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!
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”.
