Oct 9, 2022·edited Oct 9, 2022Liked by Rurik Skywalker
Your posts are always thought-provoking and sincere, Rolo.
As an American, I obviously have no knowledge of the make-up or strength of the Russian military. I cannot help but suspect that, at the very top, their generals, like ours, are primarily politicians and less than capable leaders of fighting men. The Peter Principle holds true in all businesses.
Most of Napoleon's successes were the result of fighting against generals who were in their seventies or eighties. In the American Civil War, Lincoln made the mistake of having an old man, Winfield Scott, as the Commanding General (until he was replaced by McClellen).
I suspect that the Wagner Group is spear-heading every successful effort by the Russian Army and that they are no different than Navy Seals and the Special Forces in every branch of the US military.
The choice of General Sergei Surovikin as the overall commander of Russian forces fighting in Ukraine seems wise. He was successful in fighting rebels in Syria and is a determined and resourceful war fighter.
I question your derision of America's Space Force, however. Many in the military applauded President Trump when he started this new branch of the service. Certainly, warfare in space will be the next Big Thing. Whether it is destroying enemy satellites or attacking Earth with weapons in space, the Space Force is to the 21st Century what the Air Force became in the 20th.
It would not surprise nor disappoint me to see hypersonic missiles destroy the Ukrainian Government Building in Kiev. It would send a double message to the fascists if such an attack came from a satellite.
Frankly, I do not know why Russia did not take advantage of their strengths; that is, use their superior missile power to raze the Ukrainian military HQ and kill the commanders.. I get that Zelensky uses citizens as human shields but that is their choice, not the Russians. Regardless of collateral damage, the Ukranian command should have been decimated. UK. French, and US ships should have been sunk. Their aircraft shot out of the sky, wherever they are. Observing the rules of war is fine, but the west is not, so why is Russia.
Second, we know that Russia has the best intelligence service in the world, so why is it not being used. One third of the West would cheerfully wipe out their own murderous politicians, so why not assist them?
And, finally, where the hell is China in all of this. Does Xi not comprehend he is next. Somebody, please, send Xi a copy of the 2015 Rand Report and tell him to use it as a crystal ball; which is historically valid.
Far be it for me to be indiscreet, but effing hell, we need Xi and Vlad to wipe out the US and end the military occupation of Australia. We want our country back. Stop stuffing around.
This is off-topic, but was listening to a live interview on the Duran with an American named Tim Kirby. He has lived in Russia for 15 years, has a family and is not planning on leaving, ever. What struck me was his opinion that Moscow was a cesspool, filled with liberals that he called traitors and people who hate Russia. He put most of the media leaders in that category. Anyway, it reminded me of things you have written. He definitely is a right-wing populist culturally. I don't know if you would be interested in interviewing him.
My greatest concern is over Russia's military technology. American HIMARS – High Mobility Artillery Rocket System – is a truck-mounted cannister of 6 missiles capable of launching pinpoint strikes against targets up to 53 miles (85 kilometers). Washington has sent 16 to Ukraine.
In contrast, Russia has been launching indiscriminate artillery volleys.
Russia is fatally reliant on access to Western, primarily American, technology. Only 5% of the munitions Russia has used in Syria were smart weapons. Russia doesn’t have nearly enough precision systems. Exacerbating the situation, their targeting intelligence is poor. In addition, manufacturing problems limit Russia’s production of advanced weapons. Russia has already used a substantial amount of its precision munitions in Ukraine.
Computer chips and semiconductors have revolutionized war by improving guidance and communications. Copying American technology has pervaded Russia’s chip industry. This is a fatal flaw in an industry that progresses with extreme rapidity – Russia is forever playing catchup. Russian weapon systems are full of Western chips. Russia’s 9M549 satellite guided rockets are fired from the Tornado-S which is similar to HIMARS but not as accurate. However, they rely on smuggled chips produced by US companies such as Altera and Cypress Semiconductor. They only manufacture 100 to 200 a year because they require chips and other components from the West. Where they can’t acquire the components, they improvise.
Some estimates are that Russia has already used 55% of its entire stockpile of guided missiles in Ukraine.
We can only hope & pray for a radical change in the situation. I'm very worried.
There is no indication Kremlin wishes to win the war. There is every indication they will jump at the first opportunity to negotiate. Telltale signs light up Moscow like a Christmas tree. Kadyrov himself used to constantly say how he prays Putin will allow the troops to keep marching while the commander of his Chechen forces wanted to go conquer Europe. Silence now. So assuming a big if, the army is taking this seriously now, we can expect a bloody battle for the 4 regions in the winter, unless the Americans shut it down to make themselves look good. The narrative that Russia got humiliated with them barely lifting a finger and now they have decided to show mercy and restore world order.
Dear Rolo, we, westerners, really need a russia/west dictionnary.
with chrome translator, I read this. Seems deep interesting but there is so much obscures refferences that I don't get the point
Комиссар Исчезает
Насчет бурной любви наших смердяковых к Алле Пугачевой скажу следующее.
Все, что мы видим даже не с 24 февраля 2022 года, но и с 23 февраля 2014 года - это война Советского Союза против России.
Советский Союз - антиимперия, которой в ущерб русским правили представители национальных окраин, воссоединилась уже без всякого коммунизма, на голой почве своего этнического прагматизма, чтобы не допустить никаких претензий русских на то, что было отнято у России в двадцатом веке.
И вот этот прибалто-еврее-украино-много еще какой союз консерваторов-охранителей советской территориальной нарезки и советского же подхода к национальному вопросу - делает все, чтобы пересмотр святого ленинского наследия не случился.
А если так, то логично, что символом движения советских охранителей стала советская же икона стиля, то есть Пугачева.
Ротару, кстати, была патриоткой Украины и ее карательной АТО еще восемь лет назад.
И что с этим делать? Только одно.
Буднично и терпеливо отправлять людей домой.
Галкин, Фишман, Белковский, Кац, Штейн - эти все уже сидят у себя дома и каркают оттуда.
Вернутся к себе и все прочие общинные знаменитости.
На том и закончится наконец-то в России Советская власть.
It it really necessary to use the racist slurs: yids and ukrofasconegroes ( whatever that is ) ? This in my opinion detracts from your commentary and analysis which I find quite interesting as most of us in the USA are pretty ignorant regarding Russian culture and history ( although I know more than most ) You’re not doing yourself any favors with that unless maybe that’s the point. Cheers Comrade
I hope this is the change that is needed. Paul Craig Roberts posted a good column a couple days ago. Its on Unz (the critical comments are hilarious complete with 5D and authority appeals). Putin has been too timid or naive in expecting Globohomo to play by the rules and come to the negotiating table. The call up was long overdue. My hats off to the men that have remained in theater for months with no relief in sight. Kadyrov's men have been thrilling to watch on Southfront. I dont even mind when they go "Allahu Akbar" after a good shot
Rolo, when is a sun wheel bad? Azov uses sun wheels in their symbolism too. Symbols rule the world. Mystery cults still use symbols to great effect. Witness the overabundance of pyramid and "eye of god" symbols in rhe West.
Your posts are always thought-provoking and sincere, Rolo.
As an American, I obviously have no knowledge of the make-up or strength of the Russian military. I cannot help but suspect that, at the very top, their generals, like ours, are primarily politicians and less than capable leaders of fighting men. The Peter Principle holds true in all businesses.
Most of Napoleon's successes were the result of fighting against generals who were in their seventies or eighties. In the American Civil War, Lincoln made the mistake of having an old man, Winfield Scott, as the Commanding General (until he was replaced by McClellen).
I suspect that the Wagner Group is spear-heading every successful effort by the Russian Army and that they are no different than Navy Seals and the Special Forces in every branch of the US military.
The choice of General Sergei Surovikin as the overall commander of Russian forces fighting in Ukraine seems wise. He was successful in fighting rebels in Syria and is a determined and resourceful war fighter.
I question your derision of America's Space Force, however. Many in the military applauded President Trump when he started this new branch of the service. Certainly, warfare in space will be the next Big Thing. Whether it is destroying enemy satellites or attacking Earth with weapons in space, the Space Force is to the 21st Century what the Air Force became in the 20th.
It would not surprise nor disappoint me to see hypersonic missiles destroy the Ukrainian Government Building in Kiev. It would send a double message to the fascists if such an attack came from a satellite.
Frankly, I do not know why Russia did not take advantage of their strengths; that is, use their superior missile power to raze the Ukrainian military HQ and kill the commanders.. I get that Zelensky uses citizens as human shields but that is their choice, not the Russians. Regardless of collateral damage, the Ukranian command should have been decimated. UK. French, and US ships should have been sunk. Their aircraft shot out of the sky, wherever they are. Observing the rules of war is fine, but the west is not, so why is Russia.
Second, we know that Russia has the best intelligence service in the world, so why is it not being used. One third of the West would cheerfully wipe out their own murderous politicians, so why not assist them?
And, finally, where the hell is China in all of this. Does Xi not comprehend he is next. Somebody, please, send Xi a copy of the 2015 Rand Report and tell him to use it as a crystal ball; which is historically valid.
Far be it for me to be indiscreet, but effing hell, we need Xi and Vlad to wipe out the US and end the military occupation of Australia. We want our country back. Stop stuffing around.
This is off-topic, but was listening to a live interview on the Duran with an American named Tim Kirby. He has lived in Russia for 15 years, has a family and is not planning on leaving, ever. What struck me was his opinion that Moscow was a cesspool, filled with liberals that he called traitors and people who hate Russia. He put most of the media leaders in that category. Anyway, it reminded me of things you have written. He definitely is a right-wing populist culturally. I don't know if you would be interested in interviewing him.
My greatest concern is over Russia's military technology. American HIMARS – High Mobility Artillery Rocket System – is a truck-mounted cannister of 6 missiles capable of launching pinpoint strikes against targets up to 53 miles (85 kilometers). Washington has sent 16 to Ukraine.
In contrast, Russia has been launching indiscriminate artillery volleys.
Russia is fatally reliant on access to Western, primarily American, technology. Only 5% of the munitions Russia has used in Syria were smart weapons. Russia doesn’t have nearly enough precision systems. Exacerbating the situation, their targeting intelligence is poor. In addition, manufacturing problems limit Russia’s production of advanced weapons. Russia has already used a substantial amount of its precision munitions in Ukraine.
Computer chips and semiconductors have revolutionized war by improving guidance and communications. Copying American technology has pervaded Russia’s chip industry. This is a fatal flaw in an industry that progresses with extreme rapidity – Russia is forever playing catchup. Russian weapon systems are full of Western chips. Russia’s 9M549 satellite guided rockets are fired from the Tornado-S which is similar to HIMARS but not as accurate. However, they rely on smuggled chips produced by US companies such as Altera and Cypress Semiconductor. They only manufacture 100 to 200 a year because they require chips and other components from the West. Where they can’t acquire the components, they improvise.
Some estimates are that Russia has already used 55% of its entire stockpile of guided missiles in Ukraine.
We can only hope & pray for a radical change in the situation. I'm very worried.
There is no indication Kremlin wishes to win the war. There is every indication they will jump at the first opportunity to negotiate. Telltale signs light up Moscow like a Christmas tree. Kadyrov himself used to constantly say how he prays Putin will allow the troops to keep marching while the commander of his Chechen forces wanted to go conquer Europe. Silence now. So assuming a big if, the army is taking this seriously now, we can expect a bloody battle for the 4 regions in the winter, unless the Americans shut it down to make themselves look good. The narrative that Russia got humiliated with them barely lifting a finger and now they have decided to show mercy and restore world order.
Dear Rolo, we, westerners, really need a russia/west dictionnary.
with chrome translator, I read this. Seems deep interesting but there is so much obscures refferences that I don't get the point
Комиссар Исчезает
Насчет бурной любви наших смердяковых к Алле Пугачевой скажу следующее.
Все, что мы видим даже не с 24 февраля 2022 года, но и с 23 февраля 2014 года - это война Советского Союза против России.
Советский Союз - антиимперия, которой в ущерб русским правили представители национальных окраин, воссоединилась уже без всякого коммунизма, на голой почве своего этнического прагматизма, чтобы не допустить никаких претензий русских на то, что было отнято у России в двадцатом веке.
И вот этот прибалто-еврее-украино-много еще какой союз консерваторов-охранителей советской территориальной нарезки и советского же подхода к национальному вопросу - делает все, чтобы пересмотр святого ленинского наследия не случился.
А если так, то логично, что символом движения советских охранителей стала советская же икона стиля, то есть Пугачева.
Ротару, кстати, была патриоткой Украины и ее карательной АТО еще восемь лет назад.
И что с этим делать? Только одно.
Буднично и терпеливо отправлять людей домой.
Галкин, Фишман, Белковский, Кац, Штейн - эти все уже сидят у себя дома и каркают оттуда.
Вернутся к себе и все прочие общинные знаменитости.
На том и закончится наконец-то в России Советская власть.
(please forgive for the OT)
It it really necessary to use the racist slurs: yids and ukrofasconegroes ( whatever that is ) ? This in my opinion detracts from your commentary and analysis which I find quite interesting as most of us in the USA are pretty ignorant regarding Russian culture and history ( although I know more than most ) You’re not doing yourself any favors with that unless maybe that’s the point. Cheers Comrade
I hope this is the change that is needed. Paul Craig Roberts posted a good column a couple days ago. Its on Unz (the critical comments are hilarious complete with 5D and authority appeals). Putin has been too timid or naive in expecting Globohomo to play by the rules and come to the negotiating table. The call up was long overdue. My hats off to the men that have remained in theater for months with no relief in sight. Kadyrov's men have been thrilling to watch on Southfront. I dont even mind when they go "Allahu Akbar" after a good shot
Rolo, when is a sun wheel bad? Azov uses sun wheels in their symbolism too. Symbols rule the world. Mystery cults still use symbols to great effect. Witness the overabundance of pyramid and "eye of god" symbols in rhe West.