Russia, Will They Match Rhodesia, SA?

Russia is apparently suffering from a trade embargo imposed because of it's invasion of Ukraine.

It is damned near impossible to get unbiased reports from Russia, particularly on the impact of that embargo.

I am reminded of similar restrictions placed on Rhodesia and South Africa a few decades ago.

Both countries economies went gang-busters. They became some of the richest countries in the world and certainly led non-oil-exporting countries by some distance.

They were referred to by many as the bread basket of Sub-Saharan Africa.

It was only when they gave in to the rest of the world and their borders opened up for international trade that their economic troubles started.

Both countries are now in serious economic difficulty.

Russia, like those two countries, has easily enough natural resources to match those two African entities and create a healthy, independent economy that will outshine most, if not all, of the world's countries for decades to come.

Going it alone will almost certainly be beneficial to them for the years ahead.

I am noting the start of this , if only so I can loudly state: "I told you so" when it happens.

Trying To Fail?

 The Headline:

National: Government should take its own stand against Russia

For what?

Russia appears guilty of moving it's own troops within it's own country, helping, militarily, an ally who asked for that help and then, when things were settled, buggering off home again and having a rather popular (within Russia) leader.

 Russia is also attempting to persuade Ukraine that it's joining NATO would be a mistake and probably carry some rather serious consequences for the area (and indeed, the world).

International wanna-be warmongers, notably deeply unpopular within their own countries, are sabre rattling.

It is rather obvious the reason for this sabre-rattling is nothing to do with Russia and everything to do with internal problems within (particularly) the USA and Britain. 

Now Gerry Brownlee, ex-MP for one of the safest blue seats in New Zealand until a brain-dead communist sheila defeated him is, on behalf of his party, demanding New Zealand "sanction" Russia.

New Zealand has serious problems with the most corrupt Government in it's history, has very serious inflation and a massive economic problem because that Government is intent on destroying any once-viable industry in the country as well as the Government introduction of apartheid to New Zealand but National, in the form of Gerry Brownlee, are worried about bloody Russia.

Given also the recent elevation of a schoolteacher-like tosser to leadership are National deliberately trying to avoid election to the treasury benches?