lol@yell

its not a new cold war yet. And it might not come that far. But its in the air so to speak.

"Little Paul, if you want a politics debate, don't ask an economic question that has an economic solution."
that was ofcourse, because i.m.o. it was a political statement rather then an economical one. But ofcourse then, feel free to debate about the issue wheter or not this is the fact.

"Every world leader and central banker in many economic forums have said that the economic situation in the USA has played a part in the world economy, so it would not be right to see Medvedev different in this just because he is Russian."
He happened to be russias new face to the world. Thats a big difference with a central bank employee. Other world leaders is a better argument. Can you deliver me quotes/links? Not that I don't believe you but if the context and way of saying is entirely different it might be important.

""And if he is being political, why would he "preach to the converted" at a forum of Russian financial and economic elite? If anything, it is a not so subtle reminder that the economic troubles are of shore and should be no barrier to domestic investment. Propaganda yes, but not saber rattling type everyone thinks it is."
A lot of big multinationals were present and a whole load of people with diplomatic ties. Not russians alone.

why do I get something with cheerleaders if I put yell into wikipedia?

"then i think you are paranoid"
*at 05/06/08
he visits berlin. He warns that further expension of the nato could damage the relationships between europe and russia. Merkel was surprisingly soft, while before she was often very firm about the violation of human rights. That has to do with the giant amounts of gas russia delivers at germany and other european countries.
*04/05/08
The russian gov sais georgia increases the tension with Abchazia on purpous by sending airplanes to the "fobidden zone" ->above abchazia. Moskou sais that georgia is preparing a military operation against abchazia en sends more soldiers to the region to "protect their own civilians" in case of a conflict.
*do 20/03/08 Russias secret service has arrested a member of the oil groop TNK-BP and a membert of the british council. Another big energy compagny they lay their hand on. Its their main strategic weapon so no coincidence I think.
*ma 03/03/08 -
The russian gascompany GAZPROM has decreased its gaz input to the Oekrain with 1/4th. The start of another long energy war. Just like 2 years ago.
*the cyberattack on Estland 5-2007
not starting about kosovo, the relationship with england, belarus, Chechnya etc etc

tpiddy,
Nothing personal but as I said: "Please don't turn this into another US-econ debate." I respect your opinion but one line should be sufficiant to use it as an argument so the second and third paragraphs are offtopic. That would still be ok if it were not for those numerous offtopic replies we can expect.

"Otherwise, none of this should be shocking or controversial, we know it has happened and it helps no one being revisionists just because it was said by someone who we don't like."
Its not about WHAT he sais, its about WHY he sais it. At that level they usually plan what they are going to make public. So the top of the russian powerhouse has intrests in saying so. Else they wouldn't.

@avo
don't complain yet, imagine everybody starting their own obama and mcCain thread.

and you admit that outfront

Youfool:
"How about the concept (horribly complicated and unworkable as it is) of giving each citizen their share of the MPs salary and allowing them to distribute it as they see fit. This takes away the bad part of the scheme where people only listen to the rich."
ok but as you said, its unworkable. Ever considered the cost and corruption it would bring forth?

"How honest would politicians become if their every action would have an immediate consequence, "
Or how dishonest when they have to make an impopular decision. Or a decision wich pays itself back in 4 years.

Achma is talking propaganda for his own man. Like usual. Often even in foreign diplomatics.