Oxford Union

[Khandro]

This really is worth a half-hour's watch. Four young, articulate men, stating their views on the war in Ukraine, a real credit to the University (& Britain).

[sp1814]

Finished now...

Thanks for the link Khandro...but there were six speakers, not four.

And they weren't debating the war so much as debating how the West should react and punish Russia.

I'm wondering whether you watched it all?

[douglas9401]

Are Oxford and Cambridge still recruitment hotspots for Russia?

Their rarified atmospheres may allow or encourage muddled thinking leading to a skewed world view, even in this new age of enlightenment.

[sp1814]

douglas9401

uh oh...you're on your own here.

;-)

[douglas9401]

Same as it ever was.

[sevenOP]

The older first speaker gave at least some historical background before he 'mind read' Putin's intentions

The next speaker mentioned "moral framework" what like shariah? then gave that glib cliche, "good people have to suffer so that we can build a better"

Next speaker claimed "Putin did not believe would happen" -another mind reader - and we "read of a war in our newspapers and that hasn't happened for 75 years" nonsense.... it takes a diplomatic effort to resolve this war rather than diplomatically raise support for one side.... Putin threatens OUR way of life "for 70 years we hadn't seen war" "we must defend our values" "the West doesn't intervene, the West doesn't do actions" "boots on the ground even if not directly confrontational with our rivals" ???

Next speaker said the "everybody believed" nonsense "why did India and UAE abstain" - did they not have a choice?... his simplistic economic analysis has no weight 'walk out every time a Russian diplomat speaks' "suspend their membership of BRICS", and the BRICS Development Bank HQ'ed in Shanghai?

Next speaker "Russian incursions in Syria" "diplomatic sanctions"
?? .... he promotes the Non Renewable Renewable Energy Harvesting Technologies Green fantasy i.e. over 80% of global energy needs is fossil fuel derived.

Next and last up claims "something inherent to the Russian psyche" more guessing games... 'more weapons' - yes that will solve everything.

Not one suggested an *obvious* solution to this war.

[ynnafymmi]

The obvious solution to this war being the immediate assassination of the fascist Putin.Sorry to say this but once this fascist is removed from the face of the Earth,we can all move on."Death to Putin" should be all our mottoes.

[sevenOP]

^ and there IS an obvious solution

[ynnafymmi]

Yes and i just stated the obvious solution,the immediate death of the fascist Putin.

[Khandro]

sp: Yes I did watch it (twice). '4' was a typo. It wasn't so much the content as the form; I'm aging & am encouraged by enjoy watching young people articulating their beliefs & feelings, even when some things are factually wrong, (Putin went into Syria at the REQUEST of President Assad).

Watching most of the news today can give the impression that all modern youth are self-obsessed & a bit thick. For me at least, this video redresses that wrong view.

[sevenOP]

^ no ynnafymmi. not bloody murder.

[ynnafymmi]

Away with you,hun.This b*st*ard is the new Hitler.Death to Putin.The sooner the better.

[sp1814]

Khandro

Oh, I see.

[sevenOP]

No ynnafymmi, your assumption Putin's death would end the Ukraine war is NOT the obvious solution that I am referring to.

[sp1814]

sevenOP

Good point. The war (and Putin) has great support in Russia. It’s not just one man unfortunately.

[naomi24]

I’m not so sure the war has great support in Russia and I suspect as sanctions bite so will hardship. Few who remember life in the USSR will want a return to anything like it. With Putin dead the world would be a better place.

[ichkeria]

Most people in Russia don’t know about or refuse to believe what is happening in Ukraine.
So what people may “support” isn’t actually happening the way they think it is.
It was sobering nonetheless to see a Russian gymnast with a “z” on his vest at an event in Doha.
In fact sobering to reflect that he was even there.
Bearing in mind where the next World Cup is being held

[naomi24]

Those who aren't fleeing the country might be in denial right now but I think he's losing support daily, ich. I do hope so. And that 'Z'. Allegedly something painted on Russian military vehicles to ensure they're not mistakenly attacked by their own, but chillingly reminiscent of something that went before.

[ichkeria]

There are different letters depending on the arm or origin of the vehicles.
The National Guard of Ukraine issued a list last week, but I've forgotten what they all stand for.
"V" is "marines ("and not "vostok=east" as the CNN reporter surmised last week)
"A" is special forces", and there are others for Crimea, Belarus even Chechen brigades

[naomi24]

According to this, the gymnast is to face disciplinary proceedings.

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/3/7/russia-kuliak-faces-disciplinary-action-after-showing-z-symbol

[ichkeria]

"Stood next to Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun, who won the gold"

Karma