Mad Russians

(click on image for better view)

"Russia tonight threatened to retaliate by military means after a deal with the Czech Republic brought the US missile defence system in Europe a step closer."

How's that for the opening line to a news story.

From the London Times.

Not the New York Times.

Not the Washington Post.

Not the L.A. Times.

In the throes of a lame duck Presidency, the Bush Administration presses forward with
The Missile Defense System in Europe. Saber rattling on steroids.

They knew the Russians would be upset.

Last year at the G8 in Germany, the Russians caught Bush by surprise. They offered to host the radar position of the defense system in Azerbaijan. Of course, to not only defend against Islamic intentions of a missile strike, but to share technology as well.

To be fair, the Bush administration, as it should be, is not keen on sharing anything militarily with Russia or any other major power. That technology is meant to protect the US, and it has come with costs.

We should be recognizing a swiftly changing world. 9/11 was only 7 years ago, and look at how the world has changed.

• The threat from Iran is probably closer than we think.
• The government in Pakistan is far from stable, and because they already have nuclear weapons, they might be the more immediate threat.
• Afghanistan is close to being 'out of control'. Additional troops will need to be sent there soon, or we will be forced to withdraw.
• China bought $1 trillion of 2005 and 2006 MBS derivatives, that may end up with 50% losses. That won't make them happy. Prices on all things "made in China" will go up 20% by Christmas.
• The BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) have learned to trade with one another. Their economies are just revving up.
• The US and Europe will soon be embroiled in losses with complex financial instruments. If you thought it was bad now, just wait. Rounds two and three seem imminent.
• Many gains realized during the surge in Iraq have been given back. Prime Minister Maliki has kindly asked the US to leave Iraq. Now.

The coming economic crisis may allow certain shifts in the geo-political board game. Countries not encumbered by faltering economies may find safe havens together. Countries facing downturns will realize added pressures internally.

New alliances might begin where old alliances weaken.

So here we are, at the end of an administration. with the great cold war adversary telling the world military response against the US may be necessary.

Sounds like front page/lead story kinda stuff to me. I can't find it.

Maybe this is something Americans don't care about? Unless you have a child soon to graduate High School or College. There is no way to take any other military action without a draft.

Shouldn't we be reading about this?

I have yet to see it on television.

Maybe we will hear of it soon. After they talk about what John McCain and Barack Obama wore today.