Comments by "Emanon" (@Emanon...) on "CaspianReport" channel.

  1. As a Dane working with Swedes and Germans, I can attest to the above. In every other part of the world, we Danes are cold as ice. Compared to Germans and Swedes, we're apparently considered the "Italians of the North"
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  2. The irony is that the very actions of Russia to dominate its neighbours will inevitably lead to losing political and strategic influence.
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  3. And what's the main source of the decline, I wonder?
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  4. It makes sense that larger nations would seek to de-entangle themselves from the Dollar. But it won't be a single currency as there is no viable, stable alternative. The US would try to avoid this at all costs, at this means the free money show the last 80 years would come at an end with the massive US debt accrued suddenly becoming a millstone around the US economy.
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  5. Yeah, that's a shit argument. First of all, you can use the correct name. Persia is the Greek name for your lands. If Persian empires were so stable, why the fuck did you have so many of them? And dynastic stuggles within at almost every turn? With regards to the diaspora - how much of their Fars heritage have been kept? Not much, brother... I honestly don't care about Islam in Iran. But to solely blame a foreign invader 1400 years ago is a bit much, no? Just like Christians blaming Jews for Christ or Muslims blaming the Crusades.... And what about the Mongols? The Timurids? The Mughals then? I've met a lot of Iranians who, first of all, say they are "Persian" and secondly, simply don't know their own history. Be critical, thats fine. But stop inciting religious or racial bigotry by claiming that your culture was "oh so superior back then" and solely putting the blame on others. Why the fuck did you lose in only a couple of years, if you were so magnificent and stable and bla bla bla ? Huh? Why were your people converted so easily in a few generations? Btw: I say the same to the Arabs who blame their decline on the Crusades, the Mongol invasions, and the Turks. And to the Jews about the destruction of their temple and their enslavement in Babylon. Get. Over. It.
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  6. Which Iranian civilization? There were like 6-7 distinctly different ones. Bla bla bla blame the Arabs... Sorry but the Arabs were not in Iran since the 1100's. Get over it.
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  7. Know your history, my brother. The Arab empires 700-1100 (the decline coinciding with the rise of Al Ghazali), and in some case until the 12-1300's were beacons of learning, tolerance, debate and knowledge - From Andalusia to Sicily to Delhi. They certainly weren't perfect, but compared to middle age Europe life was not bad... If Islam was so "barbaric" how did it spread through trade and diplomacy to East Africa and Indonesia? From a historic stand point I'm sorry that there isn't more left of the great Persian civilizations. But to put them on a piedestal and assume everything was fantastic is simply factually wrong. The huge problem with Islam today, IMHO, is not the religion itself. Religion is malleable to the culture and will of its people. Just like ideology and technology. It's the general exploitation and lack of education during and after the colonial and ottoman eras that really put a hurt on these vastly different regions - which they are yet to recover from. Conservative Islam ie. Saudi Arabia and Iran are largely a nationalistic response in the aftermath of the colonial era. Where Europe used Fascism and Communism, the larger middle east chose to revive a conservative view of their religions - and replace it or their culture in some instances. I see your points, but your views are sorely lacking the nuance of the factual historic events. I'm guessing you are the sort that thinks "Religion is the root to all evil", am I right? Again, that's an easy one-liner statement, that shows a blatant ignorance of history, culture and societies in general. Lastly: Arabs are not only Islam, Islam is not only Arabs, though they each play a major part in each others history. And please refrain from openly racist language in the future. It's plainly hurtful and no way conducive to a proper discussion
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  8. "Special relationship" much akin to a Catholic priest and his choirboy
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  9. The exact same criticisms can be levelled against Israel, (acts of war against neighbours, illegal annexations, different rights based on ethnicity, cultural cleansing, terrorbombings, collective punishment of civilians, no rule of law protections etc...) yet almost every democratic government has remained conspicously silent on the matter. It's a bit off-topic, I know, but it's important to remember to call out hypocrisy when you see it.
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  10. Ah yes, opposed to having Saudi Arabia or Israel on your team...
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  11. US recognition is irrelevant. When Israel is not consistently voted against 120-5 in the UN General assembly, we can talk at that point. Until then, settlements, the occupation, Jerusalem, Golan - All are illegal in international law. Support a boycott of Israel to force them to a fair and settled compromise peace.
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  12. Food? Surely that's the world's oldest professions...
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  13. You mean like the US, UK and France? The greatest supporters of the Gaza G-cide and historically themselves among the greatest perpetrators of crimes against humanity? The Armenian G-cide (which is somehow always brought up) is small potatoes compared to the French in Algeria and Indochina - which all happened after the establishment of the UN.
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  14.  @MimOzanTamamogullar  Sure. The UN has done a lot of great work, and I'm not arguing against that. I do however think that the very first decision the UN made, establishing Israel, was also its "original sin" which the region, especially Palestinians, have paid for dearly the last 75 years. If the UN as we speak cannot pressure small nation states to NOT commit crimes against humanity, I don't see how this body can be seen as anything but a joke - despite all the good they have done. Maybe we need a forum of nations where the largest and most powerful actors specifically aren't allowed to join. Imagine a security council without the big five and their incessant political games. A true plenary where the hegemons are truly challenged because the collective members have more popular support, influence, economic power and ultimately actual say than self-serving "great powers" only looking for their own interests.
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  15. The Heartland/World Island theory from Mackinder really only accounts for strategy from a geo-political strategic standpoint, and doesn't account for basic economics, logistics or population density. Sure it's an outdated theory, but even 100 years ago, the most powerful truly global nations were maritime and the landpowers (Russia, India, China) were great powers in their respective regions only.
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  16. Ask yourself: Do you believe in human rights and accountability? If your answer is yes, then that is incompatible with support for israel. Read the reports from Bselem, Amnesty and MSF. Makes you wonder if the tortured indeed have become the torturer...
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  17.  @MimOzanTamamogullar  It's not an appeal. It's a statement. And not one that can be entirely dismissed out of hand. And "the topic at hand" has been the same since the inception of the UN. Or do you find it natural that the USSR boycotted the organisation and China wasn't even represented until the 1970's? To put it bluntly: When has the UN NOT been a vehicle for the great powers to use and ignore as they please? At the height of the cold war, perhaps? To claim that this has only become a problem now is either titanically dishonest or immensely ignorant.
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  18. That's a horrible thing to say about a people literally being starved, tortured and murdered. I hope you're just ignorant, as you'd have to be an extremely cruel, sad person to say such things about a people that are just trying to be free.
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  19. As I understand it, the Indy ref was predicated on the UK remaining in the EU. Once that promise was broken, everything is up for discussion again, and rightfully so as the rural parts of Scotland are actively hurting from Brexit.
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  20. Proof? Until then, I'll assume you're a Russian or at least completely bonkers. I'm betting you're Polish though, as they are notoriously ill informed about geopolitical matters...
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  21. Geographic determinism is an obsolete notion, and respectfully I disagree with your overarching conclusion.
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  22. The UN fulfilled its purpose: Giving legitimacy to the establishment of Israel, despite the vast majority of current nations not having a say in the decision because they were governed as colonies.
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  23. Nope. Not more relevant "than ever'. Remember reading about a little thing called the Cold War? You mentioned it yourself I believe...
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  24. Sorry, but I fail to see how the EU is becoming a superstate. It's an economic and to some degree political cooperation union. That's it. And will be that way in the foreseeable future.
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  25. Multipolar order = larger conflicts and increase in proxy wars. Yeay?
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  26. What the hell kind of a sponsor is that? Have you vetted them thoroughly before recommending outright investments? Are you prepared to take responsibility if its a scam? I know you got bills to pay, but f*** me, you didn't have to go full mercenary
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  27. There's not much of a discussion to be had: Israel cannot exist indefinitely as a belligerent occupier and apartheid. The only way forward is one multiethnic, multidenominational state with equal rights for all. The alternative is the end of Israel and it will be at their own hand, if not tomorrow then in a decade or two. The conflict is already over for the racial supremacists in Israel, these Zionists just haven't realised they've already lost.
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  28. Lots of cases with countries that have been screwed out of a coastline where natural or historic geography would suggest otherwise. Moldova/Ukraine. Bosnia/Croatia. Jordan/Saudi etc etc
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  29. Sure, if they stop supporting the War crimes of Israel and the US.
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  30. And you seemingly forgot an entire war in 1973 that was the inciting incident for peace and the return of Sinai.
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  31. Except the heartland theory is pure fanfiction that doesn't account for logistics, trade, population density, technology or local geopolitical interests etc... Come to think of it, what is it predicated on?
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  32. I dislike the CCP as much as the next guy, but can anyone dispute the ridiculous claim to the entire mainland that Taiwan continues to uphold, or the ADIZ "no fly zone" that not only includes Chinese territorial waters but parts of the mainland itself? I think these small points are important in our very black/white propaganda tendencies towards conflicts ie Russia, China, Iran compared to Israel, Egypt and Saudi.
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  33. You do now that "Persia" is an exonym right? Not even the name youre using for your culture is your own. Stop blaming everyone else for your woes. "The Great Persian empire"... Yeah? Which one? There were tones of 'em...
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  34. Ive seen the Parsis in India. Interesting group if you hate hygeine...
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  35.  @MimOzanTamamogullar  I'll try to answer succinctly: 1) Who were the main terror groups during the British mandate and what were the death tolls? Irgun, Haganah, Stern. Stern even cooperating with fascists during WW2 to arm themselves and commit further atrocities. During the mandate 1917-1948 450 Jews were killed and around 4500 Palestinians. And bombing British officers and civilians. 2) The only attack that Israel faced was in 1948 after the Arab nations repeatedly and profusely warned about the consequences of handing over land to a people that have no legal rights to it. The Western powers were fully aware of this and the risk of Jews being killed, yet took the decision anyway. And the result was atrocities, ethnic cleansing of Palestinians and seizure of 26% of Palestine, which is illegal under international law. Let's take the other wars: 1956 - A plot by Israel, France and the UK to seize the Suez. Go figure. 1967 - A "pre-emptive" strike as told by Israel. The fact that the Arabs were so unprepared tells you that they had no intentions of an attack. Israel occupies the Golan, Sinai and the Palestinian territories. 1973 - An attack by Egypt, but fully within international law as Israel held rightful Egyptian territory. 3) "What would I do?" Plenty of things I wouldn't do Not lie about the horrible events. For example: -There were no beheaded babies. -No pregnant women disembowelled (Israelis did that in Lebanon 1982). -No babies in ovens (Israelis did that in Deir Yassin in 1948). -Not a single photo evidence of mass rape at a festival with thousands of people. -No "HQ" under the Al Shifa Hospital. (Not that it matters because they bombed them all now and still found nothing) *NOT CUT FOOD, WATER AND MEDICINE TO CIVILIANS! NOT BOMB SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS, MOSQUES, HOMES!* How about that? Why didn't Israel evacuate civilians to camps in the Negev desert? Instead they've killed 30.000+, further 20.000+ presumed dead (Israeli figures) and hundreds of thousands about to die from famine and disease. In conclusion: The fact that you present this as an attack on Israel and not a direct result of 75 years of occupation, land theft, apartheid and killings shows me that you haven't paid attention, or have willingly followed the Israeli narrative. Israel has almost yearly bombed Gaza and killed hundreds or thousands. More than 400 Palestinians have been murdered in the West Bank. Are they Hamas "Human Shields" too? Secondly, do you in any way try to defend the illegality of the above? How about the clear war crimes that Israel have committed? The fact that the ICJ has deemed it justified to continue with a case of genocide? There is so much overwhelming evidence to everything I've written here, that I'm not going to bother with sources. Look it up yourself. Take responsibility if you want to tell yourself that you're on the right side of history. Or perhaps try switching the channel and hearing the news from someone other than people feeding you Hasbara crap with a shovel. "If it's from the Israeli/UK/US government or Israeli military, it's a lie." That's my advice to you. PS: Sorry. It wasn't as short a post as I had hoped.
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  36.  @bristoled93  Then why aren't they stopping this genocide? They don't even have to do anything other than cut off the money and weapons and Israel would run out if ammunition. At the very least force Israel to accept FOOD, WATER, MEDICINE for people starting to die of famine and disease. To answer: Balkans: Hurting Serbia would hurt Russia's prestige and interests in the region. Kurds: Supporting the Kurds would diminish the influence of Syria, Turkey and Iran in the region. These are the simple, very short answers with regards to interests of the West in the examples you've given. Give me other examples and I'll show you how the US stands to benefit from every geopolitical move they have made (assuming they were successful)
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  37. I agree with your point about hypocrisy. That's very true. However I don't believe you, a Serb, gets to tell anyone about international law or rights. You did in fact commit war crimes, genocide and ethnic cleansing twice within a decade in my lifetime.
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  38. How is it exactly a monopoly if it's concerning 1/3? Or do you believe that Apple has a monopoly too based on their market shares?
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  39. I fear that India within very short time will fall further down the abyss of populist ethno-nationalism into outright racist and fascist ideology. Countries with high average levels of living standards, education and civic democratic traditions at least have a chance to counter these "trends". The average Indian is none of these things.
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  40. I find the framing extremely uninformed. Israel has been an occupier and a colonialist for 56 years. The siege of Gaza has lasted for 18 years. Palestinians were being killed almost daily by settlers or the Israeli state. No one is "under attack" except the Palestinian people as long as I've been alive.
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  41. Swedish pilots are so good looking, no one would want to shoot them down...
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  42. Whilst not good, the attack surrounding the Zaporozhye nuclear plant constituted no risk for meltdown or other catastrophic events. The media has a habit of hugely exaggerating the potential dangers of nuclear plants and it does a disservice for a viable stopgap measure for many countries to combat CO2 emissions. Germany being the perfect example of this as their energy sector is now based on coal, the dirtiest energy source, and complete dependence on Russian gas.
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  43. Ground news is complete BS with regards to Gaza. There is no nuance from the outlets it covers. Every US and the vast majority of Western mainstream media is fed a narrative and parrots the talking points from Israeli officials without any due journalistic diligence. I know because I follow more international news and they certainly have another take, some of them with actual sources on the ground.
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  44. My only major criticism of Taiwan, is why they insist on calling themselves "The Republic of China" and de jure laying claim to all of Chinese territory. It's feeble, anachronistic and wholly unreasonable for a functioning democracy and free society. Changing the above wouldn't settle any issues with a belligerent CCP, but at least it wouldn't undermine Taiwanese legitimacy internationally.
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  45. I'm all for Trump. The US might as well declare it's true colours, rather than the gaslighting we get from the Biden administration on their foreign policy. Maybe it'll push Europe into action and stand on their own instead of being abject vassals when it comes to dealing with Russia, China and Israel.
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  46. Not really secret, is it though?
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  47. Ah the classic anti-semite argument for criticizing Israel. Except I have jewish friends, and we both hate Israel. It's about human dignity and ultimately what is right. "Fair and square", okay, if you say so. So you're arguing "right by conquest"? That means, I guess, if another powerful nation invaded Israel and deported every single Israeli, that it would be perfectly fine, right? You've just legitimized the destruction of Israel to all it's enemies. Just your own logic. That's why we have agreed on international rules. They are not always followed, I grant you that, but Israel is among the top contenders for international violations. And no, you're not a democracy if you have a privileged class based on ethnicity, a 2nd class minority and 3rd class citizens with no rights whatsoever in illegally occupied land. I think the only dumb thing is your lack of historical knowledge. The Philistines were there back then too, buddy. Who do you think the Israelites were fighting back then? But if you want to open the "historic" can of worms, that means that 2/3 of you should return to Europe and Russia. You're not semites. You're not Israelites. You're "just" Jews. Big difference. If you don't believe me, do a 23 & Me if you're a "European" Israeli. I fucking dare you. PS: I before you get your yamukkah and curls all spinning, I have no love for Egypt, Syria, Saudis, Iran and UAE too. I'm not biased in my criticism of injustice and human rights abuse. I hope one day you can see that it's not because you're jewish or from Israel. I'm calling you out because your policies are the policies of racism and supremacy.
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  48. You really don't grasp the idea of discussion, do you? I'm showing you examples of how ridiculous your points are. Guess that military training really washes away your imagination and critical thinking, ehh SteinBergBaumGoldRubin? Funny you should bring up the Geneva Convention - which is about protecting civilians in engagements - not rules of diplomacy. How many times just this week has Israel broken the Geneva convention? "Butterfly" rounds, Journalists, Medical personnel, Protesting families getting killed... Annexation is illegal by international law. eg. Crimea. Period. Palestinians (Why do you keep calling them Arabs?) are discriminated against and receive way less public funding in their areas in Israel. Look up what neutral observers and NGO's have said. I wouldn't trust a single word from Bibi if I were you... And, yes I have been to Israel, Gaza and the West Bank, seen it for myself, and spoken to numerous people. The Germany thing was an example of your ridiculous reasoning. If jewish is not about blood, how come then, that african jews are treated so poorly in Israel? Can I get Israeli citizenship if I convert then? If so how can you prove that I actually believe in Judaism? My point is not that you would win a war. You would 100%, especially if Daddy US is coming to your help everytime. But how long do you think that a country of 10 million will remain a regional superpower against larger neighbours? Wouldn't it be better to seek a compromise peace now and start living, toelrating and trading? I'm saying this because the current policies are sacrificing the future of Israel for political and territorial gains today. Good luck. As of right now you're showing the world what you are: An arrogant and supremacist people that views other lives as worth less than your own. One more thing: You people are the most obnoxious travellers in the world. Tell your friends, talk to them. But I guess it's difficult to change if you believe you're better than everyone else and at the same time every one is out to get you... As I said, good luck. PS: "Eurofags" hahaha... So are you part of Europe or not? Calling me a Fag while having the gay capital of Tel Aviv seems a bit much, no? Again, ease up on the "soap in the shower" military thinking, bro...
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  49. Ask the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank if they would accept Israeli citizenship. Most would. Happily. As equals. And while your opinion may be that Israeli Palestinians are equal, the objective facts contradict that. Do you have any Palestinian friends that may support you in your opinion? No? Hmmm... The problem for Israel is a demographic one. What to do in 30 years when Palestinians are 45-50% of the population. And 30% of jews are nutters that literally believe that God gave you the land... (Hint: The UN gave you the land). Perhaps a swiss model with federal cantons would be a good single state solution. But why give that up when you can just forcefully and illegally take what you want, right? Golan is not formally annexed by Israel. Look it up. And it's not recognized internationally as part of Israel. Hence my original post. Finally, again , you're arguing for right of annexation thorugh conquest. Good luck with that when the US has collapsed and no longer blindly throws money and weapons your way. It is not in the interests of Israel to maintain the occupation. You need a "De Gaulle" to admit when a policy is futile and counterproductive. PS: I'm not American. And yes, they can be loud and obnoxious too...
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  50. Golan: (from Wiki) Israeli settlement activity began in the 1970s. The area was governed by military administration until 1981 when Israel passed the Golan Heights Law, which extended Israeli law and administration throughout the territory.[11] This move was condemned by the United Nations Security Council in UN Resolution 497,[2][12] although Israel states it has a right to retain the area, citing the text of UN Resolution 242, adopted after the Six-Day War, which calls for "safe and recognised boundaries free from threats or acts of force".[13] The continued Israeli control of the Golan Heights remains highly contested and is still regarded as belligerent occupation by most countries . The international community rejects the validity of the Golan Heights Law as an attempted annexation by force, illegal under the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions .[165] Israeli settlements and human rights policy in the occupied territory have also drawn criticism from the UN.[166][167] You were saying? And that's just from the top of my head, not even quoting international law directly. And if you "don't want" Gaza and the West Bank - get the fuck out, let them be, and take all the settlers with you... No? Why not? And here we go again with the "jew-hater". Might I then imply that you hate Arabs and Muslims? And Christians? And black people? And Arabic jews? I criticize Israel, not Jews or Judaism. Not even the same thing. I couldn't care less about Judaism... Final point: If 95% of the world population hates you, might it be, _just maybe_, that it's because you're a bunch of arrogant and racist assholes? I'll be waiting with the "I told you so" in about 30 years. Unfortunately. Until then, enjoy your apartheid society.
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  51. "UN can pass BS resolutions." Where do you think that all international treaties are from. Consensus! Are you serously this dense? So: If the court of world opinion says you're a criminal. Guess, what? You're a criminal. It's the same if you're raping a minor... You can't just say that you don't abide by the laws of the land.... Red Cross? MSF? Amnesty? European Council on human rights? Human Rights watch? Name me one goddamn non-political NGO that agrees with your viewpoint on Israeli human rights abuse and violation of the Geneva convention * ONE? * I'll drop my discussion right here and donate 100$ to fucking Bibi himself... And the West bank? East Jerusalem? [*crickets*] .... With regards to Gaza, a blockade is an active act of war. Not a withdrawal. Again, read up on your facts. This time the source is the IDF manual for war protocols.... Courage is sometimes being able to admit that your country is not heroic, and that it might be a society of oppression. I pity you. - end of transmission -
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  52. Yep. Thats what I thought. No comments on general Geneva convention violations (Lets keep it simple and just focus on the last month in the West Bank and Gaza...) No comments on illegal West Bank Settlements and Acts of War and Crimes of War ie. blockade of Gaza. No comments on what every single NGO and gov. outside observers in the area have attested to. Sure, buddy. You're right and, apparently, everyone else is wrong about you. You're not a bunch of supremacist assholes... They're just out to get you, right? There's a word for that: Delusional Paranoia . You seem like a reasonable guy, and yet you have not relented a single point during this discussion. That's not a sign of strength - It's a sign of dogmatic adherence to taught values, because you cannot face the truth. You know why? Because it means you were a part of this evil during your military service. Psych 101. I weep for the Israeli generations to come because of your mistakes today. But Hey! You'll always have New York and Koh Phan Ngan right? ;)
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  53. Resolution 242: (i) Withdrawal of Israeli armed forces from territories occupied in the recent conflict; (ii) Termination of all claims or states of belligerency and respect for and acknowledgment of the sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of every State in the area and their right to live in peace within secure and recognized boundaries free from threats or acts of force."[4] This was back when the US didn't blindly support Israeli actions. Oslo Accords 1993: Full recognition of Israel and a road map to establishing a Palestinian state - Which have been denied the Palestinians on every turn. Yes, they shouldn't accept a peace when the terms with regards to borders and Jerusalem are constantly changed by Israel. The withdrawal from Gaza? Yeah, 20.000 settlers pulled out. And 100.000 settlers moved in to East Jerusalem. Seems legit, right? Hamas are terrorists. And they are a problem. But so is the Israeli blockade denying people medication, fuel and ability to rebuild and access pure water. It's collective punishment of a civilian population, which is a direct violation of the Geneva convention that you hold so dear. Killing journalists, medical personnel, civilians that were "a threat" from 300-600 meters distance? Arrests with no rights or legal protections? Using illegal rounds to cause maximum damage? White phosporous and cluster munitions used over civilian areas? My friend, I've read the NGO reports. You should do the same. As I said, you seem somewhat reasonable, but the language in Israel about Palestinians (which you don't even recognize as a people and nation) is directly opposite to what you say and think. It is a war of racial supremacy for Israel. Why else would you insitute a bill with this wording: - "The right to exercise national self-determination in the State of Israel is unique to the Jewish people." - "The capital of the state: Jerusalem, complete and united, is the capital of Israel." - "Jewish settlement: The state views the development of Jewish settlement as a national value and will act to encourage and promote its establishment and consolidation." This law contradicts everything you just said with regards to an intent of peace. I have said my part. PS: Fuck Koh Phan Ngan, indeed...
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  54. That's obviously false. Everyone negotiates with Israel. It's just terrorists that happen to be poor and brown "you don't negotiate with".
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  55. The rhetoric and stated goals of Israel are 1:1 akin to 3rd Reich rhetoric. I am absolutely stunned by your comment and refusal to see this as such. You are advocating for genocide and ethnic cleansing. Had Israel been rightly designated a terrorist state, your comments would have made you a silent accomplice liable to prosecution in your country. Sadly, instead we see people like you cheer for the extermination of people. How far you've come since WW2 and how proud your ancestors must be.
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  56. The US themselves made sure of it by denying rapprochement with Russia and Iran in the 90s and 00s. Their constant belligerent tone towards a country like China doesn't help anyone either. I wouldn't be surprised if other Brics countries join in a more strategic partnership with these countries to counter an increasingly hostile US foreign policy.
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  57. There's a really good boardgame hiding underneath this...
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  58. Nope. Many of the central Asian states are a hair away from being failed states run by warlords. Russian and Chinese interference is a sideshow if you're run by an insane autocrat already....
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  59. You're surprised that US politicians are hypocrites and liars? Why?
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  60. What thousands of years of conflict? Jews have been living, relative to Europe, in peace for 1400 years in Muslim lands. The only massive programs committed on Jews in Muslim lands have been the Crusades and the Inquisition during the Reconquista. Go figure. Please provide sources other than historic falsehoods that are repeated as nauseam. This conflict started in 1917 with the Balfour declaration and proper in 1948 after the UN vote. There's nothing "complex" about this other than the possible solutions and how to reach them.
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  61. Let me see, a supremacist authoritarian regime with grand designs for hegemonic oppressive control instead of mutually beneficial partnerships. Yeah, good luck with that.
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  62.  @elvenkind6072  But it is on every parameter - fewernukes, fewer conflicts, more democracies, better health, food and access to water, more people getting educated. The Ukraine war and Pakistan are the only real components for the fear of nuclear weapons. And Pakistan has always been an unstable mess. Certainly not worse off than in the 70s. They're just not 100% aligned towards the US anymore. That leaves Ukraine. We only give a shit because it's happening in Europe to white people. Plenty of nuclear armed nations have gone to war against non-nuclear nations supported by their adversaries. USSR in Afghanistan? US in Vietnam? My money is still on Russia being far more stable now than right after the fall of the USSR with disparate republics in control of nuclear weapons. There are absolutely no measurable parameters that speaks to a worse situation now than 40-50 years ago. But I grant you that there's more tension now than, say, 10 years ago. Unless you were at an Iraqi market or Afghani Wedding. And that's about it. It's fearmongering.
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  63. There is precedence: United States of America. Does not lay claim to Canada or Mexico, even though they tried on more than one occasion... South Africa. Does not lay claim to the entire region including Lesotho, Swaziland, Botswana and Zimbabwe - even though tribal history suggests otherwise... Saudi Arabia. Does not lay claim to the entire Arab peninsula (Al Jazeera), even though "Arabia" is in their name. Although they are fucking up Qatar and Yemen right now... Israel. Does not lay clai... Ehhh. Never mind that one... By that Greek argument, Gibraltar should belong to the Moors, as it is named by them. York should change it's name to something else too etc. etc. We're talking about history that goes minimum 700 years back. Let it go, Greece, let it go...
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  64. The entire region (including parts of Albania) was called Macedonia until the end of the Ottomans in the Balkans. So what if FYROM celebrates Alexander the Great? Really, it's a compliment... * He was Greek and from Pella. Everybody knows that and no one can take that away from you. * If Russians and Irish can celebrate Viking ancestry, I don't see why FYROM cannot do the same. Even though they are ethnically and linguistically not the same people. Tbh a lot of Macedonians today were not macedonians either, but Greeks from Trebizond and Edirne that moved after the population exchange in 1922.
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  65. I don't know. But everyone else does... I guess that would be the part where politics and diplomacy plays in. XYZ has to be part of the curriculum in schools. I think that Macedonia/FYROM would have no problem with giving up these things if it means access to the EU and Nato. But historically, Greece has a claim to Macedon, the kingdom. Not Macedonia, the roman province. Especially since a lot of historical evidence points that the "border areas" of Thrace and Macedonia were not Greek, and never were... Alexander was Greek. That is beyond any dispute. Then again, I'm Palestinian. We have bigger fish to fry than national pride... Although I would say that 2000 year history is also kicking us in the face right now. Just look at the law in the Knesset from today. Palestinians are now officially 2nd class citizens in their own land. Apartheid, here we come...
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  66. The US can effectively cripple any CCP ambitions by projecting their air and sea power into the Indian Ocean and the Pacific-Arctic, threatening 80% of all Chinese energy imports. Area denial is important for China, but will do nothing to prevent US power projection outside the Chinese "sphere of influence" (at least from the CCP point of view). It's basically the USSR doctrine all over again, but without the vast access to internal natural resources...
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  67. Funny thing is that Russia have provoked the very same events they were trying to prevent.
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  68. Except that the supremacist fascists in their rhetoric are the Israeli government and the tacit approval for their action by the Israeli people. Look up the dehumanising language used by the right wing fanatics and tell me you still think this is in any way allowed by your conscience, morals, hell, basic human decency!
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  69. The whole heartland theory is more or less fanfiction. Mackinder and Dugin both.
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  70. Maybe invest 100 Bn in green energy instead? They could sell their knowhow and patents... That would make everyone free of Russian, Saudi and Iranian energy
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  71. Apartheid state with one rule for jewish citizens and another for palestinians. It's official as of the Knesset bill this month. And of course no rights whatsoever for palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Yours is an occupying force that doesn't abide by international law, international opinion or the criminal high court in Hague. Israel is not at war. It's an occupation - big difference. When was the last time an international resolution was passed without the US vetoing it? Well, there you go... There are clear lines for what is Israels and what isnt. Yet your people and government forcefully break these rules on a daily basis. And no - it's not defence if you're an occupying force.I don't care about Arab countries, or what's going on in Africa for that matter. Am I allowed to rape, just because they are worse in India? It's a shit argument for a supposed "democratic" country, and you know it. Finally, I have nothing against jews, but I absolutely despise Israels position. If 95% of the world thinks you're a piece of shit - including the majority of people living in democratic "friendly" countries - maybe you are a piece of shit. Think about that for a second. And lets see with womens' and gay rights when the orthodox rightwing nuts are the majority in 20-30 years. Good luck with that, "Saudi Israelia".
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  72. @Critical G: Yet another repeated cliche that the zionists and conservatives in the US want you to swallow whole. And "Israel have the right to defend itself", right? And every one who criticizes them "are antisemites", right? Oh please, just read up on the history of the region the last 28 years. You'll quickly see who have dealt in bad faith and reneged on every treaty (hint: It's Israel...) Israel does exist. Palestine doesn't. Israel is an occupying country and trampling on a daily basis on Palestinian rights to property, liberty and yes, life. Read a couple of UN reports and corroborated witness accounts from NGO's. Heck, just watch news that isn't American or British. According to Israels actions, the Palestinians have no right to exist. There is nothing pointing to the contrary. Especially after the announcement that the "jewishness of the state" is to be preserved and that the West Bank apparently is manifest destiny from God himself. Who cares about the natives, right? Remind you of anyone, my brother? Lastly, you're confusing Judaism with the zionist policies of Israel. A lot of people do that. These two things are not mutually inclusive. They often do the same with Islam and Palestinians (even though 20% are christian). Just like not all Palestinians support Hamas or support terror, not all Jews support Israel or support Israeli terrorism. But yes, when it comes to international law, international conventions, human rights, broken treaties, UN resolutions, and just a goddamn poll in almost every single country - Israeli policy the last 30 years have turned Israel into a criminal state and a rogue element with regards to stability in the ME. We'll see how you feel when AIPAC pushes for an invasion of Iran and thousands of American lives are lost... You're on the wrong side of history. South Africa. Jim Crow. Nurnberg laws. Israel.
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  73. Mor19: I'm guessing you're a young person from the sheer amount of distraction and factual bullshit you're shelling out. It's quite impressive. 1) Where are all the Palestinian communities that used to exist? Are you honestly blaming Palestinians for what other countries have done to jews? Why not throw in The Pogroms of the 1600's then? 2) Palestinians are not afforded the same rights within Israel proper. Other Palestinians are not afforded any whatsoever. - inequality of public developments and funds, discrimination with regards to employment, not allowed to intermarry... And of course the regular 10-12 bills every year that are deemed racist by international rights advocates. And then let us discuss the black and arabic jews and how they are treated in Israel... 3) Gaza is a prison. The West Bank is an Israeli "colony". I'm not blaming Israel for the corruption of Hamas and the PA. I'm accusing Israel of the daily arrests, seizure of property and of course killings without any accountability... 4) Most Palestinians would accept a one-state solution. Most Israelis won't. I get it, why give something away if you can keep it by force. 5) "The Arab"... Hmmm... What if I said "The Jew"... Can you see that even your language is dehumanising? Btw, Palestinians are Palestinians. They're Arabs too, but that doesn't matter here. Just like being Latino doesn't mean anything if we're talking about Argentinia... Or being Jewish in Norway and being Israeli. Maybe if you all weren't brainwashed from 3 years of military service you would see that. Israe is not a force for good in this world. I hope they change, I really do. But thats not what is happening right now...
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  74. 1) Lets entirely forget the Irgun and Haganah terror before the state of Israel. Conquest does not legitimize your claim. By your own argument, if Israel starts a war its then perfectly fine to deport and/or ethnically cleanse all Israelis? I think you just made the argument for everyone who actually wants to wipe out Israel. Own goal, brother. Own goal. 2) They didn't then, true. Because by a stroke of a pen their land was taken from them, and they were never represented or included in the process. I would do the same if someone told me that a family was moving into my home without my consent. Everyone would do that. 3-4) Hamas are not in any way popular in Gaza. They lost the peoples support. Good. People are denied medicine, fuel and building materials. Toys, wheelchairs, medical equipment, power cables... It's a concentration camp. Period. Children and elderly are dying from curable diseases because the medicine is not allowed. How "humane" of Israel... If Hamas weren't actively targeting civilians ie. terrorists, I would support their policies too. Don't give an inch to Israel, because they never uphold their deals. Furthermore Netanyahu uses Gaza for political gains. Every single time there is a case of corruption or a scandal in his cabinet, guess what? Gaza gets bombed. Seems legit, right? 5) Again, you're confusing Muslims, Arabs and Palestinians. Israeli uses the last 70 years of conflict to justify the last 30 years of atrocities. Lastly, If you use the Holocaust as an argument while defending Israeli policies, I'm sorry dude, you lost the moral argument. Also ask the few Holocaust survivors about how you're treating other human beings. Ask them. Israel is an oppressive occupying country. The blockade of Gaza is a crime against humanity. These are not controversies. Facts. No one believes your propaganda anymore, dude.
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  75. mor19: I've been to the West Bank and Gaza. I've worked there as a med. student and later as a an MD for MSF. And I've been to Israel too. And met Israeli travellers in Asia (which are btw the most obnoxious people you will ever meet...) So kindly, I know what I am talking about, and contrary to you I haven't been brainwashed by state media, nationalism, zionism and military service. With the regards to "the Arab" (still won't recognize them as a people, I see), what the fuck has that to do with anything? I can on the top of my head mention 10 cases of killings, abuse and forceful evictions, just the last week - if thats the game you want to play. You have to ask yourself: Will Israel always be strong enough to not be destroyed by it's neighbours? The answer is no. Wouldn't it be better then, to have a fair and compromise peace and start trading and living next to each other? If France and Germany can do it, Denmark and Sweden can do it, Bosnia and Serbia can do it, then surely Israel and its neighbours can do it. Having said that: Until you stop building settlements, seize land, limit access to water, deny civil rights and commit killings with no accountability, then I'm afraid Israel has no legitimacy in my book. And yes, Egypt, Saudis and Syria is also hugely fucked up. It doesn't make your country less criminal. Democracy by a privileged group and by law 2nd class citizens, is not a legitimate democracy. You have yet to answer any of the questions with the regards to the illegality of Israeli actions in international law. Blah blah poor poor Israelis... Cry me a river. You have nukes and a strong military. You can have a peace with Palestine if you want to. Easily. See you in about 30 years when Israel is isolated, reviled and every jew elsewhere pays the price for it. I'm afraid that your children will also pay the price for the crimes of your country today
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  76. You must distinguish between authoritarian and totalitarian regimes. Most authoritarian regimes, although with restrictions on personal freedoms, have a greater range of civil liberties provided to their citizens. As long as they mostly tow the line, of course. Examples of this are Thailand, Singapore and Turkey. I don't know if there is a set definition of either, but totalitarianism usually involves a certain moral belief and behaviour, which is strictly enforced by the state ie. China, North Korea, Saudi Arabia.
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  77. StnlN2 On that we agree. And that is partly the problem with "exporting" democracy to nations with weak institutions (usually stripped down by the rulers) and low levels of education. Iraq and Afghanistan are good examples of this.
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  78. Well Islam certainly has a challenge, but no more than very conservative hindu or christian views eg. Georgia and India. Good examples of nascent democracies are Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia and Malaysia. Don't get me wrong, they have their problems, but overall the institutions and public awareness exists to prevent a lapse to dictatorship. What Erdogan is currently doing in Turkey is imo no different than what's going on in Poland and Hungary. I largely think it's an issue of education, as you will see large groups of especially muslim youth that have read and understood their religion and openly challenge what defines the cultural rules in society.
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  79. Islam IS a political religion. So is christianity in the US and judaism in Israel (to a lesser degree). Sharia is not set in stone. It is defined by the culture and contemporary interpretation of holy texts. The Problem, as I stated before, is the illiteracy and lack of education. Just like priests in the middle ages were the only ones who could read latin, today in Muslim countries, you are not allowed to challenge the (politically sanctioned) dogma, and will face heavy media and judicial pressure for doing so. Islam has not had a "Great Council" of interpreting and reforming islamic laws since the 1100's. Hence the fucked up and backwards thinking in those countries. The basic problem is that it is not in the rulers' interests to promote development and education. But there is a hope for the future. Young muslims are more critical towards blind obedience and faith as set by the powers that be.
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  80. Eastern Europe: They have not been forced to jack shit. Again, get your facts straight. They didn't receive ANY of the asylum seekers from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan during the crisis a few years back. They are unwilling to even commit to their international obligations, let alone try to solve the issue with the EU. The Irony is that internally in the EU, the greatest amount of migrants are from Poland and Hungary. They are hypocrites and now moving towards further restrictions in personal freedoms and eroding their own civil institutions.
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  81. That's a matter of opinion. Yes, no one should be forced to. It should be a humane response to fellow human beings in need. If not maybe solidarity with other countries ie. Greece Italy and Spain who are getting shafted? Poland has the highest discrepancy between actual migrant population and percieved influx. Again: Education and critical thinking. The rest is a matter of opinion and ideology I guess... Have a good one
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  82. Well, there we disagree strongly. Firt of all, your views on "honor killing, female genital mutilation, polygamy etc." is uninformed about how people actually live their lives around the globe. You see people as "barbarians" who are from other areas. I see them as human beings who've had a shit draw in life. On a perfect planet Earth, yes, we would have no borders. That's not the case, however. While having strong immigration laws is fine, denying refugees of war, no matter the cost, is for me "barbaric and medieval". And no, London is still pretty white. You are factually wrong. Look it up. It's not a zero sum game. But I digress. My point is that there is a short way from nationalism to policies that limit civil liberties even in Eastern Europe, and that is due to the lack of information & general education in the populace. Respectfully, even you have demonstrated on severel occasions a lacking knowledge in areas yet a very strong belief in your views despite of that. That's part of the problem imo. While I dont' disagree that culture and nationality plays a major part, the greatest hindrance to democratization is abject poverty, lack of education and lack of opportunity.
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  83. Stnl N2: 1) London: You are correct about the statistical data. What it doesn't say in the first 4-5 lines however are number of "new" immigrants ie. 1st or 2nd generation. That number is 23%, Which is still a large number, yes, but the majority are British of British (UK and Commonwealth), African and Indian descent. To consider Caribbeans, Africans and Indians that came to England 100-200 years ago as foreigners is a gross misrepresentation of what is defined as British. Secondly are the 2 mio. (recent) Polish migrants in the EU also to be considered "diluting" the national culture? 2) Islam: Of course I concede to that. I'm not here to "win" arguments, dude. A youtube video is nice, just be careful with the source and the underlying agenda. Haven't seen the video, I'll just take your word for it. But honestly I'm tired of loose quotes and discussions out of context on Islam. Yes. Sex Slavery was a part of Islam in wartime 12-1300 years ago. To some (ISIS, Boko Haram, Al Shabab) it still is. That doesn't mean that the large part of muslims tolerate this - especially their wife ;) Islam (and christianity, judaism, buddhism etc..) like technology, is a tool in your daily life. You can use it to advocate slavery and murder of infidels. And you can use it to advocate charity, peace and tolerance. Right now, it seems the fucked up guys down there are using it for oppression of women, trampling the rights of the poor and for advocating wars. *Sigh* I'm gonna have a drink... Just keep an open mind and take care. Cheers
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  84. I understand the speculation around this subject, but how in the hell did you reach the conclusion of "by 2030"? Any number of events, especially the Ukraine War and Lukasjenko/Putin's political situation, can have consequences that are essentially unforeseen. This is pure conjecture, I believe.
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  85.  @SaeedAcronia  If you're blaming someone for your current predicament because of what happened 1400 years ago, I would argue that you have no fucking clue about anything. Ever. Why don't you ever blame Alexander and the Hellenics or the Mongols for "perverting" your culture? The answer is simple. Iranians today hate arabs and they abuse history to support their bigotry.
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  86.  @sjs9869  Read up on medieval and renaissance history in Europe and the Jewish persecutions. "LoL"? Really? I'm guessing you must be an occidental with your lack of knowledge in world history. Open a book. Then we'll talk.
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  87. Oh don't worry. They have a "final solution". They've clearly stated it, so we should believe them. Zionists have learned from the best in that regard: A chosen people, superior to the people surrounding them, blood & soil, and of course expansion into the neighbouring countries to provide living space for their burgeoning nation. Zionism is beat for beat covering every tenet and end goal that Nation Socialism espoused in the 1930's. I would appreciate anyone providing a cogent, sourced counterargument, as I haven't heard one yet on this matter.
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  88. It's an interesting concept, but wholely untenable. Denmark and the Netherlands have among the largest merchant fleets in the world. The damage to their economies and trade would be irreparable.
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  89. Brilliant video. Keep up the great work!
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  90. Ehhh... Why show a desert when you're discussing climate in Indochina?Might as well show Paris or a bunch of puppies....
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  91. :) Thanks for some great videos. Keep it up.
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  92. A point of contention: ADIZ is a unilateral border drawn up by Taiwan. It has no legal bearing on whether PRC is acting belligerently toward Taiwan, and shouldn't be used in news reports. Hell, half of the ADIZ covers the Chinese mainland. It's absurd to even refer to it.
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  93. Ucanz sounds better
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