Top U.S. diplomat launches f-bomb on EU in leaked recorded conversation
By Elise Labott
A leaked audio recording of a phone call allegedly catches the top U.S. diplomat to Europe working on a behind-the-scenes deal to end the Ukrainian political turmoil, and using profanity to express strong frustrations with inaction and indecision by the European Union in resolving the crisis.
In the conversation, voices closely resembling those of Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Victoria Nuland and U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Geoffrey Pyatt discuss a plan to broker a deal between the Ukrainian government and the opposition.
At one point the woman, who sounds like Nuland, can be heard saying "f**k the EU."
The recording was uploaded on YouTube on February 4 by an anonymous user named "Maidan Puppets," and had been viewed more than 11,000 times as of Thursday. The name of the user appears to be a reference to Maidan Square in Kiev, where protestors have fought the government and Russian accusations that the protestors are puppets of the West. The call also was posted on the Kyiv Post, a leading Ukrainian newspaper.
The call cannot be independently verified and it is unclear when or where it was recorded.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki declined to speak about the details of a private conversation, but did not say the call was inauthentic.
The U.S. is pointing a finger at Russian involvement in the matter of the leaked call. Russia has accused the U.S. in meddling in Ukraininan affairs, and U.S officials suggested Moscow likely tapped Nuland and Pyatt's phone conversation and leaked it out of concern about a potential deal between the government and the opposition
Although she said she didn't have independent detail about the origin of the YouTube video, Psaki said the fact the recording was first tweeted out by an employee in Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin's office was an "indication" they played a role.
"Certainly we think this is a new low in Russian trade-craft," Psaki said, using a term that refers to a nation state's espionage activities. "This is something they've been actively promoting, posting on."
The conversation appears to address Ukranian President Viktor Yanukovych's January 25 offer of a power-sharing deal with opposition leader Arseniy Yatseniuk as prime minister and Vitaly Klitschko as deputy prime minister in a new national unity government. Both men refused Yanukovych's offer.
The woman sounding like Nuland says, "I don't think it's necessary, I don't think it's a good idea," for Klitschko to have a role in the government, adding that she favors Yatseniuk to be the new prime minister.
"I think Yats (Yatseniuk) is the guy who's got the economic experience, the governing experience," Nuland says, according to the recording.
The man sounding like Pratt refers to Vitali Klitschko as the "top dog" among opposition leaders, but suggests Klitschko is too inexperienced to hold a top government post.
"Yeah ... I guess ... in terms of him not going into the government, just let him sort of stay out and do his political homework and stuff," he says. "I'm just thinking in terms of sort of the process moving ahead, we want to keep the moderate democrats together."
Referring to a perceived lack of pressure by the European Union in putting pressure on President Yanukovych, Nuland tells Pratt she has spoken to the United Nations, and that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon agreed to send someone to broker the discussions.
"That would be great to help glue this thing and to have the U.N. help glue it," Nuland said. "And you know, f**k the EU."
"Exactly," Pyatt replies. "And I think we got to do something to make it stick together, because you can be sure that if it does start to gain altitude the Russians will be working behind the scenes to torpedo it. Let me work on Klitschko, and I think we should get a Western personality to come out here (to Ukraine) and midwife this thing."
"I think we are in play," Pyatt adds.
The recording ends with Nuland saying she can get likely get Vice President Joseph Biden to make a phone call, presumably to Yanukovych "for an atta-boy and to get the deeds to stick." Biden has talked to Yanukovych by telephone at least four times in the last month.
The State Department's Psaki said, "It is no secret that Ambassador Pyatt and Assistant Secretary Nuland have been working with the government of Ukraine, with the opposition, with business and civil society leaders to support their efforts, and it shouldn't be a surprise that at any point there have been discussions about recent events and offers and what is happening on the ground."
She added that Nuland had apologized to her EU counterparts.
Maja Kocijancic, a spokesperson for EU foreign policy chief Cathy Ashton, told CNN, "The EU is engaged in helping the people of Ukraine through the current political crisis. We don't comment on alleged leaked telephone conversations."
@natlsecuritycnn on Twitter
What, She farted?
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I believe, that this idea will resonate and supporters will wish to join it. The age of information technologies, will help to spread it around the globe. Definitely there will be supporters among the world's famous celebrities. In the event that a large number of ordinary people and celebrities join this campaign, the dream to stop all military actions on the planet will be realized. This will serve as an occasion to announce the call for volunteers in the "international army of peace". It will consist of unarmed "soldiers" who are ready at any time, to go to the hot spot to "pause" the hostilities with the fact of their presence and to encourage the warring parties to engage in dialogue. Ideally, this army should consist of a world-famous and beloved celebrities from all spheres of human activities.
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A world, where nobody talks about freedom, because absolute freedom will accompany each person from the moment of birth, to his last breath. A world, where the happiness and freedom of the individual, will not happen in isolation but will include freedom and happiness of all of humanity. A world without war.
A world without war is undisputed goal, that sooner or later humanity will definitely reach. It is the primary duty of every adult to fulfill a "world in peace"– everyone’s childhood dream. Every child surrounded by the horrors of war dreams that one day somebody will come and say "It is enough!" and by saying it bring war to an end. Then war will stop. That day has come! It's time to combine our efforts in order to make that dream come true.
The idea of one-world government has been around for a century. It simply doesn't work. A determined government will cheat on any arms agreement, and then cheerfully invade any neighbor that was foolish enough to disarm. There will never be a world free of such people, who will also always have allies within any such international organization who are willing to block the international organization from acting. Ultimately, the only security a nation has is its own strength plus the strength of those allies who can be considered reliable. For the USA, that means, in addition to its own strength, that of the UK, Australia and, usually, Canada. Turning all force over to a pure majority vote of an international body means empowering "Third World" countries, with the support of those remaining communist countries, to seize whatever they like from and do whatever they like to the prosperous nations of the West and Far East. So your proposal, no matter how well-intentioned, cannot work.
Diplomat Nueland, has every right to be concerned, and her expressed sentiments are right on target. Kudos to her for being honest. Someone has to be. Cheers, Maggie
Thank you, maggie. You took the words right out of my mouth. The EU is nothing but a huge mistake from the start and sorely needs to be dismantled!
What? All this mess in Ukraine started when Ukraine president Yanukovich refused to sing association agreement with EU, and all the Western World including Sen. McCain and Assist. Sec. Nuland said that "people of Ukraine deserve a better, brighter future witin EU, but that evil Yanukovich does not let them go there". Now Victoria Nuland says that EU sucks (to say it politely), but they still want to mudwife Ukraine toward EU? Where is the logic?
Are you kidding me, CNN? What's the news? She swore. Big F-ing deal. Ironically, the male responded unheaded to her words, moved on very quickly, no big deal. But why is CNN making a deal out of the fact that a woman swore in politics??? Am I missing something CNN? Get over it and report on real news. For F-sake....sincerely, a woman, former reader now because of this BS.
The is of F-word by a diplomat by itself is not a big deal. In fact, back in 2008 Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov applied F-word to then British foreigh minister David Milliband. David Milliband was upset as the result. He felt very depressed. He even resigned because of being permanently upset and not able to function as a foreign minister. Etics committee of Russian Parliament investigated the use of F-word by Lavrov and found no evidence of etical violations or non-professional behavior. In fact, the commeettee found that F-word was properly applied, given the situation.
This is not a big deal: diplomacy is high-stress job, after all. Tough guys are talking tough things.
What is a big deal is the first 3 minutes out of the 4 munute 10 second tape - the manner how Victoria Nuland discussed Yatz and Klitsch. Both these Ukrainian opposition leaders are political corpses right now. Release of this tape, is in fact, a game changer. These two political clown can lo nonger go to Maidan and appeal to the crowd as they did one week ago.
Basically, in 3-minutes Victoria Nuland dismantled and trashed several year effort of CIA and bunch of European secret services to replace pro-Russuan Yanukovich regime in Ukraine with a more manageble pro-western. ...just think about. Tens of millions dollars spent, ant it is all trashed because of her dirty mouse, and some leak. ...embarrassing.
Sounds like a good idea for a t-shirt.
F the EU. Germany tried a bunch of times to destroy Europe militarily, and now they're trying economically.
You know who else says F the EU? The entire UK and every other nation in Europe with self-determination.
Nuland had it just right. The Russians didn't drive a wedge thru NATO, the rift has been widening for years. For instance, these so called "allies" have been shielding terrorists who have murdered Americans (Read this week's Time magazine and see for yourself). The Netherlands fears the Islamic immigrants they have admitted into their country, that they will be knifed in the back if they oppose them. So they divert Islamic anger toward Americans, so long as their blood is not spilled. Why should American lives and treasure be expended to defend such ilk? Putin is on the march, and these spineless Europeans, especially the Germans, will fold at the first threat. America does not need allies such as these.
The conversation was about Ukraine. Islamic terrorists are completely irrelevant for Victoria "midwife" Nuland dropping F-bomb on EU.
Just another sign of incompetence from this presidency. Maybe that's what her briefings are like. Maybe that's one of the only 3 words she knows. Maybe she SHOULD NOT BE A DIPLOMAT ANYMORE..ya think?
Heather – what do you know about presidential incompetency? President Obama took out Osama bin Laden – bush abandoned the chase for him in Tora Bora in order to invade Iraq because of the lie that they had "WMD" 4500 GIs died in this unnecessary war. Iraqis have been fighting each other for 4000 yrs so we got out before more American blood is wasted.. Obama has taken out more Al Qaeda with drones than bush did in his 8 yrs. Unemployment is around 6.5% lowest in 5 yrs. Interest rates are at record lows – Real Estate is selling at record pace the Stock Market has hit record highs – manufacturing is back at a healthy pace. We will soon be independent of MidEast oil. Obama has deported more illegals in his 6 yrs in office than W did in 8 yrs. Obama has worked to help women reach pariity with men in the business world. He stopped the "no bid" nonsense that W was famous for. What is it you don't like about all of this good news? Clean your glasses off ...sober up and stop watching Fox News and listening to Limbaugh – you may find that things are much better.
Maybe Obama can fix this too by writing and delivering a speech about it.
The US is spinning what's taking place in Ukraine like crazy. They are propagandizing the American people. Go to youtube ( watch?v=d80fgUvb0kA )and watch White House spokesman Carney's statements interposed with reality on the ground in Ukraine
Hello?
Hey Steve. That is really not contributing to the discussion, man.
Gramps: "That girl needs her mouth washed out with soap. I wonder if she eats out of the same mouth?"
Loved watching the news and the finger pointing at Russia for intercepting the call. No apologies for insulting the EU, no one to take personal responsibility for their actions. Just go on the offensive and blame the Russians for doing what we do, spying on everyone. Listen up folks, you screwed the pooch, don't blame those who caught, blame yourself.
If she said "f*** the gays", Obama would have already fired her... She's a diplomat and said something that hurts diplomacy... Mr. Obama, why is she still employed?
Exactly! If she said "f*** the gays", this would be headline news.
Nickel night.
Now...is she a highly-trained diplomat, or one of the big donors to Obama who bought her way into the position?
The latter. There are actually very few members of his team who have any business being there. That's why all the failure and confusion.
Nuland has had a long career in the Foreign Service and has worked for both Democratic and Republican administrations. During the Bill Clinton administration, Nuland was chief of staff to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott before moving on to serve as deputy director for former Soviet Union affairs. During the George W. Bush administration, she served as the principal deputy foreign policy adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney and then as U.S. ambassador to NATO. During the Barack Obama administration, she was special envoy for Conventional Armed Forces in Europe before assuming the position of State Department spokesperson in summer 2011, which she held until February 2013.[
That's what I say about the conservatives, Tea Party and Republicans often. Not anything better to say about or to them
And you must be so proud of yourself for helping to find an amicable solution to the (perceived) problem that benefits and unifies the people of the US. Congratulations, you're the world's biggest genius.
Yeah, because half of the people in the U.S. are horrible, right? Trash like you makes this country suck.
There has been a concerted effort by the Obama administration along with the so called news agencies like CNN to put the Sochi games in the worst light possible. This effort has been so strong that Americans now think that there will be a certain terrorist attack on the games.
The Russians have paid back the Obama effort with the release of this phone call. I am sure they have more.
Ha – Russians intercept an American call and make them look foul-mouthed fools trying to upset the apple cart. Rich! What do they Snowden for when the Americans f*** up all by themselves . . .
Anyone else love the irony of an Obama appointee warning against putting a noob in such high office?
Well I think it is a bit low class to say that as a diplomat....but what the heck I think she should have crew the UN too.
Well I think it is a bit low class to say that as a diplomat....but what the heck I think she should have screw the UN too.
Frankly, I think the "f-bomb" should be used more frequently when dealing with so-called diplomacy. Let's face it, a lot of the animals, criminals, scoundrels vermin and swine that are employed by governments in varying capacities perform the most heinous, inhuman, vicious acts. The gloves need to be taken off, the bullsh!t needs to stop and the phony veneer of civilization stripped away and the issues laid bare, not covered with the fake veneer of so-called diplomacy.
Very interesting point. I think it has merit.
Give that lady a raise!
I agree, FU#* the EU
This surprised me – until I saw the picture of her face.
......I am ABSOLUTELY SURE that ........no one in the EU ever said................FLUCK the USA...............ABSOLUTELY SURE........Ya haaa...............They NEVER would say that......................NOT EVER.................
I see, another genius reverting to the 4th grade playground. "Well, HE did it too...". Your college professors are just beming with pride right now.
And Mark Fuhrman never used the N-word.
What does Eddie Snowden have to say about this
Hopefully, something witty in his new language.
If I don't know who leaked the phone call, I don't know what is going on.
I know America has rogue police forces who likely have access to every call any politician has made in this century. I am concerned that the NSA can do selected political purges by discretely leaking info to the well regulated press.
Even if it's not the NSA or another federal police agency,.. this leak seems to be about discrediting a diplomat who didn't really do anything wrong. I suspect I don't know the real reason this got leaked.
Now if some death-metal skinhead band would just run with that, you'd have a smash hit on Youtube.
THAT WOMAN AIN'T NO LADY, THAT'S MY HAT
The Russians are exposing us for what we really are,agitators and manipulators.
That's what every nation has always been. You're not actually naive enough to believe otherwise, are you? To place blame for this fact upon any one nation speaks volumes to your total ignorance.
That being said, it would be nice if the US were among the pioneers in the World in stopping these practices. You know, setting the example, etc. But we don't control everyone else. We never did. We can't make them.
Loosers. Because both Yatsz and Klitsch are political corpses right now. All what they can do is go to Maidan and say to people "soory, we mislead you. We just two puppers, Toby and Roby."
EU meddling in Ukraine is insanity, it will bring Russian meddling in Orthodox Christian nations in the Balkans. American meddling in Ukraine may very well to prove to be a "Bridge To Far" for the USA and will expose their imperial overreach throughout the world if Ukraine descends into civil war and Russia calls America's bluff.
It's a Ukrainian problem. The people want to be in the EU. The only long-term solution will be of Ukrainian origin. No one needs to be meddling there, ESPECIALLY the US or the EU.
Just another one of those CNN Slow News Day No-story stories. It doesn't matter what people say in private, it matters what they DO in public. But if anyone isn't convinced, let's see replies from those who have never in private and in total frustration said something they hope never gets heard in public.
Since when is it a crime to drop an F bomb?
......I am ABSOLUTELY SURE that ........no one in the EU ever said................FLUCK the USA...............ABSOLUTELY SURE........Ya haaa...............They NEVER would say that......................NOT EVER.................
It's not. This is just certain people trying to whip it up into a frenzy for their own political gain. If you ask me, a lot more people around the World need to start saying it too. The EU is a sad joke, but if the Ukrainian people want to be members, it's their right to fight for it.
It is not a crime. It is just a screw up.
lady has got a potty mouth but I whole heartedly agree with her F the EU.
They can do as Hillary did, throw up your hands and exclam "What difference does it make now?"Typival of this admistration reps.
you can thank Edward snowden for giving the Russians the know how to hack our systems....real patriot that guy....NOT!!!
sure idiot,Snowden giving the Russians the know how,lol.
Not too bright are we.
What is worse? our own government illegally spying on its citizens and the rest of the world OR the guy that let everyone know about it?. Snowden in his own way is a hero. If other people working in our gov would have some balls, we would know a lot more. Like the Alien thing. We need to know about aliens Not the illegal ones, the ones from space .
You don't REALLY think they needed Snowden for that, do you? You're right, he's got info they want, but wiretaps are child's play compared to the things they're buying from him. They've always been listening to us!
The Russians have been bugging phones, hotels, public places and diplomats way longer than Snowden has been alive. That has been their area of expertise since the days of Stalin (before your time, therefore irrelevant, I know). He teaches them nothing.
Truly, the Ugly American.
I agree with the sentiment, but doubt it is appropriate behavior for someone who is supposed to be a diplomat.
The most appropriate action for Victoria Nuland is to
1. Make an official apology to Ukraine while still holding her position as the Assistant Secretary of State; and
2. resign.
In this sequence.
She shouldn't resign but stay firm.
She will probably try to ignore it.
I am curious to see what will happen to Yatz and Klitsch. Obviously these two clowns are political corpses right now - many thanks to Victoria!
I am also curious to see whether Yanikovich has guts to boot out US Ambassador to Ukraine Jeffrey Pyatt, or he will prefer to pretend that he never heard anything.
But basically Yanukovich have won this time. Again, many thanks, Victoria! It is just matter to cleaning up streets of Kiiv and fixing pavement along with benches vandalized by protesters..
Just another Obama appointee loser.
This is blown out of proportion. She didn't say F the EU with the intention of doing damage to it or ignoring it in all aspects.
She clearly meant that she agreed the EU should not be handling the problem. In the context of her immediately previous sentence, "That would be great to help glue this thing and to have the U.N. help glue it," she was simply preferring the UN.
Why should we apologize? The EU eff's the US all the time. The entire premise of the union is to eff the US
I guess the US diplomats haven't heard of the WikiLeaks leaked docs. Nothing is private any longer, and nothing means nothing.
Whats the big deal? I am sure that this is quite normal for diplomats to cuss in frustration. Their job is probably high stress, low reward and they react accordingly.
It's a good thing Eisnehower never cussed at Montgomery or De Galle. That would have derailed the entire war.
It's not a big deal; but do you think it's retribution for NSA spying on all European Leaders?
I used to say disparaging remarks about the EU all the time when I had to put up with their lead free import regs.
I have to laugh at the false outraged expressed by Republicans over foul language. Republicans I know commonly use profanity in normal conversation and see nothing wrong with it. They use foul and disparaging words to describe minorities and women to punctuate every sentence. This is a non issue and only reminds us of why Republicans have zero credibility because their hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Tried to look in the whole article for something about Republicans and couldn't find any. It's kind of sad that you would go off topic in such a way. Maybe you need something more constructive to do with your life than rant about the other "team".
And democrats curse to disparage republicans who are sick of having their tax money stolen. Blacks use it to berate whites and Mexicans. And so on and so on. It just a verbal way used by everyone to express frustration and outrage. In other words I agree with you it is a non-issue. But singly out republicans is ludicrous.
......I am ABSOLUTELY SURE that ........no one in the EU ever said................FLUCK the USA...............ABSOLUTELY SURE........Ya haaa...............They NEVER would say that......................NOT EVER.................
I agree with her.
Chapter 3, page 61 of Charles Krauthammer's Book: "Things That Matter", has an excellent essay, (with examples), fully explaining (at least to me), the correct and proper use of this expletive. A fine work in deed. Charles is to be commended for his service to humanity, as I hear this term incorrectly used, particularly in "form" all the time. Especially among and by the young people of society. They should be taught the correct usage and timing, (for full effect), Ms. Nuland, while correct in her usage, and "right on", (according to Mr. Krauthammer), was not "diplomatically" correct in the use of polite language when referring to the E.U. He did agree with her overall statement, however. I laughed!
Please read the book. It is "heavy" at times, but typical Krauthammer in common sense, observation, wit, humor and where called for, solemn and both empathic and serious on serious matters. An excellent read.
What mental ward did you share with uncle Charlie...?
Problem solved:
http://www.gdc4s.com/securemobility?taxonomyCat=507
Question at radio Yerevan: Is Putin a friend of Ukrainians?
Yes he listens to all of them.
She is a career diplomat who has served Clinton and Bush. Don't make this about Obama.
Right on. Let's make it about firing ignorant, filthy-mouthed people who make a living off our tax dollars. Obama could send a big message to government and business here if he made a point to call her out on this.
Haven't any of you been on business phone calls were profanity i s used to describe a group that isn't carrying their weight? How is that "ignorant". The OVER-REACTION here just shows how soft we have become...OHHH NO SOMEONE USED THE F WORD?!?!?!
40 million people were killed in WWII, this event is not a big deal
Can anyone explain why we have Ambassador's? What good do they do? Same as the UN. Seems like a lot of wasted money spent to pay these people and also for the security that is required.
Really, what can one expect form an Obama appointee? First Biden, now her.
Please to turn this into a partisan topic. This has nothing to do with left and right. It has everything to do with up and down.
Nuland admitted she said this following the firestorm it created. While it is unfortunate that such a comment was published from a private conversation, , Obama needs to fire her. We can't afford to disassociate all of our European allies. This on the heals of NSA spying on our allies needs swift action to show them this was not US policy but a rogue employee.
The EU needs a slap once in a while because of their inaction. This is a private conversation; don't take things out of context.
Nuland should be looking for a job. I am not to good at govt. affairs but a woman that talks with a garbage mouth has no reason to reflect thoughts about the US, in my opinion she should be outed.
My sentiments, exactly. Not only has it become acceptable in government to speak like an ignoramus, it has now become nearly rewarded in businesses.
She is more than welcome to work as chief public relations officer for Halliburton.
Not very ladylike.
haha how does the EU respond? "See, we told you the US has no culture"
Says the clown incapable of writing even a simple sentence that isn't rife with errors. Culture? You should worry more about education. Yours.
Real professional!!
Then you wonder why the world thinks America stinks??
She needs to be fired now....
Send a real message that she doesn't represent this Country.
Al Quaida thinks we stink; the Taliban thinks we stink; radical Islamists think we stink; Sadam Hussein thought we stunk; Momar Quadaffi thought we stunk; Osama Bin Laudin thought we stunk; Iran thinks we stink; Syria thinks we stink; North Korea thinks we stink. Now why do you suppose they, and others like them, think America stinks?
It is like being a Bernard Madoff: He stole from reach. He stole from poor. He stole from honest people. He stole from crooks. He stole from people who hate each other. He stole from people some of whom have only one thing in common: they were victims of Madoff fraud. He stole every time he had opportunity to steal.
US diplomats are well known for blatant non-professionalism. Victolia Nuland is just yet another one in this embarrassing sequence. of
I got news for you. I live in Europe and can tell you straight up, no matter if Americans go to Europeans on their hands and knees and beg for giveness for all mistakes, no European will ever think more of an American. Let's just accept their hate, move on and collectively say "F#@k the EU!" together. I've never been more proud to be an American and screw anyone jealous enough to hate.
Way to go Victoria Nuland; you are a tough cookie. Good for you - let em' know how we feel. I hope to hell you don't get fired. You don't deserve to be fired. We need more diplomats and people like you in our government.
Thank you, RC. I feel exactly the same way although she did use a Tea Party word to express her righteous indignity. The EU sorely needs to be disbanded once and for all!
Absolutely and with that remove all US embassies in the EU, stop trading with the US. What brains Nuland has left she is obviously sitting on them. A bit thick for a Under secretary of State to make a statement like that to the EU.
I think it's kind of funny that the Russians are willing to risk sources and methods to simply embarrass.
If you put the EU between the F and K, I think thats what most of us feel about the EU.
Federation of European Union Confederate Kingdoms.
I love when the U.S. gooberments spyin and listening in on phone calls come back and throws egg on their face. As Mcd's would say, "IM LOVIN IT!"
So funny to see America-bashers spewing their hypocritical bile... where? On American websites.
Profanity used to be a socially irresponsible and unacceptable behavior; f-bombs and whatever typically indicated ignorance and indifference in the past. Now, it has become to be seen as a badge of leadership. That's too bad, 'cause when our top government officials have no better response that F*&K, then the message I get from that is they don't have the intelligence to figure resolve disagreements and stand-offs in any other way than bullish language. We want bullying to stop in our schools, yet here's a top U.S. gov. official who is basically using a bullying tactic. Shame on everyone who thinks F-bombs in business and government are okay and helpful. The fact is, the more we resort to that type of behavior, the less we can actually affect positive changes in our world.
Hahahahha. I heard this on Thursday. Our government is overthrowing / causing riots in every country that aligns with Russia or China that have pipelines or pipeline deals. It there any surprise we're causing issues in the Ukraine when they're putting a deal together for a huge natural gas pipeline to supply the EU? All these revolutions and protests are US led efforts and Russia is over it, hence the leaked phone call. Good on Russia to leak this. The USA keeps all it's information secret and also spies on everything.
If you use a cell phone or send e-mails, then you are already exposed to the world. Every major country spies on all other countries all the time. Israel is one of the worst offenders, as are the US, Britain, Russia, China, Canada, Germany, Italy. We are living in the "Big brother" world that George Orwell warned us about in his famous book "1984." But, we spy on ourselves as much or more than we do on the rest of the world. Just look at all the places that have red light cameras, and in case you don't know it, many public places across America have similar cameras. That's how they caught the two brothers that set off the bombs at the Boston Marathon.
... and nobody is concerned that Russia is spying on our conversations, when not even half a year ago there was huge outrage that the US was spying on the EU? Have the US and Europe really become practically enemies to each other? (BTW good job on taking away our ability to watch you while you can still watch us freely. And don't give any "We don't watch you." Everybody watches everybody.)
Trans-border gangs linked to Russia are spying on you even in the EU.Protection from these is a joke in some EU countries.
LAME news, and why are the conversations being RECORDED? Thats more news than the F bomb!
Every able government is recording every communication. The USA is the biggest offender of recorded data over it's people, hands down. The media simply doesn't report on it or look into it.
How is this news? America has been saying "f*@k you" to the whole planet since before it was a country.
If America didn't matter, who would care? I do think America has done some good things over the course of its existence. And,of course, I'm sure all other country's diplomats never use course language when they believe themselves in private. Shouldn't somebody be upset with the FSB (or whatever other Russian spy organization pulled this off) for doing what everyone is so upset with the NSA/Obama for doing (monitoring private communications)?
Good point, but the rest of the world loves to put the U.S. down at every opportunity. They blame us for everything. They always have and always will.
Only America calls it's leader "The leader of the free world," a reprehensible refusal to recognise the sovereignty of other countries, not to mention hypocritical. Apparently, only Americans can live in a democracy, while the rest of us are supposed to submit to the tyranny of a foreign dictator. The age of the empire has passed, but you people keep trying to impose a new one. And yes, America has done nice things. So have the rest of us, but we don't charge around the world expecting everyone to kiss our feet.
Done "some good things"? You mean, along with the USSR, pretty much save the free world last century? Or bring the rest of the world screaming and crying into the technological era? Oh, and our movies and music? Like some of those good things?
beeyotch, we don't care. so F***K You, from an American
THis is Hillary's state dept. pick wasn't she? Either way with our current government it's "garbage in, garbage out".
Kinda like your statement.
How much do you want to bet that this has more to do with multi-national (aka american for all puproses except paying taxes) business interests than anything, I'm sure there's a wealth of cheap labor in the Ukraine they would like to tap, maybe some energy resources too. We don't have leaders anymore in this country just self-dealers.
Business is always a part of the play but this is primarily about geopolitical considerations. Historically, Ukraine has been key to Russian defense. It serves as a buffer between itself and Europe (Germany). They will do whatever is necessary to keep Ukraine in the Russian sphere of influence. The West will, likewise, do their all to bring the Ukrainians their way.
Talk about distraction –
Instead of answering whether our top people has such contempt for our ally and fire them, the focus was redirected to who leaked the conversation. The world will be runing better when people are held accountable. Don't play their game. Stay focused if America is to stay relevant in the coming century.
We know. We know. The tyrant's "leadership" had nothing to do with this.
Seriously. We understand. Honest.
"Tyrant"? Are you referring to your duly elected president? Ho-hum; another boring, uninformed, drama queen of a conservative speaks. Funny, but I'm old enough to remember when most Republicans were respectable, calm, and rational people.
Well, Victoria, f_ you and f_ the US. We represent many more people with more diversity than you. We are much closer to the problem than you. And we don't think that every problem can be solved by brute force. You may not like "soft power" but it achieves more in the long term than you give credit for. Now we know what you really think, I hope the EU refuses to work with you in future.
Soft power? Like the kind Neville Chamberlin used on Hitler? How did that work out?
Easy there, Amanda, don't blow a gasket. I heard the tape and she wasn't upset. She wasn't being snide. She wasn't being arrogant. She said it in a very conversational tone, void of sass, anger, or intentions. I curse like a sailor and recognize that she was simply saying, "we don't need the EU for this". Those well versed in cursing don't hear the word and assign damning insinuations to it. Rather, we listen for the intent behind the words. I can use an F bomb because I just got in a fight or I can use an F bomb while giving street directions. The curse words themselves are just air passing through vocal chords. No need to curse Victoria out. BTW, you are only human and as a human you are prone to error. Can you honestly say you've never said something in a private conversation that you wouldn't want recorded and presented in public? Victoria would never publicly say F...the EU. It was a private conversation taken out of context. Pump the breaks, there, Amanda.
Totally agree!
agreed
Really, you can't understand that all your communications are being monitored.
Seems terribly hypocritical to hear anyone linked with the current administration disqualifying someone from holding political office due to a lack of experience given BO barren background.
Seems terribly hypocritical to hear anyone linked with the current administration disqualifying anyone from holding political office due to a lack of experience given BO barren background.
Just another example of the type of personnel that works for our dirt bag president.
And you are just another example of the type of dirtbag troll that posts on these sites.
And you are just another example of the type of dirtbag that has to be heard
Yes, we all know that Republicans never swear in private conversations, which is what makes them so great.
Does it really make a dang if you are a Democrat or a republican? If your going to talk with a garbage mouth you have no business in politics because it is just a matter of time and you will end up using foul language on the wrong person.
If she talks like that all the time then can you imagine what her food must taste like?
Not very diplomatic but in this rare occasion, I agree with this Obam-ite. Rather than the EU, I give the finger to the UN.
UNnecssary, UNamerican and UNworkable.
By definition, the UN is *NOT* American, so at least in that regard you are accurate; unless of course your world view is that everything and everyone show kowtow to America...
ha,ha,ha,only an american can write this-UN is un-american!!!why would un be american?is america the only country in the world?then,almost 7 billion people are un-american.
Conversation aside, No one seems to care that Russia tapes all phone calls, but the CIA does the same and it is an outrage with Snowdon getting nominated for a Peace prize. The Olympics have all phone and internet hacked the minute the device is turned on as demonstrated by several security experts.I fear we are handy capping our agencies. They should have known Moscow would be listening.
This is the type of person you have representing the country when someone from the ghetto is elected president.
Well, I don't know if Harvard Law has gone that far downhill.
Same thing they say about the American people, Our Government has crossed the line way to many times to keep ignoring it and pretending everything is fine, It's pretty clear they have their own agenda and it;s as ugly as it get.
No one should be the least surprised but his. This administration and those they have in positions of power are not their because of training, skill, expertise or knowledge. They are there because in some way they bring the administration power. Power through connections or the power of money. This administrations and it's bumblers are criminals that are working seriously to control you the people.
This is true with every administration, they use people who they owe favors, who are friends and who can do something for them.
Can't wait for Carolyn Kennedy to say something. She's over there solely due to her name and connections to the Democratic White House. She has no qualifications and, though she seems nice enough, is obviously not the brightest bulb.
What I head here was frank and open dialogue and people that truly care about their work. Of course we cannot condone the phrasing and the sentiment, that was no doubt a serious mis-step but I sense it was born of frustration not ill will. As I work in international policy development while clearly this was an error in judgment I am actually far more glad to at least see someone who cares about what they are actually accomplishing. From a quick read of it – at first glance anyway – this is someone that cares about the real mission not just the mission of self promotion. Someone likely working hard even after hours to get things in motion that help take important issues from point A to point B. For the sake of keeping someone who sounds truly committed in a position of trust, I hope those entrusted with the position can fully consider that letting this blow over and letting these people get on with apologizing seeking forgiveness and moving on with the MISSION may be the best course of action. Sadly there will likely be a sentiment that too much damage is done, and I can understand that as well, but so sad to see this kind of strong and defined actionist sacrificed through a single mis-step on the altar of public opinion.
There is no such thing as too low in politics. The latest Republican campaign tactic is to make fake Democrat web sites of Democrat candidates and bash them. That's pretty low and it's not even a rogue faction, it's sponsored by the Republican Party. Next they will be calling people posing as Democrats and intentionally saying over the top things.
I read that article and couldn't believe they could stoop that low. Then they turned it around and said the DNC were doing during the last election. If the repubs knew about that during the last election they certainly would have exposed it in the media and try to win support at the polls. They didn't because it didn't happen. They are low!
If this is "a new low in Russian trade-craft", then the NSA and the US have been mining the rock bottom for years.
Makes no sense, i thought the Progressives Wanted to be like the EU
Just wondering why you Americans are such a bunch jerks and bullies.
You pass this extra-territorial FACTA legislation - and now other countries are forced to spend hundreds of millions of dollars collecting information for *your* IRS and violating the privacy rights of their own citizens.
The incredible arrogance is astounding. And yet you still wonder "Why doesn't anybody like us?"
First and foremost, do not put every American in the same boat and brand us as a whole. If this person made these comments then they should IMMEDIATELY issue forth a public apology to the EU heads of state and resign. Whoever put this person in this position should have their head rolled as well. There is a lot of arrogance, but it is not the determining factor for every American. The ignorance and arrogance shown by people who are selected to represent this country needs pimp-smacked out of them. Because THEY do not speak for all Americans, only for themselves. Mr. Kerry, you should begin the ethics investigation immediately. If not, just shows where the administration stands.
This is the action of an individual who is irresponsible and a complete jerk. As any educated person would know. not all Americans think alike, hold the same values and keep the same perspectives. Freedom is associated with a big mouth.
I understand your view of Americans as arrogant bullies; that is a common perception and not without basis. However, If you have ever lived in a place like Russia or the Ukraine and also a place like America, you would realize why Americans are so eager not just to preserve their own way of life but to bring it to others. America is a nation of immigrants who came for a better life. Sure, it has loads of problems today, but it is also still an amazing society and a truly wonderful place to live. This is all due to the socio-economic culture and the basic values of the people. They realize that such a culture is a vast improvement for the Russias and Ukraines of the world, where corruption threatens the very stability of large global regions.
Corruption also threatens the very stability of America as well, and therefore by extension the entire industrialized world. Why, our finance industry alone is one of the most powerful and sophisticated criminal syndicates in the world, and is aided and abetted by our complicit federal government and Federal Reserve.
SERIOUSLY? I mean if you are a professional why are you using this language especially where you know the conversation isn't secure. Big Dummy!
Just because is a word in the dictionary? And a private conversation?
Right. People use terms like this when they are frustrated, and the EU is generally slow and soft on any response, they are like babes learning to walk. We, on the other had, tend to act like blind angry bulls, less so with this Admin. but still. It's a word, relax.
Putin is taping US diplomat phone conversation, while Snowden made this big mess about the US doing the same thing.
F"""""" Snowden!
Yeah screw him for revealing the scope of our own governments spying on its citizens! monster.
His revelations help only the mafia and mafia states. Think