Why is Tony
Abbott Going to “Shirtfront” Vladimir Putin
So
Tony Abbott has physically threatened the President of Russia. If you
want to know what a shirtfront is then watch this video:
Now
I hope that Mr Abbott was speaking figuratively, but one world
leader should never physically threaten another world leader.
Especially one who has a black belt in Judo and a nuclear arsenal of
more than 5000 weapons.
Why is Tony
doing this?
The answer is
simple- Votes. The shooting down of MH 17 was a shocking occurrence
to many Australians. The fact that the aircraft was carrying so many
Australians came as a surprise to many Australians who still tend to
feel that our isolation protects us from the intrigues of the wider
world. Russia has been historically unpopular in this country since
the MH17 shoot-down. Also since the MH17 Shoot-down Mr Abbott's
popularity has risen sharply. Abbott's strident criticism of Putin
has been quite popular. With his renewed War On ISIS in Iraq Abbott
has moved from Laughing stock (anyone remember #TonyDumDum) to a
viable choice for re-election. Mr Putin is unwittingly helping him do
it.
There is
truth in what he says – Yes I put this one after the political
expedient, but it is quite true that Vladimir started a war for the
Crimea. He provided the weapons and the training for the Ukrainian
separatists. He is at least complicit in the shoot-down if not
ultimately responsible for it. There is little at stake. The trade
between Russia and Australian is negligible. As an energy provider to
China and many other nations, Russia is more competitor than partner
in trade. Therefore few Australian Jobs are at stake, the Australian
Chamber of Commerce won't fire up and speak out against him. This
argument with Russia is all upside for the one time ailing PM.
Is there
Anything in it for Putin?
Actually there
is. While Australia is not high on Russia's priorities, and I doubt
very much that Abbott's comments last night were included in My
Putins morning brief today, there is some mileage to be made out of
this by the Russians.
In Russian
Propaganda the West has lost it's way. Misguided by our freedom and
equality for all we have given in to the deviants in our societies.
Only Russia has remained true. It is the last place civilisation
still thrives. It's only natural that Obama, Cameron, Abbott, Merkel,
etc attack him.
Where to From
Here
Putin's grip
on power in Russia is absolute in one way, but slipping in another.
Dictators always do well during the good times, but of course the
good times are fast receding in the rear view mirror. A good stoush
is great for popularity in the short term, but often buys your nation
more trouble in the long term. I hope this is the xcase for Russia
and Putin.
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