestinians there?

"We think there is a chance now to achieve a just Israeli-Palestinian settlement ... much will depend on Israel's willingness and the Palestinians' willingness, first and foremost," Putin said.

It's kinda hard to reach an agreement when one party's stance is "All of you die" and the other's stance is "No."

Katsav said the two disagreed during their meeting on the weapons sales, with Katsav calling for Russia to pressure Syria to close the Damascus offices of Palestinian militant groups.

Despite the disagreements, Katsav warmly welcomed Putin's visit, which was seen as a dramatic gesture of support by a country that was once one of Israel's historic enemies.

And apparently still is. Let's see- 1967 and 1973- Arabs invade Israel with weapons they acquired from- guess which country. It wasn't France.

"I can say that I view Vladimir Putin as a friend of the state of Israel," he said.

The two men also discussed economic cooperation, Russia's role in the region and the fight against anti-Semitism. They also signed a vague joint statement urging perseverance in Mideast peace efforts and pledging continued cooperation in fighting terrorism.

Uh, Russia has to join the fight against terrorism before it can "continue".

There's a bit more to the article, but I didn't have anything to add. Plus I'm all writ out. Maybe I'm being too hard on the old boy, I don't know. He is, after all, Just Another European Politicianâ„¢. Me tired. Later.

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