NORTH MACEDONIA AND NATO. WHY?

Well, here I go again. I keep trying to concentrate on the Americas, but people keep  stirring up events elsewhere I just can’t seem to overlook. North Macedonia….yep…that’s right….”North Macedonia”….not “Macedonia”…but…..North Macedonia. Did anyone track why this splitting of hairs took place? Who does it really matter to other than the Greeks? Don’t change the name, can’t get the vote. That is what it came down to. Vote for what you may ask? Why, the vote to enter into the process to join NATO. Wait. Are we talking about NATO expansion once again? Yep. Didn’ the West tell the Russians they wouldn’t do that? Oh…that’s right…..everyone that joined was not invited, they “asked” to join. Anyway, North Macedonia or Macedonia…take your pick…is not “Eastern Europe and the whole NATO statement was based on Eastern Europe.  

Upset:

            Did this North Macedonia “Accession” issue upset the Russians? All you have to do is read the Russian news today and you will have your answer. Does anyone factor in what this expansion could lead to? Usually, yes, but then again, those that write about anticipated actions are usually writing to impress those around them…their peers… and as such, they are most often dead wrong! In the US, those inside the IC are writing to get that next GS grade bump or preparing for their retirement life as a talking head. You want to know how this event is playing out? Easy, read the Russian news! “Open Source”….pound for pound…the best intelligence in the world…even with Fake News!

 Tit for Tat:

            It’s the game that has been played between the West and the East for decades and it will continue here. As a matter of fact, I can even get back on track with my desire to cover the Americas as an example. Both the US and Russian Intelligence Agencies know the status of the Venezuelan military. Both sides know the possibilities of key figures switching over to Guaido and the Russian even posted news stories yesterday on how the worries of Muduro staying in power. That ship for the Russians is sinking and Guaido has already reached out to the Dragon to keep that money train on the tracks. So, what happens? Options. That’s what happens. The Russians have options, as every side always does. Is the Tit for Tat option going to be trouble in Venezuela? Is it going to be Iran in Lebanon? That came up just this week. How about another nudge with the Sultan in Northern Syria? The West gets the NATO expansion prize with the events of North Macedonia, but what are the second and third order effects of that prize? You know, one of my favorite topics….the Law of Unintended Consequences. We will have to wait to see, but I would be willing to bet you, there will be repercussions. Venezuela and North Macedonia and not going to be unanswered “victories”.