From: bufdrvr@

what is highly likely over the next four years is the movement
of European based US forces east and southeast. Naval, Air and land forces
will
move closer to where the action is (Asia) and in return for huge investment
(bases need to be modernized) they'll find a more accepting population,
better
training spaces and much more cooperative governments. I think we'll keep
some
of the headquartersin western Europe, but every other uniformed US personel
will leave where they are currently stationed. Should be interesting.

What may also prove interesting is how fleeting Russia's schmoozing with France
and Germany may prove to be, as Russia's financial interests may lie much more
with the US of A, as witness this recent press release:

"President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation attended a LUKOIL gas
station opening ceremony in New York City today.

The gas station, carrying the LUKOIL brand, is part of a Restructuring Program
being implemented by OAO LUKOIL (‘LUKOIL’) as a follow up to its
acquisition of Getty Petroleum Marketing Inc. (‘Getty Petroleum’) of the
USA. There are some 30 gas stations operating under the LUKOIL brand in the
states of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The number of such stations in
the North Eastern states is expected to gradually grow.

Business restructuring in the United States also envisages supplies of Russian
petroleum products. In May 2004 LUKOIL plans to start deliveries of petroleum
products to the United States via a terminal on the island of Vysotsky,
Leningrad region. A special terminal to receive the Russian deliveries has been
leased in NYC and is now being revamped.

At a later stage, LUKOIL plans to begin crude supplies from Timan Pechora oil
and gas province.

LUKOIL acquired Getty Petroleum in 2000 for USD71 million. Getty Petroleum
operates nearly 1,300 gas stations in 13 states in the North Eastern United
States plus nine tank farms. It owns a fleet of 170 tank trucks. Every year
Getty Petroleum distributes more than one billion gallons of automobile fuel.
Getty Petroleum has control of 4% of the oil products market in the areas where
it operates. Its revenues in 2002 exceeded USD1 billion, while its assets
totaled USD225.6 million.

«LUKOIL’s joining the US retail fuel market contributes to more diversified
deliveries of petroleum products. Here, in the United States, we are going to
confirm LUKOIL’s high reputation and its commitment to high ethical standards
in business », said Vagit Alekperov, President of LUKOIL."

This should drive the "everything is about oil" conspiracy theorist nuts.

"Stay on the bomb run boys, I'm gonna get those bomb doors open if it
harelips
everyone on Bear Creek"

Always wondered where your sig came from and what it means. Finally saw Dr.
Strangelove for the first time and now know where it comes from (still not sure
what it means). Loved the movie. My favorite line was "Gentlemen, you can't
fight in here--this is the War Room!"


Chris Mark