Crimea

Dr. Paul Craig Roberts: Pushing Toward The Final War

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Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury during President Reagan’s first term. He was Associate Editor of the Wall Street Journal. He has held numerous academic appointments, including the William E. Simon Chair, Center for Strategic and International Studies, Georgetown University, and Senior Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University.

– Pushing Toward The Final War (Paul Craig Roberts, March 28, 2014):

Does Obama realize that he is leading the US and its puppet states to war with Russia and China, or is Obama being manipulated into this disaster by his neoconservative speech writers and government officials? World War 1 (and World War 2) was the result of the ambitions and mistakes of a very small number of people. Only one head of state was actually involved–the President of France.

In The genesis Of The World War, Harry Elmer Barnes shows that World War 1 was the product of 4 or 5 people. Three stand out: Raymond Poincare`, President of France, Sergei Sazonov, Russian Foreign Minister, and Alexander Izvolski, Russian Ambassador to France. Poincare` wanted Alsace-Lorraine from Germany, and the Russians wanted Istanbul and the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. They realized that their ambitions required a general European war and worked to produce the desired war.

Read moreDr. Paul Craig Roberts: Pushing Toward The Final War

Putin Calls Obama To ‘Draw Attention To Ukraine Extremists’, Obama Replies With Request For Putin To Pull Out

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– Putin Calls Obama To “Draw Attention To Ukraine Extremists”, Obama Replies With Request For Putin To Pull Out (ZeroHedge, March 28, 2014):

Moments ago the White House made a fine point of announcing that – for the first time since the Ukraine crisis erupted and led to the unanswered annexation of Crimea by Russia – Putin called the White House first to discuss what was vaguely enough described as “a diplomatic resolution to the crisis in Ukraine.” However a more detailed read through of what actually happened reveals that there is less here than meets the eye (as a rational person would suspect since any truly good news would have been divulged during market trading hours).

As the Kremlin’s own interpretation of the call between the two leaders discloses, “Vladimir Putin drew Barack Obama’s attention to continued rampage of extremists who are committing acts of intimidation towards peaceful residents, government authorities and law enforcement agencies in various regions and in Kiev with impunity.”

Read morePutin Calls Obama To ‘Draw Attention To Ukraine Extremists’, Obama Replies With Request For Putin To Pull Out

Obama Tries Stand Up Comedy … Bombs

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Mission-Accomplished-Obama

FLASHBACK:

Genocide:

– Two US-Led Wars In Iraq Have Left Behind Hundreds Of Tonnes Of Depleted Uranium Munitions and Other Toxic Wastes

– MUST-SEE: Former Head Of Pentagon’s Depleted Uranium Project Dr. Doug Rokke On Depleted Uranium (Video)

– Depleted Uranium Shells Worse Than Nuclear Weapons (Natural News):

Inhaled or ingested DU particles are highly toxic, and DU has been classified as an illegal weapon of mass destruction by the United Nations.

“More than ten times the amount of radiation released during atmospheric testing [of nuclear bombs] has been released from DU weaponry since 1991,” said Leuren Moret, a U.S. nuclear scientist.

“The genetic future of the Iraqi people, for the most part, is destroyed. The environment now is completely radioactive.”

“Because DU has a half-life of 4.5 billion years, the Middle East will, for all practical purposes, be radioactive forever.”

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– Obama Tries Stand Up Comedy … Bombs (Washington’s Blog, March 27, 2014):

President Obama tried his hand at stand up comedy.  Here’s the punchline:

Russia has pointed to America’s decision to go into Iraq as an example of Western hypocrisy. Now, it is true that the Iraq war was a subject of vigorous debate, not just around the world but in the United States, as well. I participated in that debate, and I opposed our military intervention there.

But even in Iraq, America sought to work within the international system. We did not claim or annex Iraq’s territory. We did not grab its resources for our own gain. Instead, we ended our war and left Iraq to its people in a fully sovereign Iraqi state that can make decisions about its own future.

We get the joke …  For example, we know that:

Read moreObama Tries Stand Up Comedy … Bombs

Obama Says ‘Bigger Nations Cannot Simply Bully Smaller Ones’. Wait … What?

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– Obama says ‘bigger nations cannot simply bully smaller ones’. Wait… what? (RT, March 27, 2014):

President Obama’s key speech in Brussels on Ukraine and attempts to isolate Russia appears to be an exercise of omission, mutually-exclusive statements and unveiled double standards.

Here’s a quick look at what Obama told an audience of some 2,000 people in his damning 30-minute speech.

“Each of us has the right to live as we choose.”

But it’s true only for those good pro-European protesters in Kiev, who used firebombs and batons to make their point. The bad pro-Russian residents of Crimea are not allowed to, right?

 “Together, we’ve condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and rejected the legitimacy of the Crimean referendum.”

That’s right. Referendum = bad. Firebombs = good.

Well, Obama says Russia invaded Ukraine while the US and the EU stayed at arm’s length and allowed things to settle down.

“Make no mistake, neither the United States nor Europe has any interest in controlling Ukraine.”

Read moreObama Says ‘Bigger Nations Cannot Simply Bully Smaller Ones’. Wait … What?

Anger, Disbelief As Obama Defends US Invasion of Iraq

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H/t reader M. G.:

“More unbelievable stuff, the clown is now defending the invasion of Iraq…………”

Mission-Accomplished-Obama

– Anger, Disbelief as Obama Defends US Invasion of Iraq (Common Dreams, March 26, 2014):

‘In order to not appear hypocritical, Obama rewrites history around Iraq War while denouncing Russia’
– Jon Queally, staff writer

President Obama is on the receiving end of scorn for remarks made during a high-profile speech in Brussels on Wednesday in which he defended the U.S. invasion of Iraq in an attempt to chastise Russia for recent developments in Crimea and Ukraine.

Speaking to the international community about the ongoing crisis in Ukraine and fending off repeated accusations that the U.S. has lost its moral authority given the invasion of Iraq and other breaches of international law in recent years, Obama said:

Read moreAnger, Disbelief As Obama Defends US Invasion of Iraq

Crisis In Ukraine: Will Sanctions Hurt The West More Than Russia? (Video)

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Added: Mar 20, 2014

Description:

Andrew Malcolm and Terry Jones of Investor’s Business Daily join Glenn Reynolds to discuss the Ukrainian crisis. Russian President Vladimir Putin invaded the Crimean peninsula notwithstanding warnings from President Obama. Obama announced sanctions against Russia, but will they work? Could these sanctions ultimately hurt the west more than Russia? Find out.

Former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt: Russia’s Actions In Crimea Justified

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– German ex-chancellor: Russia’s actions in Crimea justified (ITAR-TASS, March 26, 2014):

BERLIN, March 26. /ITAR-TASS/. German ex-chancellor Helmut Schmidt has sharply criticised the West’s position on the settlement of the crisis in Ukraine.

“The EU and US sanctions against Russia are stupid and any economic pressure would have symbolic significance,” Schmidt said on Wednesday.

Read moreFormer German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt: Russia’s Actions In Crimea Justified

Barack Obama: ‘Russia Is A Regional Power’ Showing Weakness Over Ukraine

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Putin-laughing

– Barack Obama: Russia is a regional power showing weakness over Ukraine (Guardian, March 25, 2014):

President rejects claims Russia is a principal foe, saying actions in Ukraine an expression of vulnerability rather than strength

President Barack Obama has described Russia as no more than a “regional power” whose actions in Ukraine are an expression of weakness rather than strength, as he restated the threat from the G7 western allies and Japan that they would inflict much broader sanctions if Vladimir Putin went beyond annexation of Crimea and moved troops into eastern Ukraine.

Speaking at the end of a summit on nuclear security in The Hague, Obama rejected the suggestion made by Mitt Romney – his Republican challenger in the last president election – that Russia was the United States’ principal geopolitical foe. The president said he was considerably more concerned about the threat of a terrorist nuclear bomb attack on New York.

Read moreBarack Obama: ‘Russia Is A Regional Power’ Showing Weakness Over Ukraine

Obama Demands Russia Leave G-8; June Summit Cancelled While Ukraine Deploys Army Along Borders

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obama angry

– Obama Demands Russia Leave G-8; June Summit Cancelled While Ukraine Deploys Army Along Borders (ZeroHedge, March 24, 2014):

UK Prime Minister David Cameron stated that it is “absolutely clear” that the G-8 Summit scheduled for June in Sochi, Russia will not go ahead. But it is President Obama that appears to be pressing the hardest for major changes:

  • OBAMA SAID TO PRESS ALLIES TO SUSPEND RUSSIA FROM G8: WSJ

This comes at a time when Ukraine forces are being withdrawn from Crimea and deployed to North, South, and East borders of the region.  Meanwhile, Ukraine is taking its soldiers pulled from Crimea and deploying them along all other borders.

  • UKRAINE’S PARUBIY: PRIORITY IS TO PROTECT BORDERS, LEAVE CRIMEA
  • UKRAINE DEPLOYS ARMY TO NORTH, SOUTH, EAST BORDERS: PARUBIY
  • UKRAINE HAS MOBILIZED MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE, PARUBIY SAYS

David Cameron says G-8 Summit Scrapped:

There will be no G8 summit in Russia this year, David Cameron said in a further ign of efforts to isolate Moscow over the Ukraine crisis.

The Prime Minister said it was “absolutely clear” the meeting could not go ahead.

Read moreObama Demands Russia Leave G-8; June Summit Cancelled While Ukraine Deploys Army Along Borders

Massive Anti-Maidan Rallies Grip Eastern Ukraine As Residents Demand Referendum

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– Massive anti-Maidan rallies grip eastern Ukraine as residents demand referendum (RT, March 23, 2014):

Rallies have swept eastern Ukraine, with residents protesting against Kiev’s coup-imposed government and demanding a referendum to decide on the future of the region. Thousands took to the streets in Kharkov, Donetsk, Lugansk, and Odessa on Sunday.

About 5,000 protesters gathered in the city of Kharkov on Sunday to rally in favor of federalizing the country and holding people’s referendums in eastern Ukraine.

The demonstrators also demanded to make Russian the official language of the Kharkov region. Russian is the most common first language in the eastern regions.

Read moreMassive Anti-Maidan Rallies Grip Eastern Ukraine As Residents Demand Referendum

Ukrainian Navy Flagship Hoists Russian Flag

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Ukrainian Navy Flagship Slavutich

– Ukrainian Navy Flagship Hoists Russian Flag (RIA Novosti, March 23, 2014):

SEVASTOPOL, March 23 (RIA Novosti) – The Ukrainian Navy flaghsip Slavutich has raised the Russian flag in Sevastopol, local media said Sunday.

The ship raised the Russian flag after negotiations on Saturday evening, the Kryminform news agency said.

“There was no storm. The Slavutich hoisted the Russian flag and the crew went ashore,” the agency quoted a representative of the Crimean self-defense forces as saying.

According to the Kryminform news agency, no ships under Ukrainian flags have left in Crimea.

Ukraine’s only submarine, the Zaporizhzhia, also raised the Russian flag on Saturday.

Read moreUkrainian Navy Flagship Hoists Russian Flag

Power Line ‘Accidents’ Reduce Energy Supply From Ukraine To Crimea

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– Power line accidents reduce energy supply from Ukraine to Crimea (RT, March 23, 2014):

Electricity supply to Crimea has been reduced by half and the region is experiencing rotating blackouts following two accidents on power lines coming from Ukraine, Crimea’s energy company says.

Earlier, Crimean Vice-PM Rustam Temirgaliev said that Ukrainian national energy company Ukrenergo reduced the electricity supply to Crimea by 50 percent. “Ukrenegro reduced the power in its power lines cutting the amount of supplied energy by half,” the top official told Kryminfo news agency.

Read morePower Line ‘Accidents’ Reduce Energy Supply From Ukraine To Crimea

Ukraine’s East Rallies For Secession Referendum

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– Ukraine’s east rallies for secession referendum (AP, March 22, 2014):

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP) — More than 5,000 pro-Russia residents of a major city in Ukraine’s east demonstrated on Saturday in favor of holding a referendum on whether to seek to split off and become part of Russia.

The rally in Donetsk came less than a week after the Ukrainian region of Crimea approved secession in a referendum regarded as illegitimate by the Western countries. After the referendum, Russia moved to formally annex Crimea.

With Crimea now effectively under the control of Russian forces, which ring Ukrainian military bases on the strategic Black Sea peninsula, concern is rising that Ukraine’s eastern regions will agitate for a similar move.

Russia has brought large military contingents to areas near the border with eastern Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said there is no intention to move into eastern Ukraine, but the prospect of violence between pro- and anti-secession groups in the east could be used as a pretext for sending in troops.

Read moreUkraine’s East Rallies For Secession Referendum

Russia, Ukraine, Putin And The New Cold War With Abby Martin (Video)

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FYI.


Added: Mar 21, 2014

Description:

Russia, Ukraine, and the crisis in Crimea, plus criticizing Vladimir Putin on RT is discussed with Breaking the Set host, Abby Martin. The new cold war, and need to use diplomacy to prevent World War III is looked at with Martin in this Buzzsaw interview hosted by Sean Stone.

GUEST BIO:
When Abby Martin began streaming her thoughts and emotions through a paint brush at 19, she discovered her niche. The elaborate and intricate detail that flows from her onto the canvas in a perfect distribution of dots and swirls reflects this introspective artist’s ability to juggle and organize the chaos of the human mind into a comprehensive piece of fully charged beauty.

Read moreRussia, Ukraine, Putin And The New Cold War With Abby Martin (Video)

The Crimean Gambit: Putin’s Triumph

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putin-chess

– The Crimean Gambit – Putin’s Triumph (CounterPunch, Weekend Edition March 21-23, 2014):

by ISRAEL SHAMIR

Nobody expected events to move on with such a breath-taking speed. The Russians took their time; they sat on the fence and watched while the Brown storm-troopers conquered Kiev, and they watched while Mrs Victoria Nuland of the State Department and her pal Yatsenyuk (“Yats”) slapped each other’s backs and congratulated themselves on their quick victory. They watched when President Yanukovych escaped to Russia to save his skin. They watched when the Brown bands moved eastwards to threaten the Russian-speaking South East. They patiently listened while Mme Timoshenko, fresh out of gaol, swore to void treaties with Russia and to expel the Russian Black Sea Fleet from its main harbour in Sevastopol. They paid no heed when the new government appointed oligarchs to rule Eastern provinces. Nor did they react when children in Ukrainian schools were ordered to sing “Hang a Russian on a thick branch” and the oligarch-governor’s deputy promised to hang dissatisfied Russians of the East as soon as Crimea is pacified. While these fateful events unravelled, Putin kept silence.

Read moreThe Crimean Gambit: Putin’s Triumph

Putin Grateful To China, India For “Support” Over Crimea

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– Putin Grateful To China, India For “Support” Over Crimea (ZeroHedge, March 20, 2014):

While the most vocal mouthpieces of the western world’s nations are loudly condemning Vladimir Putin’s actions in Crimea – despite Ukraine itself suggesting he can keep it for a price – it appears the rest of the world is less voracious in its condemnation. As Putin noted this morning “we are grateful to all those who understood our actions in Crimea,” Putin said. “We are grateful to the people of China, whose leadership sees the situation in Crimea in all its historical and political integrity. We highly appreciate India’s restraint and objectivity.”

It would appear there are a number of nations that are “supportive” of Russia’s actions…Via Voice of Russia,

“We are grateful to all those who understood our actions in Crimea,”

Read morePutin Grateful To China, India For “Support” Over Crimea

Ron Paul Warns ‘We’re Just Stirring Up Trouble In Crimea’ (Video):

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– Ron Paul Warns “We’re Just Stirring Up Trouble In Crimea” (ZeroHedge, March 20, 2014):

“I think it was wrong for us to get involved and participate in the overthrow of the government,” exclaims Ron Paul in this brief clip, adding the US is “stirring up trouble in Crimea.” The American people are “tired of it,” and “it would be best for us to stay out.” The US doesn’t need another war – and certainly can’t afford it – and “we don’t want trade wars.” Simply put, he concludes, “it’s best we stay out.”

Gaza Strip Also Wants To Join Russia

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FYI.

– Gaza Strip also wants to join Russia – Hamas website (Voice of Russia, March 19, 2014):

According to online reports, the treaty on Crimea being accepted into Russia has prompted the setting up of an initiative group that will draw up a proposal for the Palestinian enclave in Israel to hold a referendum on joining the Russian Federation, too. This is reported by the Russian-language version of the Palestinian Information Centre.

Read moreGaza Strip Also Wants To Join Russia

Top 10 Powerful Quotes From Putin’s Historic Crimea Address – Full Speech (Video)

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– Top 10 powerful quotes from Putin’s historic Crimea address (RT, March 19, 2014):

In perhaps the most pivotal address of the post-Soviet era, Russian President Vladimir Putin told the West to cut the bull on two decades of double standards and put the Cold War to rest. Here are the top 10 moments from his barn-burning address.

When Putin welcomed the West to the concept of international law:

quote-1

When Putin said that, despite the stereotype, it’s the West who’s acted like a bull…or bear… in a china shop:

Read moreTop 10 Powerful Quotes From Putin’s Historic Crimea Address – Full Speech (Video)

John McCain’s 11-Step Plan To Impose ‘Costs’ On Russia

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John-McCain-AIPAC

– John McCain’s 11-Step Plan To Impose “Costs” On Russia (ZeroHedge, March 19, 2014):

U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) released the following statement on the need to provide greater support to Ukraine and impose additional costs on Russia in the wake of the Russian government’s annexation of Crimea today… clearly seeking the diplomatic way out…

Statement by Senator John McCain on Ukraine

“In response to the Russian government’s annexation of Crimea today, the United States should provide greater support to Ukraine and impose additional costs on Russia, including:

Read moreJohn McCain’s 11-Step Plan To Impose ‘Costs’ On Russia

Ukraine Folds? Prepares To Evacuate Citizens From Crimea

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– Ukraine Folds? Prepares To Evacuate Citizens From Crimea (ZeroHedge, March 19, 2014):

While Ukraine’s leaders have on one side threatened retaliation and will not stand for Russia’s annexation of Crimea, they have also suggested that they should be compensated for the loss of the region. However, the latest headlines from Interfax suggest that the Ukraine government has to some degree given up hope…

  • *UKRAINE GOVT ADOPTS PLAN TO EVACUATE CITIZENS FROM CRIMEA: IFX
  • *UKRAINE TO SETTLE CRIMEAN CITIZENS ELSEWHERE IN COUNTRY: IFX

While no details are known on the timing – or whether this includes the military – it certainly appears like Ukraine has ceded the region to Russia (leaving it tough for western sanctions to achieve anything now).

Russia Launches Military Aviation ‘Drills’ Near East Ukraine

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mig29-01

– Russia Launches Military Aviation “Drills” Near East Ukraine (ZeroHedge, March 19, 2014):

Just days before the annexation of Crimea, while promising that they would not instigate actions to antagonize the West, Russia launched a massive unscheduled military drill. Now, with Crimea under their pro-Russian forces control, and despite promises that Putin seeks to go no further than Crimea, the Wall Street Journal reports that Russia will begin unscheduled military aviation exercises in regions bordering Ukraine. The crews will be practicing “actions during airstrikes” on enemy military targets, communications jamming, air defense and attacks by military jets, the spokesman said.

Via WSJ,

Russia will begin military aviation exercises in regions bordering Ukraine, Interfax news agency reported citing a spokesman for the military Wednesday.

Read moreRussia Launches Military Aviation ‘Drills’ Near East Ukraine

Russian Forces Storm Ukraine Naval Base In Crimea: Klitschko Calls For Ukraine Troop Withdrawal

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– Russian Forces Storm Ukraine Naval Base In Crimea: Klitschko Calls For Ukraine Troop Withdrawal (ZeroHedge, March 19, 2014):

It only makes sense that now that Crimea is officially Russian territory once again, that the Russians would do with it as they see fit. Which they did. Overnight Russian troops and unarmed men stormed Ukraine’s naval headquarters in the Crimean port of Sevastopol and raised the Russian flag in what Reuters described as “a tense but peaceful takeover that signals Moscow’s intent to neutralize any armed opposition.” Russian soldiers, and so-called “self-defense” units of mainly unarmed volunteers who are supporting them across the Black Sea peninsula, moved in early in the morning and quickly took control.

Keep in mind that this took place the day after the Ukraine military authorized its forces to use weapons to defend themselves if attacked. Considering that they did not do that is only further evidence of just how seriously Putin and Russian generals take any attempts by Ukraine to “defend” itself.

Read moreRussian Forces Storm Ukraine Naval Base In Crimea: Klitschko Calls For Ukraine Troop Withdrawal

Has The World Gone Mad?

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– Has The World Gone Mad (Again)? (ZeroHedge, March 18, 2014):

A few select headlines from the day that made us, well, wonder…

  • OBAMA’S GOAL IS FOR RUSSIA TO STEP BACK IN CRIMEA, LEW SAYS (hope and change?)
  • CHINA SHOULD LOOSEN RESTRICTIONS OVER HOME PURCHASES: SEC. NEWS (but, but, but the reforms?)
  • DONETSK GOVERNOR (AND BROTHER) HAD MOAT DUG OUT ON RUSSIAN BORDER (and filled with crocodiles?)
  • BEIJING TO SPEND 20M YUAN TO CHANGE WEATHER TO CUT SMOG: DAILY (winning the war on weather and hence the economy)
  • PUTIN SPOKESMAN SAYS UKRAINE FORCES MUST CHOOSE SIDES: BBC (hhmm, tough decision)
  • FLAHERTY SAYS DECISION TO LEAVE POLITICS WAS NOT RELATED IN ANY WAY TO HIS HEALTH (just being pissed off)
  • CARNEY SAYS LOW RATE ENVIRONMENT IS CONDUCIVE TO COMPLACENCY (and water is wet and we’ll keep doing it)
  • IRS INFORMS EMPLOYEES OF PERSONAL INFORMATION DATA BREACH (shame really)
  • UKRAINE FAILS TO SELL DEBT AT DOMESTIC AUCTION: FIN MIN. (but TSLA did – shoulda sold stock)
  • BANK OF CANADA’S POLOZ SAYS HARD TO BELIEVE THAT RECENT ECONOMIC SOFTNESS IN CANADA IS ALL DUE TO THE WEATHER. (wait what?)
  • ESTONIA’S PRESIDENT ILVES SAYS EU RESPONSE “SHOULD NOT BE ABOUT THE PRICE OF GAS” (what else is there?)
  • U.S. TREASURY CORRECTS TICS DATA RELEASED EARLIER TODAY (#Ref/0)
  • KERRY SAYS PUTIN SPEECH “DIDN’T JIBE WITH REALITY” (YouTube reality?)
  • UKRAINE MAY SEEK COMPENSATION FOR CRIMEA ASSETS: PETRENKO (we don’t recognize it unless you pay us?)
  • MERKEL SAYS NO CHANGE IN RUSSIA G-8 STATUS FOR NOW (nope, they’d have to really cross the red line)
  • RUSSIA FELT ROBBED BY BREAKUP OF SOVIET UNION, PUTIN SAYS (uh oh)
  • CYPRUS OPPOSES MORE SANCTIONS ON RUSSIA: FOR’N MINISTER (RIK) (just capital controls is good)
  • SUGA: WILL DEAL APPROPRIATELY WITH PUTIN’S PLANNED JAPAN VISIT (umm what?)
  • PUTIN: RUSSIA WILL NEVER SEEK CONFRONTATIONS IN WEST, EAST (fingers crossed?)
  • JAPAN HALTS TALKS WITH RUSSIA ON VISA ISSUANCE (and nobody cared)
  • WHITE HOUSE CARNEY “I WOULDN’T IF I WERE YOU” INVEST IN RUSSIA (what do you think of TWTR?)
  • JAPAN DISPLAY STARTS TRADING 15% BELOW IPO PRICE IN TOKYO (shoulda IPO’d in USA)
  • VIETNAM DELAYS SOME BAD DEBT CLASSIFICATION UNTIL APRIL 2015 (will all be fixed by then)
  • SUGA: ABENOMICS WILL WITHOUT DOUBT LEAD TO ECONOMIC REVIVAL (yep no dooubt about it)

Has the world gone totally mad?

And then there’s this: