₦airaland Forum

Bujumbura:
Can you imagine how you are glorifying a Thief. What business does that thief do that she can afford such Watch

Can you help us on where she has stolen from.

Hatred is really a Diseases.

Ignorance is a disease caused by a virus called hatred and intolerance

Izonpikin:
...2019 go separate this country....If the south west no get sense make them go lick northerners legs again....

Nigeria must divide because the person you want may not win the election.
latter you will say your civilized.

todayboy:
when will he commision project in the south

the only time Buhari visit the south-west since he became is is when Ogun state is doing 40 years birthday he come to commission aso ebi

Northernisation in full gear

i guess you forget he visited Cross Rivers to flag of the Road to calabar port.

todayboy:
when will he commision project in the south

the only time Buhari visit the south-west since he became is is when Ogun state is doing 40 years birthday he come to commission aso ebi

Northernisation in full gear

i guess you forget he visited Cross Rivers to flag of the Raod to calabar port.

Ignorance is really a disease,
am sure really dont want the answer you just want to display your ignorance.
Congratulations!!!!

Religious tolerance is always forgiving those people that insult your believe System

While Religious intolerance is attacking those that don't Appreciate our believe system.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. Just over a year ago, people voted in a historic democratic election to end corruption and business as usual, opting instead to build an economy that delivers for all Nigerians.

The old order was based on an unsustainable commodities supercycle. While the boom had many positives and contributed to Nigeria becoming Africa’s largest economy, it fostered an epidemic of corruption and inefficiency.

Foreign businesses and financial institutions also benefited as some people spent and sometimes hid huge sums abroad, lifted by the rising tide of oil exports and dollar revenues.

Now we are living in a new world of low energy prices. The economy has slowed while unemployment and inflation have jumped. Longstanding structural imbalances and overdependence on imports have been cruelly exposed. We are an oil-rich nation that imports most of our gasoline.

We are a farming nation that imports most of our basic food staples. This is simply not acceptable or sustainable.

Our solutions must be in proportion to the challenges. Fundamental change takes time and we are driving not one but three changes to reposition Nigeria for inclusive growth.

• Restore trust We have begun to tackle the endemic corruption and mismanagement that is crippling our economy and corroding trust in our institutions.

The anticorruption fight is at the heart of combating poverty and improving security. We have stepped up enforcement and new prosecutions to get our house in order, and I have called for foreign governments to work with us to identify where funds stolen during previous administrations are lodged and for multistate cooperation to combat oil theft.

Fighting corruption is not enough. We need accountable government and a public sector that can do more with less.

We have already taken initial steps by bringing all government finances into a single treasury account where we can monitor spending and impose discipline, implementing zero-based budgets and benchmarks targeted at waste and fraud, and establishing electronic platforms for government agency interface.

• Rebalance our economy In a world of lower oil prices and dollar revenues, the only sustainable path is to reduce Nigerians’ overreliance on imports. We must rebalance our economy by empowering entrepreneurs and producers, big and small, to create more of what their fellow Nigerians demand. The supply of foreign exchange to the economy must be increased.

This requires radically increasing exports and productivity and improving the investment climate and ease of doing business.

Nigeria’s growth and job creation will be led by the private sector. We are a young, entrepreneurial society with vibrant success stories in new industries such as telecommunications, technology and entertainment.

Government is doing its part to lower taxes on small businesses, eliminate bureaucracy to bring the informal economy out of the shadows and provide development funding for priority sectors such as agriculture.

The central bank has moved to introduce greater flexibility in our exchange-rate policy. These actions are a downpayment on our people’s ability to succeed.

• Regenerate growth We must reposition our economy by attracting investment in domestic industries and infrastructure. Nigeria has huge untapped gas reserves and also a critical shortage of electricity.

Our private sector loses too much of its revenue due to brownouts and power outages. Half of my fellow Nigerians have no access to the power grid.

Investment in our power infrastructure, restructuring of the state-run oil-and-gas sector and development of other industries such as solid minerals, metals and petrochemicals will help to create a virtuous circle of growth and exports while creating jobs and reducing poverty.

I am optimistic that our actions are providing the breathing room Nigeria needs during this period of fundamental change. But we cannot improve living conditions and restore fiscal health without making people feel safe and secure—just as we cannot defeat militancy without reducing poverty and dislocation.

One of our main achievements this past year has been to unite regional and global allies to push back Boko Haram. What we do in the next three years to build an economic bridge to Nigeria’s future will be just as important for bringing lasting peace and prosperity.

(Wall Street Journal)

http://www.nta.ng/news/investment/20160614-the-three-changes-nigeria-needs-president-muhammadu-buhari/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-three-changes-nigeria-needs-1465842888

Nigeria is at a crossroads. Just over a year ago, people voted in a historic democratic election to end corruption and business as usual, opting instead to build an economy that delivers for all Nigerians.

The old order was based on an unsustainable commodities supercycle. While the boom had many positives and contributed to Nigeria becoming Africa’s largest economy, it fostered an epidemic of corruption and inefficiency.

Foreign businesses and financial institutions also benefited as some people spent and sometimes hid huge sums abroad, lifted by the rising tide of oil exports and dollar revenues.

Now we are living in a new world of low energy prices. The economy has slowed while unemployment and inflation have jumped. Longstanding structural imbalances and overdependence on imports have been cruelly exposed. We are an oil-rich nation that imports most of our gasoline.

We are a farming nation that imports most of our basic food staples. This is simply not acceptable or sustainable.

Our solutions must be in proportion to the challenges. Fundamental change takes time and we are driving not one but three changes to reposition Nigeria for inclusive growth.

• Restore trust We have begun to tackle the endemic corruption and mismanagement that is crippling our economy and corroding trust in our institutions.

The anticorruption fight is at the heart of combating poverty and improving security. We have stepped up enforcement and new prosecutions to get our house in order, and I have called for foreign governments to work with us to identify where funds stolen during previous administrations are lodged and for multistate cooperation to combat oil theft.

Fighting corruption is not enough. We need accountable government and a public sector that can do more with less.

We have already taken initial steps by bringing all government finances into a single treasury account where we can monitor spending and impose discipline, implementing zero-based budgets and benchmarks targeted at waste and fraud, and establishing electronic platforms for government agency interface.

• Rebalance our economy In a world of lower oil prices and dollar revenues, the only sustainable path is to reduce Nigerians’ overreliance on imports. We must rebalance our economy by empowering entrepreneurs and producers, big and small, to create more of what their fellow Nigerians demand. The supply of foreign exchange to the economy must be increased.

This requires radically increasing exports and productivity and improving the investment climate and ease of doing business.

Nigeria’s growth and job creation will be led by the private sector. We are a young, entrepreneurial society with vibrant success stories in new industries such as telecommunications, technology and entertainment.

Government is doing its part to lower taxes on small businesses, eliminate bureaucracy to bring the informal economy out of the shadows and provide development funding for priority sectors such as agriculture.

The central bank has moved to introduce greater flexibility in our exchange-rate policy. These actions are a downpayment on our people’s ability to succeed.

• Regenerate growth We must reposition our economy by attracting investment in domestic industries and infrastructure. Nigeria has huge untapped gas reserves and also a critical shortage of electricity.

Our private sector loses too much of its revenue due to brownouts and power outages. Half of my fellow Nigerians have no access to the power grid.

Investment in our power infrastructure, restructuring of the state-run oil-and-gas sector and development of other industries such as solid minerals, metals and petrochemicals will help to create a virtuous circle of growth and exports while creating jobs and reducing poverty.

I am optimistic that our actions are providing the breathing room Nigeria needs during this period of fundamental change. But we cannot improve living conditions and restore fiscal health without making people feel safe and secure—just as we cannot defeat militancy without reducing poverty and dislocation.

One of our main achievements this past year has been to unite regional and global allies to push back Boko Haram. What we do in the next three years to build an economic bridge to Nigeria’s future will be just as important for bringing lasting peace and prosperity.

(Wall Street Journal)

http://www.nta.ng/news/investment/20160614-the-three-changes-nigeria-needs-president-muhammadu-buhari/

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-three-changes-nigeria-needs-1465842888

Very funny when people who bearly understand their own religion condemn other people's religion

PROTOCOLS

I am honoured and privileged to present the 2016 Budget proposal. This is my first address before this joint session of the National Assembly. I have come here today, not only to address members of the National Assembly, but also to speak directly to the men and women who placed us here.

I know the state of our economy is a source of concern for many. This has been further worsened by the unbridled corruption and security challenges we have faced in the last few years. From those who have lost their jobs, to those young people who have never had a job, to the people in the North East whose families and businesses were destroyed by insurgents, this has been a difficult period in our nation’s history, lessons that we must not forget or ignore, as we plan for the future.
By June 2014, oil prices averaged $112 per barrel. But as at today, the price is under $39 per barrel. This huge decline is having a painful effect on our economy. Consumption has declined at all levels. In both the private and public sectors, employers have struggled to meet their salary and other employee related obligations. The small business owners and traders have been particularly hard hit by this state of affairs.
Fellow Nigerians, the confidence of many might be shaken. However, I stand before you today promising that we will secure our country, rebuild our economy, and make the Federal Republic of Nigeria stronger than it has ever been.
The answers to our problems are not beyond us. They exist on our farmlands; our corporations; in the universities in the hearts and minds of our entrepreneurs; through the gallantry of our Armed Forces; and the resolute spirit of Nigerians, especially the youth, who have refused to give up despite all the obstacles confronting them.
This Budget proposal, the first by our Government, seeks to stimulate the economy, making it more competitive by focusing on infrastructural development; delivering inclusive growth; and prioritizing the welfare of Nigerians. We believe that this budget, while helping industry, commerce and investment to pick up, will as a matter of urgency, address the immediate problems of youth unemployment and the terrible living conditions of the extremely poor and vulnerable Nigerians.
In the medium to longer term, we remain committed to economic diversification through import substitution and export promotion. This will build resilience in our economy. It will guarantee that the problems we have today, will not confront our children and their children. This shall be our legacy for generations to come.
2015: A Year of Global and Domestic Challenges

Today, it is widely acknowledged that the global economy has slowed down. This is particularly the case with emerging markets such as Nigeria. However, despite the weak emerging market growth rates, our domestic security challenges, declining oil prices, and the attendant difficulties in providing foreign exchange to meet market demands, the Nigerian economy grew by 2.84% in the third quarter of 2015.
We have, and will continue to implement strategies that will maintain macroeconomic stability and manage the oil price shocks we are experiencing.
Upon the inauguration of this administration on 29thMay 2015, we engaged key stakeholders from various sectors of our economy and interfaced with the heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in order to understand the true state of our nation. What we found prompted us to take certain strategic decisions.
On the economy, we injected new leadership at the helm of our revenue generating agencies including the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS). We implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which, so far, has provided greater visibility of Government revenues and cash flows. We intervened to support States to navigate their fiscal challenges by restructuring their commercial bank loans and by providing facilities to enable them to pay salary arrears.
We have demonstrated a strong will to fight corruption. I am sure you will agree that the sheer scale of corruption and impunity of the past explains in part, the economic challenges we now face. On these initiatives, and the many more to come, we shall not be deterred. We will pursue the recovery of everything that belongs to the people of Nigeria. No matter where it is hidden. No matter how long it will take.


2015 Budget Performance

Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, I now present a review of the 2015 Budget. That Budget was based on a benchmark oil price of $53 per barrel, oil production of 2.28 million barrels per day and an exchange rate of N190 to the US$.
The projected revenue was N3.45 trillion, with an outlay of N4.49 trillion, implying a deficit of N1.04 trillion. Due largely to under-provisioning by the previous administration for fuel subsidy and the costs required to support the military operations in the North East, the Government had to obtain National Assembly’s approval for a supplementary budget of N575.5 billion. I take this opportunity to thank all members of the National Assembly for the prompt passage of that Bill.
2016: Budget Assumptions

After reviewing the trends in the global oil industry, we have set a benchmark price of $38 per barrel and a production estimate of 2.2 million barrels per day for 2016. We have focused on non-oil revenues by broadening our tax base and improving the effectiveness of our revenue collecting agencies.
Also, with the full implementation of the Treasury Single Account, we expect significant improvements in the collection and remittance of independent revenues. To further support the drive for increased remittances, we will ensure that all MDAs present their budgets in advance, and remit their operating surpluses as required by section 22 of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
We are determined to ensure that our resources are managed prudently and utilized solely for the public good. To set the proper tone, one of our early decisions was the adoption of a zero based budgeting approach, which ensures that resources are aligned with Government’s priorities and allocated efficiently. This budgeting method, a clear departure from previous budgeting activities, will optimize the impact of public expenditure.
In addition to the proper linkage of budgeting to strategic planning, we are enhancing the utilization of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems(GIFMIS) to improve financial management. The recently established Efficiency Unit is working across MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies. We engaged costing experts to scrutinize the 2016 budget proposals. They have already identified certain cost areas that can be centralized for economies to be made.
We have directed the extension of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System(IPPIS) to all MDAs to reap its full benefits. We will also strengthen the controls over our personnel and pension costs with the imminent introduction of the Continuous Audit Process (CAP). These initiatives will ensure personnel costs are reduced. Our commitment to a lean and cost effective government remains a priority, and the initiatives we are introducing will signal a fundamental change in how Government spends public revenue.
2016: Laying the Foundation for Sustainable Growth

The 2016 budget, as outlined, is designed to ensure that we revive our economy, deliver inclusive growth to Nigerians and create a significant number of jobs.
We aim to ensure macroeconomic stability by achieving a real GDP growth rate of 4.37% and managing inflation. To achieve this, we will ensure the aligning of fiscal, monetary, trade and industrial policies.
As we focus on inclusive growth, we are conscious of the current rate of unemployment and underemployment. This is a challenge we are determined to meet; and this budget is the platform for putting more Nigerians to work. I can assure you that this administration will have a job creation focus in every aspect of the execution of this budget. Nigeria’s job creation drive will be private sector led. We will encourage this by a reduction in tax rates for smaller businesses as well as subsidized funding for priority sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.
As an emergency measure, to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public schools across the country, we also will partner with State and Local Governments to recruit, train and deploy 500,000 unemployed graduates and NCE holders. These graduate teachers will be deployed to primary schools, thereby, enhancing the provision of basic education especially in our rural areas.
We also intend to partner with State and Local Governments to provide financial training and loans to market women, traders and artisans, through their cooperative societies. We believe that this segment of our society is not only critical to our plan for growing small businesses, but it is also an important platform to create jobs and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs.
Furthermore, through the office of the Vice President, we are working with various development partners to design an implementable and transparent conditional cash transfer program for the poorest and most vulnerable. This program will be implemented in phases. Already, the compilation of registers of the poorest persons is ongoing. In the coming weeks, we will present the full programme, which will include our home-grown public primary school feeding and free education for science, technology and education students in our tertiary institutions. Indeed, this will mark a historic milestone for us as a nation.
The 2016 Budget

Distinguished members of the National Assembly, I now present, the 2016 Budget proposals of the Federal Government. Based on the assumptions I presented earlier, we have proposed a budget of N6.08 trillion with a revenue projection of N3.86 trillion resulting in a deficit of N2.22 trillion.
The deficit, which is equivalent to 2.16% of Nigeria’s GDP, will take our overall debt profile to 14% of our GDP. This remains well within acceptable fiscal limits. Our deficit will be financed by a combination of domestic borrowing of N984 billion, and foreign borrowing of N900 billion totaling N1.84 trillion. Over the medium term, we expect to increase revenues and reduce overheads, to bring the fiscal deficit down to 1.3% of GDP by 2018.
In 2016, oil related revenues are expected to contribute N820 billion. Non-oil revenues, comprising Company Income Tax (CIT), Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs and Excise duties, and Federation Account levies, will contribute N1.45 trillion. Finally, by enforcing strict compliance with theFiscal Responsibility Act, 2007and public expenditure reforms in all MDAs, we have projected up to N1.51 trillion from independent revenues.
Although we are working to diversify our economy, we will not lose sight of the need to restructure the oil and gas sector which has been marred by corruption and plagued with inefficiencies. Accordingly, I have directed the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to adjust its pricing template to reflect competitive and market driven components. We believe this can lower input costs and attain efficiency savings that will enable PPPRA to keep the selling price for all marketers of petrol at N87 per liter for now.
The current fuel scarcity with long queues at petrol stations all over the country causing social dislocation is very unfortunate. Government profoundly apologizes to Nigerians for this prolonged hardship and misery. It is as a result of market speculators and resistance to change by some stakeholders. Government is working very hard to end these shortages and bring fuel to the pumps all over the country.
I have also directed the NNPC to explore alternate funding models that will enable us to honour our obligations in Joint Ventures (JVs) and deep offshore fields. We are confident that these measures can be achieved and will lower the burden that the traditional cash calls have imposed on our budget and cash flows as well as contribute towards shoring up our national reserves.
To deliver our development objectives, we have increased the capital expenditure portion of the budget from N557 billion in the 2015 budget to N1.8 trillion, in the 2016 budget. Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, for the first time in many years, capital expenditure will represent 30% of our total budget. In future years we intend to raise the percentage allocation for capital expenditure.
This is a fulfillment of our promise to align expenditure to our long-term objectives, and a sign of government’s commitment to sustainable development. This increased capital expenditure commits significant resources to critical sectors such as Works, Power and Housing – N433.4 billion; Transport – N202.0 billion; Special Intervention Programs – N200.0 billion; Defence – N134.6 billion; and Interior – N53.1 billion. These investments in infrastructure and security are meant to support our reforms in the Agriculture, Solid Minerals and other core job creating sectors of our economy.
We will invest to safeguard lives and property.
We will invest in equipping our farmers with the right tools, technology and techniques.
We will invest in empowering and enabling our miners to operate in a safe, secure and humane environment.
We will invest in training our youths, through the revival of our technical and vocational institutions, to ensure they are competent enough to seize the opportunities that will arise from this economic revival.
Indeed, the future looks bright. And I ask that we all work together to make this vision a reality. The 223% year on year growth in capital expenditure demonstrates our desire to make Nigeria more competitive, and start the journey to deliver sustainable development in our country.
In fulfillment of our promise to run a lean government, we have proposed a 9% reduction in non-debt recurrent expenditure, from N2.59 trillion in the 2015 Budget to N2.35 trillion in 2016. Furthermore, we have budgeted N300 billion for Special Intervention Programs, which takes the total amount for non-debt recurrent expenditure to N2.65 trillion.
As I mentioned earlier, the Efficiency Unit set up by this Administration together with effective implementation of GIFMIS and IPPIS will drive a reduction of overheads by at least 7%, personnel costs by 8% and other service wide votes by 19%. Distinguished and honourable members, this budget will be executed to provide optimum value by ensuring every naira spent by this Government, counts.
We will devote a significant portion of our recurrent expenditure to institutions that provide critical government services. We will spend N369.6 billion in Education; N294.5 billion in Defence; N221.7 billion in Health and N145.3 billion in the Ministry of Interior. This will ensure our teachers, armed forces personnel, doctors, nurses, police men, fire fighters, prison service officers and many more critical service providers are paid competitively and on time.
Distinguished and honourable members of the National Assembly, our 2016 borrowings will be principally directed to fund our capital projects. Furthermore, the sum of N113 billion will be set aside for a Sinking Fund towards the retirement of maturing loans; while N1.36 trillion has been provided for foreign and domestic debt service. This calls for prudent management on our part, both of the debt portfolio and the deployment of our hard earned foreign exchange earnings.
I am aware of the problems many Nigerians currently have in accessing foreign exchange for their various purposes – from our traders and business operators who rely on imported inputs; to manufacturers needing to import sophisticated equipment and spare parts; to our airlines operators who need foreign exchange to meet their international regulatory obligations; to the financial services sector and capital markets who are key actors in the global arena.
These are clearly due to the current inadequacies in the supply of foreign exchange to Nigerians who need it. I am however assured by the Governor of Central Bank that the Bank is currently fine-tuning its foreign exchange management to introduce some flexibility and encourage additional inflow of foreign currency to help ease the pressure.
We are carefully assessing our exchange rate regime keeping in mind our willingness to attract foreign investors but at the same time, managing and controlling inflation to level that will not harm the average Nigerians. Nigeria is open for business. But the interest of all Nigerians must be protected. Indeed, tough decisions will have to be made. But this does not necessarily mean increasing the level of pain already being experienced by most Nigerians.
So to the investors, business owners and industrialists, we are aware of your pains. To the farmers, traders and entrepreneurs, we also hear you. The status quo cannot continue. The rent seeking will stop. The artificial current demand will end. Our monetary, fiscal and social development policies are aligned.
Conclusion

Mr. Senate President, Mr. Speaker, distinguished members of the National Assembly, in spite of the global economic uncertainties; we must remain steadfast in our commitment to steer this country back to greatness.
The Nigerian economy needs to move away from dependency on oil. Our growth must be inclusive. Nigerians must be part of the growth story. As a Government, we shall deliver security, jobs and infrastructure. This is the right of all Nigerians.
I know many people will say “I have heard this before”. Indeed, trust in Government, due to the abuse and negligence of the past, is at an all-time low. This means we must go back to basics. Our actions will speak for us. My team of dedicated, committed and patriotic Nigerians is well aware of the task ahead and I can assure you that we are taking on the challenge.
We will not betray the trust reposed in us.
We will welcome and be responsive to your feedback and criticisms.
We are here to serve. And indeed, Nigerians will get the service they have longed for and which they rightly deserve.
We as a Government cannot do it alone. We will require the support of all civil servants, the organized labour, industry groups, the press and of course, our religious and traditional institutions. This is a call for all of us to stand and serve our country.
This Budget represents a major step in delivering a new opportunity for Nigeria. It demonstrates our confident optimism that despite the challenging times, we have the will, resourcefulness and commitment to deliver prosperity to our people. And by the Grace of Almighty God and the sheer will and determination of the Nigerian people, we will come out stronger and more united than ever.
Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Source The Nation Newspaper

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived Monday in Tehran for talks with Iran about the devastating conflict in Syria where the two nations are allied in support of the Damascus regime.

President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be driving his reforms very fast as reports have emerged that he has ordered the mass retirement of 17 Permanent Secretaries in the Federal Civil Service.



Although no reason has been given for the decision, a very close associate of the President told Channels Television on Tuesday afternoon that the retirement takes immediate effect.

This is coming barely 24 hours after the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was fired and replaced by Assistant Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Magu.

Over the last months, the Permanent Secretaries had been holding several meetings with the President, an indication that they were giving the President their last briefs.

Analysts see this move as part of the President’s plans to shrink the ministries to cut overhead costs for his government.

Source Channels TV

Russia and the West fundamentally differ in their interpretations and responses to the crash of a Russian civilian airliner in Egypt. As a result, they are losing another opportunity to unite against the global threat posed by ISIS.


The crash of the Russian A321 in Egypt has become another apple of discord for Russia and the West. Contradictory versions of the accident serve mainly political purposes and, contrary to the position of Moscow in 2001 when it responded to the West’s call for solidarity in the global war against terror, Russia these days sees little solidarity from the transatlantic community on this matter.
WHATEVER THE REASONS FOR THE ACCIDENT ARE – WHETHER IT IS A TECHNICAL ISSUE OR THE RESULT OF AN EXPLOSION - THE ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL IMPLICATIONS OF THE CRASH ARE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT
Whatever the reasons for the accident are – whether it is a technical issue or the result of an explosion - the economic and political implications of the crash are much more important. The tragedy is broadly covered in the media and the interpretations of the tragedy have great impact on the decisions that are taken. It is clear that Russia and the West are captured by their own myths and legends and each party strictly follows its own “true version” regardless of the arguments of the other side.
In the West, the dominant point of view is that the terrorist attack was caused by Islamic extremists supposedly based in Egypt and, perhaps, with some British roots. There is little sorrow about the fate of more than 200 people – no manifestations of grief in Western capitals, like there was over the shooting in the offices of Charlie Hebdo or the crash of Flight MH17 in Ukraine. We can see no appeals to set up a tribunal and to bring the culprits to justice at the international level.
The Western media narrative is totally different. It is necessary to describe the A321 story as a logical outcome of Russia’s completely wrong policy in Syria, leading to the types of civilian casualties that the West warned Moscow about. Besides, it is easy to “prove” that the regime in Kremlin is “lying again” to its citizens and to the rest of the world by inventing and promoting other “incorrect” versions.
Another reason behind the media coverage may be the need to protect the interests of the large aircraft-building corporations – if the accident was a result of improper repairs and problems with the tail, this could mean bans on repaired Airbus planes and a significant blow to the reputation and markets for the European manufacturer as well as for Boeing.
Finally, some conspiracy theories indicate that it could be a good chance to hit Egypt through its major asset – tourism – and to block its potential alliance with the Moscow-led coalition against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Greater Syria (ISIS).
The Western media, opinion-makers and politicians have completed this puzzle. It fits into their picture of the world and explains their vision of Russian policy. Hence, it makes little sense for them to step away from the terrorist attack version, whatever evidence Russia and international would present in the near future.
The line of behavior is clear as well – to extend the sanctions, to supply more weapons to the Syrian opposition, to reinforce them with U.S. special units, and to condemn Russia publicly as a security threat shaking the foundations of the existing global order.
ISIS should be happy as well. It no longer matters whether they are responsible for the alleged explosion or not – they were the first to claim the responsibility for the crash. In fact, this tactic is not new – it was extremely popular with the Chechen terrorists in the 1990s and early 2000s when they grasped every opportunity to prove their combat status.
Thus, such a message sent to the general public is intimidating enough – by making it, ISIS pretends that any object in any country can be a target. It sounds strange that the alleged attack occurred in Egypt and not somewhere in Central Asia or in Russia, which would be even more frightening.
It is noteworthy, too, that it did not happen in Turkey. On the one hand, Ankara is in the U.S.-led coalition; on the other hand, it fights Kurds rather than ISIS and most probably serves as a transit route for many ISIS-plundered assets – from oil to pieces of art.
The future actions of ISIS are evident, too. Several more incidents like this (claimed responsibility should be enough) could be quite convincing for many countries to stop their anti-extremist campaigns and, perhaps, even to suspend Russia’s relatively successful airstrikes, which, if they last for another month, could become a game-changer in Syria before the desert storm season starts.
MOSCOW’S OFFICIAL LINE IS QUITE PRUDENT – THE KREMLIN DOES NOT FAVOR ANY SPECIFIC VERSION, DOES NOT REJECT THE POSSIBILITY OF A TERRORIST ATTACK, AND EMPHASIZES THE NEED FOR FACT-CHECKING AND PATIENCE
It may sound strange, but the results of the investigation will hardly have any effect on Russian policy either. So far Moscow’s official line is quite prudent – the Kremlin does not favor any specific version, does not reject the possibility of a terrorist attack, and emphasizes the need for fact-checking and patience. Therefore, the state formally does not deceive the Russian public.
If eventually it turns out to be a flight accident, Russia will be able to take extra measures to regulate the airlines and to provide for further centralization of the market in favor of the state-run carrier – Aeroflot. If the tragedy is a terrorist incident, the Kremlin is also in a good position. Russia will gradually take out all its tourists from Egypt and suggest that the airstrikes should continue as a preemptive move against the terrorists.
The attack version would mean that the authorities were right when they started the operation in Syria to prevent a terrorist offensive on Russian territory. Moreover, this would be a trump card for the Kremlin to intensify the bombings with the full consent and solidarity of Russian society.
Ultra-patriots and domestic business may also benefit – they were allegedly right when they persuaded Russians to spend vacations at home, so during the long New Year holidays more money will stay within the Russian borders and not abroad. Besides, the crash, if proven to be the result of an attack, would be a good pretext for criticizing the West, both for its insensitivity to Russian victims in the crash and for taking the Kremlin to task for its ineffective struggle against ISIS.
THE WORST THING ABOUT ALL THIS IS THE HABIT OF TAKING CATASTROPHES AND THEN POLITICIZING THEM IN THE PUBLIC DISCOURSE
The worst thing about all this is the habit of taking catastrophes and then politicizing them in the public discourse. Unlike in 2001, when both the U.S. and Russia were driven by human feelings in their decision-making, now the developments follow the line of pragmatic reasoning and only aggravate the differences.
It’s a real pity that even the global evil of ISIS cannot help Russia and the West to overcome their ambitions and form a new “anti-Hitler coalition,” as it was in the previous period of a deep ideological gap between the Soviet Union and the capitalist world.
The opinion of the author may not necessarily reflect the position of Russia Direct or its staff.