Lord of War almost Free

The USA spends about $500 billion annually on its military. More than all the other countries in the world combined. America is also the largest exporter of combat weaponry and doesn't countenance rivals, especially if they are independent arms dealers selling death and destruction to the highest bidder at prices undercutting the USA, which is why the Thai police arrested a Russian national last month on terrorist charges. Nicholas Cage even played his character in a Hollywood movie about the international arms trade. LORD OF WAR. The arrest made headlines around the world with the DEA claiming to have struck a blow against the Islamic fascists.

A little too soon, for as predicted by my good friend, Jamie Parker, charges against this Russian 'businessman' have been dropped by Thai authorities, since he has committed no crimes during his stays in Thailand.

Not that Viktor Bout is a free man. He still has to fight off extradition proceedings from the USA, where if found guilty he could face 15 years in federal prison. Bout's Thai lawyer claims that the charges are political in nature and Jamie Parker forecasts that Viktor will be freed on bail and then disappear from Bangkok on a private plane.

"His best strategy would be to stay in jail here as long as possible. He has the money to be comfortable." Thai prisons are survivable as long as you have sufficient funds to buy the things you need. "If he's cut loose. He better watch his back. He knows too much about or shot in the head, because he knows too much about the illegal trade of weapons to such stellar clients as Osama Bin Laden, Pakistan's ISI, the Taliban, and the Farc in Columbia."

"Knows too much about what?"

"Everything." Jamie lowered his voice as if anyone might be listening into our conversation.

"I know nothing."

"And keep it that way."

Viktor Bout is not that lucky, but I bet 1000 baht on his getting out of prison without a forwarding address attached to his release form. Jamie gambled 10,000. The bookie didn't take anymore bets after that. Even he knows a sure thing.