[Spud]

Excellent article Perturbed.<br /> Here is a question for all readers.<br /> When Germany reunited,where did all the nuclear missles go?Did Russia take them back?Or is Germany a nuclear power?<br />

[talus]

Very good article. The primary concern for the future of the E.U. is food and fuel. The E.U. is backing out of NATO slowly and turning around to face east towards Russia and the Ukraine. It will be interesting to see what they develop to replace it, a continental defence force or a rapid, airlifted force. What would the E.U. need to protect its new resource and food supply lines, especially for Germany? The Cargill cartel must be gearing up to move on the Ukraine. Russia and the Black sea will supply the fuel. Hmmm.. this does have the aroma of 1942. And, oh my gosh, the U.S. is building bases there too. If the E.U. is turning its back to the Atlantic, what will be left of NATO? I believe the U.S. wants Canada to have an enlarged armed force with the ability to undertake operations either as a proxy army under a significantly reduced NATO command or combined operations with the U.S. in coalition type actions as was alluded to in the article. Usually we have been able to beg our way out of these wars by showing we just didn't have the troops and wherewithall to go quickly or in force. We are now adding to our troop strength but have declined to provide them with independent airlift capability. We will, instead, rent the necessary aircraft when needed. This has upset some foreigners. You can problably guess why they are upset and why we have made this decision. That's my take on it anyway.<br /> Talus <br /> P.s. Welcome Spud! From the Maritimes?

[Spud]

Hi Talus!<br /> No,oil rich Alberta.<br /> Canada has been looking at buying airlifters from Russia.<br /> I think we are in a unique position to get out of NATO,and go our own way.China does need an alliance with anyone,and neither do we especially if we are going to be peacekeepers.

[talus]

Hi Spud<br /> I agree.<br /> Where did you see the piece on the Russian airlifters?<br /> Talus

[Spud]

The article was originaly in one of the British aviation magazines.Sorry I do not remember which one.This also comes from the government itself.<br /> The Green party wants them as well.The two planes they are looking at are the Antonov AN-124 and the Ilushin LL-76.<br /> Hope I got the spelling right on both.<br /> Personally I think this is a good idea.That Antonov is HUGE.If we want to be peacekeepers and get troops to a hotspot fast with equipment we will need something like that.Also the fact that it is not American made might help pull us away from the yanks and start looking after ourselves alot better.