Snow

Do you think Russia is currently a threat for Finland if we observe the situation in Georgia?

If Russia is a threat for Finland, what should Finland do?

drummerac

Points: 1,726, Level: 24

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Finland is a member of the European Union now, so Russia wouldnt dare attack.

If there is a next time Finland will not be alone!

Penguin88

Points: 451, Level: 9

Activity: 33%

Russia wouldn't attack I believe but I don't that's because of them being an EU member.. Russia wields and almighty card over the docile head of Brussels and that is oil and gas exports.

I don't think they'd attack simply because they have no need to - if Finland started at this point to whip up public attention and hoot about getting back parts of Karelia and the Isthmus THEN Russia would have no qualms to jump to a huge conclusion as they did in 1939 and threaten military intervention after a few diplomatic shows.

Blazco_

Points: 2,140, Level: 27

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So many years under Russia during the cold war... I think that they're still a threat even though Finland is in the European Union. Russia is always a threat, and now, with this Georgia issue, it's even more.

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Penguin88

Points: 451, Level: 9

Activity: 33%

Yeah. Ever since the winter war the border's been pretty heavily guarded so I hear

hootchee

Points: 734, Level: 14

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Sabre rattling rubbish. The US needs Russia as much as Russia needs american ally markets. While Russia has no shortage of people who want its oil, it still needs foreign products and venture capital to sustain its burgeoning economy. Indeed times are good in Russia and they wanted to show the world they can still slap people around if they want. They have a whole new arsenal and a plethora of new technology they wanted to test in the battle field. My question is...why is it that the US is the only government allowed overreach its jurisdiction openly?

Penguin88

Points: 451, Level: 9

Activity: 33%

I don't think the US needs Russia so much and actually Russia doesn't necessarily needs the US so much either, it's Europe that is way more tied to Russia and vice versa. That said, the oil and gas they export accounts for around 70% of their wealth and the population is plummeting by 700,000 a year - any alternative source of energy capitalised upon by Europe or a fall in energy prices could result in a partial collapse of the Russian economy.

I wouldn't agree that times are good in Russia, the state may be beating it's chest and eager to show off it's renewed military might, but beneath that gleaming new look there is still that crumbly old post-soviet crust that can collapse on an economic whim.

I totally agree with you about the US being able to overstep the mark without an eyebrow raised; Russia's incursion into Georgia was largely a reaction owing to Washington's role in arming former Soviet republics like Georgia and giving the green light to anti-Russian talk. Georgia should look beyond Russia when it comes to laying the blame.

T-bag

Points: 2,483, Level: 30

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really funy

drummerac

Points: 1,726, Level: 24

Activity: 100%

I definitely agree with that, Georgia would not have done anything to provoke Russia without informing its allies. Russia has made a fool of the US, and george Bush in particular looks out of his depth. I'd love to see Medvedev debate with George Bush

I just wanted to say that even though Europe looks weak and divided, I believe that Europe is a sleeping dragon. At the moment we spend our money on the health and education of our citizens, that is far more important than weapons.

Europe is the biggest economy in the world, neither Russia nor the US will want to interrupt trade with the richest bloc in the world.

"The US fights, the UN talks, and the EU pays"

hootchee

Points: 734, Level: 14

Activity: 66%

[QUOTE I don't think the US needs Russia so much and actually Russia doesn't necessarily needs the US so much either, it's Europe that is way more tied to Russia and vice versa. QUOTE]

an oversimplification on my part. but dont be fooled. oil is King and will remain so for a very long time. fortunately or unfortunately, depending on which company your investing in...