Russia getting downright nutty with its bluster

[groovychk]

Russia's foreign ministry today threatened to go beyond diplomatic protests in response to the signing of a U.S.-Polish deal to base part of an American missile defense system in Poland, which borders part of Russia.

The latest threat came after a top Russian general said Poland would risk a military strike if it allowed the base and as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice dismissed Russia's saber rattling, saying the threats "border on the bizarre."

"When you threaten Poland, you perhaps forget that it is not 1988," Rice said, according to The Associated Press. "It's 2008 and the United States has a ... firm treaty guarantee to defend Poland's territory as if it was the territory of the United States. So it's probably not wise to throw these threats around."

http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=5617271&page=1

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And another piece is moved on the chess board. What's next?

Comments

[azzy23.livejournal.com]

What's next apparently is Russia withdrawing from NATO.

OSLO, Norway - Russia has informed Norway that it plans to suspend all military ties with NATO, Norway's Defense Ministry said Wednesday, a day after the military alliance urged Moscow to withdraw its forces from Georgia.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080820/ap_on_re_eu/russia_nato

[time-lordy.livejournal.com]

You know when you think you've seen an episode of a show before? That's what this is like.

[kyrie1618.livejournal.com]

I do not like this. Bush taunting Putin, Putin invading countries, ABC smiling as they poke fun at Russia, Rice calling Putin forgetful and unwise... Bush is out of office in 3623 hours and it is taking too bloody long.

And Rice! Every time I hear something from her it's horrible. I hate her even more than Cheney. (irrational of me, I'm sure)

"No one will ever again tell Poland what to do and what not to do." -- Lech Kaczynski

... except for the United States of America, apparently. Is that all this is? Three countries playing chicken for the glory of their jingo nationalism?

Has Russia been threatening Poland? If so, then Poland's actions make sense. If not, then Russia's actions make sense. Everything I've read about Putin suggests he is an intelligent, serious man. Let's be prudent and cautious, sure. Cool and fair. But never ever taunt him!