Russia is becoming the ally of the Muslim world and this is a threat to the expansion of the West's interests in the middle and far east.
Putin is doing what he can to protect Moscows interests in the face of invasion in Iraq, Afghanistan.....possible conflict in Pakistan. He's no fool.

harry, london, uk

Russia's pride and joy top notch equipment has been staged east and was not used in the war with Georgia. They didn't need them.

A sprinkle of "Steel Rain" might help though if Russia continues it's southern campaigns and moves on the Ukraine!!

Steve Jesse, Czar Nicholas, USA

A curious thing. There are quite a lot of thinking individuals in Russia who hate the Putin's internal policy and want closer relation with west. But now the time of illusions is gone the masks are down. Most of them are quite aware of the fact that whatever is bad for Russia is good for the West.

Elrat, Zelenodolsk, Tatarstan

The Russians are historical troublemakers. I can't think of one single American that wakes thinking about how to take advantage of Russia. We want to kill terrorist by the thousands...but not Russians! Russians need to stop being so cynical. No one in the US gives a damn about Russian either way!

Edgar, Palmer, USA

What's wrong with a cold war? If that is what it takes to stop the imperialist Putin from running wild in Eastern Europe, so be it. Had the British and French found enough fortitude to start a cold war in 1933, a long hot war might have been avoided in 1939. Cold wars save lives.

Kevin Finnerty, Atlanta, USA

Mike Lew, I agree. Palestinians are among victims of Britain’s actions in ME. They gave away Palestine land which is not owned by them to the Zionists and destabilized our region for the last 60 years. I keep GB fully and legally responsible.
Y to peace n justice, N to war n aggression.

saleh darwish, Amman, Jordan

A more effective, but moderate response: Have Georgeian president Mikheil Saak'ashvili removed from office (somehow honorably if possible) and have Georgia, Russia and Western powers compromise on a new Gergian president favorable to both sides. Avoid nazty international triangles, make this deal!!

miguel A., Saint Diego,

Here we go again. The same ludicrous rhetoric and power politics from both sides that anyone over the age of 40 remembers as scaring the hell out of us prior to the 90s'. I hoped we'd left all this nonsence behind. Unfortunately it all seems a little bit scarier than it used to.

Andy, Halesowen, UK

Jim in New York is right, the US should pull out. Whether Russia or Georgia is at fault here, the US should just let it play out. To all you Brits blaming international problems on America, YOU created most of these when you divided much of the world arbitrarily into countries to suit your interests

Mike Lew, Massachusetts, USA

i think there is more to all this than the avg person knows
its sure to have somthing to do w/power, control & money
hope we can get along,but when there is bully on the block
and it won't move then one will have to get physical.
THE "bear" better not wake the "GIANT"
john, USA

john s., harvey, la, usa

Egor, NATO was NOT created to put tanks in your country and destroy your homeland. It was created to keep Soviet forces out of Western Europe. When given the opportunity, that's why the Poles and Czechs and others have joined NATO. They most assuredly have not forgotten Communist domination!

Rush, New Castle, Delaware, USA

Since collapse of USSR, Russia has become a champion country for making concessions to the West on all political and economic debates with the aim to get integration. And what Russia got instead from West? Distroyed Serbia, NATO expansion, orange revoluions in Georgia and Ukraine, missiles in Poland

Roman, Moscow,

TO: Dave Essex
One should be so naive to think that terrorism is self emerging threat :) Isn't it something what US has created and supported overtime? Just amaising how US and UK people are brain washed! Terrorism is a US tool to push forward military expansion and state money spending on weapon!

Roman, Moscow,

I think every country suffered enough from east and west interests in every continent, so please live in the peace and everyone will have something to eat in the peace, so please give us peace of love and give us piece of peace.
Fida mangal, Khowst, Afghanistan.

Munawar Fida mangal, khowst, Afghanistan

Winslow in Toronto. You speak of making the world a better place for all, then you suggest that the money in Iraq was wasted. When you say "all" , do the people of Iraq not fit into that category? Would it have been better for the Iraqi's to remain under the thumb of Saddam? "All" really means you.

Thomas, Lewes, U.S.A.

G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia..
All I can say is wow... that is the weirdest response to an article I have ever read.

These "prophecies" are so vague you could apply them to any situation you feel like.. I think I'd prefer defense departments drawing up their plans with a bit of rational thought.

MK, NSW, Australia

Shannon,
then ask you minister of finances stop coming to Moscow and ask for money "the third world country"

Marina, Chanhassen,

Remember the last Cold War? Soviet Union went broke trying
to compete with the U.S. Communism doesn't work! And make no joke about it, Russia is still communist. But Putin is
alot smarter this time around. Lets see if he's smart enough
to leave Poland (and Ukraine) well enough alone.

Ivan, Houston, USA

Mr. cold war advocate Putin is dangerous. Remember, he was once head of the K.G.B. during the communist years of that country. IM sure this man can be very heartless and ruthless.
Russian Citizens wake up !!. Putin wants the Poliburo re-established..

mark, las vegas, USA

USA & Russia have been using the world since 1945 to impose themselves; the most racist and war maker country against the most corrupted and killer country messing around everywhere: lets them have a go at each other in a neutral field: the north pole! And see what happens....

Felipe , London, United Kingdom

There is going to be a big boom.....

dugie, SC,

Bashir should *not* spend too much on a wedding dress - Russia is only courting Syria in response to the Polish missiles.

marty, london, uk

The world police should come to an end we Americans don't even distinguish between Georgia in caucus and Georgia state we started the cold war again to implement 1946 plans American educator is CNN/FOX news Russian are right we're double standard nation.. very shameful, Iraq.. where is wmd?,

Gordon, Ft. Lauderdale, USA

It's time to develop a sound energy strategy that will suck the dollars, euros, and most other currencies out of the oil markets. Once that's done, where will Russia, Venezuela, Syria, Iran, etc. find the money to buy a Twinkie? Seems simple. We just have to stop funding enemies at the pump.

John, Washington, USA

During war, the first casaulty is the truth. Why don't we get all the respective leaders in one room & before they are offered a chair & a chance to speak, they must of drink a bottle of Vodka and finish another one before they are allowed to leave the room. Get CNN to roll LIVE & watch the TRUTH.

kosta little, Ioannina, Greece

American foreign policy...making the world a safer place for our children.

Bruno, london,

To Peter, Alaska, USA.- i think extermely opposite - usa wants to control not only their own territory but territories in europe, that's why they break world's agreement and put its missles in poland. Russia wants only peace, and we will never interfere the foriegn politics - as you did with osetia

Svetlana, Moscow, Russia

Nice. Thank you Brzezenski.

Roland, Dallas, US

I'm afraid the world has missed a golden opportunity to move forward and make it a better place for all. The money spent on Iraq could have gone a Long way to solving the need for alternate energy. Surely everyone realizes that if not today then tomorrow, we will run out of oil.,

winslow, toronto, Canada

russia cannot afford all those perks .its still a third world country with some oil money

shannon, akron, UNITED STATES

People, you really think that anibody in Russia need war? I am only 18 years old, but I interesting in politic. I am communist. And I want democracy in our country. I hate Putin and Menvedev. But I really don't want to see NATO tanks in my country. NATO created to destroy my homeland. Dont forget it

Egor, N. Novgorod, Russia

Unfortunately, oil and gas revenues are enabling the Russian government to conduct post-Cold War expansionist politics, which seems to be compensating for the shameful end of the Soviet Union. The question is how the West will face the new Russian assertiveness in times of overstretched military spending (USA) and a serious global economic downturn.

Peter, Geneva, Switzerland

Russia has to be stopped from supplying weapons, military technology, and placing a naval base in syria. Syria is a terrorist country arming, training, and supplying money, and military logistics to hezbollah along with iran. Hezbollah is becoming more lethal, better trained than al-qaeda.

Mark, Ocala, USA

Perhaps we are going to buy bread off Syria? That is what we Russians need: not a base for our rusting ships; not missiles; not invasions and not villas in the French Riviera for our ruling mafia elite. But what can we do?

Andrei, Putingrad, Russia

If at some time in the near future ... I, my family and my country, are the victims of an air burst thermo-nuclear explosion ... My anger would be directed at America first and foremost, followed by this little Island off the landmass of Europe.
*WE WILL* eventually have to learn to live in peace !

Ray, Truro, UK

Mikhail, it's a pity there are not many people in the West who share your point of view.

Victor Kanarev, St Petersburg, Russia

As always, thugs and bandits have the most to fear when the balance of power is redressed, hence the whining from the US/EU. The US may have plenty of smart weapons, but it does not appear to have any smart people !.

N Brajkovich, Northwich, UK

Sam in VA is right as far as saying that the ABM deal was in the works long before the Georgian crisis erupted. If the Russians would quit supplying Iran with the materials (and know-how) to make nuclear weapons, the ABMs in Poland wouldn't be an issue.
These missiles wouldn't be needed.

Rush, New Castle, Delaware, USA

to Dan from the US on "I know we (US) can beat them if it came down to it. "
that is not realistic, there are no winners in the nuclear war, not with Russia. It is not like droping nuclear several bombs on Japan and then enjoy being a winner.

Mikhail, München,

This goes back to the breaking of assurences given to post-soviet Russia where NATO, driven by the neo-conservatives in Washington, changed the strategic balance in Europe and effectively exercised Pax Americana in Eastern Europe. A bit rich for the Yanks to be complaining now!

Brendan, London,

This goes back to the breaking of assurences given to post-soviet Russia where NATO, driven by the neo-conservatives in Washington, changed the strategic balance in Europe and effectively exercised Pax Americana in Eastern Europe. A bit rich for the Yanks to be complaining now!

Brendan, London,

The Israelis have pushed their luck with the Russian bear. It seems that they will have more missiles across their border and a naval base in the Med

geoff, london, uk

Leo -- excuse me?!? What America is doing?? How exactly is this to be blamed on America? Bit too much of the local tipple methinks!

Rob, London,

Can't America just sort of stop what it is doing? Who wants yet ANOTHER cold war or any kind of war? I'm sick of this. It sucks. STOP THE WAR!!

Leo, Stellenbosch, South Africa

Israel interfered with Georgia to undermine Russia. It seems that Russia is paying back Israel for that by supplying Syria with weapons that are not wanted by Israel in the region.

alison, liverpool, uk

It would be good to see western Defence depts get out amongst the committed christians and find out exactly what the future holds. Too many Defence depts plan without Gods Word in hand. If we know Luke chapter 21 and The Book of Revelation we almost have the whole picture. Many prophecies as well.

G.Gibson, Sydney, Australia

Sam in Virginia, if the missile deal in Poland "had nothing to do with the US", how is it that Dr Condoleezza Rice signed an agreement with Poland?

Come on - please accept some responsibility for US actions. I know this strategy has been long-planned , but to sign an Agreement now is madness.

Bill, Sydney, Australia

It seems that "Cold War 2" may be upon us. The reasons that this may be happening may be simple to explain. Russia is awash in oil and natural gas profits, and is becoming a real economic power. They seem to want to be a world power again. They also are angry about NATO deployments in eastern europe

Peter, Alaska, U.S.A

Respecting American, European and Israel’s trouble Russia has not been sold weapon Syria to lose big moneys for a while. After last events Russia does not see any reason not to sell modern antiaircraft missiles there to get an income. Despite disliking the regime I have to say me to like Putin’s pragmatism.

Alexey, Moscow,

Face the facts. We have a lunatic for a president who is not content to start two wars. Now he wants to start a third with the only country on earth that has more and larger nukes than us. He has about 4-6 months to blow up the world and the idiot son of the former CIA director might do it.

Mike, fort lauderdale, USA

Georgia was in the wrong, Russia moved to defend South Ossetia. And as for this 'Russia is no longer strong' mentality, you have got to be kidding yourself. they might not have massive quantities of new hardware(think US), but the quantity of last generation equipment could eclipse all others.

Luke, Port Macquarie, Australia

Russia aligning itself with a terrorist-sponsoring state. Any questions?

Michael, Chicago, U.S.A.

Maybe you Europeans should travel to the New World. Russia with its lousy military may attack a military base near you but hit your flat instead - a la Georgia.

Fred, New Madrid, MO, New World

Most of these countries are rich in natural resources or are routes that pipelines take to get these resources to the west i.e. georgia and its ports (Russia is now trying to block the ports). Lots of nations have their excuses to be in this region, not just Russia.

Peter, Oxford, UK

The Russians are still in denial, they are no longer the Mighty Communist machine they once were. Russia's wealth has grown with high oil prices. Just one more reason to find a new source of energy. Please Americans lets stop giving all of our money to people who want to see us hurt.

Ryan, Seattle, WA

Randy Newmans song keeps rolling around in my head...lets drop the Big One and pulverize them...boom goes New York...London too...lets drop the Big One annihilate them...

sean connor, ontario, canada

Enough of American double standards, what is good for the Goose must surely be good for the Gander. Iraq was the turning point and now we are going to see a new cold war with a richer Russia and a weaker west. Iran, Venezuela, Syria, Taliban, North Korea would all be laughing all the way to the bank

Gabriel, Dublin, Ireland

Vladimir:
"Probably Muslim world which has been knocked down by the USA - to aspire to the union with Russia"
The Russians in Chechnya and the Serbs in the Balkans infinitely committed more atrocities against Muslims than even the most absurd propagandist estimates of US "crimes".

Alfonso Valdes, San Francisco Area, USA

I truly enjoy how everyone blames the US for this (and all) situation(s). The missle defense deal has been in the works for much longer than the current Georgia conflict. It has nothing to do with the US. As far as Syria and Russia forming a relationship, it's their right and cross to bear.

Sam, Virginia, USA

Russia held Eastern bloc neighbors in darkness for 50 years, ruling with an iron fist. The press and all information was controlled by the governent. The Soviet government killed 22 million Russians and their leaders were praised by the people.

Andrew, New York City,

With the amount of nukes Israel have pointing at Syria plus the fact they are occupying part of Syria in the golan, the Syrians need the Russian's there not to make war but to stop itself from getting blown off the map.

Adam Strait, Pershore, U.K

I wonder why we are so harsh on Russia. What Georgia was doing was legally questionable. Why not sell the breakaway region to Russia? We should be trying to do more business with Russia, not promote The Cold War 2. I know we (US) can beat them if it came down to it. But nobody wants to see that

Dan, DC, USA

The world will never be kept in the dark again and accept rule from Moscow.Freedom will prevail over Putin's ego and his greed(he has $40 billion personal wealth in U.S. banks).We will protect Russia's neighbors from her bullying.
Russian weapons to be beaten by the freedom loving West as before.

Andrew, New York City,

After all the ganging-up against Russia by the NATO members, its good to see someone taking Russia's side. As far as the Israelis are concerned, its pay-back time for supporting a criminal regime in Georgia.

David Fergus, Padiham, UK

Get ready for WWIII... You'd think we would have learned by now. Humanity at its finest!

Dan, Acworth, U.S

When US went to Afganistan they could fly over Russia.Than
Iraq.The 3 Baltic nations joined Nato.Now Georgia and
Ukreine.Missiles are going to be installed in Poland that
will receive Patriots in exchange.What should Mr.Putin say.
You are moslty wellcomed?

B.Benzi, Cesena, Italy

Russia has always wanted to have great influence and access to the Mediterranean Sea. It looks like Syria may be that breaktrough. Israel probably knows what to do in all this. A cold war can only hurt those countries that align themselves with a Russia that is turning into the bear that it is.

Harry Gruber, Jacksonville, USA

This is better than looking at the Olypics...tit per tat..and arms sales go up ..loved it..!

Renee , Perth, Australia

This has been in the works by Russia, China, N. Korea, Syria, Iran, and Venezuala for some time. I am just glad the rest of the world is waking up. It is time Europe understands what has been going on the last 8 years, the East is intergrating to the west to bring it down.

Jack, Houston, USA

And history repeats itself again... Just like Hitler tried to make it look like Poland started the war, Russia is now utilizing the same tactics. Georgia has the right within their borders to address problems like seperatists. Old wounds never heal. Go ahead, pick your side and lets roll!

John, Texas, USA

Russia has lost its democracy; it has money again from oil and so it is reasserting itself globally and those (e.g. Assad) who think they do business with them are answering their calls. Would have happened no matter what we did. New era of East/West conflict and stuggle over oil is now here.

William, Florida, USA

Russia is no "great power". Look at their army units in Georgia...what a joke, old equipment, no body armor. They have been reduced to a third rate militarily and cannot come close to matching the US capabilities. Let countries side with who they want. The smart bet is to be a US ally.

Steve, Boston,

Here we have it, the Russian cub (because clearly it is not a bear anymore) is attempting to push its might around. So it invades a weak neighbor and than forges a new alliance with a terrorist regime. It I remember correctly, the last time Syria used Russian tanks in Israel, it ended up with none

Mike, Florida, USA

Instead of losing our youth and squandering our treasure fighting your battles I for one would like to see the US pull out of everywhere.

Let the lot of you have at each other - we'll be just fine on our side of the Atlantic.

Jim , New York, USA

Send in Russian peacekeepers (and peace-tanks, peace-rockets and peace-bombers)! I'm sure Israel won't mind...

Marcin, Warsaw, Poland

Probably Muslim world which has been knocked down by the USA - to aspire to the union with Russia.
Russia also probably does not have choice as " all world community " - and actually the West - conducts game of double standards and rescues a criminal mode in Georgia

Vladimir, Moscow, Russia

If the US was not puting its technology and weapon systems into the near Russia boarders would this situation not be arising ? its proven that the only threat to USA has been terrorism not anybody else.

Dave, Essex,

Explanation:

NATO: "If you do not do as we say, nobody will play with you."
Russia: "You will not dare."
NATO: *does not talk to Russia anymore*
70% of the world that is against the USA and Israel:
"Russia, let's play!"

Yes, this is extremely simplified and somehow sad/dangerous.

Alexei, Darmstadt, Germany