First- you call academics “demagogues” because they present factual information that you disagree with.

Russian population decline has been happening since the 1980s. Rich, advanced countries like Japan and Germany are only starting to show negative trends. But, it’s not an instantaneous phenomenon. It’s one that compounds over time.

This isn’t the “Wizard of Oz.” Tightly closing your eyes and repeating “There is no decline. There is no decline” doesn’t equal reality.

Russia’s population decline is a major problem for their economy. From Yale:

Western Economists were calling the financial collapse in 2008-2009 a “normal business cycle” recession, too.

Here’s the problem with Russia’s “intervention” in Syria- NATO is going to be stuck picking up the pieces once Russia finally has to confront the fact that they don’t have the money to continue sustained operations, and that their equipment is wearing out at a much faster rate than they can reasonably replace them.

Afghanistan is infinitely better off now than they ever were under the Taliban regime. Purely on an infrastructure standpoint- Kabul and other large cities in Afghanistan now have access to vastly improved services, than those offered by the 8th century Taliban regime. Not to mention women actually being able to…

I have absolutely NO idea what Putin thinks he’s going to accomplish here.

A friend in the Air Force, and close to the F-22 program, told me that the tooling and equipment was catalogued and “meticulously” stored by order of the Pentagon. That way, restarting production wouldn’t be a huge deal, theoretically.

The F-22 is a truly remarkable aircraft. I’ve had the pleasure of seeing them in-the-air a few times. Even if you don’t care for military equipment, seeing the F-22 maneuvering leaves even the most die-hard peacenik in awe.

I must say, this is an unexpected response. However, if you are indeed serious, I accept your apology.

I don’t see any “conspiracy” relating to Russia or Egypt over these
ships.
I think the most plausible and realistic scenario is the simplest one, too. Egypt is looking to expand its military projection powers due to current threats in the region- including in the Sinai area within its own borders. Keeping a floating…

Russia is currently spending 4.5% of their GDP on defense. That figure doesn’t include the revised GDP estimates to account for the 3-4% GDP contraction.

Again, please show me one example of my support for “Dick Cheney” or neoconservative policies.

Russia’s overt goal in Ukraine was to topple the “illegal” “fascist” regime instilled after Putin’s man, Viktor Yanukovych, was removed from power, prevent the new government from talking hold, prevent its integration with the EU, and stop it from joining NATO.

“I’m an enlightened American”

What does that have to do with your assertion on Russia’s culpability in shooting down MH-17?

“You seem to remember exactly what the compromised corporate media wants you to remember, which is a lie.”

“Ever since NATO and the U.S. were challenged to provide radar and telemetry data on what happened, everyone’s shut up all of a sudden.”

And you ascertained my outlook towards “neoconservatism” from my questioning of Russia’s ability to continue their military adventures?