The evolution of the oil weapon

Friday, June 5th 2015 - 09:23 UTC

Full article 4 comments

In the age of derivatives, swaps, and electronic money transfers, a new form of warfare has emerged: financial warfare. Recently, the US has passed sanctions on countries such as Syria, Venezuela and North Korea, but the majority of energy related sanctions passed have been targeted at Iran and Russia. Read full article

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zathras
Desperately trying not to sound like Conq...

However ANYTHING that hurts Russia is fantastic.

That it hurts Iran to is just an added bonus.
Jun 05th, 2015 - 12:12 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Conqueror
@1. Not necessarily. One must consider that Russia has a population around 144 million. The problem is a demagogue like Putin. Back in the 1940s, Russia was able to mobilise massive numbers of 'troops'. Therefore damage to Russia must be balanced. The basic mindset of Russian people is suspicion. Suspicion that “foreigners” are trying to cripple or destroy Russia. It matters not that Russia brings its problems on itself with the actions of such as Putin. It's a matter of effects, not causes.

Damage to Iran is much more important. What intelligent people would hand over 'government' to bigoted, hatred-inspired, warmongering nutjobs? Looking back into history, it's what led to the separation of Church and State in Britain. Religion is all very well for those that need it and in times of great danger. When there's nothing else left. But for everyday life? One simple example. How much time is wasted praying five times a day? That's on top of meal breaks.

The truth is that Iran must be STOPPED first. I place no trust in the 'negotiations'. Especially with the apparent refusal to permit inspections and interviews with 'scientists'. Saddam Hussein got away with a lot. Witness the combat aircraft flown elsewhere (Iran). The chemical weapons hidden underground. The chemical weapons factory that IS now has under its control. How come IS doesn't attack Iran? I suggest that IS is actually an Iranian construct. Anyone noticed any criticism of IS from Iran?
Jun 05th, 2015 - 03:24 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Briton
Nope.
Jun 05th, 2015 - 08:06 pm - Link - Report abuse 0
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Hepatia
http://en.mercopress.com/2015/06/05/the-evolution-of-the-oil-weapon#comment400241: There is no Separation of Church and State in the UK. On the contrary there are religious clerics in your legislature. These clerics are not elected but appointed to the legislature by your queen who is also the head of your state religion. So, not only do you British wingnuts not understand anything about foreign countries you also do not understand your own country.

Your post tells us all we need to know about your lack of understanding of foreign countries. For instance, there were not chemical weapons found in Iraq. Read the US government reporting on the matter.

In addition Iran has not invaded any foreign country in the last century (and more). WRT the IS it is Iran that is providing the only effective military and political opposition to this group.

Your disconnection from the real world is beyond bizarre.
Jun 07th, 2015 - 01:45 am - Link - Report abuse 0
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