It’s the month of June already ... and I’ve got the classic writer’s ‘block’.
How do I avoid the quintessential rants about politics or religion when they loom darkly over our very existence. Greece, Iraq, Ukraine, Islam, and the South China Sea (and Canadian politics continues its’ attempt to dumbfound us). The Solar Impulse 2 is grounded in Japan after an exhausting, but record-breaking, 40-hour flight from China, where it had been resting for a lazy month of “commercial reasons” after a 7-hour flight from Chongqing to Nanjing. Will it take more than the balloon-inspired 80-days for it to circumnavigate the Earth?
The hard drive on my computer has developed signs of Alzheimer’s disease, and my symptoms of acid indigestion, probably due to the half-chicken that I ate yesterday, would only interest my doctor during his 5-minute annual checkup next week.
Which leaves me to come to grips with my monstrously thought-provoking subject of World Domination. Ideally, one should obtain a large globe of the Earth (No, Google isn’t good enough) ... I’ll wait.
Since the amazing breakup of the USSR, and the coming into power of the Putin dictatorship, the great Russian bear has demonstrated its’ determination to regain control of those ex-Soviet states by any means it considers necessary. Thus, although the annexation of Georgia and Crimea will not cause sleepless nights in the ‘West’ as it should, perhaps drawing attention to the alarming increase in military activity on the borders (including international sea and airspace) will. Certainly, ex-soviet states that are not members of NATO, are increasing their defense spending. It is just a matter of time for acknowledgement that eastern Ukraine has been annexed. What could they do? One defensive shot and Russia could take over in a matter of weeks, resulting in feeble diplomatic protests at the UN. How many people noticed the visits recently by the prime minister of Greece to Moscow regarding financial assistance. What could Mr. Putin ask for in return, probably, air and naval bases in Greece. After all, Russians are already the largest tourist groups in Greece. Thus, that could influence Russia’s southwards strength into the Mediterranean.
Now, spin the globe to bring the Chinese dragon into view. Inner Mongolia has been taken, perhaps Mongolia itself could be taken in association with Russia. With Islamic problems as an excuse, the province of Xinjiang would be next, and Tibet is already taken, as is Hong Kong and Macau. Taiwan will, initially, become another Hong Kong. There are continuing border disputes with Pakistan and Tajikistan (and India), thus, all the so-called ‘istans could be shared with Russia also. It is said that Mr. Xi is returning to the strong-arm policies of Chairman Mao and this is quite evident in the so-called South China Sea annexation of the Spratly Islands just 200 km off the coast of the Philippines (but more than 1,000 km from the nearest Chinese land mass) including similar disputes with Viet Nam and other Asian countries. Soon, China’s strength in the area will be such that the US will be unable to defend a further annexation of Korea.
If we take a large red paint brush and highlight the countries that I have described, the future of our Earth looks quite uncomfortable, and if we imagine the red paint spreading in all directions, then, I‘ll definitely want to get off.
Your comment would be appreciated by clicking below.
You have invited comments Bernie and I cannot resist making one or two. You are delving into world affairs using the Internet and other sources of information and opinion. You have travelled extensively and have first hand observations of foreign lands to backstop your arguments.
ReplyDeleteIt is valid to ask if there will be a widespread hot war in this century and if you and I will still be around if it happens. The block that could be said to include Russia and satellites with China and satellites is challenging the US and satellites as well as the Islamic world which at present is an irritant or pawn.
World trade patterns and alliances are inhibiting overt action dealing with irritants such as the Ukraine and the Islamic world. Chances are there will be no hot war in what is left of my life but the series of irritants will continue and spread.
While many pundits, today, will point to ISIS as the world’s greatest ‘hot spot’, I fear, much more greatly, the increasing threats from the Red Bear and the Red Dragon.
DeleteISIS is conducting a ‘hot war’ in the Middle East that, I believe, will be confined to that area because of it’s apparent religious nature (I feel that it is unscrupulous people using the Qu’ran, and naive people, in order to obtain non-religious power for their own personal benefits). There is, also, their eventual wish to rid the area of Israel, which will continue to be a focus for the US.
Terrorist activities by Muslim minorities in countries such as, the Philippines and Thailand (for example) of which I have some experience, although dangerous, are very localized and simple seek self-determination and, thus, are very unlikely to be more than an irritant. Other countries with large Muslim populations such as Bangladesh (for example) of which I have experience, have politically motivated terrorist groups causing unrest between opposing sides of the political spectrum. A survey of the general population shows no interest in religious domination by groups related to ISIS.
By comparison, the Russians and the Chinese are well educated and quite intelligent, but have been indoctrinated to accept a dictator to lead them. My experience of China on all levels is quite good too. The difference being that Russia has a maniacal Mr Putin, while Mr Xi of China is the leader of a one-party Communist State where subliminal brainwashing has been an accepted and hidden process since Chairman Mao. Both leaders believe that history has been unkind to them and they are intent to slowly recover status on the world’s stage. But the status quo will not be sufficient, Russia (or Mr Putin) will be seeking to have both political and strategic powers throughout Europe from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. On the other hand, China covets both China Seas and all countries within that field of influence.
In answer to your question, I do not believe that there will be a ‘hot war’, and the affects of these invasions and annexations will occur over a period of decades ... but never underestimate the patience and guile of the Chinese.
It will be interesting to hear from other people who read your blog. Readers in China, Russia, the US and Israel may have a different perspective but I agree that based on what we know at the present moment you have made a valid point.
ReplyDeleteYes, John, I would love to hear comments from readers in those countries. I can imagine strong denial of brainwashing from Chinese readers, silence from Russian and US readers, and the usual Zionist ranting from Israeli readers.
ReplyDeleteA related, slightly tongue-in-cheek thought would be the renaming of the Pacific Ocean (North and South American Oceans) and the Atlantic Ocean (European and African Oceans).