tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post5492125592142761199..comments2023-11-03T09:36:22.100-04:00Comments on In From the Cold: You FirstGeorge Smileyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07049707648660651119noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post-70529195934028624632008-03-28T14:10:00.000-04:002008-03-28T14:10:00.000-04:00Spook, I have nothing but admiration for the skill...Spook,<BR/><BR/> I have nothing but admiration for the skill and astuteness with which Russia has repaired her fortunes. This leads me to think they can easily see the advantages of a most cordial understanding with the USA, one based on mutual dangers and mutual self-interest. On the most existential level, we need their oil and gas. They need our muscle as they slowly recuperate from the 20th century. <BR/><BR/>I am sure Putin gets it. I am also sure that Obama, Hillary and McCain can't. What a lost opportunity!eatyourbeanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10142141654341688097noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post-2689862707896879292008-03-28T13:25:00.000-04:002008-03-28T13:25:00.000-04:00Beans--At this point, I think the Russians are sim...Beans--At this point, I think the Russians are simply biding their time. Bush is a lame duck, and they're betting that his successor will be a Democrat, and much more agreeable on such issues as missile defense. <BR/><BR/>The Russians would love nothing better than a U.S. retreat on the issues you listed. And, under a President Obama, they might just get their wish, on at least two of the three. Obama is no fan of missile defense, and he might slow membership for Ukraine and Georgia, in exchange for vague Russian promises, or simply a pledge to "keep talking." <BR/>aAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12712369389411084085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10820485.post-78239218610407442852008-03-28T12:12:00.000-04:002008-03-28T12:12:00.000-04:00Do you think that maybe the Russians are really af...Do you think that maybe the Russians are really after something completely unrelated to the missiles, which are only a bargaining chip? A guarantee that Ukraine and Georgia will never be part of NATO? Recognition of Russian claims to the oil under the North Pole? Who knows what?eatyourbeanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10142141654341688097noreply@blogger.com