Fiji (catch all)

[davidbfpo]

An interesting Q&A with Fiji's new military commander, who I note first served as a Private for seven years:http://www.islandsbusiness.com/2014/...-fijis-milita/

Nice quote:

Is this why Fijian troops are in demand in the United Nations?

Demand does not come only with how we do our job as a low-tech army. Fijians don’t appreciate our army as other countries do. The old saying is true - a prophet is not liked in his own land. Our soldiers are highly recognised in every county they have visited and are recognised by the bigger armies around us as being good soldiers because we do our jobs well with the minimum of resources. Last month we got images of our troops wearing skis patrolling the snow in Mount Hermon in Syria. We have never tried skiing but now we have videos of our soldiers in proper skiing gear doing patrols in the Golan Heights. That’s the adaptability of the Fijian soldiers; put them anywhere with the right equipment, they learn quick and do a great job. That’s something we don’t want to lose.

[davidbfpo]

What is going on? "Steady as she goes" maybe not:

A secretive shipment of weapons and military hardware donated by Russia to the military of Fiji may be an “opening move” in a battle for influence in the Asia-Pacific region security experts have said.

Link:http://www.theguardian.com/world/201...aises-concerns

If the beaches and warm waters of Sharm el-Sheikh are "off limits" will Russians look to Fiji's beaches?