Silent Enemy?

While skimming through thenation.com I came across an interesting article (see below), depicting the current relationship between the U.S. and Russia. While I feel the column is substantially one sided, it does make some good points. With that, I began to process our current political, economic and international landscape within the U.S. and concern arose over me. The article makes clear and for the most is generally on target, that the U.S. relations with Russia since the Soviet Union demise has taken a path of the U.S.'s best interests in the ravaged state and its surrounding parts. Over time and with the change of leadership, Putin slowly became wise to this and most likely, in a sense, always was. Roadblocks began to develop within the relationship of the U.S. and Russia. The author would lead you to believe the fault is 90% that of the U.S.; however, he fails to point out Putin's obscure governing style that has taken substantial time of ridding criminal style ruling of the state. Leftovers from the previous regime have been allowed to operate with minimal interference. Basically, the economic leading powers of the state are corrupt in nature and operate with a Mafia like fist. No wonder the economy is still in shambles and is only saved by Russia's vast oil resources, although foreign investment in Russia has seen great growth even though most live in poverty.

But without detailing much of what the column points out, one has to worry about the role Russia will play in the near future. Its warming up to Iran and China is concerning. Personally, I don't blame the U.S. for taking military positions in surrounding states and keeping a close eye on this potentially rogue government. I worry that Russia is helping potential threats like Iran and have plans of joining a future conflict between the U.S. and Iran, most likely militarily as a surprise enemy.

How would the U.S. handle this? I mean, Russia still has a great supply of nuclear weapons and still possesses a military threat to the U.S. as it could send shock waves through the world and economy if it ever stood up and joined an erratic government like Iran.

This thought could be a stretch, but it does worry me. The article is a good read and when time permits, I suggest reading it (somewhat long 9-10 pages).

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20060717/cohen_charlierose_video

DP