FruitPudding

Which NATO members did any middle eastern nation attack? They were involved in Iraq, Bosnia, Serbia, Kosovo, Libya, Afghanistan, Somalia, etc etc

NATO bombed areas full of civilians in numerous conflicts across the Middle East.

"The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and several Western European nations to provide collective security against the Soviet Union." https://history.state.gov/milestones/1945-1952/nato#:~:text=The North Atlantic Treaty Organization,security against the Soviet Union.&text=NATO was the first peacetime,outside of the Western Hemisphere. Rather than dismantling after the fall of the Soviet Union - like they logically should have - they repurposed and redefined their objectives (while still expanding as far east as they could despite Russia protesting it was a threat to their national security until ultimately it led to Russia invading Ukraine). Really, all of this could have been avoided with some diplomacy, but the West has never tried to be friends with Russia since the fall of the Soviet Union. Oh well...

To be fair, I can see his point. NATO was formed because of the Soviet Union. It was formed specifically to combat Russia. That's why NATO came into existence. It was literally: USSR vs NATO Then Russia wants to join and actually be allies and part of the group that was established to fight the Soviet Union. Pretty historical moment. But they were like, "Naw, you can wait in line behind Kyrgyzstan," or something ????

Here is some light reading for you, that isn't Wikipedia, ???? https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/briefing-book/russia-programs/2017-12-12/nato-expansion-what-gorbachev-heard-western-leaders-early NATO'S entire existence was to combat the Soviets. It was clear in their original mission statement. Did you know Russia even tried to join NATO later, but were rejected? ????

Have you looked at America's war history? It doesn't take much for them to go to war. If an enemy military alliance was expanding throughout the world and closer and closer to America's borders, there would be war. Christ, Vietnam did nothing wrong.

Come on. What was NATO'S original name and mission statement? I'll wait for this reply. NATO was always about Russia. After the war, it was agreed NATO would not expand further East past Germany because it threatened Russia's national security. Of course, NATO continued to do so and therefore there could never be peace with Russia. NATO should have really dismantled after the defeat of the Soviets as their mission was complete. Now, Ukraine wants to join. I ain't justify Putin's actions, but what the hell did they expect? It creates unrest in the area. Ukraine should have remained diplomatic and neutral. I think it would have been better if the war hadn't been started in the first place. Sure, they can do what they want, but Zelensky messed up here, big time.

You are chancing your hand at dry humor here, right?

Yeah, my broker wouldn't accept bank statement. Just utility bill or state issued document

They brake?

Ever heard of KYC regulations that financial companies have to adhere to?

My stock broker in Luxembourg was also very specific when updating their KYC record for me. They wanted utility bills too. It's just to prove you currently reside there. Your housebook doesn't prove you currently live at that address. You could just be registered there or own the place, but not actually be living there now.

Truly a blessing in disguise. Take this as a sign from the gods: grow up and quit swapping footie cards

NATO should have dismantled after the war decades ago. They won. They agreed peace. Instead NATO kept pushing up to Russian borders during peace times while Russia protested. They ignored Russia's concerns. Well, what did they expect was going to happen? How could there ever be peace with Russia under these circumstances? Tell me what would happen if a military alliance between Russia, Iran, China, North Korea etc etc started pushing closer to American soil, perhaps trying to get Cuba or Mexico to join? We all know what America would do. Long story, short: Ukraine should not be allowed to join for diplomatic reasons. It's a bit late now - Ukraine should never have been considered - but it would stop WW3.

Hampering discussion. Well done. ???? The discussion has naturally progressed to how much force should have been used. It isn't too off-topic to make comparisons of how police in other countries would have handled this guy. It ain't like we've started discussing Bangkok's best Indian restaurants in this thread. Jeez.

Me too. We didn't get the co-pilot seat though. Don't recall it being that pricey. I think I did it a year or two before the crash. I also did Mount Bromo a few months before its eruption.

I walked up ono of those tall pinnacle things in Guilin on a whim without even a bottle of water taking two steps at a time, thinking, " It doesn't look that high" Was totally <deleted> less than halfway up. Made it to the top though. No idea how many steps.

Voyage from Singapore to England by boat. Go on a long famous train journey.

Okay, I'll take this opportunity to count up the countries I have been to. 1. America 2. Canada 3. Mexico 4. England 5. Wales 6. Scotland 7. Republic of Ireland 8. Northern Ireland 9. France 10. Spain 11. Portugal 12. Italy 13. Greece 14. India 15. Nepal 16. Thailand 17. Cambodia 18. Laos 19. Vietnam 20. Malaysia 21. Singapore 22. Indonesia 23. China I don't actually feel that well traveled. Though I have completely lost the desire to travel any more.

Ok, so it sounds like we agree: getting into dangerous situations is part of job ????

There are loads of Indian restaurants over at the Ratchaprarop area near Baiyoke hotel. Popular area for Indian tourists. Also, there's a Little India neighborhood I think near Sam Yan or Sam Yot

Amritsr is excellent (Soi 22 and Soi 11) They even give you a heavy water goblet so you can feel like a medieval lord. That said, I think Al Hussein on Soi 3/1 is just as good and better value. It's not strictly Indian though, but they do have an Indian menu.

Which places did you like the best?

I see Pattaya isn't on the list. Tut Tut. Get down to Pattaya.

It definitely is. Arresting dangerous people is exactly what the police are there to do. It comes with the job. 100% Being a police officer is a dangerous job and if the worst thing they face is a guy with a skateboard, then I reckon it was a good day. "Deploy all units! He has a skateboard! I repeat, he has a skateboard. I think we might need the SWAT team for this one." ????