Roadcop; you are correct with terrorists and others we musttry to unify.IF russia and the states could start a new league of nations. (example)OR something like that based on the war on terror we could get alot more done.the u.n. has ran its course.I am not dissing russia with this topic (no love for russia),i just thought it we could get a good discussion going. Russia is on the rebound and terrorists are also going to try to keep russia down.They hate superpowers and as russia rises again they will start to pay more attention to you.I do not know if it is the u.s. wanting peace in chechnia or russia not wanting to look united with the u.s.for fear of repraisel because there does not seem to be alot of communication between putin and bush lately. Together we can destroy the enemy,but without a global crackdown on the extremists.We might be the oneson the losing end. CHEER.

If US are our ally, why dont make Qatar release our oficcers accused in terrorist leader's murder? Or just invade this terrorist-supporting state? But no, its rich and sits on oil...

I am pretty sure we have a air force base there.So invading is out of the question.Russia has shown the u.s. little support despite all the aid we have givin to get you rolling again.The u.s.is not very happy with putin's crackdown on capatilism lately,And his state of the union address I am sure did not have the u.s. clapping and cheering.Basically start feeding us and you will get some loyalty.

What are the circumstances in holding the officers? I'm not familiar with this. Qatar has been an ally of the US for some time, and is one of the Gulf Kingdoms that's taking steps towards democracy (slowly). It's also the home of al-Jazeera. The fact is, the US isn't going to invade Qatar, and it's got nothing to do with oil. It does have something to do with loyalty. Besides, since when has Russia needed the US to fight its wars? I'm all for a strong and stable Russia. Yes, the Soviet Union was responsible for some rephrensible things, and it will take Eastern Europe some time to forgive them for it. But it will happen, just as Germany has mostly recovered from the Third Reich. The last thing we need is Russia thinking it needs to return to the bad old days to get respect. That is exactly the same sort of attitude that got Germany in trouble in the 1930s, and occasionally Putin's moves get damned scary in that light. But if I'm ever in Murmansk, Roadcop, I expect you to set me up with some Stolichnaya and some Russian ladies. Those long winters, you know.

sentinel28a: well, certainly Russia should be able to fight its wars and to protect Russian citizens everywhere in the world. I can assure you, most of Russians dont want to return to "good old days" of power (and poverty). Well, modern Russian young man (or woman) is already used to Internet, cellular phones, laptops, palm PCs, free press, CNN news, credit cards, numerous restaurants and bars around, 24-hours shops, BigMacs and Potato Chips ;-) etc. etc. On Vodka... Well, on this thread there were too little said on this subject (surprisingly). Hey, weaklings, can you drink some Spetsnaz Vodka and remain conscious )) (especially after 6 bottles of beer)?

I don't think the Norwegeans have forgotten your provocative attitude during the cold war. You may talk nice now, as you did then; but we know we can't trust you. As to the Baltic states: They have an unresolved issue about their jew; but You can hardly blame them for linking up with the Germans to get rid of the russians, not considering the way Hitler treated them. Besides - they were not terrorists, they fought in uniform until the mid 1950'ies. That Russia has never thretned Norway (or Denmark for that matter) simply is NOT true. You might say the communist are gone - it helps - but it was not ONLY communistic agression. Furthermore no Russian soldier fell on Danish soil! They bloody well occupied Bornholm for a year. Finally to blatantly demonstrate that Your "peace-ouvertures" are legerdemain: Your constant violations of the Baltic countries airspace have reached a level that means NATO have taken action - among other countries Norway and Denmark. WE have heard this russian diatripe before: A baldfaced lie uttered in a hurt voice. What do you think those Los Angeles-class subs are doing just outside Your doorstep in Murmansk? Waiting to help Your cross the street?? They are there in case You turn nuts and send boomers out to destroy. They are there in case you get the perverse idea of moving those SS-20'ies. Russia cannot be trusted.

Thomas: Well, what can I say... No offence intended, but I feel some paranoya in your words. When I was talking about our WW2 losses, I thought that you are from Norway. So, Denmark cannot be trusted. Your government lets terrorists freely roam your capital streets, gather their "congresses". Why? They are not terrorists, "they fight uniformed" now under the green flag of islam, bloody headcutters, slavers, kidnappers and murderers - and then on your streets in expensive costumes they speak about freedom, democracy, national independence and human rights (which concept is truly ALIEN for them). Open your eyes. The world is different, who are you, relic of cold war?

I do hope the peacefull intentions in Russia will prevail; but untill proof of that AND the many contrary indications irreversibly stop, there can be no trust. As to your allegations of islamist terrorist in Denmark, you are claiming to better informed than me. What I do know is: There are a number of suspects, that are kept under surveillance by the police - a special select commitee in parliament is kept informed - at least every 3 months of whom have exhibited "interesting behavior". Your behavior exhibits all the traits of KGB/GRU (or whatever you call thenm this week) disinformation campaign - and we have extensive experience of such misbehavior.

Thomas: how to show our peaceful intentions? Surrender all our nukes to NATO, reduce our armed forces to 10,000 soldiers and scrap all our warplanes and warships? We dont even do normal actions to protect our overseas interests or Russian citizens in foreign countries. Our President is not strong enough to send another destroyer to protect our fishing ships in Northern Atlantic or near Western Africa coast, or to send couple of frigates in South-Asian seas to get rid of pirates. What threats do you see? All our government can do is talking about our greatness and international weight. If you are afraid of words, I cant help. Yeltsin was agressive enough to order troops to enter Kosovo after Yugoslavian War. In Putin we have just another colorless politician without any serious ambitions on international arena. May be, thats good. Because our government now more interested in internal problems and economics. And certainly I am a retired GRU colonel, especially sent to this site to disinformate such a honorable member of democratic society as yourself...

Let me say it this way: It took Germany 50 years following a 12 year spell of tyrany to regain their neighbours trust. Not only have they had to give up the idea of a general staff, they've had to give up the idea of ever forming an army corps. You are just beginning to discover the amount of damage the communist have done to Russia. The ruined economy will eventually be sort of repaired. Let's take an other example of the long shadows: The American civil war was in the 1860'ies. The real expansion of USA was precipitated by the northern republican wish to keep the democrats in the south humble. Only 100 years after (with the civil rights movement) did the wounds begin to heal. As for being a GRU colonel; Well taht would mean about 20 years active service - I would guess it is possible. The thing is I will not take your word for it - either way.If You were a GRU officer, You would probably be attached to the White Sea Fleet - If that was true, it would be interesting.