Yes, the Cold War is very definitely back on but, this time round, not an ideological war, rather a strategic one. Some months ago Russia threatened to retaliate if the U.S. went ahead and supported the independence of Kosovo from Serbia.
In fact, the U.S. drive to support Kosovo's independence from Serbia didn't only alarm Russia but it also alarmed Spain (since Basque nationalists have also sought independence from Madrid).
However, Russia made it clear if Kosovo was supported by the E.U. and America in breaking from Serbia, Russia would support independence of certain former Soviet geographical zones as well, i.e. those that are pro-Russian.
Lets' remember both Serbs and Russians are Orthodox Christian so have strong cultural ties.
So, in fact, the recent war in Georgia came about after Georgia finally lost patience with Ossetia which was supported in a drive to autonomy by Russia.
Yes, Russia's motive wasn't purely humanitarian when it sent in the army but, yes, none of this would have happened if the U.S. hadn't interfered in Serbian affairs.
It's a ***-for-tat response.
Not only that but Condi Rice has approved a joint defence anti missile program to be based in Poland which has upset Russia. Apart from the proposed shield, the U.S. has supplied Poland with missiles, judged by Putin to be a provocation aimed at the Russians.
The Russian response could actually send shock waves of a new Cold War through Europe as there are a number of responses now on the cards. Firstly, Moscow may target Poland with strategic nukes and also set up a joint defence program with Belarus, directed at Poland.
More chillingly, Putin may send bomber aircraft to Cuba, in order to send a message to Bush.
However the case may be, whatever happens in the near future is the fault of Bush and his foreign policy and apparent desire to destabilise Putin.
In fact, the U.S. drive to support Kosovo's independence from Serbia didn't only alarm Russia but it also alarmed Spain (since Basque nationalists have also sought independence from Madrid).
However, Russia made it clear if Kosovo was supported by the E.U. and America in breaking from Serbia, Russia would support independence of certain former Soviet geographical zones as well, i.e. those that are pro-Russian.
Lets' remember both Serbs and Russians are Orthodox Christian so have strong cultural ties.
So, in fact, the recent war in Georgia came about after Georgia finally lost patience with Ossetia which was supported in a drive to autonomy by Russia.
Yes, Russia's motive wasn't purely humanitarian when it sent in the army but, yes, none of this would have happened if the U.S. hadn't interfered in Serbian affairs.
It's a ***-for-tat response.
Not only that but Condi Rice has approved a joint defence anti missile program to be based in Poland which has upset Russia. Apart from the proposed shield, the U.S. has supplied Poland with missiles, judged by Putin to be a provocation aimed at the Russians.
The Russian response could actually send shock waves of a new Cold War through Europe as there are a number of responses now on the cards. Firstly, Moscow may target Poland with strategic nukes and also set up a joint defence program with Belarus, directed at Poland.
More chillingly, Putin may send bomber aircraft to Cuba, in order to send a message to Bush.
However the case may be, whatever happens in the near future is the fault of Bush and his foreign policy and apparent desire to destabilise Putin.