vinapu

this exactly confirms what I pointed out. China , export based economy is not yet in position " because it can " as it could shatter it's prosperity. But they are getting there thanks to greed of Western corporations and consumers. Hope not too soon, they already changed name of Vladivostok on their maps. It's only matter of time they will find map from 127 B.C. showing Kamchatka belonged to China. This will be moment Russia will follow Serbia and apply for EU and NATO membership .

One needs to take bad with good. EU is not threatening those countries but signalizes that if you like EU funds it would be good to like EU rules. Very few EU citizens will object to such policy, why to send money way of people who don't like you. It's like paying to prostitute who refuses to take shower and undress before the deed - happened to me once

not my government, I'm not American but like green color on American money Like all mighty countries always - because it can, that harsh even if unpleasant reality. Why your government is pointing it out in it's propaganda - not because is peace loving but because is short of that might.

yes , but belongs to archives like all pics of maltreated people, not as part of argument on public domain

too small fish compared to Asad, and doesn't have his supposed fortune of 2 bln so no, no good example

Taking example of another bombed countries like Japan and South Korea, he still applies for membership of EU so still wants to be part of flawed democracies

valid points but as explained above , democracy had advantages over autocracies, advantages recognized by autocracies own elites. For common folk advantage is simple , we are not afraid to voice our displeasure with those in charge and it serves well all. Many autocrats would finish lives sleeping well in own bed if they had somebody to tell them in right time that they choose poor path.

sometimes too thick, specially when treating your own people

that is low, even if no doubt true. we can produce similar pics of action by any army everywhere, it's why war is thing to be avoided at all cost. I don't think such picture belongs in discussion here , being you I'd ask administrator to remove it. Honestly.

while true , look at benefits - Russian oligarchs are not sending their children to BRICS countries and not buying real estate there but using, in your speak ' democratic" countries to shelter their families and ill gotten gains. No part of Bejing is called Bejjingrad but we have Londongrad in UK , so it must be some advantage , no ? I don't even start in which currency they keep their money abroad ? Rand or reais ? I don't think so. While you have a point about sins of democracies , overall picture , as supported by actions of those mentioned point to democracy being quite attractive model. At least Asad escaped to Russia , not UK , country he was schooled in. But how long he will use Russia's hospitality ? Week, month ? we will see.

all of them I was talking about the future which we don't know what brings. Unfortunately one of options is regimes are so preoccupied with surviving and butchering their own people that their neighbours can breath easily i.e USSR between 1924 -1938 just as an example

your country never came to terms to deal those own who murdered millions of their own people during Stalin' rule as for Japan bombing never forget to praise it as Russia acquired Kurile Islands as result and spoils of war she joined so late (which considering effort with war in Europe is understandable but spoils they are)

if Vatican invades Italy , why not ? But it's peaceful state showing you can have muscles without going to the gym and flexing

still people given choice probably would chose messy democracy over "orderly" regimes as democratic mess always flourishes but forced autocratic order sooner or later collapses as population can be kept in line only so long and carinal flaw of autocracies is usually lack of clear succession lines. Then chaos arises If Trump or Macron get heart attack we know who will be next president or at least how it will be selected, luxury unknown to Chinese , Russians , Equatorial Guineans and such.

+1, +1 , +1 thank you all three as it was what I wanted to say but you were faster. Yes there's real danger we and Syrians will be missing Asads depending of what happens to country. But all in, it was worth to try to remove as at end of day their rule brought country to it's knees, indeed the same communism did to Russia. That it's embarrassment to Russia , goes without saying . Whether it's good or bad and for whom remains to be seen, may turn not so good for Syrians but good for Syria's neighbours but other way around is also possible , at least temporarily. And indeed , in democracy or even ' democracy ' we can criticize our rulers and what they do, luxury not available to many other humans.

true but not in 100 % of cases . Travel is testing experience and some ( 2, both M/F ) couples I know did not pass. In know certain , then 5 y.o , who after family vacation taking most of Europe summarized experience " I wish we have different daddy"

make sure your wallet is visible and you will be OK

Good one indeed. I think you mentioned something about having experience of running for the office ?

I wonder what kind of market value we are talking about if recipient is getting upset? Isn't market value something both sides find acceptable? Doesn't market value fluctuate with market conditions ? The same boy which in high season has almost guaranteed off every night may price himself very differently in low season when he is lucky to get 3 offs a month one can only admire your stamina, obviously you weren't discouraged by the fact that in 25 years preaching falls on deaf ears. Like all preachers , always check if congregation pays attention. when we go to 7/11 we see toothbrushes ranging in price from 15 to 70 baht. Somehow all of them find their buyers, some of them don't like cheap stuff , some are in rush and not paying attention to price , some like bargain hunting and others still only go for green or blue handle , no matter price. sure it is, my own experience will not confirm "large percentage' part, yes there are some greedy nasties but unless we had bad luck to see few of them in row , they are quite far between. Levelling all bad behavior to money issues is again from my experience , far from universal. My August trip was kind of unfortunate but still on 4 out of 6 bad encounters it was not about greed - guys willingly slacked on performance and accepted, if not outright suggested, cut in compensation. I'm afraid focusing too much on money or even more , value for the money , may spoil one's vacation fun and in some cases induce constipation. Specially in Thailand which despite recent rises in prices still is quite budget friendly vacation destination.

I did not know cyanide is drinkable, one lives and learns

I stand corrected

You are right , often in many countries I observed tourists haggling over very trivial amounts ( in Silom for 10 baht on 150 baht underwear, just last month as an example )which obviously must have upset locals. ........................ I'm also believer in 2nd chances but on case like starting bargaining over already fixed amount mid way through the session the I'd take reader's approach and remove guy from hiring list for good.

I always found it strange to hear people are going to massage shop in Bangkok to actually have a massage

say hallo from me to that fav masseur as I have strong impression I know him as well

same here as I have naturally dry skin and often I even enoy that oil on me