Until yesterday, it seemed a fait accompli that the vital NATO supply base in Krygyzstan was closing, owing to a combination of geopolitics and a strong bid by Russia. Thanks to an eleventh hour deal, Manus Air Base will stay open after all.
I analyze this in some detail at the link. The short story, though, is that Dave Schuler‘s February assertion that the Russians had simply outbid the us for the rights was correct.
Let’s just say that you don’t want to get into a bidding war with people who can spend $1.3 trillion in a single afternoon.
