Russia's Recent Moves  

Personally, I think Medvedev's reasoning is Putin's reasoning. There is a slight chance that he may actually think for himself, but right now he is little more than a puppet.

Russia is currently a country ruled by the ex-KGB and delusions of grandeur. Putin appears to be a meglomaniac who has picked this moment in time to assert himself. Russia's actions are aggressive. There is no other way to put it. There is no gloss to shine on it. They're testing the waters, seeing how much they can get away with. Right now, as it was in the past, the U.S. is their primary opponent. We're the ones they're trying to tempt into action. Considering how spread our forces are at present, it's a good strategy.

I'm disappointed that Europe hasn't taken a stronger stance against them. Don't they remember the Cold War? Don't they remember the fear that lay just to their East? Russia has never been known to play things gently. Nor have their scruples gained them any admirers. Putin is crazy enough to think that he can give Russia it's comfort zone and then some.

My real question is why is China so quiet? China and Russia are not the best of friends. Do either country really believe that once the U.S. is out of the way they won't turn on each other? At least, here in the U.S. we have geographic distance to make things more difficult for the Russians. Although, Chavez is scratching at our front door.

I think it was dumb for Georgia to provoke Russia. I think they were banking on US support, but the US would probably try and avoid getting on bad terms with Russia if possible