US expels Russian diplomats over cyber attack allegations

[Balu]

US expels Russian diplomats over cyber attack allegations



9 minutes ago
From the section US & Canada (http://www.bbc.com/news/world/us_and_canada)


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Image copyright Getty Images Image caption

The decision marks a low point in the relationship between Presidents Putin and Obama The US has expelled 35 Russian diplomats as punishment for alleged interference into last month's presidential elections, giving them 72 hours to leave the country.
It will also close two compounds used for Russian intelligence-gathering.
President Barack Obama had vowed action against Russia amid US accusations it directed hacks against the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Russia has denied any involvement and called the decision "ungrounded".


18 revelations from Wikileaks' hacked Clinton emails (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-37639370)
Can the hack be traced to Russia? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38370630)

The US state department declared the 35 Russian diplomats from the Washington DC embassy and the consulate in San Francisco "persona non grata", and gave them and their families 72 hours to leave the US.


The move follows calls from senior US senators (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38452985) to sanction Russian officials who are believed to have played a role in the hacking, which some lawmakers referred to as America's "political Pearl Harbor".
Republican senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who led the calls for sanctions, said they "intend to lead the effort in the new Congress to impose stronger sanctions on Russia".
A Kremlin spokesman told journalists in Moscow that President Vladimir Putin would consider retaliatory measures.
Dmitry Peskov said the actions were "a manifestation of unpredictable and aggressive foreign policy", and called them "ungrounded and not legal".
And the Russian embassy in the UK tweeted a visual gag calling the Obama presidency a lame duck.
<figure class="media-landscape no-caption full-width">http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/142E1/production/_93175628_lameduck.pngImage copyright @RUSSIAN (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=734)Embassy </figure>President-elect Donald Trump, who will take over from President Obama next month, has dismissed the hacking claims as "ridiculous" and said Americans should "get on with our lives (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38460286)" when asked about the possibility of sanctions before the announcement on Wednesday.
Sanctions have also been announced against nine entities and individuals including Russian intelligence agencies, the GRU and the FSB.
Russian intelligence compounds in New York and Maryland will be closed.
'Necessary and appropriate'

In a statement, President Obama called the moves a "necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm US interests" and said "all Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions".
Mr Obama also announced the US would declassify technical information related to Russian cyber activity to "help network defenders in the United States and abroad identify, detect, and disrupt Russia's global campaign of malicious cyber activities".
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, said in a statement that despite the measures being overdue "it is an appropriate way to end eight years of failed policy with Russia".
Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, who is from Maryland, called for Congress to take action separately from the White House, and plans to introduce legislation to establish a committee "to further examine the attack and Russian's efforts to interfere in our election".
'A decade-long campaign'

In a joint statement by the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Security, and the FBI, US officials appeal to companies to "look back within their network traffic" and report any signs of "malicious cyber activity" to law enforcement.
The Russian hacking, which the US intelligence agencies describe as a "decade-long campaign" included methods such as "spearphishing, campaigns targeting government organisations, critical infrastructure, think-tanks, universities, political organisations, and corporations; theft of information from these organisations; and the recent public release of some of this stolen information".
Emails stolen from Hillary Clinton's campaign manager and from the servers of the Democratic National Committee were released during the 2016 presidential election by Wikileaks.
Several US agencies, including the FBI and CIA have concluded that the hacked information was released to cause damage to Mrs Clinton and the Democrats in order to favour Mr Trump.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38463025
What it means? - It means that 35 American diplomats with their families will celebrate a New Year Eve on board a jet on their way to the USA. :cool:

The most peculiar thing is that Tramp is planning to replace the present US Ambassador in Moscow, and the latter will form own team.
Well... The outgoing 'monkey year' doesn't look dull at all. :dance:

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

US expels Russian diplomats over cyber attack allegations



9 minutes ago
From the section US & Canada (http://www.bbc.com/news/world/us_and_canada)


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Image copyright Getty Images Image caption

The decision marks a low point in the relationship between Presidents Putin and Obama The US has expelled 35 Russian diplomats as punishment for alleged interference into last month's presidential elections, giving them 72 hours to leave the country.
It will also close two compounds used for Russian intelligence-gathering.
President Barack Obama had vowed action against Russia amid US accusations it directed hacks against the Democratic Party and Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Russia has denied any involvement and called the decision "ungrounded".


18 revelations from Wikileaks' hacked Clinton emails (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-37639370)
Can the hack be traced to Russia? (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38370630)

The US state department declared the 35 Russian diplomats from the Washington DC embassy and the consulate in San Francisco "persona non grata", and gave them and their families 72 hours to leave the US.


The move follows calls from senior US senators (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38452985) to sanction Russian officials who are believed to have played a role in the hacking, which some lawmakers referred to as America's "political Pearl Harbor".
Republican senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, who led the calls for sanctions, said they "intend to lead the effort in the new Congress to impose stronger sanctions on Russia".
A Kremlin spokesman told journalists in Moscow that President Vladimir Putin would consider retaliatory measures.
Dmitry Peskov said the actions were "a manifestation of unpredictable and aggressive foreign policy", and called them "ungrounded and not legal".
And the Russian embassy in the UK tweeted a visual gag calling the Obama presidency a lame duck.
<figure class="media-landscape no-caption full-width">http://ichef-1.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/142E1/production/_93175628_lameduck.pngImage copyright @RUSSIAN (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=734)Embassy </figure>President-elect Donald Trump, who will take over from President Obama next month, has dismissed the hacking claims as "ridiculous" and said Americans should "get on with our lives (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-38460286)" when asked about the possibility of sanctions before the announcement on Wednesday.
Sanctions have also been announced against nine entities and individuals including Russian intelligence agencies, the GRU and the FSB.
Russian intelligence compounds in New York and Maryland will be closed.
'Necessary and appropriate'

In a statement, President Obama called the moves a "necessary and appropriate response to efforts to harm US interests" and said "all Americans should be alarmed by Russia's actions".
Mr Obama also announced the US would declassify technical information related to Russian cyber activity to "help network defenders in the United States and abroad identify, detect, and disrupt Russia's global campaign of malicious cyber activities".
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, said in a statement that despite the measures being overdue "it is an appropriate way to end eight years of failed policy with Russia".
Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, who is from Maryland, called for Congress to take action separately from the White House, and plans to introduce legislation to establish a committee "to further examine the attack and Russian's efforts to interfere in our election".
'A decade-long campaign'

In a joint statement by the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Security, and the FBI, US officials appeal to companies to "look back within their network traffic" and report any signs of "malicious cyber activity" to law enforcement.
The Russian hacking, which the US intelligence agencies describe as a "decade-long campaign" included methods such as "spearphishing, campaigns targeting government organisations, critical infrastructure, think-tanks, universities, political organisations, and corporations; theft of information from these organisations; and the recent public release of some of this stolen information".
Emails stolen from Hillary Clinton's campaign manager and from the servers of the Democratic National Committee were released during the 2016 presidential election by Wikileaks.
Several US agencies, including the FBI and CIA have concluded that the hacked information was released to cause damage to Mrs Clinton and the Democrats in order to favour Mr Trump.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38463025
What it means? - It means that 35 American diplomats with their families will celebrate a New Year Eve on board a jet on their way to the USA. :cool:

The most peculiar thing is that Tramp is planning to replace the present US Ambassador in Moscow, and the latter will form own team.
Well... The outgoing 'monkey year' doesn't look dull at all. :dance:

THAT IS THE SCUM OBAMA DOING AS MUCH DAMAGE AS HE CAN BEFORE LEAVING!
Also his attempt to even further makes things MUCH HARDER FOR THE NEW PRESIDENT.

MYSELF, I KNOW THE OBAMA HAS ENGAGED IN TREASON ..
Just as I also know that nothing will ever be done about it.. --Tyr

[Balu]

THAT IS THE SCUM OBAMA DOING AS MUCH DAMAGE AS HE CAN BEFORE LEAVING!
Also his attempt to even further makes things MUCH HARDER FOR THE NEW PRESIDENT.

MYSELF, I KNOW THE OBAMA HAS ENGAGED IN TREASON ..
Just as I also know that nothing will ever be done about it.. --Tyr
I will tell you one thing which may sound offending for Americans, but we are already openly laughing at hysteria of Obama, his Administration and the USA 'strategic partners'.
Have you already heard that Ukraine has implemented sanctions against Russia? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/big_madhouse/wacko3.gif
Now we are wondering if we can just survive after such a mortal blow? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/cray.gif

[aboutime]

It's all, just another parting, dirty trick from Obama. He has to make his dumb followers believe ONLY HE knows what is going on..Honestly.

Truth is. Obama's trick is intended to make Trump look bad when he calls all of the diplomats back..which goes along with the LIBERAL-DEMOCRAT-FALSE STORY tactics being used by the DNC. Any way Obama can make Trump look as bad as He is now, is nothing but a ploy.
Obama's trouble is....The American People know better than to listen to, trust, or believe anything Obama says, does, or PRETENDS to do.

Obama is only worried about his FAILING, FAILURE of a legacy that NOT EVEN HE can make better, or improve.

Obama is selling America down the river, and I believe..The Israeli Massad will eventually make Obama float like GARBAGE on the DEAD SEA.

[Drummond]

All of this is easily settled. If in fact Russia HAS done what's alleged, then the Obama Administration can present its evidence for all to judge. After all, the 'Narcissist-In-Chief' wants to go out on a 'high point' in his 'career', surely ? So, he can sanction the release of proof that he, and not Trump, is telling it as it 'is'.

Let's see if he does that.

If he doesn't, I'm prepared to believe that Russia is in the clear. If he does, of course, then we'll know otherwise.

[Drummond]

I will tell you one thing which may sound offending for Americans, but we are already openly laughing at hysteria of Obama, his Administration and the USA 'strategic partners'.
Have you already heard that Ukraine has implemented sanctions against Russia? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/big_madhouse/wacko3.gif
Now we are wondering if we can just survive after such a mortal blow? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/cray.gif

Regardless of its effectiveness - or otherwise - I can hardly blame Ukraine for acting !! I say, good luck to them.

I look forward to Russia finally giving up its belligerence towards Ukraine (.. and if they want to release Crimea from Russian domination, all the better).
I also look forward to a pig flying overhead sometime in the next ten minutes. :pigfly:

You'll have to forgive me. I'm ever the optimist ....:rolleyes::tinfoil::tinfoil:

[Elessar]

One of the stupidest moves he's ever made.

There's no proof of the hacking.
If there is, it should be classified. Ohhh...but He allowed Hillary and Comy to
bypass that 'little' problem.

He's just trying to wear balls he never before has shown. Fu**** paper tiger,
Post Turtle, Walking eagle.

[Russ]

This move by Obama is a total farce, and makes him seem even more pathetic than he already seemed. As usual, whenever Obama seems to have reached rock bottom, he gets out a shovel and starts to dig.

When Obama says that Russia "hacked our election", he really means that someone hacked the DNC and some of Hillary's campaign, and he hopes it was Russia so that it will fit into his self-serving conspiracy theory.

When Obama says that Russia "hijacked our election", he really means that whoever hacked the DNC and Hillary's campaign was able to release negative information about Hillary that may have turned voters away from her. Notice how nobody in Hillary's campaign ever said that the information wasn't true. Hillary had 3 or 4 debates and numerous interviews where she could have said "that's not true", but all she ever said was "Putin done hacked my pc!" Nobody in the DNC ever said "we didn't give Hillary the questions in advance of the debates", they just said "Putin hacked our network!" Liars never refute, they just try to redirect.

Obama expelling the Russian diplomats has nothing to do with Russia, Putin, or the election, by the way. Obama is doing it for only one reason - to try to delegitimize Trump's election as President. He wants to create an international incident just to imply that Trump shouldn't have won the election.

[Gunny]

I will tell you one thing which may sound offending for Americans, but we are already openly laughing at hysteria of Obama, his Administration and the USA 'strategic partners'.
Have you already heard that Ukraine has implemented sanctions against Russia? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/big_madhouse/wacko3.gif
Now we are wondering if we can just survive after such a mortal blow? http://www.kolobok.us/smiles/standart/cray.gif

We are quite aware you and everyone else in the world has been laughing at Obama. I'd laugh at the idiot as well if he wasn't such a tragedy.

[Balu]

This move by Obama is a total farce, and makes him seem even more pathetic than he already seemed. As usual, whenever Obama seems to have reached rock bottom, he gets out a shovel and starts to dig.

When Obama says that Russia "hacked our election", he really means that someone hacked the DNC and some of Hillary's campaign, and he hopes it was Russia so that it will fit into his self-serving conspiracy theory.

When Obama says that Russia "hijacked our election", he really means that whoever hacked the DNC and Hillary's campaign was able to release negative information about Hillary that may have turned voters away from her. Notice how nobody in Hillary's campaign ever said that the information wasn't true. Hillary had 3 or 4 debates and numerous interviews where she could have said "that's not true", but all she ever said was "Putin done hacked my pc!" Nobody in the DNC ever said "we didn't give Hillary the questions in advance of the debates", they just said "Putin hacked our network!" Liars never refute, they just try to redirect.

Obama expelling the Russian diplomats has nothing to do with Russia, Putin, or the election, by the way. Obama is doing it for only one reason - to try to delegitimize Trump's election as President. He wants to create an international incident just to imply that Trump shouldn't have won the election.
There is another idea that may come into mind - he so much underestimate Americans as a Nation that he can presume that you can be manipulated by any third-sort country. Yes..., the most humiliating fact is that he is saying that you can be manipulated by a country of regional importance, economy of which he's torn to shreds. It is a good subject for jokes, isn't it?
Thank to Lord that we don't share our attitude toward Obama and his administration to all Americans.
But it is a pity that a President of your Great country appeared to be a stupid hysterical clown.

[Gunny]

How bad is it when even the Russian guy agrees with us Obama's a loser?

[Black Diamond]

How bad is it when even the Russian guy agrees with us Obama's a loser?

Imagine what Putin thinks of him.

[Gunny]

Imagine what Putin thinks of him.

I don't have to imagine. Obama will do nothing and Putin knows it. Look at this move. Expelling Russian diplomats over an allegation they interfered with our election? Where's indicting Hitlery for a clear violation of the law? Where's expelling to Obama to one of his 3rd world countries for treason? Got evidence on the 2 latter.

This is a wuss move on Obama's part. Just more of his ongoing effort to destroy everything we used to stand for. Sadly, a lot of idiots believe him.

[Balu]

Imagine what Putin thinks of him.
I've already said that it is a pity.
There is a good Russian saying - 'Better to lose with a clever than to find with a fool.'
And we all missing Jennifer Psaki with her importable pearls such as: "If Belarus would invade Ukraine, the 6th US fleet will be immediately thrown to the shores of Belarus."

[Balu]

"Show must go on!" (c) :laugh:

"Russia in response to new sanctions and expulsion of diplomats from the United States decided to close the Anglo-American School in Moscow, which caters to children of employees of diplomatic missions of the United States, Britain and Canada. It is reported by CNN, citing a source in Washington."

[Gunny]

I've already said that it is a pity.
There is a good Russian saying - 'Better to lose with a clever than to find with a fool.'
And we all missing Jennifer Psaki with her importable pearls such as: "If Belarus would invade Ukraine, the 6th US fleet will be immediately thrown to the shores of Belarus."

Dumb saying. Just saying. But just for your info, we got a LOT more firepower than just the 6th Fleet. Your arrogance is what will defeat you. You underestimate US military personnel greatly. What I noticed about your people is you will quit. Nothing you can say will fix THAT.

[Balu]

<header>Moscow orders tit-for-tat response after Barack Obama expels 35 Russian spies over election hacking














<figure class="lead-asset__figure">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2016/12/29/JS116827305_obama-putin-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqvzJnqpVGpnfyf5cbbtTpCepYZ4 gU4cy2Y6_VNWzOQhI.jpg <figcaption>Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Credit: AFP/Getty Images </figcaption></figure>



</header> <meta content="2016-12-30T10:46+0000" itemprop="datePublished"> <footer class="footer-author">

Nick Allen (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/nick-allen/), Washington
Roland Oliphant (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/roland-oliphant/)


<time class="article-date-published" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2016-12-30T10:46+0000">30 December 2016 • 10:46am</time> </footer><article itemprop="articleBody" data-insert-mobile-adslot="">Russia will expel 35 US diplomats in a tit-for-tat response to the White House's decision to send home Russian officials suspected of spying, the country's foreign minister said.
The foreign ministry will also recommend to the Kremlin that Russia close down two US diplomatic compounds in the country.
"Russia's foreign ministry... has requested that the Russian president approve declaring as personae non gratae 31 employees of the US embassy in Moscow and four diplomats from the US consulate in Saint Petersburg," Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said in televised comments. ......




</article>

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/29/obama-expels-35-russian-diplomats-election-hacking-row/

[Drummond]

<header>Moscow orders tit-for-tat response after Barack Obama expels 35 Russian spies over election hacking









<figure class="lead-asset__figure">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/content/dam/news/2016/12/29/JS116827305_obama-putin-large_trans_NvBQzQNjv4BqvzJnqpVGpnfyf5cbbtTpCepYZ4 gU4cy2Y6_VNWzOQhI.jpg <figcaption>Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Credit: AFP/Getty Images </figcaption></figure>



</header> <meta content="2016-12-30T10:46+0000" itemprop="datePublished"> <footer class="footer-author">

Nick Allen (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/nick-allen/), Washington
Roland Oliphant (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/authors/roland-oliphant/)


<time class="article-date-published" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2016-12-30T10:46+0000">30 December 2016 • 10:46am</time> </footer><article itemprop="articleBody" data-insert-mobile-adslot="">Russia will expel 35 US diplomats in a tit-for-tat response to the White House's decision to send home Russian officials suspected of spying, the country's foreign minister said.
The foreign ministry will also recommend to the Kremlin that Russia close down two US diplomatic compounds in the country.
"Russia's foreign ministry... has requested that the Russian president approve declaring as personae non gratae 31 employees of the US embassy in Moscow and four diplomats from the US consulate in Saint Petersburg," Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, said in televised comments. ......




</article>

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/29/obama-expels-35-russian-diplomats-election-hacking-row/

In practical terms, I have to wonder what the point of Russia's reprisal really was ??

Aren't we all agreed that Trump's arrival in the White House is bound to signal an altogether different approach to American-Russian relations (.. for however long it actually lasts) .. ? His becoming President is just a couple of weeks away. So, what ... are we going to see expulsions on both sides, just for them all to move back to exactly where they were within around a month ??

Seems completely farcical to me.

Surely, Russia has wasted its time in expelling those people ? Or are they so very set upon one-upmanship that sheer practicality has gone completely out of the window ?

A major world nuclear power is driven to act purely from ego, and not governed instead by sensible practicalities ? This should give us all cause for concern, I suggest ...

[Balu]

"Show must go on!" (c) :laugh:

"Russia in response to new sanctions and expulsion of diplomats from the United States decided to close the Anglo-American School in Moscow, which caters to children of employees of diplomatic missions of the United States, Britain and Canada. It is reported by CNN, citing a source in Washington."
This is an example of 'black propaganda' I said before.

Diplomat blasts CNN report on closure of Anglo-American School in Moscow as blatant lie

Russian Politics & Diplomacy (http://tass.com/politics)
December 30, 14:12 UTC+3 MOSCOW
The CNN earlier reported that Russian authorities have ordered the closing of the Anglo-American School in Moscow as a retaliatory measure after Washington's new sanctions



https://cdn2.tass.ru/width/744_b12f2926/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20161230/1157627.jpg
Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova

© Alexander Shcherbak/TASS

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. Information on the closure of the Anglo-American School in Moscow spread by CNN (http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/29/politics/russia-sanctions-announced-by-white-house/index.html) is completely false, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman, Maria Zakharova, wrote on her Facebook.
"US officials ‘anonymously informed’ their media that Russia closed the Anglo-American School in Moscow as a retaliatory measure," she said. "That’s a lie. Apparently, the White House has completely lost its senses and began inventing sanctions against its own children."
"You should not write that ‘Moscow denied…. Or Moscow will not…". Write as it is: "The CNN TV channel and other Western media have again spread false information citing official American sources," Zakharova stated.
Read also
https://phototass1.cdnvideo.ru/width/333_3412a45b/tass/m2/en/uploads/i/20161230/1157604.jpg (http://tass.com/politics/923446)

US embassy in Moscow declines to comment on reports of closing Anglo-American school (http://tass.com/politics/923446)



The CNN earlier reported that Russian authorities have ordered the closing of the Anglo-American School in Moscow as a retaliatory measure after Washington imposed new sanctions on Russia.
On December 29, it became known that Washington slapped new sanctions on Moscow over its supposed cyberattacks on US institutions. The restrictive measures announced on Thursday apply to some Russian companies, the Federal Security Service and the Russian General Staff’s Main Department and its senior officials. In addition to that, US authorities declared 35 Russian diplomats persona non grata. Washington also informed Moscow that it would deny Russian personnel access to two recreational compounds in the United States owned by the Russian government.
Moscow has repeatedly denied any involvement in cyberattacks. Commenting on the new sanctions, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said they are a manifestation of aggression.




More:
http://tass.com/politics/923468

[Balu]

The show with 80 level trolling of Obama continues! :laugh:

"Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow will not send American diplomats in response to US sanctions. And besides he invited all the children of the American diplomatic mission personnel on the New Year tree in the Kremlin."
Bravo, Putin! :clap:

[Balu]

http://mtdata.ru/u18/photoCF9B/20979016304-0/original.jpg

[Balu]

Statement by the President of Russia<time class="read__published" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2016-12-30">December 30, 2016 </time>15:15
<meta content="en" itemprop="inLanguage">


We regard the recent unfriendly steps taken by the outgoing US administration as provocative and aimed at further weakening the Russia-US relationship. This runs contrary to the fundamental interests of both the Russian and American people. Considering the global security responsibilities of Russia and the United States, this is also damaging to international relations as a whole.
As it proceeds from international practice, Russia has reasons to respond in kind. Although we have the right to retaliate, we will not resort to irresponsible ‘kitchen’ diplomacy but will plan our further steps to restore Russian-US relations based on the policies of the Trump Administration.
The diplomats who are returning to Russia will spend the New Year’s holidays with their families and friends. We will not create any problems for US diplomats. We will not expel anyone. We will not prevent their families and children from using their traditional leisure sites during the New Year’s holidays. Moreover, I invite all children of US diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas children’s parties in the Kremlin.
It is regrettable that the Obama Administration is ending its term in this manner. Nevertheless, I offer my New Year greetings to President Obama and his family.
My season’s greetings also to President-elect Donald Trump and the American people.
I wish all of you happiness and prosperity.

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/53678

This all suggests that Putin has already written off Obama and his Administration to the scrap.

[NightTrain]

I'm late to this thread... but yeah, you guys are on the mark here.

Putin just made Obama look like the fool he is and refused to play infantile games. This is a good article :

http://www.zerohedge.com/news/2016-12-30/putin-stunner-we-will-not-expel-anyone-we-refuse-sink-obamas-level


From the full statement posted on the Kremlin website:

"Although we have the right to retaliate, we will not resort to irresponsible ‘kitchen’ diplomacy but will plan our further steps to restore Russian-US relations based on the policies of the Trump Administration."


And with that one statement, Obama lost the diplomatic war with Russia.

Putin played this perfectly by taking the high road.

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

THAT IS THE SCUM OBAMA DOING AS MUCH DAMAGE AS HE CAN BEFORE LEAVING!
Also his attempt to even further makes things MUCH HARDER FOR THE NEW PRESIDENT.

MYSELF, I KNOW THE OBAMA HAS ENGAGED IN TREASON ..
Just as I also know that nothing will ever be done about it.. --Tyr[/QUOTE


[QUOTE]Thanks Drummond, Russ, Gunny, NightTrain, Balu thanked this post


I thank the "five horsemen", for thanking this post... :beer:-- :beer:--:beer:--:beer:--:beer:

I SUSPECT THAT IN THE NEAR FUTURE, (AFTER TRUMP TAKES CHARGE), WE WILL FIND OUT MANY OTHER ACTS OF TREASON THAT BASTARD HAS ENGAGED IN.
And still nothing will ever be done about it...( because the lousy bambastard has mainstream media, lib/dem party and Globalist protection)--Tyr

[NightTrain]

This move by Obama is a total farce, and makes him seem even more pathetic than he already seemed. As usual, whenever Obama seems to have reached rock bottom, he gets out a shovel and starts to dig.

When Obama says that Russia "hacked our election", he really means that someone hacked the DNC and some of Hillary's campaign, and he hopes it was Russia so that it will fit into his self-serving conspiracy theory.

When Obama says that Russia "hijacked our election", he really means that whoever hacked the DNC and Hillary's campaign was able to release negative information about Hillary that may have turned voters away from her. Notice how nobody in Hillary's campaign ever said that the information wasn't true. Hillary had 3 or 4 debates and numerous interviews where she could have said "that's not true", but all she ever said was "Putin done hacked my pc!" Nobody in the DNC ever said "we didn't give Hillary the questions in advance of the debates", they just said "Putin hacked our network!" Liars never refute, they just try to redirect.

Obama expelling the Russian diplomats has nothing to do with Russia, Putin, or the election, by the way. Obama is doing it for only one reason - to try to delegitimize Trump's election as President. He wants to create an international incident just to imply that Trump shouldn't have won the election.

^^ This.

[Drummond]

Statement by the President of Russia

<time class="read__published" itemprop="datePublished" datetime="2016-12-30">December 30, 2016 </time>15:15
<meta content="en" itemprop="inLanguage">


We regard the recent unfriendly steps taken by the outgoing US administration as provocative and aimed at further weakening the Russia-US relationship. This runs contrary to the fundamental interests of both the Russian and American people. Considering the global security responsibilities of Russia and the United States, this is also damaging to international relations as a whole.
As it proceeds from international practice, Russia has reasons to respond in kind. Although we have the right to retaliate, we will not resort to irresponsible ‘kitchen’ diplomacy but will plan our further steps to restore Russian-US relations based on the policies of the Trump Administration.
The diplomats who are returning to Russia will spend the New Year’s holidays with their families and friends. We will not create any problems for US diplomats. We will not expel anyone. We will not prevent their families and children from using their traditional leisure sites during the New Year’s holidays. Moreover, I invite all children of US diplomats accredited in Russia to the New Year and Christmas children’s parties in the Kremlin.
It is regrettable that the Obama Administration is ending its term in this manner. Nevertheless, I offer my New Year greetings to President Obama and his family.
My season’s greetings also to President-elect Donald Trump and the American people.
I wish all of you happiness and prosperity.

http://en.kremlin.ru/events/president/news/53678

This all suggests that Putin has already written off Obama and his Administration to the scrap.

This is good, and overturns the previous 'evidence' of tit-for-tat belligerence we were led to believe would happen. Very good indeed to know that stupid, egotistical one-upmanship is something that Putin CAN be above indulging in.

OK, well, I'm surprised, and I'm also delighted. Putin has acted sensibly, in a measured way. I give credit where it's due, and Putin is due some from this.

Perhaps if he can continue on as he's started, he can earn some real international respect. Here's hoping, eh, Balu ?:cool:

[Balu]

When leaving people usually 'say good-bye', 'wave good-bye', or 'kiss good-bye', but Obama preferred to 'shit good-bye' without taking his trousers and pants off. And President Putin reacted on this correspondingly in spite of existing diplomatic practice. Thus he scored another goal. :clap:

[Tyr-Ziu Saxnot]

This is good, and overturns the previous 'evidence' of tit-for-tat belligerence we were led to believe would happen. Very good indeed to know that stupid, egotistical one-upmanship is something that Putin CAN be above indulging in.

OK, well, I'm surprised, and I'm also delighted. Putin has acted sensibly, in a measured way. I give credit where it's due, and Putin is due some from this.

Perhaps if he can continue on as he's started, he can earn some real international respect. Here's hoping, eh, Balu ?:cool:


Putin just checkmated the anti-American scum obama!
SOON WHEN OBAMA HAS BEEN RELEGATED TO THE ASH-BIN OF HISTORY, THE WORLD WILL BE IN SHOCK ABOUT WHO HE REALLY WAS, WHO HE REALLY SERVED , WHAT HIDDEN DAMAGE HE DID, AND WHY HE DID SO.
Not me, as I already know without any doubt (ALL BUT THE HIDDEN DAMAGE PART)..-Tyr

[Balu]

Putin just checkmated the anti-American scum obama!
SOON WHEN OBAMA HAS BEEN RELEGATED TO THE ASH-BIN OF HISTORY, THE WORLD WILL BE IN SHOCK ABOUT WHO HE REALLY WAS, WHO HE REALLY SERVED , WHAT HIDDEN DAMAGE HE DID, AND WHY HE DID SO.
Not me, as I already know without any doubt (ALL BUT THE HIDDEN DAMAGE PART)..-Tyr
This is true. But it may be dangerous if Trump, with full access to information, will to investigate some other cases occurred before... Then I wouldn't give a penny for his life.

[Bilgerat]

How bad is it when even the Russian guy agrees with us Obama's a loser?


https://scontent-atl3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-0/s480x480/15740759_1249958221710175_5609400984815555015_n.jp g?oh=4e725d2c4bec2a031c187d61cd563293&oe=58F3C045

[Balu]

It made me laughing loudly. :laugh::clap::clap::clap:

“...Given the incongruous name of “Grizzly Steppe,” the Joint Analysis Report (https://www.us-cert.gov/sites/default/files/publications/JAR_16-20296.pdf)(JAR) on “Russian malicious cyber activity” issued by the FBI and the DHS National Cybersecurity & Communications Integration Center (NCCIC) on Thursday begins with the following disclaimer:The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not provide any warranties of any kind regarding any information contained within.”

[Gunny]

This is true. But it may be dangerous if Trump, with full access to information, will to investigate some other cases occurred before... Then I wouldn't give a penny for his life.

Might want to re-think that idea. I think Trump will ignore Putin unless Putin tries bullying him as he has done to Obama. Trump does NOT like to be trifled with. Putin is going to have to change his course of action in regards to Trump. Best to look back in history. We were the laughing stock of the world during the Carter years. The second Reagan was inaugurated the rats started jumping ship.

Trump is impulsive, has a hot temper and doesn't let people show him up. He also has little regard for the aftermath of any of his actions. That makes Trump the dangerous one in the bunch.

He's not going to go after any of the charges we would like to see; although, if he did I agree with your assessment some nutcase will probably go after him. I am actually surprised no one took out Obama.

However, agree or not (and I am not a Trump fan), things are going to change. Better hope your boss who has been getting his way for so long he doesn't remember how to adjust re-learns how to.

[jimnyc]

Seems obvious to me that Obama is trying to make things as miserable as possible for his better that will be taking over in January, and incorrectly thinking actions like this will add to his legacy somehow. Add in his endless EO's at this point and it's laughable. What needs to be watched for is things that cannot be reversed, of which hopefully there isn't much of that he can do.

[Gunny]

Seems obvious to me that Obama is trying to make things as miserable as possible for his better that will be taking over in January, and incorrectly thinking actions like this will add to his legacy somehow. Add in his endless EO's at this point and it's laughable. What needs to be watched for is things that cannot be reversed, of which hopefully there isn't much of that he can do.

Actually, nothing he has done cannot be reversed. Matter of seeing if it happens.

[Kathianne]

Actually, nothing he has done cannot be reversed. Matter of seeing if it happens.

The stuff with drilling in Arctic and Atlantic Oceans may not be reversible. The land grab in NV and UT can't be undone by Trump, just maybe by Congress. Those folks that were in Gitmo are not going back. There's still time for more mischief making too.

Obama is going to be the worst 'retired' President ever.

[aboutime]

The stuff with drilling in Arctic and Atlantic Oceans may not be reversible. The land grab in NV and UT can't be undone by Trump, just maybe by Congress. Those folks that were in Gitmo are not going back. There's still time for more mischief making too.

Obama is going to be the worst 'retired' President ever.


Kathianne. ANYTHING Obama did...without the authorization of Congress...CAN BE REVERSED. That's how he thought he could overrule Congress in the first place.

Congress is in charge of paying the bills (finances) and they must also be consulted when the U.S. Govt. acquires any LAND.


I believe Obama has violated the constitutionality of Eminent domain, when he declared public property as a MEMORIAL site. If you read it. Obama did not declare anything as being CONDEMNED.
The legal definition of eminent domain - Legal Dictionary
legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/eminent+domain
The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires the government to provide just compensation to the owner of the private property to be taken. A variety of property rights are subject to eminent domain, such as air, water, and land rights. The government takes private property through condemnation proceedings.

[Balu]

Donald Trump praises 'great move' by Vladimir Putin for not ordering tit-for-tat expulsions

Mr Trump has again used Twitter to conduct his political outreach


Donald Trump (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-elections/donald-trump-inauguration-mormon-tabernacle-choir-singer-resigns-president-elect-ceremony-a7502386.html)has praised Vladimir Putin for not ordering tit-for-tat expulsions (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-russian-compounds-maryland-new-york-shut-spying-a7502776.html)following the decision by Barack Obama to oust 35 Russian diplomats.

In a move that will likely lead to the President-elect’s critics claiming he appears more loyal to the Russian leader than the US president, Mr Trump said it was a “great move” by the Kremlin.
A day after Mr Obama ordered the expulsion of the Russian enjoys and the closing of two compounds used by the diplomats, Mr Putin surprised many observers by not reciprocating in kind. In a clever piece of political chess, he said Russia would not lower itself to the level of “kitchen” diplomacy”. He even invited the children to US diplomats in the US to attend a New Year’s celebration at the Kremlin.
<figure class="mediaembed"> </figure>Mr Putin also made clear that he could order further responses depending on what steps Mr Trump takes when he assumes the US presidency on January 20. On Thursday, Mr Trump had issued a statement saying that the American people needed to move on to more important issues.
On Friday, after Mr Putin played his hand, Mr Trump said on Twitter that he thought the Russian leader’s decision was a “great move”. He added: “I always knew he was very smart!.”
During the election campaign, Mr Trump repeatedly praised Mr Putin’s leadership, an issue on which he stood in sharp contrast to his Republican colleagues. He also said he was ready to begin a new relationship with Russia, after eight years under Mr Obama during which things have become very strained.<button class="vjs-done-button"></button>

Trump's advisor suggests Obama's sanctions against Russia are to 'box in' the incoming President


Yet Mr Trump stoked the greatest controversy over the issue of Russia’s alleged hacking of emails belonging to Hillary Clinton’s top adviser and members of the Democratic National Committee. Firstly, Mr Trump encouraged Russia to hack Ms Clinton and find her “missing emails”.
US intelligence has since said it believed Russia was behind the hacking of the emails, which were subsequently passed to Wikileaks, and similar sights. Many reports say a consensus among the intelligence community is that Russia was seeking to influence the election in favour of Mr Trump.
Mr Trump has rejected the findings and said agencies such as the CIA cannot be trusted given that they were wrong over their claims over Saddam Hussein’s weapons of mass destruction.
https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/styles/story_medium/public/thumbnails/image/2016/12/30/14/russia-compound3.jpg

Mr Obama ordered the closure of compounds in Maryland and New York (AP)

On Friday, the US authorities took possession of two “luxurious retreats” used by Russian diplomats to swim, sail and relax, a day after Barack Obama announced sanctions in in retaliation for Moscow’s alleged interference in the presidential election.
The Associated Press said that shortly before noon, caravans of diplomatic vehicles departed both Russian compounds under the watch of US State Department agents.
It said the 45-acre Maryland included a brick mansion along the Corsica River in the Eastern Shore region. Reports indicate it was bought by the Soviet Union in 1972 and served as a getaway for its diplomats in nearby Washington.

Meanwhile, in New York, Russian diplomatic staff were similarly evicted from a mansion on Long Island’s Gold Coast. The estate, once called Elmcroft, is in the town of Oyster Bay and was purchased by the Soviets in 1952.

<meta content="2016-12-30T21:39:49+00:00" itemprop="datePublished">
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/donald-trump-putin-very-smart-sanctions-diplomats-latest-a7502791.html

[Elessar]

Actually, nothing he has done cannot be reversed. Matter of seeing if it happens.

He did it with 'a stroke of a pen, phone calls', bypassing a Congress he never tried working with.

[Elessar]

The stuff with drilling in Arctic and Atlantic Oceans may not be reversible. The land grab in NV and UT can't be undone by Trump, just maybe by Congress. Those folks that were in Gitmo are not going back. There's still time for more mischief making too.

Obama is going to be the worst 'retired' President ever.

He dug his ditch. Let him sit in it, crap his pants, and see the legacy of his skid marks.