Russian Cooperation?

This is all just my opinion, but -

- - Putin is actively helping Iran develop their nuclear capabilities.
- - He's also giving Syria missle technology, even though Syria is still dragging their feet over leaving Lebanon.
- - He seems to be ambivalent over getting North Korea back to the negotiating table.
- - Even after the horrific attack at Beslan, he doesn't appear to have much interest in the war against terror - at least any part that doesn't involve Chechenians.
- - It was only within the last week that he decided to recognize Georgia and the Ukraine as independant states.

Combine all that with the takeover of the Russian oil industry and the arrest of the former head of it, plus the fact that Putin was a former high-up in the KGB, and you have a situation that does not bode well for 'democratic cooperation' between Russia and anyone else.

Maybe it's just the strength of Putin's personal history coming out. Maybe it's the only way he feels he can counteract the Russian Mafia. Whatever it is, Putin seems determined to return Russia to the Cold War with respect to the United States, and returning his own people to the bad old days of constantly looking over their shoulders in fear.

We always knew that this was on the cards one day for Russia. Looks like that day is here.