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Russia considers banning Czech beer
Travelers in Russia have always had a lot to thank Czech beer companies for, since the makers of some of the world's best beers have long been able to send their foamy wares to the Russian market, giving beer lovers a better alternative to the country's less-than-stellar national brews. Exports to Russia have always been a large revenue source for the companies that brew the likes of Staropramen and Pilsner Urquell.
But the Russian market could soon dry up for Czech beers.
Russia political analysts say the country should consider banning all Czech beers. The reason? Objections over Czech plans to host a United States radar station, which would be part of a missile defense shield in eastern Europe that Russia thinks is aimed at it, despite U.S. assurances to the contrary.
Russia is considering other, seemingly stronger moves. Days after U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was in Prague to ink the radar deal a few weeks ago, the Czech Republic experienced a mysterious decrease in natural gas supplies from Russian pipelines. Analysts say Russia should also consider re-opening a radar station in Cuba.
But don't underestimate what effect a Czech beer ban could have. It would be a "serious response" to the U.S./Czech radar base, an analyst tells the Russian newspaper Ria Novosti.
No word yet on whether Czechs would consider responding with a ban on Russian vodka.
Which countries *cough* smoke the most?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
jim Jul 25th 2008 9:01AM
If someone is looking at you, and you get jumpy, it must mean you have something to hide. This sounds like paranoia to me.
bluqe Jul 25th 2008 9:26AM
Sameo,sameo as to the Russian thought process. They are even more paranoid than we Americans. They now see political problems in beer consumption.
And you all thought that type of thinking disapeared with the passing of Uncle Joe.
Will the Russian politicans ever come out of the DARK AGES?
TONY BAJA Jul 25th 2008 10:20AM
Why ban the beer, just add tarrifs to it, until it squeezes them into a more favorable position...... kinda like squeezing grapes and making wine.......squeezing lemons and making lemonaide......... the price will go up so high that most people wont buy it. the national beers will outsell them, but the czeck beer will still be around as a reminder.......
joseph Jul 25th 2008 10:53AM
It prove that Russia is still a communist country . We can learn about our enemies in their countries and protect ourselves.
annamarie516 Jul 25th 2008 11:27AM
I am not a beer drinker, I like my Vodka and Russia has the best. Cost a bit more but, it is worth it. Budweiser sold out to another foreign country like all U S A companies are doing. No wonder we are in a bad shape here. God Bless the land of the free. No wonder they want to live here, bunch of free loaders. Anna
Kent Vining Jul 25th 2008 11:30AM
If the Russians continue to hold up on the natural gas and go further and ban Czech imports (beer, etc.) then the US and NATO counries should ban Russian imports. That will bring this issue to a rapid halt. For humanitarian reasons, do it before winter so that the Chech's have heat (both internal and external).
Theresa Cummings Jul 25th 2008 11:33AM
The one-way to guarantee a black market is to forbid its import. Do you remember Prohibition? It gave us speakeasies, Al Capone and crime. It made drinking fun and exciting! Going to a speakeasy? The only reason my grandmother ever tried a drink was because it was being served in a local speakeasy.
otrpu Jul 25th 2008 11:58AM
If I were Russia I would believe US either. . .they've been lieing for decades.
Van Deisel Jul 25th 2008 11:58AM
Russia should think about setting up it's radar station in Mexico, Cuba & everything that surrounds USA. Then lets see how U.S. responds.
Tom Jul 25th 2008 12:35PM
I've been drinking Czech beer for the last few years and it is very good. It is imported into CA from TX. Brewed in the little town of Shiner, TX. Tom
BirishB Jul 25th 2008 2:08PM
hey dumb ass ... if it was brewed in texas it wasn't czech beer
Bob Jul 25th 2008 2:02PM
Last call! Czech please!
jim Jul 25th 2008 4:32PM
Hey Barishb??? How can you call someone a dumbass when it is you that needs a lesson in grammer. The word should be 'isn't'...it ISN"T Czech beer... Oh my bad, maybe your not even American
Sarah Jul 25th 2008 5:53PM
Um Jim, you may want to think before you criticize someone else's PROPER grammar. There is nothing wrong with the use of "wasn't". In fact, it is more appropriate than "isn't" in this case, considering BirishB has already drank the beer.
Unfortunately, your grammar use of the word "your" is wrong. It should have been you're. You may be American, but it obviously hasn't made you an expert on the English language.
john smith Jul 25th 2008 4:42PM
Wouldn't it just be hysterical if they outlawed Vodka?
Gif Jul 25th 2008 4:51PM
Jim....
The word is "grammar"....and "your" should have been "you're" as in "you are"....
Donna Jul 25th 2008 4:58PM
Good...very good.
Francis Jul 25th 2008 5:31PM
First of all the Russians still have Communist belief system although they love the western way of life the lmighty dollar, the Russians and Czech where never friends with Russia fact is they are jealous of the Czechs they make better beer,food,people! So if they want to ban their beer let them they can drink their own Russian piss wate,r its got alot of alcohol but no flavor! Nazdravi!
Katherine Jul 28th 2008 9:17AM
Have you ever tried Russian beer?
There is a huge range...something for everyone. Far superior to anything brewed in the States.
As for banning Czech beer...still most unfortunate. The government's answer for everything.
Amanda Jul 25th 2008 5:47PM
Isn't this the same kind of political silliness as banning Cuban cigars in America?
Now there will be an underground market for the beer, pretty funny.