Skip navigation

 Login or Register | Member Centre

Putin threatens to target Europe

DOUG SAUNDERS

Globe and Mail Update

Latest comment posted at 2:52 PM EDT 02/06/07

In an interview with The Globe, he vows to turn Russia's missiles westward, lashes out at NATO and insists he's world's only true democrat. ...Read the full article

This conversation is closed

  1. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: I am waiting for Europeans to run with their tails between their legs to president Bush and ask for protection. The time for little boys playing Kyoto is over.
  2. K P from Canada writes: O well :):) Socialist Europe will be taken over by Russian's or the Muslims. IT'S TIME TO PAY BACK FOR THE ANTI -- AMERICAN'S SENTIMENTS !!!! Socialists Europe (The Walfer puppy ) is broke and weak . The weakness is that Europe has relied on the United States for its real defense since 1946. And still does. So the European Empire can't resort to the imperialist shtick of expansionist warfare. Instead, its tax money goes to universal health care, welfare payments for the fast-growing offspring of Muslim immigrants, the latest vote-buying schemes, plus sex, drugs and rock n' roll to distract the people. The Romans called it 'bread and circuses' --- keep the common folk well-fed and staring at the boob-tube, and you can do whatever you want.
    There we go..........
  3. p m from vancouver, Canada writes: Mr. Putin, in an interview at his summer residence outside Moscow, said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missile site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.

    I see that the BUSH/Cheney gang have stepped up their aggressive tactics another notch.

    I recommend the following link:
    http://www.popyard.com/cgi-mod/show.cgi?n=1170&r=0&lan=cn&v=0
  4. P Scott from Canada writes: Classic cry for attention. So what exactly does he want?
  5. John Rowell from Nelson, B.C., Canada writes: Re first two posts--Putin's action is in retaliation for American bases in Europe and not for anything Europe has done. So why the anti-European rhetoric? KP must have a pretty broard definition of socialism if he/she thinks any European country is socialist.
  6. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: KP, Good one. Europe is working itself to a homogenous mess. You can't tell one European city from another with it's H
  7. Rick Czarnota from Calgary, writes: Russia has Europe by the short and curlies. Despite all of Europe's talk about the environment and green technology they consume 1/3 of Russia's natural gas production and it grows every year.

    On Jan. 2, 2007 Russia used their natural gas as leverage turning off supplies to the Ukraine. Most of Europe was affected to some degree or another. Now Putin is ramping up the nuclear rhetoric. Not good.
  8. al goguen from Victoria, B.C, Canada writes: Putin means business. Maybe if we were lookin at Bush/Cheney from his angle we might all agree. What is there to do. Build a wall between Canada and US. How high? Let's wait and see
  9. J I from United States writes: I truely think if Russia is going to re invade the former USSR States, Poland, Czech Republic, the Baltics, Balkins, then Europe should defend them because they are part of the EU!

    I DON'T want them to come crying to America about how they don't have any way to protect the Eastern European countries.

    Russia is acting irrational. It is the EU and NATO that asked the Americans for the defense system....

    I feel safe in the US. No Iranian nuclear weapon will reach us. But they can hit Europe, first which is what they will do.
  10. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: Liberal Bush haters have to agree now that Bush has conducted master stroke. He put Europe as a buffer between US and Russia. Then he forced Russia to show its colors.
  11. Route 90 from Winnipeg, Canada writes: More evidence that Putin is a very dangerous megalomaniac. He makes these bold, sabre-rattling statements to push his public opinion ratings within Russia even higher... not unlike the Iranian regime. One sure-fire way to 'diversify' the Russian economy from relying solely on the natural resources wealth that has kept it from bankruptcy is to re-ignite an arms race - create more jobs! It also allows Russia to continue exporting arms and technology to Iran. Ironically, Putin is threatening Russia's customer base for its natural resources... talk about biting the hand that feeds you. Too bad for the EU that Russia is their closest supplier.
  12. K P from Canada writes: p m from vancouver, Canada: The only gang in the world are SOCIALISTS, COMUNISTS and Islamists = THE SAME. I come from Comunist country and i know what i'm talking about ! God bless America ! Europe deserve what they are geting. The Russian's oppres millions of people for 50 years, their nuclear arsenals was everywhere in East Europe. And don't you dare you to tell me who is the gang. In their ideology and reality , 'Socialism' = ELITE and POOR, no Middle class. So don't sell me this anti - American ideology. P.S. Comunists countries was number ONE suporters of terrorism, so get a life or move to countriy where you will feel better.
  13. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: The money's flowing in, Russia's economy and military are doing better. Bad Vlad picked a good time for some brinkmanship since Bush is on the way out, the American's foreign policy has no clear direction and there's a void to be filled on the World Stage.
  14. J I from United States writes: John Rowell--

    First most of Europe is socialist. Italy, Germany, France all are, as well as Sweden, Norway, and Swizterland. Those are facts. You do have freedom is socialist countries, unlike communist North Korea or Cuba, or the dictator in the making in Venezuala.

    Second, Europe asked America to build the system. Europe always has relied on the US for defense. They will be the first to be hit with a rogue missle from Iran.

    If they don't want US there, it is their territory, and the EU can tell us to go home.

    They won't because they will always come running to us for protection! It will happen again. They will become close to the next President (Clinton or Obama) and Europe will kiss our asses once again because Russia is who they fear more. Lack of Democratic freedoms and social liberalism. Russia is the very anti free press and anti gay and threating to reinvade the USSR territories. As an American I'd actually think twice before coming to their rescue again.
  15. Might makes right? from Toronto, Canada writes: Putin makes a good point. We need balance. The 'ol notion of 'checks and balances' is something that needs to be considered when looking at the world today, especially with regard to the Middle East, which is a region the U.S. wants under its control.

    Talk about 'bread and circuses', right on K P from Canada- but you must have been thinking about the U.S. It's people like you who tend to have their fat arses parked in front of the boob-tube cheering on the relentless American imperialism.
  16. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: this is just a beginning.
    USA is only planning to place defense in Europe. But russia already threating by their nukes.
    Another evidence if agressive intend of KGB regime.
  17. John Gault from Regina, Canada writes: Perhaps the US will stop picking on countries like Iran, Iraq and Syria and focus it's attention on real threats - North Korea and Russia. Right now Bush and Cheney remind me of the school yard bully who picks on kinds in lower grades. They can now put thier money where thier mouth is and target the real threat to world peace - Russia and it's leader.
  18. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: K P from Canada writes: p m from vancouver, Canada: The only gang in the world are SOCIALISTS, COMUNISTS and Islamists = THE SAME
    ==================
    100% agree!
  19. The Iconoclast from Canada writes: What is he supposed to do when the Big Bully is threatening at the doorstep? Remember the Cuba Missile crisis - 2 can play the game.
  20. Allan Eizinas from Simcoe, Canada writes: .
    G8 to become G7?

    Last in - First out?

    Looks like Republican Bush will continue to unravel the gains made towards peace by Democrat Clinton.
  21. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Typical G
  22. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Typical G
  23. John Lord from Vancouver, Canada writes: Time for the CIA to pay Mr. Putin a visit.
  24. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Typical G
  25. Kathleen Degelder from Kelowna, Canada writes: Pretty good chess playing here. France opted out of the EU anyways by unanimous vote, three years ago. For Job security. Condileeza Rice has already talked quietly to Putin anyways. The question is what is North Korea going to do now? Good move keep Iran confused!
  26. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Typical G
  27. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Sorry about all that, I can't seem to post.
  28. you and from Canada writes: all the keyboard generals are out today in full force, craving for war war war. sigh..
  29. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: Slippery Slope I just thought that you swore in russian
  30. k st-pierre from Toronto, Canada writes: KP- the 'free market' you extoll doesn't exist now if it ever did. There is no invisible hand that guides the economy-just a very tangible one that represents about 2% of population. Enron epitomizes the reality of the business world today. The market needs to be regulated and modernized if it is to continue. Also, a system that a majority of people WANT is going to have some socialist aspect to it. Capitalism's natural evolution is a hybrid of capitalism (classical) and socialism.
  31. John Miller from Canada writes: Hard to believe the drek that comes from some of the leftists who post on this topic. Here's Putin who silences Russia's free press and undermines its fledgling democracy, sends his brown shirts into the streets to beat up and terrorize political opponants, commits war crimes in Chechnya, cosys up to the loons of Iran, North Korea and Venezuela, and now threatens Europe with nuclear weapons ... and as fara as the morons on the left are concerned it's all Bush and Cheney's fault.
    Admit it. You really don't give a damn about democracy, free speech, human rights or helping the poor. All you care about is your hatred of America. Lenin had a name for you lot: useful idiots.
  32. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Good one Tim, I was actually swearing at my computer. :) I guess it's time to for a reboot.
  33. Socrates speaks from Canada writes: Is it time that US stop corrupting global politics and mind their own business in their own continent?
  34. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: k st-pierre from Toronto please spare us your Neo-Marxism. We are talking on this board of grand chess match not seen since Cuban Missile crisis. Only US has now decisive president unlike wavering Kennedy.
  35. John - from BC Interior, Canada writes: I wonder how a Russian missile-defense system built upon Cuban soil would play with the Bush administration?

    In reality, the Cold War never really ended amongst military strategists. Russia and the United States still don't trust each other, so these latest developments shoudn't surprise anyone. It's just more dangerous political B.S., and it's still threatening the existence of humanity.

    Arguing political ideology is an anemic exercise, because we're the people who have placed our future squarely in the hands of these madmen. Face it - we're all sheep! We'll espouse our ideologies with futile abandon and blindly follow our leaders, even if it leads to our ultimate extermination.
  36. Robert Boyd from Windsor, Canada writes: Why bother.If half a dozen US Customs Inspectors call in sick Monday morning, this country would be shut down.
    Fifty percent of Canadian exports go through one border crossing in Windsor.

    ' al goguen from Victoria, B.C, Canada writes: What is there to do. Build a wall between Canada and US. How high? Let's wait and see'
  37. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: Socrates, when quoting Mr. Putin, please give credit to him for your quote.
  38. Watson Jones from United States writes: No 'keyboard general' here (though it is a cute phrase), just a realist. That said, I do see the blame Bush/Cheney crowd (if only I could come up with a cute phrase for them) is also out in force.

    This is a timely reminder that the world is a dangerous place and force or its threat is always needed. To other posters who say that Europe will now turn to the US: I agree that this will happen if Putin isn't just making noise, but it is important to remember that this is exactly why some have such strong dislikes for the Americans. They know that they need the US, and it hurts. So, they will protest knowing that they are safe.
  39. Jorly fuster from Washington B.C., Canada writes: Ah, what an excuse. He's itching to bring back cold war status he'll using anything as an excuse. What's next? American farted, start launching the missles.
  40. Socrates speaks from Canada writes: OK Tim:

    I hereby give full credit to Putin for my quote that stands as follows ' Is it time that US stop corrupting global politics and mind their own business in their own continent?'

    I am surprised that you still believe in them - for what they are doing world wide including Canada
  41. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: I am just keyboard spectator. Although if someone form PMO reading. It time for Canada to push Europeans to accept deal that is good for Canada. Europeans now would do anything for support.
  42. I R from Canada writes: I think Mr. Putin's logic, if this snippet is accurate, is troubled.

    While Russia may very well have a case regarding the US NMD in Eastern Europe, to simply go and threaten Europe in retaliation is like one being threatened by one's neighbour and then threatening the entire neighbourhood if they don't come on board and support them.

    The logic is not unlike Mr. Bush's attempts at leadership - drag everyone into the mire and then claim that what is done is done and that everyone should now deal with the situation that exists now.

    If Russia has a grievance, the proper way to resolve it is through negotiation and diplomacy, not through arms races and threatening other nations that might be sympathetic.

    That said, I think the neo-cons have gotten their way far too often and as they push the 'envelope' they are rapidly approaching breaking point.
  43. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: Yes Socrates, I still believe that US has more honesty and trustworthiness than Russia. I know communists, liberals, and KGB very well. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- What are they doing world wide including Canada?
  44. Just the Truth from Canada writes: George Bush -- anointed (as all Christians know) by God, Himself -- said that he 'looked into Mr Putin's soul'.

    No worries.
  45. Alyssa Watson from Canada writes: Some people just lose their mind, bush invaded iraq and putin is threatening europe, omg has the world gone mad.
  46. Bull$hit Detector from Canada writes: Putin is a Communist throwback and a totalitarian thug. If the west needed any further evidence of Russia's unfirness in the western family of nations, this has surely got to be it. Throw this a$$hole and his increasingly irrelevant pissa$$ excuse of a country out of the G-8.
  47. Dik Coates from Canada writes: It's a terrible thing when you have to defend yourself and your neighbours...
  48. Arthur Cross from Toronto, Canada writes: Good grief, does Russia have to force its own insecurities and identity crisis on the rest of the world? We don't care. No one's about to invade or nuke Russia, there is no threat to its security, and Russia has no reason to attack or threaten anyone. This is just irresponsible, childish rhetoric. Besides, if Russia bombed Europe, who the hell would be left to buy(or sell) their natural gas?

    ...and to Tim Rutkevich, are you insane? The Kennedys kept their heads and prevented a nuclear holocaust while so many around them were advocating 'decisive' action like bombing Cuba and launching nuclear strikes on the USSR.
  49. red marabunta from Barbados writes: My dear Kathleen and where may I ask you found out that the French Republic had left the EU...please get your brain in gear before your fingers start typing.
  50. Sarah Bee from Canada writes: This is the kind of crappy world that makes you never want to have kids. This is a total throwback to my childhood nuclear nightmares.

    And I thought it was going to be such a nice day today...
  51. nathan w from China writes: I think Mr Putin is making noise to make the EU forget about trying to make any progress on the European Energy Charter, as well as telling the US to get out of his backyard.

    Can anyone say multipolar?
  52. Yvonne Wackernagel from Woodville, Canada writes: John Miller from Canada -you said 'Admit it. You really don't give a damn about democracy, free speech, human rights or helping the poor'. Are you talking about America -the United States of America? Noooooo, you should wash your brain out if you are under the impression that the United States care about free speech, human rights or helping the poor. In any event, the PEOPLES of Czechoslovakia and Poland have completely rejected the missles to be placed in their airspace by the Americans who are threatening and bribing their governments for this purpose and, if any of the other European Countries have a say THROUGH THEIR PEOPLES, they would not have the U.S. put any missles in their airspace under the pretext that it is against Iran. And what has Iran done to the United States? Then, the United States should MIND THEIR OWN BUSINESS. We, in Canada, do not want them minding our business either, cheating us in lumber, pigs, etc. trying to buy our energy cheap, using our goodwill to cover for their misdeads everywhere else in the world; cowardly bombing innocent civilians in the middle east, and so on, and so on. and so on. And all the while hundreds of their vets are homeless (if they haven't committed suicide), Katrina and other parts of their country demolished by storms cannot get the proper help for rebuilding. The United States has been destroyed by George W. Bush and his cronies to the extent that it is completely disrespected in the whole wide world, EVEN IN EUROPE, where you only hear what the governments want you to hear so as not to humiliate their American friends.
  53. Northern Menace from Baku, Azerbaijan writes: I thought that Putin was the new Stalin, but with his brand of nationalism Putin may be Europe's new Hitler. We will soon know for sure. The sign will be if he changes the constitution so he can get re-elected or if he does away with democratic elections.
  54. R. Carriere from Maritimes, Canada writes:

    I can see why Putin would feel threatened by neighbours. China is close.The US continues to build permanent bases in the middle east-they also have a presence in Afghanistan.

    But I truly feel the biggest threat to Russia's security and mental stability is a very dangerous man who resides in neighbour country that shares a border-and that's Borat from Kazakhstan.
  55. Tim Rutkevich from Canada writes: Arthur Cross from Toronto I am very sane and a little bit educated on the Cuban Crises. Khrushchev was ready to give Cuba to Americans during Bay of Pigs operation, it was Kennedy reluctance to support and finish Castro that delivered message to Russians that Kennedy is weak. How you noticed that Final deal between USSR and USA after CMC was classified and never released. Soviet Union had it hands untied with supporting Cuba, invading Czechoslovakia, blockading Berlin...etc.
  56. James Clost from Sensville, China writes: 'Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: The money's flowing in, Russia's economy and military are doing better. Bad Vlad picked a good time for some brinkmanship since Bush is on the way out, the American's foreign policy has no clear direction and there's a void to be filled on the World Stage.'
    ----------
    you obviously know nothing about the russian military. most russian men these days will do whatever they can to stay out of it (including phoney letters from their doctor stating that they're unfit for military service). the russian military could hardly be said to be 'bettter'? but in your opinion. better than what?
  57. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: Northern Menace from Baku, Azerbaijan writes: I thought that Putin was the new Stalin, but with his brand of nationalism Putin may be Europe's new Hitler. We will soon know for sure. The sign will be if he changes the constitution so he can get re-elected or if he does away with democratic elections.
    ======================
    You right and wrong.
    He does not need to change Constitution. In the conditions of Cold War he and his GKB might stay in power forewer.
  58. Rachel M. from nuclear lunacy, Canada writes: Putin's picture has his finger pointing to his head, trying to look thoughtful. It looks more like pointing at a lack of grey matter.

    Western Europe in the past decade has tried to distanced itself from U.S. and turned to Russia. What had this investment bought it? Nada and Nyet.

    The Eastern European countries are gettig closer to U.S. instead to EU. These frontline countries can't afford to make mistakes in choosing who the protectors will be. Look at the NATO mission to Afghanistan, how many NATO countries actually have combat troops there? Less than Half. And whatever happened to that EU initiative composed of French / German troops??
  59. Hugo Hall from Canada writes: I do get a kick out of the flurry of Putin apologists who are, of course, blaming Bush for this crisis. However, it will be funny to see how quickly the anti-US rhetoric that is currently prevalent in Europe is turned down a few notches when the Euros realize that they will once again have to depend on the USA for their very survival.
  60. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: Putin and his country have a long history of building and defending empires. The Chinese, even longer.

    Western Europe is an impotent mess. The Russian oligarchies own much of it already. Putin doesn't need missles, simply some shut-off valves on the oil and gas pipelines.

    And the Chinese - their economy will be the engine for all south-east Asia.

    What the communists could not do with arms and isolation, they have now done with capital.

    And the simple fools still push Kyoto. There must be some serious table slapping in Moscow and Beijing.
  61. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: Larry, Russia isn't communist anymore.
  62. James Clost from Sensville, China writes: most of russia's posturing is just that, posturing. there are still many russians angry at their loss of the 'near abroad' in 1991. some russians, including vladimir putin, will never get over that loss.
  63. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: A B from Calgary, Canada writes: He does not need to change Constitution. In the conditions of Cold War he and his GKB might stay in power forewer

    AB, Who is GKB? George Killer Bush?
  64. Scott Anderson from Windsor, Canada writes: Another flip of the lips from the up and coming dictator that I am sure will close the curtain by 2012 and maybe start the next major war that will collapse and bring Russia to its knees. It is to bad that when the Soviet Union collapsed the United States being thew most generous nation on the planet and throughout history stepped up to bring the old 1960's Russia out of the cryogenic state they have been stuck in.

    Today Russia now has American technology to advance there prehistoric Defense Systems, MIG jets (hunk of metal with monster Engines to push them through the sky), Tanks etc.. and New American Oil field equipment that has allowed them to increase oil mining and retrieval by sever4al thousands of percentage points from when it was under a communist empire. Now they are able to export and bring hard currency in to the country. But the worst part of it is that there were still to many communist dictators in the background who are know rising up again. I know it is not nice to say but I would look forward to the day when the people can read Dictator Putin assassinated by the people of Russia.

    It is bad enough that the Russian people suffered long enough under an old communist system that has not worked anywhere in the world.
    Only to be pushed back in after the exploitation of the Free world by the dictators.
  65. Larry Robinson from white Rock, Canada writes: Slippery - my error. It should read '... Russian and China (they) have now done with capital.'

    thanks
  66. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: There are a couple of issues that are not mentioned. It's the US demanding to put new anti-missiles in Europe, on the guise to guard from rogue nations like N. Korea and Iran. But they are actually being put there to counter the threat of Russian missiles. Which is all good, except Russia does not have the places to put up their anti-missile missiles. This is also not good for Europe, as the US is using them as a buffer. But the Europeans don't see it that way.

    This is compounded by the fact that no countries, except for Russia, Ukraine and Belarus have ratified the CFE treaty to reduce weapons and forces in Europe. Russia complied and found that no others ratified the treaty.
  67. Albin Forone from Toronto, Canada writes: I think I remember John Rowell from Simon Fraser University 25 years ago (?) - had an attractive Slavic girlfriend at the time. Hope he's well. He's exactly right about this being tit-for-tat against the (technically useless, ideologically priceless) US Star Wars shield, otherwise known as the World's Most Expensive Q-Ray Ionized Bracelet.
  68. martha stewart from Canada writes: Will Magna International be supplying parts for Russian tanks now? Complicated world. Say what you want about Putin, he's definitely no dummy. He's saying this for some very calculated reason. Unlike Bush, who says anything the NeoCons or 'God' tell him to. This is most probably in response to the current American proposal to put new missiles in eastern Europe. Why are they proposing that? As for comments about the Russian history of empire building, that should also make us paranoid about the Brits. And now the Americans. But let's not think about that. Look, global warming!!!!
  69. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: martha stewart from Canada writes: This is most probably in response to the current American proposal to put new missiles in eastern Europe.
    =================
    rensponse which come in way before actual proposal, eh?
    An now we see why Europe needs it - russia keep developing weapon of first strike.
    I think this is the time to kick them out of G8.
  70. Andrew WWW from Whitby, Canada writes: Sounds like a lot of people full of hysteria and panic. Has Europe been nuked already? And what else the rest of the G8 or G7 or else expected from the country which had nukes. Iran can afford itself to make statements. Why others not? Global free speech and democracy.
    And who exactly started the spin? Be honest to yourselves...
  71. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: Andrew WWW from Whitby, Canada writes: Sounds like a lot of people full of hysteria and panic. Has Europe been nuked already?
    ==============
    hey mate, hasruusia been nuked already?
    But they already stated threating first.
    So who is in panic?
  72. Ladislav K from Toronto, Canada writes: there's nothing like the logic of crazy Russian dictators...

    USA wants to protect Europe from Iranian missles EQUALS
    Russia aiming missles at Europe to 'balance' USA power.
  73. Graeme Douglas from Hamilton, Canada writes: I'm no fan of Putin, his destruction of what democracy Russia had, ultra-nationalist rhetoric, and bullying energy policies cannot be condoned, but lets be serious here. The US is currently spending more on its military than the entire world combined, they have made largescale invasions of two sovereign nations in the last six years, they've scrapped the ABM treaty, flouted international law and the Geneva convention, and show no sign of slowing down. Whether you like it or not, Putin's response seems pretty rational in the face of this aggressive behaviour. if Bush-style policies continue much longer, America is going to set the stage for world war III and then we're all screwed. You warmongers, xenophobes, and racists just make it that much easier for him.
  74. Rachel M. from Armageddonland, Canada writes: It is not the U.S. who need to put defense shield, it is the new Europe who is pushing for it. Note how Putin is threatening to point his missles at Europe, not the U.S.
  75. R Moore from Canada writes: Interesting aricle but no has yet focused on the amount of time Putin has been spending in the middle east. Supposedly trying to set up a gas cartel. I think this is a smoke screen, why else would he give this interview.
  76. Kathleen Degelder from Kelowna, Canada writes: Slippery Slope: You are right and accurate! Canada didn't want the mds either unanimously. The Ukraine factor. Smart!
  77. Michael Richardson from OakvilleMontreal, Canada writes: To me it's pretty simple, Europe should have a right to defend itself from attack. Installing a missile system is a defensive action, not an offensive action. Why is Putin so threatenned by it? Why has Russia always been so paranoid that its neighbours wish it harm? After all they are the ones who colonized the east, invaded Korea, and invaded Afghanistan. If anyone should be afraid it is Russia's nieghbours. Mr. Putin seems to want to demonstrate his unilateral power to all of them, and his rhetoric is getting dangerously close to the type of goading that led to the cuban missile crisis. However, that said, Europe isn't quite as weak as it once was, and Russia isn't quite that strong either. Sure they've got a lot of T72 tanks but lets not forget Chechnya huh. If a bunch of rebels could bring them to their knees, just think what the European armies and NATO could do?
  78. Richard Hawrelak from sarnia, Canada writes: The real money to be made is in the 'smoke screen' of the 'old cold war'.
  79. martha stewart from Canada writes: Ladislav K from Toronto, Canada writes: there's nothing like the logic of crazy Russian dictators...' Sure there is. Look at NeoCon logic. You write: 'USA wants to protect Europe from Iranian missles EQUALS Russia aiming missles at Europe to 'balance' USA power.' Iranian missiles? You actually believe this line? Maybe they will even be armed with anthrax!!! Watch out, the CN tower is falling!!!!
  80. Don Adams from Canada writes: WHOOEEEE! Lefties falling all overthemselves with this one. Anyone notice, only been 1 comment made about the environment here? :-)
  81. Bull$hit Detector from Canada writes: Our resident hater of the USA, Israel and Jews is back. Yvonne Whack-A-Mole should be forgiven for missing the news report that, despite George W. Bush, the US remains a vibrant and prosperous country that remains a magnet for foreigners. Amazing how a place could be so horrible and yet most of the world's people dream of getting there, legally and illegally. Now, we all know how allergic you are to facts, so let's speak some truth. Why did the US propose placing missiles in the Czech Republic and Poland? Answer: Poland and the Czech Republic are fellow NATO countries (you might have missed this) and the US is entirely within its right to suggest tools for collective defence, just as the two countries are free to decline. Oh and I suppose, you believe Iran's nuclear programme is strictly for peaceful use? If you believe that, I want to tell you about the $14 million I have in an African bank account that I need to transfer to you. Perhaps you would do well also to re-read the headline of this page's article. Want to talk about free speech, human rights and help to the poor. Stack up the American record in these fields historically against virtually every other country on earth, and there simply is no comparison. Is Russia a model for these values? If you believe it is, then you are even more delusional than any of your previous loony posts would suggest. Finally, I can't resist responsing to your 'I am the feeble victim' rant about the US cheating us on lumber and energy. Let's see, we negotiated (look up the meaning of that word please) a softwood lumber agreement. As for our nergy, the US pays market price for our natrural gas, oil, hydro-power and uranium. And, coincidentally, the US is our number 1 export market for our energy products, contributing greatly to Canadian prosperity (heard of Alberta). By the way, the rise of the dollar is directly related to this too. Lesson over. Go back to reading Mein Kampf and the Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
  82. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: K P, I'm an Islamist? How's that? Man, do you ever jump to conclusions. We're talking about Russia, but you bring up Islam. Get more sleep.

    I also couldn't help to notice your racist rhetoric about sending all Muslims to Europe. You're a first class @hole and you haven't added anything relevant to the conversation. Stick to the subject matter at hand and we'll all try to understand you.
  83. Eric Kirkpatrick from Vancouver, B.C., Canada writes: Sounds like a bit of posturing by a failing, once popular leader and I don't mean Bush Jr. Putin needs support from his military, a shell of it's former self and the Military Industrial Complex as well as the corrupt power elite in Russia to maintain his grip on Russia. He has promised to spend billions upgrading a military that was badly beaten and demoralized in Afghanistan and stood by helplessly while it's country lost the Cold War. With out their nuclear arsenal (most of which couldn't get off the launch pad) the outdated, under maintained military wouldn't last a few weeks against the combined might of the original Western E.U. N.A.T.O. forces (which run on diesel fuel not natural gas). None of the major nuclear powers are about to go to war against one another because of M.A.D. And Russia would not want to leave their Eastern and Southern flanks exposed by massing his power along the European front. The Muslim extremists and Chinese would love that. Putin's just trying to divert attention from failed domestic policies and Russia's loss of international stature, much like Bush.
  84. David Griffith from Nova Scotia, writes: Putin's posturings are a reminder that we live in an unstable world. Militant Islam isn't the only threat to our sheltered way of life in North America. I'm glad we at least have a government in place that believes in restoring our military. And all you lefties, be careful what you wish for.
  85. Hugh Malafry from Victoria, Canada writes: Didn't work last time; won't work this time. Global thermonuclear war is suicidal. Threats like this are distraction theater, and in a deeper sense an admission of incompetence.
  86. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: 'First most of Europe is socialist. Italy, Germany, France all are, as well as Sweden, Norway, and Swizterland. Those are facts.'

    Oh really J I from United States, Merkel and Sarko are socialists?

    'Second, Europe asked America to build the system.'

    Not so, J I. A couple of European countries did, specifically Poland and the Czech Republic. The EU has not made such a request.

    And by the way, even if Iran were to target Europe, what business of the US is it anyway? The last thing the EU wants or needs for that matter is US-style diplomacy to look after its interests in the Middle East!

    If you look at the location of Iran and the bulk of Europe on a globe, you really have to ask yourself how anti-missile installations in Poland are going to protect the bulk of Europe - Greece, Spain, Italy, France, England, Hungary, and Germany. If the EU would want to install a missile shield to protect itself against anything that might come flying in from Iran, it surely would be looking to Bulgaria, Rumania, and Greece to locate the system.

    Locating that stuff in Poland makes about as much sense as plunking it into Ireland.
  87. martha stewart from Canada writes: Don Adams from Canada wrote 'Anyone notice, only been 1 comment made about the environment here? :-) ' Were you referring to mine? ('Look, global warming!!!!') Hope you got my point. That 'crisis' keeps the herd and too many politicians from paying attention to what is really going on in the world. Anyone notice the other headline here about Turkey massing troops on the (Kurdish) Iraq border? Or the shelling in Somalia? Or Lebanon? Etc. Hey, what time is Canadian Idol on?
  88. A Reader from Canada writes: Ug, considering some of the other inflamitory articles written by Doug Saunders in the past (iran, russia, etc), I hope he wasn't trying to deliberately put putin in a spot to further his own jounalistic career. Somehow I doubt Putin would intentially plan to make major, international nuclear-arms strategy pronoucmenents through a Canadian newspaper, but now that these words are in the press, he probably also won't be able to back down without losing face.
  89. Slippery Slope from Canada writes: KP, In a polite fashion, I would have liked you to call me Slippery Slope and I would call you KP.
  90. Peter Kells from Ottawa, Canada writes: What the US seems to forget is that historically the Russians have suffered horribly as a result of European invasions - from Napoleon to WWI and WWII. The Russian loss of life at the Battle of Stalingrad alone was greater than all US losses in all wars that the US has been engaged in since 1776. As a consequence, it is understandable that the Russians are wary of military developments in Europe. It has often been said that the bulk of Russian military force is still focused on the Road to Moscow - the same road that Napoleon took and the same road that Hitler took. For the US administration to misunderstand this is either unchecked arrogance or diplomatic naivite.
  91. Dave G from Canada writes: 'Bull$hit Detector from Canada writes:...Want to talk about free speech, human rights and help to the poor. Stack up the American record in these fields historically against virtually every other country on earth, and there simply is no comparison.'

    While America has made great progress it's still the case that other Western countries have a far better record in their treatment of non-whites and religious minorities. Being black in Georgia, where de facto segregation still exists, and Muslim everywhere else in the United States is no good thing.

    America is still a hateful country (just look at your airport security profiling in relation to non-white travellers) but it neverthless represents the greatest Western power close to a real democracy.
  92. David Simon from Canada writes: What a big nothing (and Russia is certainly big). The average life expectancy of male Russians is less than that of their Bangladeshi counterparts (for some reason male Bangladeshis have healthier livers). Very few families have even 2 kids. This is the fading gasp of a once great (if flawed) civilization.
  93. Tony Burson from Toronto, Canada writes: happily cooler heads prevail than some of the hotheads posting comments here. Sure lets rush headlong into Russia and kill Putin as one commentor put it. I for one however want to enjoy my retirement and judging by the rush to judgment in Iraq.....
    I never thought that I would be siding with a Russian politician but in this matter of the missiles the USA is former USSR satellites, I agree that it seems to be a very provocative act. Similar indeed to the placing of Russian missiles in Cuba.
  94. Dave G from Canada writes: 'Tony Burson from Toronto, Canada writes:...Sure lets rush headlong into Russia and kill Putin as one commentor put it. I for one however want to enjoy my retirement...'

    Your generation has a retirement to look forward to. Mine, generally, has no such expectation.

    Sorry in advance if we bring your idyllic retirement to a sudden, crashing end.
  95. F.A. T. from Canada, Canada writes: Bush/Cheney CAUSED this with their actions.

    Bush was the idiot who said he 'looked into Putin's soul' & found him to be a good man. Maybe THAT'S where the 'weapons of mass destruction' are, Georgie!
  96. A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: 'First most of Europe is socialist. Italy, Germany, France all are, as well as Sweden, Norway, and Swizterland. Those are facts.'

    Heck if you talk to a crossection of Americans one on one in a freindly discussion, many will tell you that Canada is a total socialist country.
    The way our health system is controlled by government is enough to convince some (especially Republicans) that we are among the most socialist countries in the world.
  97. Bull$hit Detector from Canada writes: I must respectfully disagree with you Dave G. I am canadian and lived in the US for several years. One thing I can say is that America is anything but hateful. While not in any way diminishing the atrocious fact and legacy of slavery and segregation, the US does not to my mind foster hate and intolerance. Indeed, just this past week, the Governor of Alabama (arguably one of the states that most bears the shame of segregation and discrimination towards African Americans), Bob Riley, a Republican no less, apologised for the state's conduct in support of slavery in the past. As for your comment about Muslims, I can't let that pass. If you go to the G&M's home page right now, you'll see a headline regarding a foiled plot to bomb JFK Airport in NYC in which four Muslims were arrested. A recent Pew Research Center study on the attitudes of American Muslims is equally troubling. It reveals, for example, that 40% of American Muslims do not believe that Arabs/Muslims were behind the horror of 9/11. Nearly half of US Muslims, 47%, think of themselves as Muslims first, rather than as American. That figure nearly doubles to 81% in the UK. The Pew study also found that younger Muslims in the US are much more likely than older Muslim Americans to say that suicide bombing in the defence of Islam can be justified. These data suggest to me that American law enforcement is quite justified in profiling Muslims, particularly younger Muslim men, given their views. There are 2.35 million Muslims in the US today. Even if only 5% (a most conservative amount I trust you'll agree) are given to commit terrorist acts, that amounts to more than 150,000 people that pose a serious risk to the security of the United States. Would we tolerate such a fifth column? Look, Americans and the US may not be perfect, nor have I claimed they are. But given the choice, that's the only other country where I would live if I had to leave Canada. We're damn lucky to have the US as a neighbour.
  98. Dave G from Canada writes: 'Bull$hit Detector from Canada writes: I must respectfully disagree with you Dave G. I am canadian and lived in the US for several years.'

    I can't blame any ambitious individual for leaving behind Canada. It is populated by dishonest, insincere, racist and fickle drones.
  99. Jack Frost from Windsor, Canada writes: You can bet all the tea in China that our the media will continue to criticize the US and won't raise a single objection to a nuke being pointed at London, Paris, Madrid, Rome or Toronto.
  100. C R from Canada writes: What was the first act of provocation? Anyone? Oh yeah, a missile defense system at Russia's border. Who has been the aggressive country of late invading others? Oh, that would be the USA. Who, against the nuclear arms treaty signed, has been working at developing small conventional nukes? Oh yeah, that would be the USA. Again who is provoking who? And idiots again wish to run to support more Bush like politiking despite failure after incredible failure? It's unbelievable how many don't even understand the world they live in let alone the recent history they do live in.
  101. M Horon from Calgary, Canada writes: What do you think GWB would do if Russia had struck a deal with Canada or Mexico to position launch ready nuclear missles? Of course he must react with measures designed to be appropriate to the potential threat. Putin may have proven himself to be the head of a violent, corrupt and dictatorial Russia, however confuse this with his current stance and you are missing the point to his actions. Why must we always position ouselves against the East first, and ask questions later?
  102. Notes from my Cave in Sarnia, ON. from Canada writes: p m from vancouver, Canada writes: Mr. Putin . . . said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missile site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.

    I see that the BUSH/Cheney gang have stepped up their aggressive tactics another notch.

    I recommend the following link:
    http://www.popyard.com/cgi-mod/show.cgi?n=1170&r=0&lan=cn&v=0
    ****************************************************
    Now this is a kick in the head. What a revelation! The parallels are numerous. Bush doesn't have the brains to put this together. There are some very powerful people putting htis together. Who was it that said 'War is good for business?'
  103. martha stewart from Canada writes: A Leading Edge Boomer from Canada writes: 'First most of Europe is socialist. Italy, Germany, France all are, as well as Sweden, Norway, and Swizterland. Those are facts.' Not sure where this quote came from but Switzerland is less 'socialist' than Canada. They pay for their health care unless they are poor - and not many poor people living there. I guess one could say their cows are socialists though - cradle to grave care and milked all the way.
  104. Butch Timko harvesting turnips from Canada writes: Does anybody here have a globe? No not the advertising flyer, but that ball type of thing with a map of the world imposed on it. Yes...great...now go and get it and a piece of string....I will wait patiently.

    Back so soon? Now find northern Iran and attach one end of the string, then roll the globe to the excited states.

    So if you were guarding against Iranian missiles, wouldnt you set up your defences in the direct flight path of the missiles?

    Poland and Czech are not on the direct flight path, but countries such as Turkey, Greece, Rumania, Hungary, Italy and Spain, seem to be much closer to the flight path.

    Maybe thats why Putin might be a little ticked.
  105. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: C R from Canada writes: What was the first act of provocation? Anyone? Oh yeah, a missile defense system at Russia's border
    =======================
    you missed the point pal. Let me ask you - were these missiles installed? Where they tested and put in alarm?
    I do not remember that.
    BUT russia already tested their rockets of the first strike.

    So who had brocken the balanse, pal?
  106. Emma Hawthorne from Canada writes: This should be emminently negotiable given that everyone wants security and peace. Putin should be less rigid and the US should be less aggressive. The US wants protection from Iran, which Russia seems to have a good understanding of. If only we could ban testoterone politics!
  107. The choices we make decide our place in life from Canada writes: Where the heck is this coming from?

    I keep hearing so much about Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and China that I must have missed some news about Russia. When did the west become unfriendly with Russia? Is he serious or is this just saber rattling?

    I remember the 70s and 80s portion of the cold war. It wasn't nice.
  108. Lou Laroche from Canada writes: Why don't we just nuke each other and get it over with or shut up? Wha wha wha Putin. Wha wha wha Bush. Do it or go die in hole.
  109. A B from Calgary, Canada writes: M Horon from Calgary, Canada writes: What do you think GWB would do if Russia had struck a deal with Canada or Mexico to position launch ready nuclear missles?
    ===================
    tell me pal WHY all these European countries jump under NATO protection?
    Was it USA who forced them?
    I do not think so.
    Russian aggressive politics is the reason why ALL countries in Europe(and I'm not talking about Estonia!) do not want to see russia as their friend.
    try to think pal, you might like it.
  110. Lou Laroche from Canada writes: Mary Smith. We have a lot of idiot people next door.
  111. Emma Hawthorne from Canada writes: The level of discussion on G & M pages has plummeted in recent months. Why? Can anything be done to revers it? Thoughtful persons may fear that their comments will come back to haunt them. However, upon doing a google search, of my comments, I find practically nothing survives, and what does has a very limited shelf life of less than three months.
  112. Jack Frost from Windsor, Canada writes: George W. Bush won't be around forever, thank god. But our obsession with attacking ourselves and our allies will endure for far longer. I agree that Bush is making a colossal mess of things but at the same time he represents a people who have a right and a will to protect themselves. As for Canada, well our distinguished military history began with Lester B Pearson and ended when Jean Chretian sent our army to Afghanistan, right?
  113. M Horon from Calgary, Canada writes: A B from Calgary, Canada writes 'tell me pal WHY all these European countries jump under NATO protection? Was it USA who forced them?
    I do not think so.'
    The circumstances from which NATO emerged have changed. NATO has obviously adopted a very different role from which it was originally designed for. Putin and most of his predecessors were violent bullies that were a blight that Eastern Europe and much of the rest of the world had to endure. Can you not say the same of the Americans? Their turf was central and south america. This is not about Europe. This is about the Russians and the Americans.
  114. Ozzy Rules The World! from Canada writes: Wow there are a astounding number of brainwashed idiots posting here...just look at the first 2 posters.

    Bush is causing trouble be putting s so-called missle 'Shield' right at Russia's door. The world doesn't trust Bush and his 4th Reich. Nobody is 'Anti-American' just Anti-Bush.
  115. John Perkins from NAKUSP, BC, Canada writes: R.Carriere from the Maritimes: I got as far as your post about Borat, and once I'd read that, I realised that at least there are two people in Canada who don't take themselves too seriously - Rob Carriere and John Perkins.
  116. Alberto Bayo from Canada writes: Only Russia has the technology required to launch an ICBM at the U.S.A., although China will soon be in that position as well. The Missle defence shield is one step in the American 'Vision for 2020' which links the Missle defence shield with its plans for dominating the 'space' dimension of military operations, and integrating space forces into warfighting capabilities. Plans are afoot to scale up the ground-based systems to include, in the future, space-based interceptors as originally envisioned during the 'Star Wars' program during Ronald Reagans administration.
    'Empire building'...that's all. Rogue missles from terrorists? Well if anyone believes that, they're fools.
  117. J Luft from Calgary, Canada writes: p m from vancouver and Ozzy Rules The World seem to be mesmerized by those peace loving Russians. But then those two clowns are about as far left as you can get on the political spectrum. Anybody stupid enough to believe that the Russians were doing anything but take a breather after the fall of the Berlin Wall have had their heads in a dark, warm moist place. I'd suggest those two mental midgets go and live in their peace loving Russian paradise. They will soon learn what communism and Russia are REALLY about.
  118. Hank M from Hamilton, ON, Canada writes: Mary Smith from United States writes:
    'You are a complete moron. And don't worry about out vets, worry about your own citizens WHO COMMIT SUICIDE IN HIGHER NUMBERS PER POPULATION THAN AMERICANS. ... You're as stupid as the other Canadian who claimed France opted out of the EU.'
    2003 suicide rates/100k for US is 11.0 and Canada is 11.9. Not a difference I would call someone a moran over. BTW Russia was the highest at over 30! I think it may be that Canada has better beer and Russia has a serious vodka consumption issue?

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Listofcountriesbysuicide_rate
  119. siren call from alberta, Canada writes: The genesis of this recent bad blood between Russia and the USA is the tearing up of the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty by --- George Bush Jr. The ABM was shredded so that the US could move forward on its Star Wars shield and in the process, claim space for US weapons.

    Then came the mobilization of NATO to invade Afghanistan. The push by the US to expand NATO membership to former Soviet satellites. The unprovoked invasion of Iraq which is destabilizing the middle east -- and beyond. Russia is being surrounded by US friendly interests and, surprise surprise, doesn't like it.

    I'm no fan of Putin (although am surprised at the outrageously xenophobic comments some here are sending Putin's/Russia's way) but -- did anyone think Putin would just sit there, twiddling his thumbs while the US moved the soon to be bombed around on its grand chess board?
  120. Mary Smith from United States writes: Lou Laroche

    Thank you for confirming what I already knew, that many Canadian