Russia is a regional power – but US is most powerful nation in the world, Obama warns Putin (gas price, accuse)

[Hyperthetic]

Originally Posted by Michigantown

This natural gas thing is going to create some conspiracy theories.

Weaponized farts!

I've had them for years.

Sometimes it hard to keep them contained.

[Hyperthetic]

Originally Posted by Dane_in_LA

In 1939 Germany was in a roaring economic recovery and had the world's most modern military. Russia barely edges out Italy in GDP.

More to the point, in 1939 there were no superpowers. Regional powers were it.

Not even Aaangland?

[GregW]

I think Russia is smart enough to leave the rest of the Ukraine to stew in its own mess. Russia wanted the Crimea and the port of Sevastopol. The Ukrainians can keep Kiev and Odessa.

[Hoonose]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

Russia, China and India would make a very formidable competitor.
And they are not wallowing in debt like us and our European allies.

There is a chess game going on.
And we're losing.

The EU will be impacted by tough sanctions while we won't.
Is Obama speaking on behalf of the EU as well ?
Is Obama speaking on behalf of the UN ? I thought the UN had a leader.

One major reason the USA is the dominant power in the world is because of our debt. Our debt means the world will continue to demand USD. NOT Yuan, Rupees or Rubles. But I would anticipate more world demands for Yuan down the road. In 10 years, China and the Yuan may be more significant as an investment opportunity and world reserve for us all.

[Swingblade]

Originally Posted by GregW

I think Russia is smart enough to leave the rest of the Ukraine to stew in its own mess. Russia wanted the Crimea and the port of Sevastopol. The Ukrainians can keep Kiev and Odessa.

You are right the rest of Ukraine has the IMF working them over why would Russia want them?

[Dane_in_LA]

Originally Posted by Hyperthetic

Not even Aaangland?

Not in the modern sense of the word, no.

[Volobjectitarian]

Originally Posted by Michigantown

China more energy independent than the U.S.? lol Also the US us the world's largest natural gas producer and is have a natural gas boom.

Sorry dude, but you're wrong. Comparing energy production to consumption:

Russia = +23 quadrillion BTU, net producer
China = +17 quadrillion BTU, net producer

US = -27 quadrillion BTU, net consumer
France = -6 quadrillion BTU, net consumer
Germany = -9.5 quadrillion BTU, net consumer
UK = -3 quadrillion BTU, net consumer

Or in kiloton of oil equivalent production:

China = 2.4 million ktn oil equ.
Russia = 1.3 ktn oil equ.
US = 1.8 million ktn oil equ.

China is more energy independent than the US. They aren't as energy "efficient" on a BTU consumed per dollar of GDP basis, but that's because they are still developing the entire nation and have a depressed GDP, but they are a net producer of energy and we are a net consumer. Additionally, they ARE THE RARE EARTH METAL market, as in all of it, upon which all advanced technology depends, they are far friendlier with Russia and closer geographically, and they own a lot more oil lease rights in the Middle East and have a better shipping relationship with the oil powers of the Middle East.

And because America might have lots of untapped reserves, we have a huge political problem to overcome, because American society thinks energy production is bad and we should all be solar/wind hippies living in tents. China and Russia do not share this national delusion, and they sure as hell don't share our national distaste for doing serious business with Islamic theocracies and/or dictatorships.

Now let's add in nuclear power. Russia/China/Khazhakstan are 25% of the world's uranium reserve, and all buddy buddy. Australia is 30% of the world's uranium. Let's do the easy math on where Australia butters their bread where any serious global economic issues are concerned? Hmm...who is Australia's number one trade partner? Which country has Australia sold the most rights of resource extraction to? Who is the largest holder of Australian debt? Hmm....

The US is not the relative global power she once was, no matter what you read in the NY Times that tells you different. Just wait until a Republican is President again, then you'll get the truth about the world from the media that you aren't getting now.

[Clint.]

No American president with any regard for the U.S. people would start a war against Russia. Americans might console themselves they'd 'win' in the end, but in the meantime tens of millions of citizens would die as major U.S. cities were destroyed. It wouldn't be Iraq.

[iNviNciBL3]

Originally Posted by HappyTexan

Russia, China and India would make a very formidable competitor.
And they are not wallowing in debt like us and our European allies.

There is a chess game going on.
And we're losing.

The EU will be impacted by tough sanctions while we won't.
Is Obama speaking on behalf of the EU as well ?
Is Obama speaking on behalf of the UN ? I thought the UN had a leader.

Originally Posted by Clint.

Oh, and Russia-China will be trading energy in their own currencies. Russia has no interest in fighting wars. That is a U.S. hobby.

These people are getting desperate with their love with Putin that they are starting to say silly things

[GHOSTRIDER AZ]

Originally Posted by All American NYC

Legally, no one is obliged to do anything at all. But all sides are obliged to follow their end of the agreement if they have any hope of being taken seriously in future agreements. For instance, Russia shirked their end of the agreement, and now it is highly unlikely that any other nation will give up their own weapons or defense systems in exchange for Russian protection.

Of course Putin is going to blow off the President Obama , with his leading from behind policy. But It promising Obama is going actually looking a little Presidential. Like have said this a great opportunity to sort restart.

As a Nation we must strong, despite Obama Polices I disagree with strongly.