Is there a relationship between the bombing of Lebanon and the inauguration of the World’s largest strategic pipeline, which will channel more than a million barrels of oil a day to Western markets? Virtually unnoticed, the inauguration of the Ceyhan-Tblisi-Baku (BTC) oil pipeline, which links the Caspian sea to the Eastern Mediterranean, took place on the 13th of July, at the very outset of the Israeli sponsored bombings of Lebanon. One day before the Israeli air strikes, the main partners and shareholders of the BTC pipeline project, including several heads of State and oil company executives were in attendance at the port of Ceyhan. They were then rushed off for an inauguration reception in Istanbul, hosted by Turkey’s President Ahmet Necdet Sezer in the plush surroundings of the Çýraðan Palace. Also in attendance was British Petroleum’s (BP) CEO, Lord Browne together with senior government officials from Britain, the US and Israel. BP leads the BTC pipeline consortium. Other major Western shareholders include Chevron, Conoco-Phillips, France’s Total and Italy’s ENI.
Israel’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Binyamin Ben-Eliezer was present at the venue together with a delegation of top Israeli oil officials. The BTC pipeline totally bypasses the territory of the Russian Federation. It transits through the former Soviet republics of Azerbaijan and Georgia, both of which have become US “protectorates”, firmly integrated into a military alliance with the US and NATO. Moreover, both Azerbaijan and Georgia have longstanding military cooperation agreements with Israel.
Israel has a stake in the Azeri oil fields, from which it imports some twenty percent of its oil. The opening of the pipeline will substantially enhance Israeli oil imports from the Caspian sea basin.
But there is another dimension which directly relates to the war on Lebanon. Whereas Russia has been weakened, Israel is slated to play a major strategic role in “protecting” the Eastern Mediterranean transport and pipeline corridors out of Ceyhan.Militarization of the Eastern Mediterranean. The bombing of Lebanon is part of a carefully planned and coordinated military road map. The extension of the war into Syria and Iran has already been contemplated by US and Israeli military planners. This broader military agenda is intimately related to strategic oil and oil pipelines. It is supported by the Western oil giants which control the pipeline corridors. In the context of the war on Lebanon, it seeks Israeli territorial control over the East Mediterranean coastline. In this context, the BTC pipeline dominated by British Petroleum, has dramatically changed the geopolitics of the Eastern Mediterranean, which is now linked , through an energy corridor, to the Caspian sea basin: “[The BTC pipeline] considerably changes the status of the region’s countries and cements a new pro-West alliance. Having taken the pipeline to the Mediterranean, Washington has practically set up a new bloc with Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey and Israel, ” (Komerzant, Moscow, 14 July 2006) Israel is now part of the Anglo-American military axis, which serves the interests of the Western oil giants in the Middle East and Central Asia. While the official reports state that the BTC pipeline will “channel oil to Western markets”, what is rarely acknowledged is that part of the oil from the Caspian sea would be directly channeled towards Israel. In this regard, an underwater Israeli-Turkish pipeline project has been envisaged which would link Ceyhan to the Israeli port of Ashkelon and from there through Israel’s main pipeline system, to the Red Sea. The objective of Israel is not only to acquire Caspian sea oil for its own consumption needs but also to play a key role in re-exporting Caspian sea oil back to the Asian markets through the Red Sea port of Eilat. The strategic implications of this re-routing of Caspian sea oil are farreaching. What is envisaged is to link the BTC pipeline to the Trans-Israel Eilat-Ashkelon pipeline, also known as Israel’s Tipline, from Ceyhan to the Israeli port of Ashkelon. In April 2006, Israel and Turkey announced plans for four underwater pipelines, which would bypass Syrian and Lebanese territory. “Turkey and Israel are negotiating the construction of a multi-million-dollar energy and water project that will transport water, electricity, natural gas and oil by pipelines to Israel, with the oil to be sent onward from Israel to the Far East. The new Turkish-Israeli proposal under discussion would see the transfer of water, electricity, natural gas and oil to Israel via four underwater pipelines. “Baku oil can be transported to Ashkelon via this new pipeline and to India and the Far East.[via the Red sea]“ “Ceyhan and the Mediterranean port of Ashkelon are situated only 400 km apart. Oil can be transported to the city in tankers or via specially constructed under-water pipeline. From Ashkelon the oil can be pumped through already existing pipeline to the port of Eilat at the Red Sea; and from there it can be transported to India and other Asian countries in tankers.
Water for Israel
Also involved in this project is a pipeline to bring water to Israel, pumping water from upstream resources of the Tigris and Euphrates river system in Anatolia. This has been a long-run strategic objective of Israel to the detriment of Syria and Iraq. Israel’s agenda with regard to water is supported by the military cooperation agreement between Tel Aviv and Ankara. The Strategic Re-routing of Central Asian Oil. Diverting Central Asian oil and gas to the Eastern Mediterranean (under Israeli military protection), for re-export back to Asia, serves to undermine the inter-Asian energy market, which is based on the development of direct pipeline corridors linking Central Asia and Russia to South Asia, China and the Far East. Ultimately, this design is intended to weaken Russia’s role in Central Asia and cut off China from Central Asian oil resources. It is also intended to isolate Iran. Meanwhile, Israel has emerged as a new powerful player in the global energy market.
Russia’s Military Presence in the Middle East
Meanwhile, Moscow has responded to the US-Israeli-Turkish design to militarize the East Mediterranean coastline with plans to establish a Russian naval base in the Syrian port of Tartus: “Defense Ministry sources point out that a naval base in Tartus will enable Russia to solidify its positions in the Middle East and ensure security of Syria. Moscow intends to deploy an air defense system around the base – to provide air cover for the base itself and a substantial part of Syrian territory. (S-300PMU-2 Favorit systems will not be turned over to the Syrians. They will be manned and serviced by Russian personnel.)
Tartus is strategically located within 30 km. of the Lebanese border.
Moreover, Moscow and Damascus have reached an agreement on the modernization of Syria’s air defenses as well as a program in support to its ground forces, the modernization of its MIG-29 fighters as well as its submarines. (Kommerzant, 2 June 2006). In the context of an escalating conflict, these developments have farreaching implications.
War and Oil Pipelines
Prior to the bombing of Lebanon, Israel and Turkey had announced the underwater pipeline routes, which bypassed Syria and Lebanon. These underwater pipeline routes do not overtly encroach on the territorial sovereignty of Lebanon and Syria. On the other hand, the development of alternative land based corridors (for oil and water) through Lebanon and Syria would require Israeli-Turkish territorial control over the Eastern Mediterranean coastline through Lebanon and Syria. The implementation of a land-based corridor, as opposed to the underwater pipeline project, would require the militarisation of the East Mediterranean coastline, extending from the port of Ceyhan across Syria and Lebanon to the Lebanese-Israeli border.
Is this not one of the hidden objectives of the war on Lebanon? Open up a space which enables Israel to control a vast territory extending from the Lebanese border through Syria to Turkey.
It is worth noting that the US War Academy had already contemplated the formation of a “Greater Lebanon” which would extend along the coastline from Israel to Turkey. In this scenario, the entire Syrian coastline would be annexed to an Anglo-American Israeli protectorate.(See Map of The New Middle East below). Israeli Prime minister Ehud Olmert has stated that the Israeli offensive against Lebanon would “last a very long time”. Meanwhile, the US has speeded up weapons shipments to Israel. There are strategic objectives underlying the “Long War” which are tied to oil and oil pipelines. The air campaign against Lebanon is inextricably related to US-Israeli strategic objectives in the broader Middle East including Syria and Iran. In recent developments, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice stated that the main purpose of her mission to the Middle East was not to push for a ceasefire in Lebanon, but rather to isolate Syria and Iran. (Daily Telegraph, 22 July 2006) At this particular juncture, the replenishing of Israeli stockpiles of US produced WMDs points to an escalation of the war both within and beyond the borders of Lebanon.
Terror in Moscow Theater, killings of Russians and Ossetians in Beslan, then in South Ossetia got no sympathy from many Cruel Russophobe Leaders of the West Part 5. Evil Condoleezza Rice (who is the first in line in her pathological hate of Russia) was so eager to punish Russia, because it saved Ossetians from Georgian aggression, which started with blanket bombardment of the republic capital while everyone was sleeping. In August 2008, many Russian peacekeepers died fulfilling their obligations to save the right of Ossetians to leave on their historic land. Yet, out of control, Bushs former Security Adviser, who blamed by many for 9/11 to happen and for orchestrating lies to justify disastrous war on Iraqi people that killed and wounded thousands American soldiers, was so arrogant trying to order Old Europe leadership to follow her commands to demonize and punish Russia for preventing another Genocide of Ossetians in South Ossetia. First Genocide was deliberate by Georgian born Stalin, last was attempted in August 2008 by Bushs puppet – Dictator of so- called Democratic Georgia Saakashvili. Not Everybody in the West Agrees with Rice, Bush, mccain and His Big Donor Georgian Dictator Saakashvilis Version of Events. During the First week of Georgian War the Vice Speaker of Slovakian Parliament said TBILISI WANTED A GENOCIDE Slovakian Prime Minster Robert Fico said it was clear to him that Georgia was the aggressor in the conflict. Saakashvili is facing strong criticism from …
Because of good atmosphere, peacefulness and a number of historical attractions, millions of tourists globally prefer to spend their holidays in Moscow, the capital city of Russia. Being a large educational and industrialized centre of Russia, the city reverts to reach tradition of pre-soviet age and goodbye with communist traditions of uniformity. But before arrival in the city, first thing that comes in mind is luxurious accommodation. Tourists want to stay at a place, where they can feel home even away from home. And hotels in Moscow keep this point in mind by providing state-of-the-art facilities and luxurious accommodation at reasonable prices through strong commitment. In other words, comfy accommodation, warm welcome and unbound hospitality provided by Moscow hotels is really mind blowing.
Choice is yours and it also depends on your budget and timing; Moscow is crammed with all categories of hotels ranging from five stars luxurious to cheap and budget hotels. These all hotels in Moscow offer more personal and homelike surroundings that travelers keep in mind forever and wish to come again. Moscow has all the options of luxurious accommodation; all you have to do is, only select a hotel in Moscow as per your budget and requirements. Only you just have to search over the internet and make an advance booking at any selected online booking site. As above mentioned, Moscow has a good supply of hotels; these hotels as well as other accommodation options are close to the leisure area of city.
Historical monuments and other centers of attractions including, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Red square surrounded with the State History Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Kremlin, the seat of Russian government and Tretyakov Gallery are close to these hotels where you can reach within a few minutes. If talking about facilities provided by these hotels, then luxuries suites and rooms of these hotels are specially designed with great decorations that are also attractions in themselves. In simple words, luxurious suits and rooms are equipped with modern bathrooms, mini-bars, internet service, telephone and the list goes on.
As these hotels provide comfy accommodation and state-of-the-art facilities, tourists will not be disappointed by spending as much time as possible here. After all, Moscow hotels undoubtedly are excellent. So, book your tour to this enchanting city and experience the luxurious accommodation and a lifestyle of luxury these hotels offer.
Hannover is the ninth largest airport in the whole of Germany and it has the unique Airport code HAJ. Hannover international airport has been operational since the 1950’s.
Hannover international airport is also called Langenhagen Airport as it is situated near to a town known as Langenhagen.
Hannover international airport is open 24 hours a day though in actual fact you will not find many flights operating between the hours of 1 am and 4 am.
Hannover international airport is also only a short drive way (11 kilometres) from the town of Hannover which is capital of the German state of Lower Saxony.
The terminals at Hannover international airport have become renowned architecturally in Germany for their excellent modern design. So good was the design that it inspired the plan for an airport in Moscow, Russia.
Hannover international airport has four terminals, terminal A, terminal B, terminal C and terminal D.
Terminal A has a number of domestic and international flights.
For instance you can fly to Copenhagen in Denmark with Scandinavian Airlines system, Amsterdam in Holland with KLM cityhopper and Riga in Latvia with Air Baltic.
In terms of flights within Germany there are routes to major cities such as Berlin and Frankfurt with the German air carrier Lufthansa. While Lufthansa handles a huge number of flights at Hannover international airport, the aviation company TUI fly is also a very well used carrier.
Some of the many airlines to fly from terminal B in
Hannover international airport are the Russian carrier Aeroflot, Croatia airlines, Flybe, Hamburg international airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Eurocypria airlines. These companies offer a number of flights throughout exciting European destinations. Flybe in particular has cheap flights to Britain.
From terminal C in Hannover international airport (which was opened in 1998 as the airport tried to accommodate more and more passengers) it is possible to fly to Alicante in Spain, Sharm El Sheik in Egypt, Palma de Mallorca in Mallorca, Fuerteventura and Tenerife south in the Canary Islands and Milan Bergamo in Italy as well as many, many others. When terminal C was added, eight more gates were built at Hannover international airport.
Terminals A to C of Hannover international airport have sizeable runways and can all hold big planes such as a Boeing 747.
The only air traffic to fly from terminal D are Royal Air Force troops going from Britain to Germany and Omni Air International flights.
To start with most flights from Hannover international airport were directed through Frankfurt international airport. This is no longer the case and you can get plenty of direct flights to world wide destinations. Hannover international airport is second only to Frankfurt international airport in terms of air traffic to countries in Eastern Europe.
However, though they were trial runs for flights to Canada and the United States of America, not enough passengers took these up.
Up until 1990 Hannover international airport hosted Germany’s largest air show, the Internationale Luft und Raumfahrtausstellung. However an accident with a helicopter in 1988 caused injury to some of the people involved and the show is now in Berlin.
Travelling on from Hannover international airport you can rent one from a large fleet of vehicles. Rhino can provide compact, small and large models, economy, standard, intermediate, large, multi purpose, convertible, luxury, executive and prestige cars for every type of customer and our friendly staff can meet you as soon as you step off the plane.
It is also possible to catch the S Bahn from Hannover international airport.
Robert Frische wrote this article about Hannover international airport as part of a series about Germany for Rhino Car Hire Hannover Airport
Visit the Greek city of Thessaloniki which can be easily accessed from Thessaloniki international airport. Thessaloniki has had a fascinating history and is a vibrant city which really comes alive, whether you are travelling there for work or a holiday.
Thessaloniki is a city full of beautiful Byzantine churches, many of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Some of churches which should be seen by passers through are the Church of Saint Demetrios, the church of Agia Sophia and the Church of Saint Nicolaos Orfanos.
The Byzantines are among the many peoples who have lived in Thessaloniki, including the Romans and the Ottomans, throughout 3,000 years of history. One reminder of Roman occupation is the Rotunda within the old city, a temple built to the God Zeus. The Ottomans also made their mark there with Bezesteni (Turkish public baths) and a closed market which sells jewellery and precious materials.
With a large Jewish community taking route, Thessaloniki was given the nickname the ‘Mother of Israel’. However many of these Jews were sent to Auschwitz during the war. Today more than 1 million residents live in Thessaloniki.
The city’s major landmark is the White Tower of Thessaloniki, an impressive castle by the seafront which is well worth seeing. This fortified tower dates back to 16 A.D. You can also head into the old town for great views out across the bay. Within the old town you’ll see some incredible buildings such as a Byzantine citadel.
There are many retail opportunities in Thessaloniki. Clothes shoppers may wish to head to Egnatia Street for reasonably priced stuff or check out the most fashionable items at Proxenou Koromila.
If you want to pick up fresh local produce or buy small gifts and souvenirs there are many stalls between Venizelou Street and Aristotelis Square. Venizelou Street also has plenty of stores which have the famous local pastries on offer such as Baklava. Try Chatzis.for an all round collection of Greek sweets.
Meanwhile eating the local specialties of Souvlaki washed down with ouzo in the tavernas of Thessaloniki is a good way to get a feel for the city atmosphere.
It is possible to drive to Thessaloniki from the Greek capital Athens in about five hours along the highway, while Thessaloniki is also close to other major cities in Eastern Europe such as Belgrade and Istanbul. Having a car saves you from using the train station of Thessaloniki, which limits you to certain times, or the taxis which are surprisingly expensive.
Although the people of Thessaloniki don’t necessarily obey parking laws in the city, you may not get away with it as a tourist. Parking is fairly scarce and if you do find a good spot parking is relatively expensive.
Visitors who like museums can go to the Folklore and Ethnological Museum of Macedonia and Thrace, the State Museum of Contemporary Art in Thessaloniki, the Macedonian Museum of Contemporary Art (Thessaloniki is in fact in Central Macedonia) and the Museum of Cinematography in Thessaloniki among many other options. If you go to Thessaloniki in November you will see a film festival which is great fun and full of young people. Thessaloniki is a university town and there are lots of places to go out drinking with the crowd including Bit Pazar and Athonos Square. If you are in Thessaloniki on holiday and want to have some fun, don’t miss the city’s raucous nightlife. Aristotelous Square is always a good point for any night out as it is packed with good restaurants and bars.
Thessaloniki international Airport is also called ‘Makedonia airport’ and you can fly to most major cities in Europe from there. There are routes to the cities of Zurich, Frankfurt, London, Paris, Rome, Moscow and many more. The most popular routes are to Athens though with the Greek carriers Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airlines.
No matter what your budget you will find places to stay in Thessaloniki. There are budget apartments in the city centre by the name of Easyflat, mid range accommodation like the Queen Olga Hotel.in east Thessaloniki and El Greco Hotel on Egnatia Street.
Choose Rhino for great service on a range of vehicles including smart cars, off road vehicles and compacts cars. Rob has written a travel article on Thessaloniki for Rhino Car Hire. Using Car Hire Thessaloniki and Car Hire Thessaloniki Airport.
Dusseldorf is the capital city of the German state of North Rhine Westphalia and Dusseldorf international airport is the third largest airport in the country after Frankfurt international airport and Munich international airport.
Because Dusseldorf international airport (airport code DUS) is located almost 10 kilometres outside of the city of Dusseldorf, you will most likely want to hire a car to complete your journey when leaving the terminal.
Cheap Rhino car hire can be booked in advance and there are great vehicles of all makes and models available through providers such as Hertz, Avis, Holiday Autos, Auto Europe and Sixt. Whether you are going through Dusseldorf international airport on business or for a holiday we have the right vehicle for you.
Last year more than 18 million passengers used Dusseldorf international airport, a large portion of them taking Air Berlin and Lufthansa flights.
The total airport traffic has risen steadily since 2002 when 14.75 million passengers used Dusseldorf international airport. However, the airport is still not at full capacity as the main terminals are capable of holding 22 million passengers every year.
Air Berlin has a whole A-Z of world wide cities which it flies to from Dusseldorf international airport.
These include Alicante, Bangkok – Suvarnabhumi, Copenhagen, Dresden, Faro, Helsinki, Ibiza, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Milan-Malpensa, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Rome – Fiumicino, Sharm el -Sheikh, Tenerife – North, Venice – Marco Polo, Westerland – Sylt and Zürich among many others.
There are also a large number of Air Berlin flights to seasonal European destinations such as Jersey, Reykjavik – Kevlavik, Rhodes, Kos and Minorca. There are also flights to various inter Atlantic destinations like John F Kennedy New York airport and Los Angeles airport.
With Lufthansa you can fly to the German airports of Berlin-Tegel, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Munich.
Other flights go to Chicago – O’Hare, London – Heathrow, Moscow -Domodedovo, Newark, Palma de Mallorca, Paris – Charles de Gaulle, and Vienna.
Some of the seasonal destinations are to Miami airport in America and Toronto-Pearson airport in Canada. Towards the end of the year a route from Dusseldorf international airport to Dubai airport with Lufthansa will start up as well.
Other airlines which fly from Dusseldorf international airport are Austrian Airlines, Egypt Air, Croatia Airlines, Lot Polish Airlines, Scandinavian Airlines System and Swiss International Air lines from terminal A.
From terminal B you can get flights with Aegean Airlines, Air Baltic, Air Europa, Air France, Delta Air lines, Czech Airlines KLM and many others.
If you are flying with Aer Lingus, Aeroflot, Blue Wings, Flybe, Ghana International Airlines, Jet 2, TUI Fly, Turkish Airlines and many others, you will depart from terminal C.
For the latest information on all the routes and airlines at Dusseldorf international airport as well as current news you can pick up a copy of Das Magazin at news stands there for free.
The other airport in the Dusseldorf area is airport Weeze (airport code NRN) which is located some 80 kilometres away from Dusseldorf and has various low cost flights.
Ryanair has the most international flights from airport Weeze to destinations such as Palma de Mallorca and Alicante in Spain and Bologna in Italy. The German airline Hamburg International flies from Dusseldorf airport Weeze to places in the Middle East such as Sharm El Sheik and Tel Aviv too.
Although Dusseldorf airport Weeze only had one and a half million passengers last year, this was such a massive increase on previous years that it is one of Europe’s fastest growing airports.
Top 10 special qualities that differ Moscow’s women from other women from FSU.
Moscow is the capital of Russia and also its largest town. People from all over the world flock to visit its charms.
So what’s so special about Moscow? Well here you can really put yourself on the world’s stage. Having said this, in order to get on in Moscow you need to have a strong character. Moscow is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Only the toughest of souls survive here. In Moscow it doesn’t matter whether you are male or female, the rules are the same; if you want to survive you must always have an escape plan. You won’t last long in Moscow if you are a “sissy”. If you are, then this town is definitely not for you.
The main difference between women from Moscow and women from any other Russian town (as unoriginal as it sounds) is that they are Muscovites. That is all that needs to be said. Their roots are in Moscow and they were born and bred in the town. This is what sets them apart.
As a rule, women from Moscow have an excellent education (Moscow graduates are famous throughout the whole country for having brilliant professions and science doctorates). Besides this, they are very “up and coming” in terms of culture. They adore visiting different museums, exhibitions and concerts. They are also well schooled in lots of issues and are more than happy to “schmooze” with the higher echelons of society. They are always ready to engage in any type of conversation. They are also distinguished for their business-like power and polite demeanour; however, they can also be obstinate in getting their own way. In short, they lead very full lives. In Moscow, there is no alternative.
However, it must be said that Moscow women are not “big headed” and definitely not spoilt. It’s just that in Moscow you get used to the good life as there is a greater quality of services in the capital.
Other Russian towns pale into the background. Although they try to compete with Moscow, they will never win. All the latest fads and inventions originate in Moscow. You often cannot buy what you want in the other towns. For example, the sling (a carrier which you wear across your shoulders to carry a baby rather than using your arms) came out in Russia not so long ago but you can only get them in Moscow.
Due to the reasons above, women from Moscow tend to treat other towns with a slight contempt. Moscow provides people with a range of possibilities and opportunities. Here you can obtain a prestigious, professional career for example.
Moscow women take maximum advantage of all that the town has to offer. Here, there are numerous businesswomen who are highly successful on account of their wisdom and strength of character.
Having said this, there are of course “everyday” Moscow women and some who would like to move to another country (but not another town in Russia we might add). Despite this, Moscow will always be their ideal town.
If Moscow women move anywhere else they will always compare that place to Moscow. If you wish to find more about women from Russia or former USSR or you are looking for marriage with Russian woman from Former Soviet Union you can find many articles and dating section in marrymecity.com
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