Condi Rice is a failure, she is supposed to be the Russsian Expert but doesnt know Russia. She failed in Mid East, Korea and now she is bashing Russia. And you know what she has failed again. Collin Powel should train her to stop being Bush's poodle and stand up for herself. God save us from Pailin!

Joseph , Harrow, UK

world peace and stability is governed by Amercia's greed for oil and power. This is all amercia's fault. What would they think if Pol Pot invaded NYC on the grounds USA was a danger to his regime? Amercia's policing causes worldwide instability.

Liam, Edinburgh, UK

Marco, Kraków, Poland

Shame again! You cannot give honour to a fallen solder, my grandad was not fighting for Stalin, he was fighting against Nazism. Shame, but explaines why Poland is always with Baltic states re-writing history. Balts admire their Waffen volunteers. Thought Poland was different

Vasily, Orenburg, Russia

I just hope its not the build up to another cold war....we can all remember how fun the last one was.....

Bob, Hertfordshire, UK

I'd be worried if I were China. They have the small sized nuclear arsenal that a missle sheild would very usefull against.

Nik Bartlett, Chippenham, UK

Its just so sad for us all - the rancorous bickering on this page just shows how US and Russia will NEVER get along. The US are not a global police force - I cant decide which threat is more real - the "threat of terror" or US foreign policy. Russia getting stronger and Rocky looks a bit weathered!

Stew, Harrogate, UK

Vasily, Russia fought its own war, and we fought ours. Any help which your war gave ours was coincidental.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

Let Europe deal with the Soviets, I'm sick and tired of the Russians, and tired of sticking up for Europe when all they do is bash, bash, and bash the states. My two cents.

yoodles, Elgin, USA

If they build one, then that is great. Their shield can't stop america's nukes and our shield can't stop theirs. Russia still doesn't understand our missle shield is to prevent smaller nuclear nations, like N Korea, Iran, Pakistan,etc. from firing nukes, not russia. This isn't really big news

ben, pittsburgh, usa

Grrr! Growl! Sabre ratttle! Can't you see I'm throwing hissy over here in Moscow?! As the kids say "whatever, dude". That's a great thing for the Russians to piddle away their money on with a 30 year techonological lag behind the Americans. Oustanding!

Rod, Woodstock, UK

Russia is interested in the vast amount of natural resources that are becoming available in the artic. She has already made land/sea claims that far overreach the 50 mile range that is an international standard. Russia is stirring the international pot so that America will be looking elsewhere.

Chris from Roseville, Roseville, USA

Expected answer to bringing NATO to Russian borders, installing missile "defense" (or who knows what) in Poland/Czech., ignoring any of the Russian security concerns, and supporting any crazy leaders in the neighboring countries as long as their are anti-Russian ("anti-Russian" = "democratic")

Yuri, London, Canada

It is incredible the ignorance of history & the blindness to current events exhibited in this string.
Russia may be angry over NATO moves, but its responses are calculated toward their true future enemy...and it certainly is not Europe or the US. Did the planet forget that NK already has the bomb?

Ike69, NY, US

Russia's 'elected' mafia leaders show their true colors
James , Atlanta, USA
+

I think they're looking at the corrupt Hillary Clinton, the Democrats and our corrupt society and are thinking that they can't bank on the a good man like George Bush always being in office. They remember WW II.

Joe, Florida,

Unless the happy trigger cowboys in Washington start any wars against Russia or its allies I don't think we have anything to be afraid of. Also remember that a war against Russia will probably turn America to fried America if we take into account the nuclears they inherited from the Soviet Union.

Bertalan, Athens, Greece

Fear is talking again. And it is getting more and more absurd. Its sad, so sad. Its a sad sad situation.

Wim , Volendam, Netherlands

'The UK follows US around like puppy dogs.'
I'm surprised that America forgot their roots so quickly.

'The only reason the UK gets to play on the world stage is because of the special relationship.'
Dear Americans, remember it was England who created your foreign policy!

Anna, Perm, Russia

'90% of the messages everywhere are sent by the army of specially trained KGB agents disguised as Westerners.'
Dear Stan, London, UK, why are you hiding your true identity?
I bet your real name is Bond, James Bond :)

Anna, Perm, Russia

That is a real surprise – why this ordinary article is on the top of «most commented». Just another missile defence shield, nothing special. And btw, to my mind, all talks about economical crisis of the USA it is just gross overestimate.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

Enjoy this Christmas it will be your last.
Damned idiots! It doesn't matter how old a weapon is. It doesn't matter how poor a country is. Cant you see where this is going? Nukes will wipe us all out EVERYONE EVERYWHERE!

Len, oban, UK

Eye for an eye, tooth for a tooth?

bella, los angeles, usa

This is Russia's attempt to kick us when we are down. Their play is to watch us flail economically. When they think we are at the end of our rope, they will amp up the arms race, hoping to implode us while we try to keep up. We need Ronald Reagan back again.

Erik V, Utah, USA

Russia is absolutely right.Why shouldn't Russia build a defence system while America is doing it (and is doing it in Europe, not in own soil)??

matteo, torino, italy

Amercia sell Poland and Ukraine Nuclear technology now. Poland will never get attacked by russia again or moscow will become a self lit parking lot. Now ther would not be a shield if russia did not sell Iran the nuclear technology.

SKI, Boulder CO , USA

Vasily, Orenburg, Russia
If your precious russians freed poland then what happened in 39, what did your beloved countrymen do on Polands eastern border when Poland was fighting the Nazi War machine. HUH? YOU INVADED POLAND! GOD BLESS REAGAN at least he was not afraid.

SKI, Boulder CO , USA

America is in debt, All americans need to stop all international aid. Only true allies that have stuck with us through thick and thin. Create new energy so we dont even have to think of ThePutins, double chin president of Ven. New technolgy for energy gaurd it so RF cannot steal it like the nuke.

SKI, Boulder CO , USA

Be sure to read Dominic O’Connell's incisive piece in Sunday Times' (28 Sep) business section: "Soviet power returns to life". It well illustrates what's going on behind the more emotive headlines. This time round cold warriors should note it's now Russia. Not the USSR.

Mike L, Chippenham,

Here is the result of all the broken promises made to Russia by the United States after the break-up of the Soviet Union.
A lot of comments made here demonstrate the power of the largest and most successful propaganda machine in human history -- Hollywood and American mass media.

Sean, Ellwood City, USA

Marco, Kraków, Poland

Shame on you. My grandfather died freeing you from Nazies in 1944. You think US had guts and strength to free all of Europe if Hitler won over Russia? I think it's people like you who are brainwashed and bent on their hatred for Russia.

Vasily, Orenburg, Russia

Denis, i find it ironic that you, as a Russian, speak of people being brainwashed by their own propaganda. in any case, Russians didn't save anyone in WW2, they simply came and took what they wanted.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

BillyHewitt, Marion, USA,
i) Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua have nothing to do with the Falklands.
ii) how about we just leave it to the residents of the Falkland Islands to decide whether they want to be British Falklanders, Argentinian Falklanders, or independent Falklanders.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

Its all sabre-rattling. The UKs economy alone is much bigger than the Russians. All this bluster, scaring off investors with nationalisation and (much needed) military expansion will come back to haunt them once the price of oil drops.

Ideally, an alternative will be found soon.

Anthony Lester, Brum,

Donald, Fort Worth, US

My respect to you. You are a true patriot of your country - USA. I am true Russian patriot. I have great respect for ingenuity and moral strength of american people. I despise sly politicians and unintelligent yapping dogs that trawl HYS boards leaving verbal rubbish behind

Vasily, Orenburg, Russia

"Their attempt to rival America's "star wars", which was a ruse"

That sure was a cunning multi-billion dollar ruse, there.

Bob Sapp, London,

I believe the last time Russia tried to do this it was the staw that broke the bear's back. Their attempt to rival America's "star wars", which was a ruse, played a large part in the fall of the Soviet Union. They need to check the price of oil. They're not as rich as they thought they were.

Johnson, lafayette, Louisiana, USA

Great! there is only one nuclear deterent, the use of of the bomb is the deterent. if one uses it they all use then what?
we are all toast.
let's ask our selves why are we at this point and what the hell are are thes world leaders tyring to do?
power, greed and corruption. us and them

Michael , brea, U.S.A.

Paul from Savannah

" Didnt the USSR try this in Cuba? What happened then? They didnt have the guts to go through with it "

The USSR is no more, but what did happen is that America agreed to remove Thor and Jupiter missiles from Turkey, and a no invasion plan .

Russia got what they wanted.

Gary, Leicester, UK

The dumb Americans should have constructed this missile defence system together with the Russians to combat 'rogue states'. The lack of diplomacy by the cowboys in the white house is now coming home to roost.
Diplomacy is the art of persuasion and the forging of allies NOT gung ho tactics.

Billy, Bangkok, Thailand

This will make everyone of us stronger, weponary will be renew, new systems will be implemented, if we don't send each other to oblivion first, no one will dare to try.

Jhonny, Vigo,

The 10 or 20 or so US anti-missiles in Poland are designed not to destroy thousands of Russian nukes but to bring down those survived after the first strike. So Medvedev is just forced to defend his country.

Konstantin, edmonton,

This just goes to show, how short-sighted the leaders of the US and Russia really are. Both Russia and the West are threatened by the ambitions of Islam, but our "leaders" are acting like the Three Stooges, while our mutual enemies are plotting our demise.

Eric, Newport Beach, USA

Anybody remember Rudyard Kipling's take on that topic? It was a parable about a hunter and a bear. The bear said, let's talk about this. You want a fur coat and I'm hungry, so let's see what we can work out. In the end, the hunter had his fur coat and the bear was well fed. New time, same story.

Jerome C. Borden, Layton, UT, USA

Liberals are dangerous. they tend not to recognize threats. It's actually a scientific fact. They are the berry gatherer's in our society and should never be allowed in charge of security or anything in regards to survival of a people. Leave decisions to the ones who take on real responsibilities

Jon, Daytona, USA

Bruce, why can't you see that the Russian want to be Czar can't stand playing second fiddle to the U.S. We are starting nothing. Putin is now a dictator. I hope American companies can understand that investing in Russia is a huge mistake. This is all the more reason we need to become energy ind.

jeff, cato, U.S.

They are a long way off and that anything that suddenly appears is probably untested, and neither ours nor theirs will be able to totally defend against. Secondly Missile defense as I see it is less about missile defense but the advancement of the technology of shooting at moving targets.

John, Minneapolis, USA

The Russians have a right to protect themselves.

The US has a national debt of $11000000000000000, they can only hope to god nobody calls time to pay the piper, lots of post say can the Russians really afford it - Well the Americans cant they are broke !!

Safe Balance helps me sleep at night.

Peter, Aldershot, UK

I am 62 and a REAL AMERICAN.- A REAL AMERICAN doesn't force its way of life on other countries as we do now. A real America does NOT try to overthrow other countries. I say let each country decide for itself what Government they want. Even we had our own Civil War and had Presidents assassinated

Donald, Fort Worth, United States

Is Bush blind to Russia's, and Putin's, paranoia? This is a predictable development. What's the point in antagonizing a paranoid state if there isn't much benefit? And I doubt this missile "shield" in Eastern Europe even works on any real missiles. No benefit. Just antagonism and consequences.

Bruce, Ashland, USA

I just wanted to say thanks to Prince Harry from the US! You are a true hero.

Medvedev, just like your economy is weak, your army is weak. How many ships turned back to Russia for repairs Medvedev? Oh yeah, we wouldn't want that to get out.

Peter North, Farmington, NM, USA

So far the Russians have used the miniscule anti-missile system in Poland as an excuse for everything from bullying of their former client states to a massive increase in arms levels. Fine, if they want an arms race they will find that the NATO states have a massive technological and financial edge.

Ian Bannen, Oxford, UK

Just what we need. Another pointless arms race that will flush billions of dollars down the military black hole instead of being used to better the lives of our citizens. It would seem that we are the ones starting it. What a damned waste.

Bruce L. Northwood, Washington, D.C., USA

The point is that all of this would have been quite unnecessary if the powers-that-be in the USA did not insist on NATO extending its reach ever eastwards.

I don't think Medvedev really wanted to do this but he was forced into it as a matter of survival. Anyway, the USA is in financial meltdown.

Alfred, Ryde, UK

Big deal! We spend 600 billion dollars on our military, if they have it, we have it.

As for Chavez, let him buy weapons for his military. Numbers don't win wars, the weapons, and intelligence do.

Stewart O' Riordan, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

Actually, I'm glad to see Russia investing the rewards of their recent, energy-based economic success somewhere they just aren't going to catch up with the USA.

What would be far more disturbing would be them diversifying their economic strengths, such that they are powerful when their oil runs out

Joe, London,

This is perfect to reenergize our teetering aerospace industry among other industries. Bring the cold war back. We need a definable enemy. Bringing back the old ways would actually suppress terrorism. Thank you Putin & Medvedev!
Remember, Homo Sapiens is NOT an altrustic animal.

Philip, Los Angeles, USA

‘Didnt the USSR try this in Cuba? What happened then? They didnt have the guts to go through with it when the US put the pressure on them’.
Paul, Savannah, USA

It is a good sample of how Americans expound world history. In mutual consent the USSR moved out own just coming ballistic missiles from Cuba whereas the USA to do the same with American ones placing in Turkey.

Alexey, Moscow,

Beware the bear! Remember Russia is flush with excess cash and their economy isnt in the mess that the US economy is in. I'm afraid the reaction from Medvedev isnt overkill but a strategic and logical response to the US's hair-brained foriegn policy of the last 8 years.

Grant, Vancouver, Canada

Let's see...a couple of DOZEN missile interceptors in Poland/Czech Republic to deter terrorists and a couple of THOUSAND Russian nuclear warheads. Yeah sure, that's really a threat to the Russians.

The only thing funnier is Medvedev's threat to match America in a nuclear arms race. What a hoot!!

Marty E., Robinson, TX, USA

Typical Russia - incapable of anything original.
We build defense shield - they build one.
We sail into Black Sea - they sail to Carribean.
We assist Georgia - they assist Venezuela.
We create television, music and movies - they steal them.
Best focus on what you do best Vanya - Oppress!

dam, Tbilisi, Georgia

Lets build our back our economy. Create Manufacturing Jobs. Close and secure our borders and coast lines. Build up our arms. Pull out of Treaty's especially the one of weponize space. And be prepared for any attack on us with our Nukes on a hair trigger alert.

John, USA,

It is clear to me that Russia's big talk and assertiveness has more to do with petro money than with a Bush failure. Russia was broke all thru the 90's. Oil production is already suffering and soon that cash will diminish and so will all that talk.

devoid, wilmington,

I would agree with Vladamir! The US started the new arms race and why should Russia just sit back and take it? Fellow citizens in the US elected the present president, not me! and now the whole world pays for that error. This situation will continue with McCain and that well known redneck Sarah!

Derek, Mebane, USA

I would of prefered it if russia puts it's money towards health care or bettering human nature, but america thinks it runs the world and this Dimitri has this ego trip on at the moment, so good luck to them,.

Adam Webb, MK, UK

We should withdraw from NATO, the UN, and all other entangling alliances/international commitments. We should sell the UN headquarters to the highest bidder. The world hates us and we should reciprocate. Europe needs us far more than we need Europe.

eddie , tifton, usa

How all you westerners c an be so stupid and narrow minded? We want nothing else but security! Stop surrounding us with your military bases, stop putting your first strike weapons on our borders, stop portraying us as barberians and alcos from the east! double faced propaganda makes me sick..

Vladimir, moscow, russia

Kevin Sullivan wrote: "do they teach world history in US places of learning"
My history taught me: Europe colonizing and dividing the world as it is today. Israel/Palestine, India/Pakistan etc... The list is endless

Where Europe has left its footprint; war, disease, starvation.

Good History?

Mike, Washington DC, USA

History repeats itself, and America has been here before.Two commies uniting in the Western Hemisphere is something we defeated before; forcing Russia to keep up with our arms production will again defeat the Russian bear. But Obama will reduce defense spending and give them all milk and cookies.

Steve Kittel, Seattle, USA

People of the world must be vigilant when reading any world message board nowadays. Russia is waging a propaganda war against the democratic warld and up to 90% of the messages everywhere are sent by the army of specially trained KGB agents disguised as Westerners. The aim is to undermine the West.

Stan, London, UK

When one adversary begins to look after only its own interests, guess what happens. Way to go Bush and oil cronies.

Now more of our money will will be given to the military industrial complex as we renew our military build up. At least, as long as everyone plays nice, we won't be killing our kids.

Web Smith, Los Gatos, U.S.

Russia would like the world to think that saying it will upgrade its defense is the same as doing it, when anyone who really follows defense issues will tell you "talk is cheap-Show me the money" is the real mantra. Despite the sudden influx of petro$s Russia is still the sick man of Europe.

Mike, Cambridge, UK

<<<...the usa is the 'core' western civilization...
chris, Harrogate, uk>>>

Do'h, can I see that Caliphate-option again?

Sven, Germany,

Russia is all mouth and bluster. If you actually look at the task the President has set by December, no General in Russia is capable of doing it. Their inflation rate is such they can't actually afford it.

Richard, Plymouth,

"It is time that Russia provide Venezuela and Argentina and Ecuador and Nicaragua with enough arms to kick the imperialistic British out of the Falklands.

BillyHewitt, Marion, USA"

PLEASE leave us Ecuadorians out of this nonsense!

Julian, Cuenca,

Let's introduce Putin to Palin - they'd make a lovely couple!

Then, in the words of Tom Lehrer, "We can all go together when we go".

leila , manchester, uk

This is what the Military Industrial complex has worked for since the end of the USSR. Gorbachev offered the zero option before that, but influential US interests were making too much money from the Arms Race to want it stopped. 9/11 was a Godsend in stoking US paranoia +justifying military spending

Dean Hallett, Basingstoke, UK

We need to start developing our oil supplies to compete with these dictators and defend our country financially and with technology.

we need to have a good strong conservative in power as these people only are defeated through strength. The liberals have emboldened them! Elect McCain.

Sue, Newport Coast , USA

Why don't they just buy or simply ask the Americans for theirs? The US is willing to place these in Poland and the Ukraine, they can put them in Russia as well. This is just stupid on Russia's part. The US is no threat to them if they don't go out of their way to pose one to the US.

GL, Bellevue, Canada

Russia is trying step forward stupidly and characteristics of crazy nations are pretty difficult to predict sometimes. So, we have to watch out their moves. Russia doesn't have real freedom and it support terrorism secretly.

Michael Wong, Jakarta, Indonesia

It all emanates from our broken promises and attempted economic invasion of Russia 1991-99. Russia is tired of having pins stuck in its eyes and since 2000 Putin has shown he will not tolerate it. We created this, without understanding the Russian psyche. We need their resources more than they ours.

Mike L, Chippenham,

Europe must build its own army and you britons should help us. Our GDP is 10 times bigger. We cannot be afraid of the Russkies. The only real weapon they have is pipelines and that's why we should invest a lot more in nuclear energy and build pipelines from SubSaharian africa

Horace, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Can they afford it?

Paul Dixon, Huddersfield, uk

Another step forward for the human race. Another huge amounts of taxpayers money to the major arms dealers.

Out of the three world powers (China, Russia and US) . Only one has oil and significant natural resources.
The times are changing and the G8 nations will not consist of US or UK very soon

S morris, Newbury, UK

I refuse to believe the Russians are stupid enough to want to engage in another arms race with the US. This is just political blustering as they try to remind the world that there's another country in Asia besides China. Unfortunately, this is the only way they really can right now.

onchu, Vancouver, USA

Russia's economy is the same size a Spain's or Italy's. The only way Russia can pay for an arms race on this scale is from tax revenues - fleecing ordinary Russians to pay for what they don't need. What Russians do need is infrastructure. This huge country is literally crumbling apart.

Michael Dembinski, Warsaw, Poland

A russian missile shield poses no threat to the west, and mostly serves to reasure the russians themselves, just as the american shield does in the US. By renewing their nuclear deterent the russians are just doing what the western powers decided to do some time ago.

Janus Bak, Aarhus, Denmark

Stuart, Leicester wrote: And so Russia brings us a new Cold War. Russia has been a belligerent, anti-Western force for the last 200 years.

And in those 200 years they were invaded by Napoleon and the Nazis. The latter left 30 million Russians dead. Who's belligerant?

qimi, Oxford,

Hi,
The US started the New Cold War.Let me ask What is NATO under the guidance of US doing faraway, in Russia's backyard(Ukraine/Poland)?US is busy roping in as much CIS states as possible to contain Russia(Energy superpower).All this in the guise of shielding against attacks from "rogue states"

Rio, Rio, Brazil

It is a pity that the opportunity the world has got to allow true peace to reign all over the globe after the end of the cold war is probably for ever lost. The world civilization level, as has been shown, is not better than during the Roman era as has been shown by the situation in Somalia etc.

G. Ishola, Port Moody, B.C, Canada

Russia FALLS!!! That will be the next news. During history, extreme military buildup campaigns and retoric, such as this, immediately precedes a FALL of the nation-state. If I said empire, I would be giving them too much credit. Russia is dying on the vine and will be bankrupt and fall soon.

Don, Raleigh, USA

It is so easy to post 'Let's go get Russia' comments when you're from a continent that has no experience of what a world war actually entails. Any big conflict with Russia (a nuclear power, in case you've forgotten) would send most of the world (including the US) back to the stoneage.

Matt, London, UK

Your optimism is noted, Mr. Bromley. However, I wouldn't start shovelling dirt on our graves, yet.

Jim P, Sacramento, United States

This is all about the cycle of mankind. Empire's rise, empire's fall. In the end, millions of innocent people will be dead due to the complacency of the Right, and of the denial of facts by the Left. World War 3 started Sept 11th, 2001, the players are still manuevering for dominanace.

Brian, Pensacola, USA

This is the perfect opportunity for the US and Russia to repair relations! The US should offer to help the Russian program and integrate the two shields together. This would both prove that America's intentions were in fact to counter rogue states. Furthermore, It would give Russia closer ties to u

Epaminondas, Belmont,

What's wrong with people ! Just can't live in peace - need to threaten , threaten and wage war - and then ? much talk about peace , peace and let this be the war to end all wars - and then ...
Someone needs to kick that Russian backside .. and then kick his American equilavent

ian, Belfast,

The irony is, that all the Russians are accused of, the US/NATO are already guilty of! Also, reading some of the comments, one does have to ask, do they teach world history in US places of learning, either they do not, or, many of your correspondents were not very good students!

Kevin Sullivan, London,

I have just spent two weeks in the U.S.A.What patriotism compared to our attitude in this country.Russia will push America too far at their peril.

R.Hart, sutton coldfield, U.K.

How utterly pathetic. So called leaders behaving like 5 year olds. Russia couldn't afford to be a superpower even when it was the Soviet Union. It certainly can't afford to be one now, even on the back of current oil prices. We should just ignore them and treat them with the contempt they deserve.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

What most of the comments made previous fail to recognize is that the missile shield was not even considered before Russia started providing Iran with the much needed nuclear material that it says is going to be used for peaceful purposes.

Bill , Maryland, USA

Russia in final stages before WW3. Read "New Lies for Old" by ex-KGB Golitsyn who knew of USSR plan to lull West to sleep by breakup while actively ramping up Nuke force, fomenting economic troubles abroad, supplying rogue states with nukes for plausible deniability. West still oblivious. PREPARE!!

Michael Gray, Sacramento, California, U.S.A.

anyone remembers the yankee's name who promised Russia in '90-es to not exapnd NATO to ex-USSR?
anti-atomic "shield" at Russian border, against ... Iran??
all-Iran wants (and only can) is to increase its influence in Iraq ... atomic bomb? rocket delivery?? not in 20 years ...
N.Korea?? :)

Max, Sacramento, CA, USA

As much as I hate to disagree with my countrymen, we are ignoring the fact that after the Cold War we treated Russia like a second rate nation. We also meddled in their "near-abroad" putting ships and threatening to install missile systems within sight of their borders. How would we react?

Ian, Boca Raton, USA

US need a strong answer to keep peace near Russian borders. I don't believe in all that rhetoric about. It's just peace enforcement. US supplied Georgia with weapons, and Georgia started S Ocetian conflict. Remember?

If you wish for peace, prepare for war.
~Cornelius Nepos~

Russia wants peace

Leonid, Moscow,

Hello Chad. Obviously the Europeans didn't complain enough when your complete fool of a President decided to start encircling Russia with his missile defence shield. We can do without this sort of help. Hopefully your next President can start undoing the damage.

David , London, UK

Russia is a thorn in our side.They never side with us.They always give aid to our enemies, such as Iran and now Venezuela.Thoses countries that control the oil will dictate over others.If Russia wants a cold war I say give it to them.If we had our own oil reserves, we would'nt have to deal with them

Len, Jackson, USA

Chad - Most US military spending is with US military service and equipment providers. The US hasn't really borne a burden from being on point for global security. Arguably, GDP is increased through military spending - although not spending that money and lowering tax could have a better effect.

Camryn, San Francisco, USA

it is so funny to watch the ending of an empire, we know how you feel over there, but face it your teetering on banckruptcy, you soon will not be able to pay your way. the only bright thing for you is that the chimp will soon be gone, and maybe then we will have stability in the world

Graham Bromley, Rotherham, UK

Nice, good on Medvedev but if they do that, we'll do the same since we did spend 600 Billion on our military this year. Russia is becoming a bit of bully, and people say were bullies.

I'm not to worry about Russia or Venezuela. If Chavez decides to build an atomic bomb, no worries, we have 12,000.

Stewart O' Riordan, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

Russians have nothing to do in S. America, just like Americans have noting to do in Europe. Let's respect each other's Monroe Doctrine. Let's stop wasting people's money! This stupid confrontation may produce nuclear war. Looks like America is most active in this madness, Russia is reactive.

Kizhe, Philadelphia, USA

Reactions of the Russians are kind of understandable.

Lets take these scenarios: Russia placing a missile defense system in ... lets say ... Cuba & suppose Mexico will now be part of an alliance with Russia (counter the NATO alliance sought by Georgia and Ukraine) and missiles in Poland and GA.

Mounir, Casablanca, Morocco

steve p., houston, usa wrote:
...the fact the US saved Europe from the Nazi's

Most of Nazi's forces were destroyed by USSR. Neither America nor USSR could win this war alone and it's sad to see how Americans are brainwashed by their own propaganda. How Russians can trust Americans after that?

Denis, Yaroslavl, Russia

So, Mark from US, you think this is a joke? I wonder if you will still laugh when Putin extends this shield to Venezuela, Cuba or Mexico?

Sven, Germany,

I told you so months ago !

G.D Flynn, Rotterdam/Hague, Netherlands

Additionally, the cost of such a race can be afforded by Russia, have no doubt! I am not so sure that in its current economic situation it'd be advantageous for the US to escalate this matter. It'd seem the wisest of moves at this juncture is to sit down with the Russians and .. share the world !

Mounir, Casablanca, Morocco

How can anyone be suprised by this?

Felix, Pompano Beach, US

‘Good. now the USA & Russia have something to occupy their minds, hopefully the rest of us can live in peace and not be bothered by their childish squabbling. Though i do think Europe should stand up on it's own legs in strength and independence’.
Marco, Kraków, Poland


Rats to move previously from Russian ship into American one today are running over towards European vessel. I do not envy Europeans.

Alexey, Moscow,

‘Good. now the USA & Russia have something to occupy their minds, hopefully the rest of us can live in peace and not be bothered by their childish squabbling. Though i do think Europe should stand up on it's own legs in strength and independence’.
Marco, Kraków, Poland


Rats to move previously from Russian ship into American one today are running over towards European vessel. I am not envy Europeans.

Alexey, Moscow,

every nation has the right to pursue its own national interest and relative advantage. the usa is the 'core' western civilization and as a fellow westerner i say go usa. when china (or a new global Caliphate) rules the world we'll miss the bumbling arrogance of the usa. appreciate what you've got

chris, Harrogate, uk

Didnt the USSR try this in Cuba? What happened then? They didnt have the guts to go through with it when the US put the pressure on them. I dont really worry about 1 tiny, 3d world country. The US still has enough sticks and carrots to counter anything Chavez hopes to do. The oil bubble is bursting.

Paul, Savannah, USA

It would be a pity to see all that President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev accomplished flushed away. From a cold war to a cold peace?

Jim, San Diego, USA

Would someone please explain to me when exactly the US became an "Empire?" Last time I checked we weren't by any definition. Don't give me this "economic empire" business either, just because we have (or had) a better economy and everyone wanted to trade with use does not make an empire.

Mike, Elgin , USA

Stuart, Leicester,
And so USA brings us a new Cold War. The West has been a belligerent, anti-Russian force for the last 200 years, and this goes to show that a leopard doesn't change its spot. Once again the world will be threatened by the malign, aggressive and expansionist instincts of the USA

Nikolai, Samara,

why does Russia view the United States as its enemy? both have much in common. more so than the China or other countries. why all this one upmanship? the United States has no desire to occupy Russia or destroy it. for what pourpose?

charles, jeffersonville indiana, united states

It's time people realized that nothing ever really changes. Weak countries get gobbled up by strong countries one way or the other--either by conquest or alliance. Each weak nation must choose its master. And one is ten times more powerful than the other....

Mark, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA

The US created the hostilities between Russia and the US by planning a missle defense system against Iran in Russia's front yard. What on earth is the US thinking? This is another White Elephant that will cost billions and do nothing but start another cold war. Doesn't the US have enough enemies!?

chris, LA, USA

As I see, the West continues to suffer from the inertion of mentality. Please, forget about the Cold War times ! Russia is not the same as the USSR, so get used to cooperate, not to teach !

Pavel, Moscow, Russia

Good. now the USA & Russia have something to occupy their minds, hopefully the rest of us can live in peace and not be bothered by their childish squabbling. Though i do think Europe should stand up on it's own legs in strength and independence.

Marco, Kraków, Poland

"Russia builds missile defence shield". That sounds like a trading and investment opportunity to me. I bet the French will offer the first tender!

Adrian Gilbert, Tonbridge, Kent,

America doesn't need this right now cos of there financial difficulties at present and should jus scrap this missile shield business, at the end of the day if someone wants to blow somewhere up they will do it sooner or later anyway, plus i do think russia have a right to be angry. tata

chris, loftus, uk

To John Campbell: what makes you think that the former soviet states don't want to have close ties with the Kremlin? Why don't you ask a Ukrainian what they think? Half the population are pro-Russia. We (USA/UK) are not really the right people to make judgements on what the former soviet states want

Simon, London,

A Canadian calling the USA "irrelevant"? Oh, the irony.

jeremy, San Diego, USA

Maybe I dont understand something? But who kills people of Afghanistan and Iraq? Who started all modern conflicts? Who gave to Georgia weapons to kill South Osetians? And when somebody wants to be protected from "empire of good" what we see? They call us the agressor. Is it normally?

Ramil, Kazan, Russia

Isn't this what bankrupted the old USSR?

David Masu, Zürich, Switzerland

Who Cares? Nothing ever changes, just more crying Mothers & Fathers mourning there dead children. When will we learn to get along? I'm sick of war and the stupid bravado and wasted lives.

David, Cincinnati, USA

Hitherto Russia's defence budget has been one tenth of that of the USA, and about the same size as the UK. Not an awful lot of parity there. Is Medvedev/Putin going to bankrupt Russia in an attempt to catch up? Perhaps they need to look back at the history of the last cold war.

PD FitzGerald-Morris, Rochester, England

The British empire lasted generations upon generations,exasperating most colonies under their rule. Stop looking at the U.S. as the new evil empire. Most colonial powers have ruled with far more longer brutal regime or ideology. We grew up to soon to take on the worlds problems.Yes, your problems.

Nelson, Woodridge, Illinois, U.S.

What a joke. Will someone please remind the Russians that they aren't a Superpower any longer? They should concentrate on repairing all those Navy ships of theirs that break down and have to be towed back to port anytime they have an excercise.

Mark, Manchester, USA

The decline of the American empire is upon us. The predictable collapse is accelarating at a rapid pace...and the world is breathing a sigh of relief. When the U.S. does collapse, the rest of the West just might follow, including Canada. Canada is the US's biggest trading partner.

Reed, Phoenix, USA

Sad, another nuclear arms race....US initiated....again. Russia should feel threatened; the missile "defense" shield is considered a first strike weapon. Americans are not informed and live too much in fear....thanks corporate dominated media for brainwashing people thru misinformation and lies,

Alan, Piedmone, United States

I love how our fellow "friends" and "allies" are so eagerly counting down our demise and hoping for our failure. Let's see how well Europe does without a counterweight to a resurgent Russia and a rising China. Some of you need to crawl out from underneath that idealistic shell you live under.

Rob, Cleveland, USA

Medvedev says even more important thing than it seems first. It means on the heels of Bush’s administration Kremlin rejects the liberal model of capitalism too. However unlike the USA Russia has had REAL moneys to pump them in own economy. Transforming the economy into J. Keynes model should lead Russian government to unload American liberal model supporters in addition. Bye-bye Mr. Kudrin.

Alexey, Moscow,

The difference between the US and Russian missile defense shield. Is that the Americans could care less. But the Russians see a defensive system as being somehow offensive?

Why is this?

Terry, Au Gres, Minnesota USA

It looks like a major military confrontation with Russia is becoming inevitable. They must be stopped whatever the cost. Better dead than red!!!!!!!!!!

Jon, orlando, US/UK

And so Russia brings us a new Cold War. Russia has been a belligerent, anti-Western force for the last 200 years, and this goes to show that a leopard doesn't change its spot. Once again Europe will be threatened by the malign, aggressive and expansionist instincts of Russia.

Stuart, Leicester,

While I understand Russia's paranoia (the US just can't seem to understand that they lost upwards of 25 million people in WW2 i.e. ALL of NY State and NJ simply gone), I just wish they'd invest more in infrastructure to give the country a rock-solid foundation.

Nick, New York, New York, USA

Every time there is any sort of crisis, the America haters come out in force, smile, and confidently predict its imminent destruction. What else is new? Socialist tyrants like Hugo Chavez, Medvedev, Putin & Ahmadinejad never win and their ideas always end up in the trash pile of history.

Mike Perkins, Houston, United States

Waited long enough! Apparently Russia has managed to steal enough secrets from America to mount a missile defense shield. Wait a minute, wasn't Russia against such a shield in the first place? Oh, I get it: the misslie shield is to keep satellite nations under Russian influence not missiles out

Pete Dosado, Hammond, Indiana

So, Russia wants to flex a little military muscle? Haven't we been doing that for years? My fellow Americans, we have tried to be the only big boy on the block and it has bankrupted us. We need to solve our own problems and quit trying to colonize the world. Empires don't last!

Heather, san pedro, usa

I've noticed a lot of Anti-American responses. So let's look at this, the world has always had a influential nation lead it at one point or another, and right now it's America. If America loses that position, who will fill in? Russia? China? Do you believe the world would be better in their hands?

Travis, Eau Claire, USA

I want the empire to fall as much as you. I would love to see all of the world fend for itself.
But some of you fail to realize when America falls so will you.
How's your stock markets holding up?
It will be much easier to fight global warming with half the population gone from starvation.

Tyler, Springfield, USA

Lockheed-Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing and General Dynamics all say there is indeed a GOD! Lets go back to the days of 10% of US GNP going to the Defense budget and 1000 ship Navy and active duty military of nearly 4 millon. Guys we only spend 3% now and that's with a war.

dave, Fort Collins, USA

hayes,
russia would take the north from canada if it weren't for usa. socialist leaning peple hate usa. if you escape socialism, you love america, even thought the socialists are poisoning her.

dave, manilla,

Robert, Derby:

Thats what Hitler and Napoleon were thinking when they attacked Russia and where are they now?

jogn, NY,

"Irrelevant?" That's hilarious; don't be so jealous. Our economy is 5x as big as the UK's. The only reason the UK gets to play on the world stage is because of the so-called "special relationship" with the US; otherwise, you'd be as important as Poland. Show some gratitude.

Brett, Washington, DC, USA

And Lockheed-Martin, Boeing, Northrop-Grumman, Rathyeon, and General Dynmanics, et, all, say thank you to Mr Medvedev!, Lets go back to the 1000 ship navy and spending 7% of the US GNP on the military. 4% Now. That 7% was a peak in early 60's. Sorry 3rd world and the UN there went you aide packages

David Laird, Fort Collins, USA

Once again we see the Russian leaders have the short man complex. And now they will bluster and produce more and bigger weapons in an attempt to look macho. They only look foolish and childish. Perhaps Mr. Putin could give us a karate lesson or pose with his shirt off. OOOHHH

Tom , Visalia, USA

It never ceases to amaze me how naive people can be... Trillions of US, British & other dollars and many lives fought the cold war (and hot wars before it) to free people in Europe (e.g. Poland, et al) and we quickly forget our history of occupation by our friends in Russia... Chamberlin lives..sad

Drew, Philadelphia, US

"[..] If that happens then we will put nuclear missles in Georgia, the Ukraine, the czech republic, Poland, and establish a permanent nuclear naval presence in the Black Sea." - John Farren, Dayton, U

Assuming -we- don't lynch our politicians for ignoring -our- wishes again.

Lukasz, Krakow, Polska (Poland)

The last time I checked, the U.S. still has the world's pre-eminent military. And if we're talking about nuclear deterrence, here again, the U.S. is unmatched---and it's not even close.

We may be having some financial problems here, but the reports of our demise are greatly overstated

Jeff McLaughlin, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA

the missile shild the Russians will build will just be a cardbord box made to look like a missle defense shield, just like all thier parade tanks and such.

India buyed 7-800 russian "parade tanks" some month ago . Do you think indian generals are fools ? Or they want to do a looooooong parade ?

Leonard, Sardinia,

hayes,

yea cos china will be better wont they.

will, grimsby, uk

Robert Derby

It doesn't really matter how old thier technology is does it ?

A nuclear weapon built 20 years ago still kills millions if used.

Weight of numbers is what tells ,just ask the Germans
Russia can field numbers Nato cannot hope to match.

huxley, keighley, west yorks

No, everyone doesn't hate America, and we have a long way to go before irrelevantsy. Funny when things go wrong in the world and America only stands by, people ask, "Where's America, how come they won't do anything?" When America acts, e'one condemns her and when shes in trouble, few stand by her.

Brad, Sac, USA

The US should back away from the rest of the world for a few years just to show all of the peacniks that evil really does exist. However, retaking Europe from the Islamist, The middle east from the Russian/ Iran, and South America from Venezula, would be harder and more violent than current ops.

sean, Raleigh, USA

With armed forces over-extended in the Middle East and our shared economies on the brink of great failure, Russia makes its move as America and her allies enter a new period of weakness.

I think we're in for "interesting times".

Andrei MR, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Cold War 2 has begun!

Clay, Louisville, USA

I say: Let Russia do all of this, and as fast as possible. Let them get so far down the path of financial interactions as possible. Then, we DUMP the price of global oil due to our own supplies now being allowed to be tapped, and watch them repeat their own bankruptcies, and take the 3rd world along

Bama, raleigh,

keep in mind, there is no rule barring the Russian Federation from joining NATO, they are CHOOSING to oppose the free world, AGAIN... and allying themselves with despots, dictators, and madmen, AGAIN...

I'm betting the end results will be the same, THEY LOSE.

matt, denver, co

Do you people know anything. The USSR aka Soviet Union has always had a missle defense system installed around their capital. They have never by treaty dismanteled the system. The current administration understands that they should never reliquish our ability to defend ourselves to anyone else.

Tony, Cleveland, Ohio

Well done to both sides you have shown how progressive the human race is. As we head to a future with a shortage of resources food and water and proper management of overpopluation and polution becoming critical issues what better solution than than to start a new arms race.

John Smith, UK,

It seems fitting that Russia be allowed their own missile defense. They certainly have a right to ensure their own defense. However, the arms race is completely unnecessary, especially for Chavez. They are spending money on defense, but unless their intentions are offensive they are spending in vain

Joe, Boston, United States

Adam, Baltimore. Heard of Stalingrad? Its in the non-American history section and its where the Nazis were really defeated. By Russian soldiers. Parade tanks? Ask a German survivor of the Kursk salient about that. Get your head out of America and smell the rest (majority) of the world.

KR, Stockport,

Nothing like the vocal, tangible threat of joint Russian-Venezuelan naval exercises to focus the mind!

Thank you, Vlad and Hugo, for reminding our "hopeful", naive citizens and leaders that the world is a dangerous place. "Dialog" isn't always the cure - sometimes there's no substitute for Marines

Mike, Washington, DC,

I seem to recall that early in the discussions with the Russians about building the missle defense shield, our government suggested sharing the technology, in order to pacify Rusian fears.

John, Cleveland OH, USA

There you go Mr Putin, why didn't you do this in the first place and spare us all the bluster? I am sure that Germany, in her newly assumed guise of neutrality, will host your missile shield radar for you. Need that gas you know.

Jerry, seattle, usa

America should be ashamed. First we rob Russia blind, then we slap away all offers of cooperation, then we expand NATO to her doorstep, the we incite border problems with NGO's (read CIA), then we try to isolate her from oil deals in their own sphere of influence, and then a missile shield. WE SUCK

pvuk, San Diego, USA

Must we go through all this again?
Stal...er, Putin seems to be some sort of personality that wishes to emulate some of Russia's past greats or not so greats.
All the world needs is he and President Palin to square off. How do you say "the end" in Russian?

FrankCanadian, Montreal, Canada

I hope Europe and America become energy independent soon. We need to quit funding these regimes by buying from them!

Kevin, Rural Alaska, USA

we need to go renewable asap as to avoid throwing good money at bad guys. the buy weapons and science with our money and turn them against us.
green does it nicely and cleverly.

henry, notts,

anyone notice the difference between the west and russia? russia is building offensive weapons, americas shield is defensive. it is fundamentally different.

does russia really think it can rival the west, there ecconomy is 13 times smaller than the US's alone.

will, grimsby, uk

You all do realise that we are financing this by buying their gas and oil.

Tom, London,

Maybe, folks should consider the track record the US has in S. America, not too bright with it's support of bloodthirsty tyrants. And as to the comments of cardboards tanks, the ones I saw in Red Square certainly rumbled and made a hell of a noise, considering they were cardboard....

Robert, Madrid, Spain

If there has ever been a time the US needed to withdraw all foreign aid, secure our borders, and invest in our own country, it is now. When are we going to become more proactive regarding the potential threats to our own country? It seems all we're good at any more is bickering amongst ourselves.

Nathan, Jackson, USA

A risky strategy for Putin --- all dependent on the price of oil. Russia's use of energy as a blackmail tool will only hasten the developement of alternative energy sources. They are already feeling the pinch of falling markets as Western nations scale back investment in the Russian bear.

Danny, Fredericksburg, VA

excellent move! I like the concept of multi-polar world. That should be good PR for russian defense products.

mumbo, Oberammergau, Germany

That's true, Jason, but one doesn't just throw up a land-based strategic missile defense system in the space of a few months. The system now being deployed by the US is the product of decades of R&D, hundreds of thousands of man-hours and numerous live-fire tests. It takes a looong time to make one.

Matt, Chicago, IL, USA

Hayes, despite your poor spelling, I hope you are right. Most of my countrymen would love nothing more than to shake the dust of Europe from our heels forever. Just take care of our soldier's graves.

JL Ronish, seattle, usa

I think we should meet the world's request and pull back from all external engagements. We have the good fortune of being separated from unfriendly nations by the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Let the rest of the world sort out their own affairs.

David, Denver, USA

Putin can sell, and Chavez can buy, all the nuclear technology they want.

The question is: Can the soon-to-be revamped Russian Navy can run the gauntlet of 11 U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups to make delivery…

Computer says, "No."

R Thomas , Texas, USA

What is the response of the UK to this, current plans are to cut capability further. With current force levels we could not defend ourselves. The next Conservative Government, or any Government, should make rebuilding our armed forces an absolute priority; at least to 1990 levels.

John Lewis, Upminster, UK

An arms race with the US? That country is about to go bankrupt...

Farrukh, Woking,

Poor, poor, small Russia. Everybody hates it, everybody wants to beat it, to hurt it, to cut to pieces. If only we could send them to the moon and let there play any military game, they want....

Igor, London, UK

Make no mistake, Russia is a powerful enemy not to be taken lightly. Flush with revenue from an abundance of natural resources, they have the means to rebuild their military machine, comments like "cardboard boxes" notwithstanding. With their Chinese & Iranian alliances, the BEAR is at the door!

Jim, Fairburn, GA, USA

Russia does not have to deal with communist/socialist philosophies while pursuing the expansion of their economy through gas and weapon sales, anymore. If Russia cannot match our firepower, they will at least stall our firepower through gas controls & new allies. Russians are serious but not crazy

Naleen Lal, Northern California,

Hayes, Canada has been living under the US's umbrella of protection the past 60 years. We've essentially financed your social welfare system because you don't have to spend money on defense. If the US falls from prominence, let's see how much you like China and Russia running the show.

Mike, Boston, USA

The US is a useful tool, if not partner, for the Russian Military build up. While both the US and Russia have some differences...but understand the real history of the Cold War. Spying was exciting many but in the end it was about finding ways to co-exist. Today...China looms large for Russia.

Ryan C, Manchester, US

Let Russia build her shield if she feels the necessity. We in the US should applaud this. Maybe Europe will accept responsibility for their own defense. The US should pull back from all of overseas bases and allow the global community to respond to the trouble spots of the world. UN out of USA.

Bob, Georgia, USA

Hayes, Toronto, Canada

What! Coming from our neighbor to the north, you guys are supposed to be our friends, were north americans. Christ! For your information, we can recover, we did from the Great Depression.

The eagle will be back!

Stewart O' Riordan, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America

The damage that the Bush/Cheney administration has inflicted on the reputation & credibility of the US is incalculable, and, take many decades to restore. The fear in the West, once, was that the US would become isolationist, now, most reasonable people in the global community pray for just that!

Kevin Sullivan, London,

Lol...at the first post. Irrelevant nation? No, my friend, thats your country.

If the USA was irrelevant, then this economic crises wouldnt not be affecting the entire globe.

This is, however, quite disturbing. It means we'll have to defend your irrelevant country again...along with the EU

Bill, mount pocono, USA

Do you idiots really think that the world has changed?
Russia is doing what it always has done, using warships and force on sovereign nations. Yeah, what has changed is there is yet another EU generation that ignores the fact the US saved Europe from the Nazi's and held off Russia in the Cold war

steve p., houston, usa

US too much aggressive and want to father on all countries, this is not possible. Now George Bush knows how they are paying for his several mistakes. Now he is reluctant to commit another mistakes to attack Iran. He can think about why most of us hate American.

George Zaw, new york, usa

Your countries are no better to speak of. Better put, your governments are no better. The UK follows us around like puppy dogs, just as dirty a government as America. Canada, lol, please. When we go Canada, guess what, I'm sure you will be coming with us. All big powers are just as guilty as US.

Jeremy Keator, Washington DC, USA

and another thing: What would the world complain about, if not for the US? What are you, obsessed over the US? Don't you Europeans and Canadians have anything else?

steve p., houston, usa

Why the America bashing? The missiles NATO wants in Poland are interceptors - they shoot down ICBM's they can't be used offensively. They are only installing a handful of them. Russia has THOUSANDS of weapons they can fire if they want to, a few interceptors would have NO impact on the deluge.

Angus Elliott, Cambridge, Canada

Russia has a problem. The former Soviet Union States have no wish to ever be under the Russian boot again. Russia is now plotting it's own demise. Eventually they will once again spend themselves into bankruptcy and in the process make true enemies out of the entire world.

John Campbell, Bakersfield, CA, U.S.A.

It is time that Russia provide Venezuela and Argentina and Ecuador and Nicaragua with enough arms to kick the imperialistic British out of the Falklands.

BillyHewitt, Marion, USA

Tinfoil hats at the ready! Let the Games begin.

Howard, Manchester,

Russia!!! Has been, it is and it will be a failure! History repits it self!

B, ottawa, canada

So tired of being the dart board, why not return to the isolationist mode and use the shield, the only time the US has taken land is to bury our dead left behind in their wars. Let them fend for themselves and we turn our efforts towards fixing our problems. We have enough of our own.

Charles Culp, Roatan , Honduras

I wonder if Hayes in Toronto will find the Russians nearly as benvolent as the U.S. has been?

EAG, Maritimes, Canada

Wow. Just what the US needs to combat its economic woes; another international arms race. Just one point, here. The US economy, though reeling from a collapse of the credit market, is still growing. The Russian economy is in a recession. Russian arms sales equal capital. Its all they have left.

Mac, Miami, USA

Sounds like tit for tat. Maybe Russia thinks it can bankrupt the US, much as by increasing US defense spending, Reagan bankrupted the USSR in the 80s, causing its demise.

Think again! The real intent of Russia is the anointment of Czar Putin. Russia will slide back to poverty as the world awakens.

Robert, New Jersey, USA

Someone from Canada calling the USA irrelevant? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA That is so funny!

Steven, Tucson, USA

The decline of the amerkin empire is upon us. This predictable collapse is accelerating at a rapid pace... and the world is breathing a sigh of relief. Thank goodness the rest of the world deciding that enough is enough from this immature and now irrelevant nation

Hayes, Toronto, Canada

Adam, Baltimore, MD, USA the shield the US is putting in Poland and other countries is most certainly aimed at Russia. Again the US causes the trouble and then only has itself to blame. There isno need at all for the US defence system in Europe at ALL...
Wonder why everyone hates America...

Darren, London, UK

Reorganise the Russian forces by December?How does he intend to reorganise a force that reorganises constantly,its the only thing they do.They lack good officers nco's and professional soldiers.There equipment will take at least twenty years to even approach western technology ,some hope.

Robert, Derby, UK

It cracks me up when people from the USA ridicule Russian combat technology w/ words like "sling shot" ...anyone who has been following arms sales know Russian tech is formidable and the Pentagon is well aware of this. So please grow up...American is spread thin and broke. No time for laughing.

Jason, Phoenix, USA

Good go build your own missle shield and stop complaining about ours. There's no reason for us to attack you. Besides the missile shild the Russians will build will just be a cardbord box made to look like a missle defense shield, just like all thier parade tanks and such.

Adam, Baltimore, MD, USA

We need to withdraw our forces from foreign soil, develop alternative fuel sources, and build a missile defense shield. All nations should fend for themselves or be consigned to the dust heap of history.

eddie, Tifton, USA

Putin, Ahmadinejad and Chavez are in the vanguard of a new authoritarianism.This lacks ideology,bound together only by a thirst for power,but is backed up by natural resources and crude nationalism.It's far less vulnerable than state socialism,because the population is not materially deprived

Richard, Bexhill, UK

John Farren, Dayton, USA
Would you bother to ask nations of Georgia, Poland, Czech Republic and Ukraine when you want to put nuclear missiles there? Or US "democracy" doesn't need to know what people think? I suggest next US president to choose words and actions very carefully, world has changed.

Oleg, Toronto, Canada

It benefits the entire world to "open source" missile defense. I don't see why we can't all mount a global apollo scale program to make unkthinkably reliable missile defense.

rick, Miami, US

If they do this. they will eventually power their cities from nuclear submarines.

Kathy, Bonney Lake, Wa.

Wonderful! We can at last find excuse to back out of world affairs to fix our financial mess and let the complaining European windbags deal with the lion at their door. For decades we have taken point for world security. Let other nations now bear the economic burden for world security!

Chad, Greensboro NC, USA

Mr. Medvedv needs to understand that destabilizing South America will have serious consequences for Russia. If that happens then we will put nuclear missles in Georgia, the Ukraine, the czech republic, Poland, and establish a permanent nuclear naval presence in the Black Sea.

John Farren, Dayton, USA

America is virtually bankrupt, now Russia wants to be the same.

Barry Samways, London, UK

Russia's 'elected' mafia leaders show their true colors yet again. If they want to play the hard, tough cold war game again, so be it. Maybe this time they can put the vodka bottle down long enough to actually build a Navy. Bring it, Vlad.

James , Atlanta, USA

Can you say " Sling Shot" !

Sam, Scottsdale, USA!

expectable answer to US.. unfortunately

Andrejs, Riga, Latvia