Putin’s German Choir

Published in Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
(Germany) on 15 September 2022
by Nikolas Busse (link to originallink to original)
Translated from by Mallory Matsumoto. Edited by Laurence Bouvard.
In the story leading up to the war in Ukraine, there is a question about why so many in Germany were ready to listen to Russia’s arguments. If the U.S. has any insight into this, it would be a good idea for them to let the public know.

Three hundred million dollars is a pretty penny to pay for the information war, but Vladimir Putin has long seen it as a good investment. Particularly in Europe, there was a dependable chorus that delivered every red herring, distortion, and lie from the Kremlin’s propaganda into the debate leading up to Feb. 24.

Some members of this choir were officially listed on Russian payrolls, including a former German chancellor who still remains on the list, or getting credit from Moscow, like the National Front in France. The think tanks and foundations that U.S. intelligence agencies are now reporting on were no less influential.

Putin’s Sword Has Grown Dull

The story leading up to the war in Ukraine includes the unresolved question of why Russian arguments in Germany, too, were so much more readily received than those from the many experts who warned us about Putin. If the Americans could provide some insight into this, it would be good for them to let the public know.

Putin has suffered numerous setbacks in the wake of his invasion, and it has blunted his sword. The reality of the war is so powerful that he has to hide it even from his own people.

Nevertheless, he will continue to manipulate Western countries, and for that he can count on several politicians who are apparently incorrigible, from German Left Party member Sahra Wagenknecht to Italian hard-liner Matteo Salvini. A free society may have to endure this but it does not have to follow along.



Putins deutscher Chor
Zur Vorgeschichte des Ukrainekriegs gehört die Frage, wieso russische Argumente in Deutschland so viel Gehör fanden. Wenn die USA dazu Erkenntnisse haben, wäre es gut, wenn sie öffentlich würden.

Dreihundert Millionen Dollar sind eine hübsche Summe für den Informationskrieg, aber Putin konnte das lange als gute Investition betrachten. Gerade in Europa gab es bis zum 24. Februar einen verlässlichen Chor, der jede Finte, Verdrehung und Lüge der Kreml-Propaganda in die Debatte einspeiste.
Manche seiner Mitglieder standen offiziell auf russischen Gehaltslisten, wie bis heute ein früherer deutscher Bundeskanzler, oder sie bekamen Kredite aus Moskau, wie der Front National in Frankreich. Nicht weniger wirkungsvoll werden die Thinktanks und Stiftungen gewesen sein, über die nun der amerikanische Geheimdienst berichtet.
Putins Schwert ist stumpfer geworden
Zur Vorgeschichte des Ukrainekriegs gehört die ungeklärte Frage, wieso russische Argumente auch in Deutschland so viel mehr Gehör fanden als die gar nicht mal so wenigen Fachleute, die vor Putin warnten. Wenn die Amerikaner dazu Erkenntnisse beisteuern könnten, wäre es gut, wenn sie öffentlich gemacht würden.
Zu den vielen Rückschlägen, die Putin durch seinen Überfall erlitten hat, gehört auch, dass dieses Schwert stumpfer geworden ist. Die Realität des Krieges ist so eindrücklich, dass er sie sogar vor seiner eigenen Bevölkerung verbergen muss.
Trotzdem wird er weiterhin versuchen, westliche Länder zu manipulieren, und er kann von Wagenknecht bis Salvini auf offenbar unbelehrbare Politiker zählen. Die offene Gesellschaft muss das aushalten, folgen muss sie ihnen nicht.
This post appeared on the front page as a direct link to the original article with the above link .

Hot this week

Argentina: Middle East: From Nuclear Agreement to Preventive Attack, Who’s in Control?

Germany: NATO Secretary General Showers Trump with Praise: It Seems Rutte Wanted To Keep the Emperor Happy

Germany: Europe Bending the Knee to Trump

Canada: Elbows Down on the Digital Services Tax

Taiwan: After US Bombs Iranian Nuclear Facilities, Trump’s Credibility in Doubt

Topics

Australia: Australia Is Far from Its Own Zohran Mamdani Moment. Here’s Why

Canada: How Ottawa Gift-Wrapped our Dairy Sector for Trump

Canada: New York Swoons over an American Justin Trudeau

Germany: Europe Bending the Knee to Trump

Germany: NATO Secretary General Showers Trump with Praise: It Seems Rutte Wanted To Keep the Emperor Happy

China: US Chip Restrictions Backfiring

China: US Visa Policy Policing Students

Pakistan: American Jingoism Hurts Americans

Related Articles

Switzerland: Ukraine Is No Longer a Priority for America: Trump Leaves the Country High and Dry

Germany: Can Donald Trump Be Convinced To Remain Engaged in Europe?

Russia: Donald Trump Still Has a Chance To Make History*

Germany: Friedrich Merz’s Visit to Trump Succeeded because It Didn’t Fail

Russia: This Can’t Go On Forever*