# Obama's Response \[to Russia placing bombers\] - What will / what should it be? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [March 14, 2009, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413 "2009-03-14T13:43:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 19\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/21 "2009-03-15T07:51:07Z")
I forgot to mention that the current attention Cuba is getting from Venezuela and Russia is probably linked to Castro’s imminent demise and a desire to extend the warm hand of support for the next regime. ---
**Author:** ![bdgr](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a87d85/32.png) [@bdgr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bdgr)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/22 "2009-03-15T08:45:21Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > I don’t really know what Obama’s response might be, but if it were me, I’d say “I hear you want a bomber base in the this hemisphere? Sure: Lackland, Barksdale, or Hill? We’ll charge a little rent, but go ahead, park as many as you want.” Great way to keep an eye on them. > > Also, I’m fairly sure that would freak 'em right out. Absolutely…We’ve got some space at the JRB here in fort Worth as well. ---
**Author:** ![Rune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e68b1a/32.png) [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/23 "2009-03-15T10:12:35Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Russia still has bombers? Who knew? > > Looking it up just now, the article includes a picture of a Tu-95, a design which first flew in 1952; which makes it as old as, well, our heavy bomber, the B-52. You too could have your very own strategic bomber Tu-95. [Yulia is fucked. She’s trying to unhand hers](http://zakon.rada.gov.ua/cgi-bin/laws/main.cgi?page=1&nreg=1092-2008-%F0) Probably Obama should have the same response as when the USA installed bombers and other military equipment in Kyrgyzstan, the Baltics, Georgia &etc. What goes around comes around. But renting out one of your own bases (Alaska) isn’t a bad idea at all. Now that you are broke and fucked like poor Yulia. Perhaps if you manage to crawl out of your economic abyss, fix the deficit, pay back the loans – in twenty years time you could bribe the Venezuelans to close the bases like the Russians just did in Kyrgyzstan. ---
**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/24 "2009-03-15T14:22:04Z")
In response to the question floated by some as to whether anyone can imagine Russia pulling something like this when George Bush was president, Steve Benen had this response: > [@](#): > > Third, I can’t imagine why anyone would think George W. Bush was some kind of intimidating international figure, who struck fear in the hearts of would-be rivals. Morrissey asked if we could even “imagine” Russia showing this kind of pomposity under Bush’s leadership. Daniel Larison answered the question: “Well, since Russia went to war with Georgia, resumed long-range bomber flights and sent a warship to Venezuela during the years of the mighty Bush, yes, I can imagine it.” Sorry, forgot the link: [http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/](http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/) ---
**Author:** ![E-Sabbath](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e19adc/32.png) [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/25 "2009-03-15T15:24:11Z")
I think the most interesting part here is Cuba. I think Russia’s a bit scared about Cuba. Raoul won’t last forever, we’re making friendly overtures. This bomber thing is kind of an excuse to get russian troops on the ground, I think. Venezuela… well, let’s just say that Chavez is not going to end well, you know? ---
**Author:** ![DSeid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dseid/32/20194_2.png) [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/26 "2009-03-15T16:07:25Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > It’s not a “there and back” trip, they’re remaining on station. it’s the same as a nuclear sub sitting off the coast. The new X-555 cruise missile brings Russia into the 21st century and that’s why the Tu95 is projected to be used for another 30 years. It’s not being used as a bomber, it’s a stand-off weapons platform that travels 400+ mph which makes it expensive to babysit. If they base in Venezuala and fuel in Cuba then it’s a huge area to monitor for the US. Okay. The potential damage to America if the yapping that was downplayed by the Kremlin actually occurred would be that the US would have to watch an area that we already monitor really closely (Cuba and Venzuela) using monitoring systems that we already have in place. That they would be putting a huge weapons platform where we could see it better and easier. Alrightee then. Yup huge bitchslap that. ---
**Author:** ![carnivorousplant](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnivorousplant/32/3563_2.png) [@carnivorousplant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnivorousplant)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/27 "2009-03-15T16:50:10Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > That they would be putting a huge weapons platform where we could see it better and easier. “God help them, they’ve got us surrounded. We can shoot any direction we want!” -Attributed to Chesty Puller. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Rune](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e68b1a/32.png) [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Post date:** [March 15, 2009, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/28 "2009-03-15T18:05:57Z")
> [@E-Sabbath](#): > > I think the most interesting part here is Cuba. I think Russia’s a bit scared about Cuba. Raoul won’t last forever, we’re making friendly overtures. This bomber thing is kind of an excuse to get russian troops on the ground, I think. > > Venezuela… well, let’s just say that Chavez is not going to end well, you know? Russia already – and quite voluntarily - closed its Cuban bases several years ago. I think it is quite interesting what was said at that time (Oct. 2001): > [@](#): > > Instead, analysts say the decision signals Putin’s readiness to ignore military hawks and forge closer ties with Washington. > … > “I think it is a clear signal to the U.S. that Russia is changing its position, that we are true allies. It is a very important signal which continues this shift of Mr. Putin toward a clear partnership with the West,” Golts told Reuters. > … > Vadim Solovyov, managing editor of the Nezavisimaya Gazeta Military Review, told Reuters: “I think the majority of the higher echelons of power do not support the president” in his overtures to the West. [Analysis: Russia’s Cuba spy dilemma](http://edition.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/americas/10/18/russia.cuba/index.html) - Putin took a real chance and made some unpopular decisions to open up to the West. Well history has taught us that he was mistaken to trust in the best intentions of the West. The West did not respond in kind. Russia’s approach was snubbed, rebuked, mistrusted and criticised at all turns. From Kosovo to SDI and even the day after the Beslan terror attack did the EU try to start some shit with them. So many wasted opportunities now lost. But the Russians learned their lesson. Not to be fooled twice, this may be what they see as the way ahead. Perhaps a proper response would be to seek true partnership based with Russia instead of the shit we’ve been pulling since the early 90s. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/29 "2009-03-16T00:42:42Z")
> [@DSeid](#): > > Okay. The potential damage to America if the yapping that was downplayed by the Kremlin actually occurred would be that the US would have to watch an area that we already monitor really closely (Cuba and Venzuela) using monitoring systems that we already have in place. That they would be putting a huge weapons platform where we could see it better and easier. > > Alrightee then. Yup huge bitchslap that. No, the bitchslap is the rejection of the pro-offered deal. It has nothing to do with Cuba or having to watch multiple nuclear missile platforms travel back and forth between Cuba and Venezuela. ---
**Author:** ![Frostillicus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/30 "2009-03-16T03:09:01Z")
One would think that we were still in the middle of the Cold War. Didn’t that end around 1991? And are there still people out there who fear the Russians? Really? ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/31 "2009-03-16T03:52:19Z")
Let them spend the money if they think that is wise. We have at least half a dozen military airfields in Florida alone. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/32 "2009-03-16T05:43:10Z")
> [@Frostillicus](#): > > One would think that we were still in the middle of the Cold War. Didn’t that end around 1991? And are there still people out there who fear the Russians? Really? You would think. Putin has been rattling sabres for quite some time and it looks like the old Soviet Union again. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/33 "2009-03-16T22:18:09Z")
I hope he will do the not paranoid thing and just ignore it. Russia’s about as threatening (militarily) to us as Sweden. ---
**Author:** ![Ludovic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ab992/32.png) [@Ludovic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ludovic)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/34 "2009-03-16T22:20:42Z")
In Russia, monkeys spank YOU in public! ---
**Author:** ![Declan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ecae2f/32.png) [@Declan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Declan)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/35 "2009-03-16T22:28:17Z")
Nah ,the russkies will act abit more cautiously now that Obama has authorized the chung-hoon to ride shotgun on the AGI, nothing like sending a gunslinger to calm the waters. Declan ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [March 16, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/36 "2009-03-16T22:34:39Z")
> [@YogSosoth](#): > > I hope he will do the not paranoid thing and just ignore it. Russia’s about as threatening (militarily) to us as Sweden. Russia is every bit as powerful as the United States in every conceivable way and they’re selling that technology to countries like Iran and Venezuela. ---
**Author:** ![YogSothoth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/8edcca/32.png) [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Post date:** [March 17, 2009, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/37 "2009-03-17T23:55:42Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Russia is every bit as powerful as the United States in every conceivable way and they’re selling that technology to countries like Iran and Venezuela. But those would be indirect, and through a 3rd party. I am absolutely 0% afraid of Russia actually attacking us from bombers in Cuba. There is absolutely nothing to be gained from it, they are not insane as people like to attribute to their adversaries, and they simply would not attack us. Let them flood Cuba with bombers, they should be ignored ---
**Author:** ![Tristan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tristan/32/18058_2.png) [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/38 "2009-03-18T00:45:27Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Russia is every bit as powerful as the United States in every conceivable way and they’re selling that technology to countries like Iran and Venezuela. Except for ECM. ECM and force projection. ECM, force projection, and logistics. ECM, force projections, logistics, and … Russia’s military is still second rate at this point. If that. They are in the process of revamping after 15+ years of no progress, no development, and no budget for maintenance and repair. Maybe, after they get their act together, and start rolling out some new hardware, they can be said to be “as powerful as the United States in every concevable way”. Until such time, they are playing catchup, and will be for some time. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2009, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413/39 "2009-03-18T01:42:44Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > Russia is every bit as powerful as the United States in every conceivable way and they’re selling that technology to countries like Iran and Venezuela. In every conceivable way? Their economy is weaker, their population smaller, their armed forces far less well trained and organized, their global influence less in every way. They equal the United States in one way; nuclear weapons. That’s a big trump card but it isn’t “Every conceivable way.” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-response-to-russia-placing-bombers-what-will-what-should-it-be/489413.md?page=1)