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Two groups of Russian warships and nuclear-powered submarines are heading for the Arabian Sea, sparking speculation about Moscow's possible military involvement in the Persian Gulf area.
This is the first time Russian ships and subs have been sent to the area since the breakup of the USSR, reports Z News.
Indian Defense Minister George Fernandes visited Moscow in January, said the report, at which time the war games were planned for May. The vessels are scheduled to arrive in the Arabian Sea by the end of April.
According to a report in the Latvian news service LETA, the ships from the Black Sea fleet will include the cruiser Moskva, military transport ship Cezar Kunikov and two guard vessels. They are scheduled to leave Sevastopol within a few days. The news service says more ships from the Pacific fleet will join the armada to double its size. Three nuclear submarines also will be part of the exercise.
Hmm.... In another rantburg article today, Gorby is quoted as saying "I agree with President Lahoud on the need to work to restore the authority of the United Nations and oppose violations of international law," Hmmm, restoring the authority of the UN is hardly a threat, unless they plan to talk us to death.
But about a week ago, Russia issued a joint statment with Cuba, which I seemed to be alone in thinking was a clear shot across the bow. Combined with these "war games" and the other increasing rhetoric, they've clearly chucked a few diplomatic pretenses. But they have to know that any real aggression on their part could only result all out war, from which they have far more to lose than to gain. |