The West Marches East, Part 1: The U.S.-NATO Strategy to Isolate Russia by Andrew Gavin Marshall

by Andrew Gavin Marshall
Writer, Dandelion Salad
andrewgavinmarshall.com
Originally published on The Hampton Institute
April 17, 2014

In early March of 2014, following Russia’s invasion of Crimea in Ukraine, the New York Times editorial board declared that Russian President Vladimir Putin had “stepped far outside the bounds of civilized behavior,” suggesting that Russia should be isolated politically and economically in the face of “continued aggression.”

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, lashed out at Russia’s “incredible act of aggression,” stating that: “You just don’t in the 21st century behave in 19th century fashion by invading another country on [a] completely trumped up pre-text.” Indeed, invading foreign nations on “trumped up pre-texts” is something only the United States and its allies are allowed to do, not Russia! What audacity!

Putin Stands Out as a Real World Leader by Finian Cunningham + Putin’s Annual Q&A Session

by Finian Cunningham
Writer, Dandelion Salad
East Africa
Crossposted from Strategic Culture Foundation
April 17, 2014

There is a reason why Russian President Vladimir Putin eclipses his Western counterparts in popular support, and why he can demonstrate to them what it means to be a world leader of stature. It’s partly a result of Putin’s ability to connect with real people about real life in a way that reflects their concerns about what is really going on. He does it with an honesty and compassion that Western leaders no longer know the meaning of.

Russia and Ukraine Reach Deal at Geneva Meeting

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RT America on Apr 17, 2014

Russia, Ukraine, the US and the European Union have agreed to a de-escalation of tensions in eastern Ukraine. After meeting for seven hours in Geneva, Switzerland, all of the parties signed an agreement condemning violence, promising reforms of the Ukrainian constitution and offering amnesty to protesters who leave seized government buildings and turn over their weapons. Representatives from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe will be allowed to monitor the implementation of the agreement. Lindsay France speaks to RT’s Egor Piskunov, who attended the signing and breaks down the details of the agreement.

Boston and Baghdad–Tyranny Abroad is a Washington Export that Defies Our Constitution by Ralph Nader

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by Ralph Nader
The Nader Page
April 17, 2014

Greater Boston and its citizens are the focus of media attention in recognition of the first anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings that took three innocent lives and injured over 264 people, some of them severely. City leaders praised the heroism of the first responders and the deepened community spirit (“Boston Strong”). Addressing 2,500 invited Bostonians, including the bereaved families, Vice President Biden said “You have become the face of America’s resolve, not unlike what happened in 9/11…for the whole world to see. People know all about you. They know your pride, they know your courage, they know your resolve, they know who you are.”

Bandar Dismissal No Let-up for Syria by Finian Cunningham

by Finian Cunningham
Writer, Dandelion Salad
East Africa
Crossposted from PressTV
April 17, 2014

The ditching of Saudi Prince Bandar as the oil kingdom’s spymaster does not portend a retreat by Saudi Arabia from its covert dirty wars or its hard-line anti-Shia hostility.

The move has more to do with Saudi problems of maintaining internal stability, while also giving the Saudi rulers a scapegoat over its failure at regime change in Syria.

Michael Hudson: Investigation Finds Former Ukraine President Not Responsible For Sniper Attack on Protestors

with Michael Hudson
Writer, Dandelion Salad
michael-hudson.com
April 17, 2014

TheRealNews on Apr 16, 2014

Michael Hudson: A German TV investigation disproves the West’s claim that Yanukovych was responsible for killing of dozens of Ukrainian protestors, making this President Obama’s WMD moment.

Paul the Apostle (2000)

Image by Ted via Flickr

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biblegateway

Acts 5:38 Gamaliel: “And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God.”

universal church of jesus on Sep 14, 2014

St. Francis of Assisi (1961) + Francesco (1989)

Image by Randy OHC via Flickr

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St Francis of Assisi

Dustin Dominic on Jul 17, 2013