Russia cuts a supply line to Afghanistan
posted at 6:38 pm on February 3, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Just two weeks after supposedly agreeing to expand supply lines into Afghanistan, Russia cut one of the more important supply lines available to NATO. Vladimir Putin gave Kyrgyzstan over $2 billion, and the Central Asian country not-so-coincidentally booted the US from their air base:
In a setback to the escalating U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan, the president of Kyrgyzstan said Tuesday that his government will shut down the American air base in his country.
U.S. officials say that the Manas Air Base is vital to plans to send an additional 30,000 American troops to Afghanistan, a linchpin of President Barack Obama’s efforts to pacify the country.
The announcement by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev came in Moscow, not in his own capital, and shortly after the Russian government reportedly agreed to lend Kyrgyzstan $2 billion, write off $180 million in debt and add another $150 million in aid. Although the Russian government didn’t release a statement about the decision, the timing and place of the announcement indicated that the Kremlin had been involved.
Two weeks ago, Kyrgyz officials assured David Petraeus that they had no discussions with Russia about Manas. Two weeks and one presidential inauguration later, the US and NATO have lost a major supply route for their fight in Afghanistan, and Putin has a new BFF in Bakiyev. The Kyrgyz PM says that the US would not adequately compensate his country for the base, but that sounds pretty strange for a nation that gave such assurances before Obama took the oath of office.
The problem was never in Krygyzstan. Biden predicted that world leaders would challenge Obama and his inexperience within the first few months of the adminstration, but they’ve already started to line up in the first few days. Iran launched a satellite on an ICBM to show they could go ballistic once they have nuclear weapons. North Korea reportedly has set up another ICBM for a test. Now Russia has flipped an ally in the war on terror — and all of this in the first 14 days of Obama’s presidency.
Update: I originally wrote that North Korea set up the ICBM test to threaten Seoul, which is an example of poor writing and excessive unstated assumptions. Kim has recently broken off talks with the South and done a lot of saber-rattling, probably to extort more economic concessions. The rocket test is likely intended to bolster the saber rattling as well as to send a very clear message to Obama. Instead of actually writing all that, I wrote that Kim set up an ICBM to threaten a city less than 100 miles from his border … which is really ridiculous. Sorry about that.









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Two freakin billion? Chicken feed. Fire up those damn printers again. Give ‘em an extra billion for the hell of it.
JiangxiDad on February 3, 2009 at 6:42 PM
And Barry gets PWN3D by an adversary again…
a rough start to your 3rd weak Barry
phreshone on February 3, 2009 at 6:43 PM
I wish they all wouldn’t seem so eager to get in line. It’s bad form. At least give the kid a chance to bankrupt the country first.
a capella on February 3, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Imagine that…things are starting to get very lively indeed on the foreign policy front. I guess we’ll see how Obama does with OJT…if his cabinet nomination process is any guide, I’m guessing this is going to be a rough ride.
AUINSC on February 3, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Like a deer in the headlights, does Obambi even truly realize he is being personally tested?
TubbyHubby on February 3, 2009 at 6:44 PM
Biden predicted that world leaders would challenge Obama and his inexperience within the first few months of the adminstration
I don’t think Joe meant the entire world at once.
I believe even the Republic of the Marshall Islands have threatened the U.S., with what I don’t know, but why not join the crowd and see what sort of concession you can get?
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 6:45 PM
Why don’t they let him eat his waffles.
the_nile on February 3, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Tell those russkie pigs we’re so rich we’re about to blow through half a billion in rubbers alone. Don’t make us laugh.
Chuck Schick on February 3, 2009 at 6:46 PM
Hey, Bakiyev, bribes are taxable income! You’re not a cabinet nominee so don’t “forget” to report it.
FalseProfit on February 3, 2009 at 6:47 PM
He just needs to talk to Putin.
Maybe tell Putin he’ll disarm the US,, throw away our nukes and pull out of Afghanistan.
Obama will call him,, it’ll be ok. You’ll see. Hope and change.
JellyToast on February 3, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Crap. That’s all I can say right now.
batter on February 3, 2009 at 6:48 PM
Everyone who didn’t see this coming raise their hand.
commenter on February 3, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Tell those russkie pigs we’re so rich we’re about to blow through half a billion in rubbers alone. Don’t make us laugh.
Chuck Schick on February 3, 2009 at 6:46 PM
And that’s just for the personal use of getalife and mediahacks on their dates together, wait until we start buying them for the straight guys too.
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Russia is really starting to piss me off
Defector01 on February 3, 2009 at 6:50 PM
“Not you Barry”
the_nile on February 3, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Our enemies see Obama clearly.
In fact they understand him better than do many Americans.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Hey-ohhhh!!!
Chuck Schick on February 3, 2009 at 6:51 PM
That fits right in with what I just said.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 6:51 PM
Obama also askes Russia for deal to reduce nuclear arms [bendover diplomacy]
Wethal on February 3, 2009 at 6:52 PM
How is Kyrgyzstan such a key airlift point for Afghanistan for us? I mean, how do we get sh*t into Kyrgyzstan to begin with?
flipflop on February 3, 2009 at 6:52 PM
…”It’s the end of the world as we know it”….
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 6:52 PM
So , when does China start to move on Taiwan? Friday?
the_nile on February 3, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Does Rosetta Stone have a russian module…
phreshone on February 3, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Oh boy, aren’t the next four years going to be a blast? Emphasis on “blast”?
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Ruble hitting new low against the dollar.Half of Russia’s reserves have been used-up defending the ruble to date. There’ll be no subsidies for Venez. or Cuba. Russia will deal with those that pay hard cash only. In a few months, if the world economy stays moribund, and oil stays low and the dollar high, Russia could be nearly bankrupt. That goes for Venezuela as well. My guess is that Obama will do something stupid in regard to both.
JiangxiDad on February 3, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Next up – Kyrgystan shows up on Obama’s doorstep with a BIG fat bill for their cooperation.
Anyone care to take bets?
commenter on February 3, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Good news… Rosetta Stone does have a russian module…
phreshone on February 3, 2009 at 6:55 PM
….They don’t need the U.S., they are getting all those residuals from Borat’s movie….
yeah, I know, wrong ‘stan’.
HornetSting on February 3, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Economic and other ties btwn Taiwan and ROC are huge now. Flights resumed I believe. My guess is that there will be reunification someday, along the Hong Kong model.
JiangxiDad on February 3, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Very dangerous situation.
Maxx on February 3, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Does Rosetta Stone have a russian module…
phreshone on February 3, 2009 at 6:53 PM
Sold out.
So is Korean, Chinese, Farsi, Spanish and Arabic.
I’m covered though, I know how to say “Please don’t fu**ing shoot!” in all of those languages.
Bishop on February 3, 2009 at 6:57 PM
Yep. And an Arabic one too.
IrishEi on February 3, 2009 at 6:58 PM
“Gird your loins”
Conservative_SAHM on February 3, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Who would have believed friendly Muslims would turn on you as quick as that?
BL@KBIRD on February 3, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Two weaks in office.
Jaibones on February 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM
This just isn’t funny anymore.
8-(
IrishEi on February 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Didn’t John “F’n” Kerrey tell us that Obama would take care of the middle east. That Obama was one of them? What the hell happened?
PappaMac on February 3, 2009 at 7:00 PM
Whatever. We’ve got unicorns. I fear nothing.
Professor Blather on February 3, 2009 at 7:02 PM
It is like 1977-1980 all over again. Jimmy Carter II at the helm. Can America survive another malaise of incompetence?
portlandon on February 3, 2009 at 7:03 PM
So this is how Soft Power works, eh?
All I can say is buckle up, gang, it’s only gonna get worse.
Bruno Strozek on February 3, 2009 at 7:03 PM
Where is Hillary? She might look good to the Russkie’s.
PappaMac on February 3, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Life is rough for The One right now. He had to take solace with the young ens today. Things are all peachy keen right now. He needs a break.
“We were just tired of being in the White House,” the president candidly told the gleeful second-graders at Capital City Public Charter School
Brat4life on February 3, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Called it…
Pakistans truck route had a bridge blown yesterday…
Now this…
There are reports that Barry is looking for a Hudna with those in Pakistan and Afganistan… if he gets it, he will claim victory… and due to supply line problems… bring troops out of Afganistan.
Two years from now a resufgent Islamic group will reinvade Afganistan from the Pakistan border region, and proclaim the new Caliphate.
Romeo13 on February 3, 2009 at 7:08 PM
Well said!
Josiah on February 3, 2009 at 7:09 PM
Thats funny. I was getting tired of him being in the White House too. It’s only day 12. Wake me up when it’s over.
portlandon on February 3, 2009 at 7:09 PM
That Joe Biden is Nostrodamus I tell ya!!!!
Well, the first part of his “mark my words” speech has come true. World leaders are falling over themselves to test us. Now comes the second part of Biden’s prediction. Obambi is about to do things that we will question; i.e. not think are right. Something tells me ol’ Joe is gonna be two for two on this.
Sugar Land on February 3, 2009 at 7:10 PM
Aw geez. I wonder if the Krygyz might have discussed upcoming problems with the incoming Obama people, and the newbies in DC didn’t realize what exactly the importance if the base in Krygyzstan was.
Everybody please fasten your seat belts and put your seats in the full upright position, the rides going to get a little bumpy.
smithinmich on February 3, 2009 at 7:13 PM
If the guy doesn’t know critical details about his friends, how clueless is he about the rest of the world?
Iblis on February 3, 2009 at 7:13 PM
He’s got to have that adulation to keep on going.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 7:13 PM
But, but, but the Cold War is over :-)
johnsteele on February 3, 2009 at 7:15 PM
And sadly, Sully is not at the controls.
IrishEi on February 3, 2009 at 7:16 PM
We should pull ALL of the troops out of Afghanistan.
Not ONE SOLDIER should be in harm’s way with this usurper in power.
Let’s roll!
ex-Democrat on February 3, 2009 at 7:21 PM
Wow a triple play. Just wait for the Grand Slam!!!!!
izoneguy on February 3, 2009 at 7:23 PM
Here you go:
India warns Obama over Kashmir: ‘Obama is barking up the wrong tree’…
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/a545f3b0-f1f9-11dd-9678-0000779fd2ac.html
portlandon on February 3, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Quick get Hillary on a plane to Japan, Stat!
danking70 on February 3, 2009 at 7:26 PM
Ike should have let Patton kick those Russian savages all the way back to Moscow like he wanted to.
Russia was is our enemy, now and forever.
ThePrez on February 3, 2009 at 7:27 PM
Can’t comment now. Too busy girding my loins.
FMAC on February 3, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Obama’s press announcement 3 days after China obliterates Taiwan,, “Uhh, uhh, I think it is,, uhh, time for both sides to pull back and look for a ,,uhh, way to come together. Thank you very much. No questions,, you guys,, I didn’t come down here for questions OK?? Just came down to to say Hi, and give this statement. No questions.”
JellyToast on February 3, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Obama was right. Iran is a tiny country, compared to Russia. The only problem is that he is intellectually smaller than either of them.
PappaMac on February 3, 2009 at 7:30 PM
Gee ya think?
I just talked with a liberal socialist lady
who tells me how she wants to pay more taxes
that she cant figure out how Bush BLEW all of that so called surpluss at the beginning of his term..
Never mind that those funds came from the Bush Senior tax raise..
Now we see every tin pot dictator rising up
To challenge the gag messiah..
Why >?
Perhaps just perhaps as soon as obama was elected
Every
Terrorist
communist
leftist
drug dealer
slimeball
fraudster
huckster
and even the cockroaches
Were LAUGHING so loud the entire earth shook with their laughter..
and now thanks all you liberal morons
every villain known to mankind is rising from the grave
Licking their chops because
they all know
Obama is an empty suit
Democrats couldnt fight their way out of a paper bag
Liberals are crying in their corner because they dont have enough money for both their Bong and their cappachino.
If i was an islamic terrorist group
i would have waited 3 days and then
sent over hundreds of terrorists all who speak spanish
Hell obama probably would have hired them
to run the immigration department..
Morons..
jcila on February 3, 2009 at 7:31 PM
The vultures are circling.
We sure have an idea now just how much rogues of the world feared the wrath of GWB.
baldilocks on February 3, 2009 at 7:34 PM
RACIST!
Dr Evil on February 3, 2009 at 7:37 PM
this is so deadly serious here..
and these idiots dobnt have a damn clue..
I remeber when obama chiden mccain because
he said
“Oh i know you all think im just new and green behind the ears”
No Obama
Your a frigging moron who is so absolutly clueless
you are preparing camps to jail americans citizens and
at the same time letting all of the islamic nazis we caught
go free..
I am sorry sir but when the liberals elected you
actually believing your hope n change bit
I will bet my life
the dumb liberals never expected
your slogan to mean
Hope – give the islamic terrorist hope to hit us again
and – and the communists, eco terrorists, environmentalists
china, russia, the pirates of somalia and every other cockroach
change – will definintaly prove the change in our country by
Taking it over after Raising the temperature on the surface
to 10,0000 degrees centigrade
your an idiot..
and all theliberals who voted for you
I hope that stimulus package contains
sunblock 10,0000 ..
you will need it
jcila on February 3, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Gee, what happen to everybody in every country will love us again once Obama is elected? The honeymoon over already?
docdave on February 3, 2009 at 7:38 PM
You “ain’t seen nothing YET”.
bucko36 on February 3, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Barry will abandon our allies in eastern Europe. Once again the Poles, Liths, Czechs, etc. will find themselves facing the drunken savage bear with little choice but to fight to the death. Obama is far more concerned with re-establishing relations with the knuckle dragging Islamic fundamentalists of his youth.
Healing that will kill us all
dmann on February 3, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Trying to find a bright side…struggling…OK…
If this interferes with our ability to whoop on the Taliban and they re-assert themselves, Pooty gets another radicalized neighbor. One with a grudge from 20 years ago. Hmmmm.
innominatus on February 3, 2009 at 7:39 PM
You’re right.
The circling started pretty quickly–so much for “six months”.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 7:39 PM
The Cold War continues. This wasn’t just goodwill on the part of Russia in giving them money. It was more like they made ‘em an offer they couldn’t refuse. They’ve been pressuring Kyrgyzstan on this base and two weeks ago launched a massive cyberattack on the country.
CP on February 3, 2009 at 7:40 PM
Afghanistan Abandon All Hope Ye Who Enter Here
Dr Evil on February 3, 2009 at 7:41 PM
Huh?
MB4 on February 3, 2009 at 7:42 PM
Gonna crack…………..ain’t gonna be pretty.
Can’t wait.
Hope there’s a lot of involuntary twitching involved…..not that there’s anything wrong with that.
Itchee Dryback on February 3, 2009 at 7:42 PM
The tyrants of Iran, North Korea and Russia seem happy that Obama was elected. He can’t please everybody.
Loxodonta on February 3, 2009 at 7:48 PM
Slightly OT…you guys ever notice when a story is hard to spin our resident boot lickers, getalife and mediahacks, don’t seem to pop into the discussion?
Just an observation, continue pouncing on the neophyte we have as our President…
javamartini on February 3, 2009 at 7:51 PM
baldilocks on February 3, 2009 at 7:53 PM
So far, North Korean, Iran and now Russia have lined up to shove a big dildo up Obi’s assss. We still have Syria, the Pally`s, Chavez, China etc to give Obi their best. Not to mention ones that come from left field (eg Mexico financial collapse etc).
Given that he cant even select competent staff, there is NO possibility that Obama’s administration can deal with all this “schitt”. Luckily Gates is still there to help him, but otherwise, this administration has NO hope of dealing with all these crises.
Is there`s a chance that Obama will have a nervous breakdown ? I`m not saying that to be an a-hole, it`s just that the above scenarios ARE going to happen, and he has NO chance of being able to deal with them. Add to that his flakey character.
gozzak on February 3, 2009 at 7:53 PM
That does seem to happen.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 7:58 PM
Hit the nail on the head,
funny as hell!!!!!
Baxter Greene on February 3, 2009 at 7:59 PM
For the 500th time. The Cold War is not over.
Iran and Nork are proxies.
Russia is the enemy.
faraway on February 3, 2009 at 8:04 PM
I have thought the pressure might be too much for him. I’m not saying this either to mouth off. I’ve joked about that “journey of personal discovery” phrase that Palin used, but no regular kind of guy who has reached adult maturity would have let his admirers do all of that “messiah” kind of stuff. It’s abhorrent and creepy.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 8:05 PM
These are some very serious crises coming at him. I honestly don’t know if he has the inner strength to deal with them.
INC on February 3, 2009 at 8:06 PM
He’ll be tested in the first 6 months mark my words, gird your loins….Thanks Joe, that was so unhelpful.
Dr Evil on February 3, 2009 at 8:11 PM
What happened to freevillage? I’m sure he would set us imperialists right on this story!
dmann on February 3, 2009 at 8:13 PM
We lost another line from Pakistan when Militants blew up a bridge today.
Barry has some serious problems in Afghanistan now! And he better get it right!
Bicyea on February 3, 2009 at 8:14 PM
Obama may actually welcome this news. Does anyone think he really has any stomach for war at all? Obama is already fighting with Petraeus, trying to pull out of Iraq too quickly. If Obama is willing to put the Iraq victory at risk, why in tarnation is he really going to do bupkis in that hell-hole, Afghanistan? Here’s Obama’s perfect excuse, even after he called Afghanistan the real war, to exit said hell-hole, stage left!
Additionally, why would the Russians want us to succeed where they failed? Remember when Afghan “rebels” were all the rage here? The Peterman catalog even sold Afghan Rebel hats just like bin Laden wears. (I bought one for my son in law.} Yep, that’s when the Russians were fighting there and we were helping the Afghans. No surprise here that the Russians want to hang the US out to dry.
marybel on February 3, 2009 at 8:17 PM
Yes, thanks, we got it.
baldilocks on February 3, 2009 at 8:23 PM
Near the end of that article is a great bit of advice on how diplomacy works in the real world:
“You kill a chicken to scare a monkey,” Mr Mohan said at a recent seminar in New Delhi on US relations with South Asia. “We killed the chicken and the monkey got the message.”
TubbyHubby on February 3, 2009 at 8:24 PM
As much of an a$$clown that Obama has made of himself with putting one corrupt democrat after another in his cabinet,his foreign policy team is a thousand times worse than the tax cheating idiots on display the last few days:
Senator Clinton’s Claims of Foreign Policy Experience Are Exaggerated
By Greg Craig
To: Interested Parties
http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2008/03/clintons_exaggerated_experienc.html
Apparently dodging imaginary sniper fire and having tea and biscuits is all the experience you need in Obama’s administration.
Susan Rice To The United Nations
http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2008/12/susan-rice-to-t.html
This is also the same women who advised Clinton not to take the offer from the Sudan when they were going to give us Osama on a silver platter.
Real genius here.
Sleep easy.
Samantha Power and Obama’s Foreign Policy Team
By Richard Baehr and Ed Lasky
http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/02/samantha_power_and_obamas_fore_1.html
Of course we know now that the NIE was nothing put political propaganda to hurt Bush’s efforts in dealing strongly with a regime that is month’s away from a nuclear bomb and hell bent on destroying Israel.
This is also the woman who wants to put American troops into
Gaza to protect them from the genocidal massacres of those
EEEEEEEEEEEEEvil Jews in Israel.
This guy is even worse than they are:
Positions that Zbigniew Brzezinski has held:
National Security Advisor during the administration of President Jimmy Carter
BRZEZINSKI BOASTS OF STARTING THE AFGHAN WAR
Interview with Brzezinski:
Q:
Brzezinski:
Q:
Brzezinski:
Q:
Brzezinski:
Q:
Brzezinski:
And to top it all off.
Mr. 57 states is already on record stating that even if he knew then what he knew now about the success of the surge(that won the Iraq War)he would still vote against it.
Our enemies see blood in the water with Mr.Appeasement and his blame America crew in charge.This could get real ugly.
Baxter Greene on February 3, 2009 at 8:26 PM
William Henry Harrison, served 31 days, died from illness.
Come on Barry, you can beat that. Only two more weeks. Just hang on dude. You can do it..
Skandia Recluse on February 3, 2009 at 8:27 PM
Change!
Red Cloud on February 3, 2009 at 8:33 PM
A good Chicago crime organization would know it’s time for an audacious hit.
BL@KBIRD on February 3, 2009 at 8:33 PM
People wanted CHANGE.
They’re getting it with a vengeance.
And fast.
HOPE we can survive it.
profitsbeard on February 3, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Go to the mattresses.
thomasaur on February 3, 2009 at 8:39 PM
Hillary , put your hand down for pet’s sake!!!
your getting that 3am call. and the 4 am call , and the 6am call as well.
UNREPENTANT CONSERVATIVE CAPITOLIST on February 3, 2009 at 8:45 PM
Fortunately, Obama has surrounded himself with only the most experienced foreign policy experts that the Democracks have to offer. I feel soooooo safe!!!
Welcome to Kamp Barry
cyclown on February 3, 2009 at 9:33 PM
Obama’s comments on the Russian invasion of Georgia gave them a big clue on how he was likely to react.
exhelodrvr on February 3, 2009 at 9:34 PM
I wont blame obama for the georgia crisis because
I am not sure of 2 things
1. would the us be able to withstand a war against russia
Doubtful…
2. would the us be able to defend the region with troops in the area without massive reservist callups
No..
According to a military woman i talked too she said we did have sufficient forces in the balklands for a temporary push back but..
I dont think that the 10,000 men would have stopped the entire russian army..
Sorry this one obama isnt at fault with.
but obama is at fault for publicly stating an already defeatist position making the enemy more likely to
Make a move..
This nearly happened when the dingbat pelozi nearly starts a war with turkey on purpose just to derail president bush..
This is scary stuff and you dont play with it..
mccain was right on one thing..
obama is too green for the job..
and he may end up causing a new world war..
jcila on February 3, 2009 at 9:40 PM
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