EDITORIAL: The Bear's awakening

The Great Tribulation will begin this fall. The warnings are out! www.hismailroom.com www.prophecies.org

There is a multilateralist entropy in today's anti-American not perfected yet world. As U.S. primacy recedes, Chinese and Russian fill the void. We did not anticipate energy as being political and military leverage in Europe. Europe has become entangled in it to such an extent that the Russians can dictate policy based on it's availability. We have developed systemic energy vulnerabilities on foreign dependence such that we cannot counter the Russian strategy in Europe because we have our own energy security to provide for. The Democrats in Congress do not see this as a risk over "global warming" or their political power advantage and will not allow us to stabilize our energy independence through drilling or any other means. The Russians see this and are working to cut off our oil supplies from the Venezuela by giving Chavez the means or at least the support to do just that and the image of "protecting" himself from a U.S. invasion in the process. Strategically, if we do not act very soon, the Russians can asymmetrically threaten our energy supplies from the Middle East (Israel attacks Iran) and isolate South America (Chavez supports Iran and cuts of oil to the U.S.) while the Democrats in Congress and Obama ponder how to Reduce Carbon Emissions 80% by 2050 (check out his energy website). The Bear didn't die, it just went into hybernation.

Of course it has done nothing Putin is the puppet master behind the new Russian government. he is upset that we won the cold war and is trying to start another one, look for more anti-American acts by Russia in the future and look for Chavaz to try and provoke a US military response to his actions.

"Russian leaders are now crafting an assertive foreign policy that seeks to undermine American unilateralism and its unipolar ascendancy." not true. our only goal is to live well. if that undermines American unilateralism and its unipolar ascendancy -- TOO BAD. Maria/Russia

Anti-American? I never stop being amazed at the ego centric nature of our foriegn policy. We seem to interpret (mis-interpret?) everyone elses pursuit of their national interests as either pro-american or anti-american. It is possible that it is neither. We ourselves have very little direct interest in Sudan or Zimbabwe. Whereas both China and Russia do. To interpret these countries policies visa these countries as anti-american is a huge reach. We ourselves sell weapons to many countries, many of whom could be interpreted as anti-russian but is this indicative an anti-Russian foreign policy? Probably not. Neither Russia or the US have any intrinsic points of conflict that effect either nation's national security. It would be a shame to create conflicts for no reason.

Ego Centric? I think aware is a better word. Russia is building the perfect storm. Help setup Iran with nuclear capability. Venezuela is partnered with Iran. At some time the world minus Russia will take action against Iran's nuclear weapons program, probably Israel in pursuit of their national interests. The U.S. will support Israel in support of their national interests. Iran could block the Straits of Hormuz if Israel removes their nuclear weapons capability in pursuit of their national interests. Both China and Russia have sold weapons to Iran (Silkworm missiles to Kilo Class submarines) in pursuit of their national interests. Russia is selling weapons and support to Chavez who will then cut U.S. oil in support of Iran and Venezuela's national interests. Congress is blocking any new oil supplies from drilling in pursuit of their own national interests agenda. This leaves Russia in control of European energy supplies and the U.S. weak in support of its national interests in Europe because of an interrupt in its energy supplies (at least two sources). If Russia put's a little pressure on you in the middle of winter, like cutting off natural gas and oil, do you think the EU's national interests are going to lean toward the U.S. or Russia? The Red Ball Express and Berlin Airlift cannot be duplicated in this type of scenario. This is not ego centric, it is an awareness developed from living outside the U.S. at some time or another.

Missile defense in the Czech Republic in order to counter rogue nations? Like Uncle Sam unilaterally invading Iraq?

Soxconn, your analysis is perfectly valid IF we were at war with Russia. We aren't. Why would Russia cut off energy suplies to EU? Right now selling energy is what is driving their economy and filling their coffers. Forcing the EU to look elsewhere gains Russia nothing. Venezula isn't going to cut off oil to the US either. Chavez needs the money more then we need the oil. Iran's ability to blockade the straits is extremely limited an counter productive over the long run. Iran also needs an outlet for it's only functioning economic sector, oil. The fact that they have some Silkworm missle and Kilo class subs is laughable. Iran's navy will last at most a week hiding from the US Navy. Don;t take my word for it. That analysis was straight out of the Washington Times. Your creating unlikely scenarios, requiring we take action based on these scenarios and creating a conflict that currently doesn't exist. Russia and the US have no reasons for conflict. NONE.

KC - I think you made a good point - Venzuela would last about a week... Now 1) Where is 80% of our oil? 2) Who has Chavez been talking to, and who has enriched Uranium and conducted sea to air missle tests? 3) How long would the US last with those oil reserves bombed outlong the gulf? We are facing Fascists who hate us. I know that is hard for some soft people to comprehend - ML