Bad news has come out of the Munich Security Conference. From a Politico analysis:
While Western leaders are lauding themselves for their generosity towards Ukraine, the country’s armed forces are short of ammunition, equipment, and even men. The conference was opened by Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine’s President), who called for more assistance — and to do so quickly. He said, “We need speed.”
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris has turned the heat on Russia on a different front, accusing of “crimes against mankind.” She spoke on behalf of all victims, known and unknown: justice must prevail.
Russian leaders might be considering Nuremberg 2.0. This is bound to make some people in Moscow nervous, particularly those who are old enough to recall what happened to Slobodan Milosevic, the Yugoslav dictator.
Asia’s outlook is not less uncertain. Taiwan is still on edge as it tries to predict China’s next move. The news from Munich was not reassuring.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated that “What’s happening in Europe today could be happening in Asia tomorrow.”
The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi didn’t contradict this narrative. When asked about Beijing’s plans for Taiwan, Wang stated that Taiwan is part Chinese territory. Taiwan “has not been a country, and it will not be one in the future.”
Some attendees felt that the 1938 vibe was still echoed in the Bayerischer Hof, where the gathering took place. Bavaria’s capital hosted a conference in 1938 that led to the Munich Agreement. In it, European powers gave the Sudetenland over to Germany in an ill-conceived effort to preserve peace.
Great. It is clear that Russian soldiers have committed war crimes in Ukraine. If the US Vice President is now threatening that Russian leaders would be brought before a Nuremberg-style tribunal, what incentive will Russia have to negotiate a settlement? I don’t get the diplomatic game, except it’s to increase our willingness to start World War III.
This seems to me right:
The modern Western security conference is where leaders of nations – that are struggling to muster any money for raise/train/sustain of their own dilapidated defences – talk a lot about what “we need to think about” as if “we” is not a collection of mostly delinquent Europeans https://t.co/givo8FWqTM
Gray Connolly (@GrayConnolly February 18, 2023
Take a look at this: Europe cannot even gather majorities to defend its own countries in the event of an invasion.
They’re also preparing to send more money and weapons to Ukraine, increasing the chances of war spreading. Are they expecting that American troops would be fighting in the event of a larger war? Are the Americans able to understand what is happening here?
“Top House Republicans Call on Biden To Increase Support for Ukraine”. Excerpt
McCaul warns that Russia could benefit from hedging support for Ukraine as it approaches the one-year anniversary. This could allow anti-Ukraine dissidents to grow.
“The more (Biden administration officials drag this out), the more they play into (Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s) hands. He wants it to be a prolonged war, because he knows he could lose. We may lose the will of our people and Congress,” the Texas Republican said to CNN from the Munich Security Conference in Germany.
Over the past year, nearly $50 billion worth of aid and equipment has been sent by the US and its allies to Ukraine’s military. The Pentagon is racing to rebuild its stockpiles and keep this pace up. It has begun the largest increase in ammunition production for decades, and put portions of the US defense sector on a war footing, despite America technically not being at War.
Brown asked McCaul if he believed the US was considering sending F-16 fighter planes to Ukraine. McCaul responded, “I hope so,” while reiterating his concern about a prolonged conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and adding, “I think there is momentum building for this to occur.”
McCaul stated, “The truth is, the more they wait, and the longer this conflict will prevail.”
US Senator Lindsey Graham agreed with that sentiment, telling ABC Sunday in an interview that aired Sunday, that US lawmakers at the Munich Security Conference were “virtually united belief” that the US should train Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighter jets.
“I believe that a decision will be made when we return to Washington. That the administration will begin training Ukrainian pilots with the F-16. Graham stated that they need the weapon system.
Now, the very stable geniuses who led America into the Iraq/Afghan debacles are recommending that we send fighter jets to Ukraine. Can you see the direction this is heading? Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban does. This long segment is his State of the Nation speech on Saturday. Some parts have been highlighted in boldface
2023 is the most difficult year. In addition to migration, which is becoming a permanent feature of our society, there are two new enemies and two new threats: inflation and war. We must defeat these threats if we are to return to the upward trajectory that the COVID pandemic forced us to, and we must do so by fighting our way through them. How? This is what I will discuss today.
How can we defeat the threat of war? We would like to end the war, but we don’t have the power. If we want to save Hungary and live a peaceful existence for ourselves, there is only one option: We must not join the Russo–Ukrainian conflict. This has been difficult so far, and it will be even more difficult in the future. We are part of the West world, NATO and the European Union are both members, and everyone is either on the side or pretends to be. Can Hungary afford not to be on the side for peace when these circumstances are directly against those of our allies. We can because Hungary is an independent, sovereign, free state and God is above all of us.
Is it morally right for us to avoid war? It is my conviction that it is right and the right thing. Russia attacked Ukraine so we must allow Ukrainian refugees to enter our country. We have done a great job in supporting them with one of the largest humanitarian aid operations in our country’s recent history. We are following the basic human need. We also realize that the war in Ukraine does not involve armies of good or evil. It is a conflict between the troops from two Slavic nations: a limited war in time and – at the moment – in space. It is their war and not ours. Hungary recognizes Ukraine’s right of self defense and to fight against aggression from the outside. However, it would be wrong from any perspective – even moral – to place Ukraine’s interests above those of Hungary.
The Left in Hungary supports war. It would supply arms and take on the financial burden. This is not what we are doing. We are not providing arms. We are also careful with money because the money due us will ultimately be paid by Brussels to Ukraine. We don’t believe that humanitarian support for Ukraine should mean cutting off our ties to Russia. This would be against our national interests which we are free to determine. We will not accept any gas, oil, or nuclear sanctions that could ruin Hungary. We know from the national consultation that there is national unity in this area. We are maintaining our economic relationships with Russia and we advise the entire West to do so. Without relations, there will not be a ceasefire or peace negotiations. We are against the idea of priests and church leaders being put on sanctions lists. It is unacceptable that artists and athletes could be placed on these lists.
It is important to not limit our vision and to not be too provincial. Let’s look beyond Brussels. Each country is well aware of the importance of the war in Ukraine, and of the primacy of its national interests. We must not ignore the well-informed part of the world. It is not realistic for the Hungarian government to believe that Russia poses a threat to Europe or Hungary’s security. This assumption is only valid in the context of nuclear weapons. However, the war in Ukraine increases the likelihood of them being used rather than decreasing it. The Ukraine war has demonstrated that Russia will not be able to defeat NATO in conventional warfare. The Ukrainians may be trying to convince Europe that they will not stop until the Atlantic is reached by the Russians, but the Hungarians don’t buy that threat. The entire world has realized that the Russian forces are not in an advantageous position to attack NATO and that they will not stop until they reach the Atlantic. We can recall how regrettable it was that that proposal fell on deaf ears a decade ago.
Dear Friends
Our pro-peace and pro-war positions of others highlight differences between us but they obscure the fact we are fully in agreement about our strategic goals. We don’t want Russia to pose a threat to Europe. We also want a sufficient wide and deep border between Russia and Hungary. A sovereign Ukraine is our goal. Our differences lie in how we view the best way to accomplish this. While those who support war believe that Russia can be defeated, we believe that negotiations and an immediate ceasefire are possible. Another argument supports our proposal is that a ceasefire is the only thing that will save lives. Already, the loss of life is being felt in the hundreds of thousands. A ceasefire is the only way to end the suffering of widowhood, orphans, and other afflictions.
Both ladies and gentlemen
Some important and significant truths have been revealed by the war. We must not ignore them. The first is our NATO membership. Let’s be clear: NATO membership is essential for Hungary. We are too far east, at the eastern edge of western Europe, to abandon it. It would be much easier if we were closer in. Following the lead of Austria and Switzerland we could also play with neutrality. History has not allowed us this luxury. NATO is a defense alliance. NATO is a military defense alliance that was created to help us defend each other. This is why we joined and why, looking back at 45 years of Soviet occupation, I felt the historic pleasure of signing the Treaty of Accession. Understanding what NATO is not is just as important. NATO is not a military alliance. NATO is not a coalition. NATO membership does not imply any obligation to any member other than joint defense. Neither can member countries expect another member to attack a third nation for some common military objective. NATO membership does not imply any obligation beyond joint defense. Member countries cannot expect other members to attack a third country for a common military objective.
Dear Friends
No matter how powerful or strong, anyone who believes they can manage, monitor, and slowly calibrate war operations is either overestimating their power or not realizing the terrible realities of frontline warfare. We live here and the war is in a neighboring country. Hungarians have, however, sacrificed their lives while the Brusselites are still at home. Hungarian symbols are being removed in Munkacs/Mukachevo while Hungarian principals have been dismissed from our schools. Many are also dying at the front. This is not fair to the Transcarpathia Hungarian minority. Respect for Hungarians in Munkacs/Mukachevo and Kyiv/Kiev.
Both ladies and gentlemen
Europe is heading towards war. It is trying to balance on a narrow plank. It is already in conflict with Russia indirectly through its other countries. If you supply weapons or provide satellite information for military actions, if your soldiers are trained by one of the belligerents, and if the entire state apparatus of either belligerent is funded, and you impose sanctions, then you are in war for the moment – indirectly. It is now a constant risk that you will be drawn in. It began with helmets. Then, it continued with non-lethal equipment. We are seeing tanks being shipped, fighter planes on the agenda, and we will soon hear about “peacekeeping troops”. It is reminiscent of sleeping on top of a building. It is also important to understand why the pro-war folks fell prey to somnambulism, and how they got to the rooftops. We understand our Baltic and Polish friends, despite all of our disagreements. Their history is very important. What about the rest?
It’s amazing to me that our leaders are attempting to turn us into World War III. Orban is correct: NATO is a defense alliance and not an offensive one. It is engaged in offensive actions against Ukraine. He’s correct. Do you want to see American soldiers shooting on Russian soldiers for the sake Ukraine? You should be. This is where we are heading. This is where we are going.
We have not learned anything. Failure or success in the mission does not determine your advancement. Who cares about Iraq or Afghanistan? Who cares about the fact that the Pentagon has lied for many years to Congress regarding Afghanistan — the evidence is in government documents ( “The Afghanistan Papers”). Don’t dwell on past events, children! Think about the future! Congress doesn’t care. The Pentagon isn’t concerned. Let’s march for Moscow! What could go wrong?
Do you recall what an idiot bunch we were? mea maxima to believe that Iraq had a large WMD arsenal and that Saddam was an international terrorist mastermind. We had to ensure that the “smoking gun” was not a mushroom cloud. Et cetera? Who was the one who paid for this deception? They used the trust we placed in our leaders after the 9/11 attacks to their advantage. They betrayed our trust. They betrayed us again, and they haven’t had to answer. Starting March 19, 2003
U.S. U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican from South Carolina) made this statement about hostilities between the United States of America and Saddam Hussein’s regime. “Now that hostilities are underway, it is time for our nation to unite and support our uniformed men and women. All past disagreements between Americans should be forgotten in favor of our common commitment to seeing this effort through. Our thoughts and prayers go out to our Marines, sailors, and soldiers in combat. “I understand fully why President Bush had the need to use force to disarm Saddam Hussein. Since many months, it has been obvious that Saddam Hussein would not part with his weapons mass destruction. Saddam Hussein must be replaced. Bush chose the best option for him and his nation.
He wants to send F-16s into Ukraine. Why not? Sen. Graham learned that there is no price for being wrong about the war.
As Gov. DeSantis takes down the DEI evil in Florida state institutions, and it’s full steam ahead for Pentagon.
Diversity is an essential strategic imperative for mission readiness and achievement. As DoD_ODEI Summit 2023, we were there as DEIA experts to lead forums that advanced the DoD mission and the DEIA mission. Because our people matter. pic.twitter.com/VX42BC1Imo
— Department of Defense (@DeptofDefense February 18, 2023
Yes, America can only be protected if we are diverse, inclusive, and able ( even if we have flabby fatties). How did we win World War II?! It’s a mystery for all ages!
Is it not obvious that those who don’t agree with Western institutions are considered crackpot fanatics or haters by the Western elite? They need to be driven from the professions and marginalized till we die. The leadership of Europe is about democratic values until a European population votes in a way that Brussels does not like. Over the past 20 years, Washington has experienced periods of Republican dominance. However, little to no protection was given to conservatives who do not share the elite class’s views. We would have a different country today if Republican politicians cared as much about Russia’s culture war elites as they did about Ukraine over the past 20 years. It is easier to support faraway Ukrainians than to stand with the deplorables of their country. (And Democrats who idolize Ukrainians would die a thousand before they would be willing to live in a community with these religiously and socially conservative people. You GOP-voting Deplorables, have illegal immigration been stopped? Can’t do it, sorry. Do you want to end objectively racist anti-white policies and the racial/sexual radicalization of public school? You’re right, normie Republicans. THAT’S BIG GOVERNMENT TELLING! Listen to this!
I hate Russia’s invasion in Ukraine. Putin is a thug and runs a thugocracy. Saddam Hussein was a world-famous terrorist, but the US war on Iraq opened the doors to even worse evils, despite the warnings of our leaders. As horrible as Putin may be, I don’t want to start World War III over the Russia-Ukraine conflict. I also have zero faith that the majority of elected leaders in Washington of both sides, or within the US military brass will act in the United States’ national interest. Or will tell the truth about their actions, past and future. I have learned this over the past twenty years.
