Reply #21: "whether or not Putin is serious about retaliating for destroying Russia's source for cheap oil"

[Strelnikov_]

Russia is probably now ahead of Saudi Arabia as the worlds largest producer of oil, and just behind in exports.

The countries that will benefit most from a US attack on Iran is Russia and to a lesser degree China. That is why we are seeing both countries, and particularly Putin, playing both sides in the building crises.

"lot of variables that have to be accounted for"

It will begin, IMHO, like it did in 1914, with neither country (France and Germany) wanting open conflict. But with plans long drawn up, tensions high, and the attitude that if war comes, by God they will finish it, all it will take is a spark, such as an IRGC or US commander over-reacting to an incident.

Also, the public on both sides appear to be over-estimating their own military capabilities. No country ever began a war thinking they would lose.


Putin is ready, once the Republicans attack Iran, to supplant the petrodollar with the petrorouble.

Full of hegemonic hubris, the U.S. government does not understand that U.S. power and hegemony have always depended not on missiles and military force, but on the financial power conveyed by the dollar's role as reserve currency. The reserve currency is world money, good in any country to pay any bill. The reserve currency country is not a debtor in the usual sense. As the reserve currency can be used to settle international accounts, the reserve currency country can borrow at will until lenders lose confidence in the currency. - Paul Craig Roberts

Putin understands. Can't find that oil you must have with 50% of the worlds export market offline (Persian Gulf). Give us your bid, offered and paid in roubles.

Putin is playing the Republicans/Neocons like a chess master. The attack on Iran will be checkmate, with Russia (and to a lesser degree China) winning the game. It would be somewhat entertaining, if we were not the pawns in this final 'Great Game'.