why is Cheney pushing for NATO membership for Georgia?

[Syrinx]

Wouldn't that mean that if there are future conflicts between Russia and Georgia, that we would have to go to war with Russia? That doesn't sound like a great idea to me.

What is Cheney up to? Is it some mad plan to bring about "Armageddon?" Or, more likely, some farce to restart the "Cold War," either real or simulated, simply to bring in more profits for the MIC?

It doesn't seem that their beloved "War On Terror" is really suitable for such purposes in the long run, because as John Kerry said four years ago, and before, counter-terrorism is primarily a job for the intelligence and law-enforcement communities, which aren't nearly as profitable for the MIC as building megatons of unnecessary armaments.

Could there actually be a deal between the administration and Bush's soul-mate, Pooty Poot, to build the facade of a new Cold War, because it feeds fears around the world, and benefits and profits the worldwide plutocracy?

I know that's some tinfoil there, but it's the most rational explanation I can think of for current events regarding the USA, Russia, Georgia and NATO.

:shrug:

[lligrd]

1. Protecting His Oil Interests As Usual nt

[sfwriter]

2. His pipeline is at stake...

Cheney had people over there during the conflict and he flew there during the RNC convention to shore things up. Our soldiers will protect his pipeline and the profits of his buddies.

Bush promised Putin not to expand Nato eastward, but we know what Bush's word is worth. Putin has us by the short hairs and expects something in return for our backing Georgia in this and bypassing his country with this pipeline. It helps to see this as a mob war.

Just picture Tony Soprano and Johnny Sac fighting over no-show jobs at the Esplanade. Same deal.

Difference is, instead of whacking someone, Putin could back Iran in its nuclear ambitions or sell them air defense equipment. And then there is that pesky UN thing. We'll probably need something from them at the security council.

There are financial considerations beyond oil. Welcome to cold war II with an autocratic and diminished Russia. It sells bombers and it keeps us in Europe.

[provis99]

3. He's evil. That's all.

Why do we need any more explanation except that he revels in evil deeds?

[Caliman73]

4. There is no rational explanation

Just a simple one. It is about money and power. Making a quick buck even if it means putting the US in a position to go to war with Russia. I seriously doubt that Putin would go along with a charade of conflict. He has been making his wealth and Russia's vast wealth during a time of general peace while the US has been spending it's money and most importantly our manpower on the middle east and Afghanistan. I doubt Russia truly wants a fight with the US but I think that Putin is willing to fight rather than backing down and looking weak. Cheney on the other hand is willing to fight for profit. He is a true mercenary.

[The Bakery Wagon]

5. Obama seems to agree...

"Ukraine and Georgia have also been developing their ties with NATO. Their leaders have declared their readiness to advance a NATO Membership Action Plan, MAP, to prepare for the rights and obligations of membership. They are working to consolidate democratic reforms and to undertake new responsibilities in their relationship with the Alliance. I welcome the desire and actions of these countries to seek closer ties with NATO and hope that NATO responds favorably to their request, consistent with its criteria for membership. Whether Ukraine and Georgia ultimately join NATO will be a decision for the members of the alliance and the citizens of those countries, after a period of open and democratic debate. But they should receive our help and encouragement as they continue to develop ties to Atlantic and European institutions..."

http://obama.senate.gov/press/080303-obama_statement_128/

I'll bet he knows what Cheney knows.

The American Elite have decided that it's our job to rule the world. I hope I'm wrong. And welcome the proof.

Of course, like any institution that has outlived it's original purpose, NATO is trying to survive and thrive.

And it looks like it's going to be successful no matter who is elected president.

[curious one]

6. Maybe oil?

[ColbertWatcher]

7. Ultimately it's oil, but I suspect it may also have to do with the euro ...

... and maybe a little forcing other NATO signatories to get bogged down in GOP foreign misadventures.

[DrDan]

8. it all about the oil - we all know he couldn't care less about the population

[no_hypocrisy]

9. Oil, of course, and getting more countries into NATO that would shift the voting

on issues such as military contributions of NATO countries for follies that the U.S. wants. Right now, there are enough countries to veto proposals that the U.S. wants passed. Add Georgia, Ukraine, and some others, and in the future, the U.S. can rubberstamp its policies using European soldiers and money.

Plus, another advantage is to have a buffer of nations to "challenge" Russia, which is one of two nations left to obviously stop a U.S. take-over of global economies and governments. These countries may not be part of the U.S.S.R. anymore, but right now, they are "neutral". By joining NATO, they are telling Russia that in the future, if asked, they will fight AGAINST their former host in exchange for money and the U.S. "protecting" their interests.

[pampango]

10. Who knows? Since Bush/Cheney will be gone soon, Europe will have a large say

in whether Georgia and Ukraine are indeed invited into NATO. Europe needs that oil and natural gas (particularly) more than anyone else. It will be interesting to see what strategy Europe and NATO take towards this.

On one level Georgia, Ukraine, Poland and the Baltic countries have as much right as any other countries to make decisions about with which countries they will trade and have good or bad relations. Ecuador recently told the US that we would have to close a military base there. The Philippines kicked out our bases in the 1990's. They had every right to do this.

So do Georgia and the other countries under discussion. I may feel that they would be smart to play "nicey-nice" with Russia to avoid invasion or a cut-off of energy supplies that come from Russia, but I have opinions on how many countries should handle their affairs. In reality the citizens of each country have more right to make decisions on their own countries' foreign policies.

[lib2DaBone]

11. Its about the Oil Pipeline and Iran..control of the Mideast..

If Cheney can get control of Georgia they want to build US Airbases there. First, of course, is the oil. But second, American bases in Georgia would cut off Russian ground troops who would have to cut thru Georgia on their way to aid Iran. (Russia has signed a mutual aid pact to defend Iran). It's the NeoCon dream to control the mid east.. and Iran is the key. (along with Pakistan) I still think Darth Cheney and Smirk Boy are planning an attack on Iran. (God help us if they do)