Earlier quoted context omitted.
Unfortunately (and I mean it) there is barely any precedent for a regime like this turning around and the economy improving. In terms of economy, it's probably going to be downhill from here, companies will enter survival mode and innovation will be minimized. I really hope I'm wrong though :( examples: Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, ...
Putins regime was a massive economic improvement from Yeltsins regime though, which is one reason why he is (was? hard to gauge) so popular. Also counter examples of more authoritarian regimes having economic resurgences - south korea, taiwan, to lesser extents china and vietnam... I'm sure there's more.
Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
151–160 of 323 posts
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#152Earlier quoted context omitted.
It depends on the subject. Try to find a western media that defend the point of view of the Talibans for instance. Or their history and significance to the population for instance. Even in the most niche papers you won't find that. There will always be a line on their barbarian and anti democratic aspect. And that's why western medias didn't get that the US lost the war because the Talibans always had the backing of…
It is not about defending but presenting the point of view. It is easy to find articles explaining the Taliban point of view and why they had support in Afghanistan (I even saw a very interesting 5 hours documentary on the national french television not long ago with interviews of prominent talibans). It is not easy to find articles explaining the Ukrainian point of view in current Russian media.
Is it? Or is it just like the documentary you mention, somehow factual but leaving you only with contempt and outrage?
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#153Earlier quoted context omitted.
As one of Novaya backers, I voted for it to continue operations, even under the censorship. The Novaya team and their readers are bright people who can write and read between the lines, a working independent media of any form, not blocked by roskomnadzor, is more valuable than none. The alternative was to shut down and wait until the situation resolves. I admire their resolve.
I am conflicted about this. On one hand, people’s livelihoods are at stake, and one can argue some news is better than no news. On the other hand, by continuing reporting on events unrelated to war, are we not helping Putin’s regime to push the “it’s all fine, don’t worry about the war” agenda?
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#154Earlier quoted context omitted.
Well, IKEA leaving is not a big issue - making furniture is easy and doesn't require high-tech. Firstly, IKEA sells a lot more than furniture. You might be able to make a table at home, but that's one of the simplest things IKEA sells. Making a bowl, or a drinking glass, or a clock is significantly harder. Most people don't have the skills or the equipment. Secondly, IKEA don't simply sell furniture. They sell furnit…
IKEA is way higher than the minimum level of quality. Their range goes from medium-low to medium. You can find far worse furniture than ikea (often more expensive)
> And then you have the problem that people are used to IKEA stuff being the minimum acceptable level of quality.
People see the IKEA level -- whatever that is -- as the minimum acceptable level. Anything worse than IKEA is not worth considering.
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#155Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not for long potentially. I don't have the link right now, but someone posted an interesting thread on Twitter how to fly planes you need a lot of international support. Down to things like supply of replacement parts and access to repair manuals. Their estimate (not sure if accurate) is that in 3 weeks, domestic aviation in Russia will become very hard to run. (Boing and Airbus already suspended providing replacemen…
Might come as a surprise, but Boing and Airbus are not the only civil airplane manufacturers in the world.
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#156Earlier quoted context omitted.
Just like when the west stood up to the US Government and stopped the Iraq war? It's easy to point the finger when you're far from the reality.
Try the Vietnam proxy war. And any sensible and rational being with non-zero knowledge of Iraq and Saddam's transgressions against humanity should support the Iraq war which was all about toppling him. Since you're clearly not one of those, here's some homework to get you started: Halabja massacre, Kuwait invasion.
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#157Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#158Earlier quoted context omitted.
Not for long potentially. I don't have the link right now, but someone posted an interesting thread on Twitter how to fly planes you need a lot of international support. Down to things like supply of replacement parts and access to repair manuals. Their estimate (not sure if accurate) is that in 3 weeks, domestic aviation in Russia will become very hard to run. (Boing and Airbus already suspended providing replacemen…
Might come as a surprise, but Boing and Airbus are not the only civil airplane manufacturers in the world.
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#159Earlier quoted context omitted.
I don't like getting into politics, but I believe the current situation is temporary, either will end up with a major political change in Russia or with a new cold war. Whichever the case for the local economy its like hitting the reset button.
I don’t believe the situation is temporary. All major industries are cutting ties with Russia. SWIFT took 100 years to create, even if we allow it back, Russia won’t trust us, ever. It looks to me like our European leaders are escalating in a specific way that ensures we are locked in a feud with Russia for decades to come, in such a way that we can’t renew relationships even if Putin dies and if they pay war damages…
I think you're in the minority if you're against sanctions
Russia poked and prodded NATO for years (Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea) and watched the European powers stand idly by with maybe some words and small sanctions
This caused them to miscalculate and push too far. But the escalation is Russia's fault, nobody made them invade anybody
Re: Last Day of IKEA in Moscow
#160Go visit the homepage of this newspaper. It's crazy, there's no clear reference to war or attacks. This article on Ikea is just an attempt to tell the desperation without breaking the censorship law.