I think Russia is the greatest, supporting the independence of South Ossetia from the oppressive Georgians. If only they would support Welsh and Scottish independence, too! And Texas and California, as well. But i don't know why they're so worried by a few little missile systems on their borders.

Nigel, Berkeley, CA, USA

Why shouldn't Russia supply defensive arms to Iran which is threatened by the the US and Israel? The US stuffs its ally Israel with weapons. Russia's actions just level the playing field a bit. And Condoleezza Rice lecturing Russia on bad behavior? She knows all about that.

John, Lisbon, Portugal

How can the world ever progress when we the majority of people in it think the best way to solve a dispute is by being aggressive and confrontational. You only have to look at a lot of these comments to see what I mean. I can't believe people are squabbling about who helped who in WW2 now, amazing!

adrian, Derby, UK

Give me the button - I'll push it and end it all!. The rhetoric on here from ALL sides is terrible, why don't we just end it now

Paul, Milton Keynes, England

The difference between the West and Rusiia can be seen from the comments published here: all the Russians suppot Putin's policy. The westerners' opinions spread from right to left. So, who's indoctrinated and who's a free thinker?
Commies are alive and they will return.

Theodor, Haifa,

This is part of a plan to destroy the United States. Terrorists will place Scud missiles on cargo ships. These missiles will be aimed at NY and Washington. Read the latest book by Joel C. Rosenberg.

joey, Tucson, USA

Will grimsby you may have fought it alone but if not for the U.S supplying you during the battle of Britain then you would have failed to out live a siege while Germany rampaged the rest of Europe!

nick, Anchorage, US

Here's enlightenment: 1) Russia is acting exactly as predicted by Anatoliy Golitsyn's book "New Lies for Old" and the final phase before WWIII is at hand 2) U.S. still ignorant of this plan and too arrogant to see it 3) EMP&Nukes will be used to cause U.S. fall, 4) EU form 1 world govt 5) Armageddon

Michael Gray, Sacramento, California, USA

Iran getting missiles to counter US, what a joke do you think we need to "fly in there to destroy their infrastructure we will just "shock and awe" them from a few thousand miles away with satellite guided bombs. We jsut target the missile sites and then fly in at our leisure.

nick, Anchorage, US

I don`t proud with all we are doing now, but it is need-to-do-thing. It will prevent the US to strike imprudently on this contries, and thus it will prevent heavy human casualties from both sides. It is all about being humane, don`t you see?

Peter, Vladivostok, Russia

neil murphy is right time to lift the restrictions from cuba and allowing them to start trade with us. maybe we can get around the offshore ban by getting more from them. If we can deal with China why not start with Cuba Castro will be dead soon anyway.

nick, Anchorage, US

Re Mac, Florida: I sure hope that you are wrong about Russia.

A country on the brink of collapse is one that has little to lose.
The west shows little regard for their prospective in arming and using their former satellites with missiles.

Al Beatty, Calgary,

USA can go and bully someone else. We in Russia just do not care. There will be no state USA in a couple of years any way. USA are bankrupt both economically and politically so RIP.

Igor, Sakhalin, Russia

Russia economy is plummeting, and so is the rest of the world. That is because of the economic mishandling and steady collapse of US.

Dk, San Fernando,

will,
I guess you don't remember all the US Merchant Marines that lost thier lives bringing supplies to you, long before we formally entered WWII.

Rod, Los Angeles, USA

On the plus side, Bond movies in the near future should have infinitely more material to work with.

Tom, Dallas, USA

There's a HUGE difference between dealing with radical islam post 911 which has no one single country to hold accountable (with one exception - IRAN) then dealing with a world power like Russia. They are foaming at the mouth to be a world leader again and will dig up its communist past to get there

Jeff, Colorado Springs, USA

It has take a long time, and significant international friendships to wake me up from the USA Matrix. Rule:don't believe anything you read or watch in the American or British press. Americans are asleep, and the lapdog Brits are insane! The US empire is over. Fact: Russia won WWII before US got in.

Dale, Tallahassee, FL, US

Uh, Marco Borg he said "demolish air defense network", not "wage years long war of occupation". Do you see the difference? What he's saying is generally true, but you allow blind partisanship and Bush/USA hatred to color your narrow perception too much.
Try again.

JCD, Indianapolis, USA

The F117 did not "fail completely" in Serbia, one was shot down many others completed their missions with success.

Witness the F117's success over Iraq in the first couple weeks of that war they experienced 100% success.
Pretty weak and incomplete analysis on your part.

JCD, Indianapolis, USA

Who are you to say their weapons aren't better than yours... You put your self in this position by wanting to put missiles in Poland and Czech. And if you haven't noticed your economy is not better off...i see a giant company folding or being saved by your nine trillion debt united states government

Rajan, Toronto, Canada

I'm astounded at the number of pro-Russian pro-Putin/Medeved comments from Europeans and others from the west. You people stand to lose EVEN MORE than America by a huge margin if Russia has it's way on all of this. Way to go. Keep letting that America/Bush hatred cloud your better judgement.

JCD, Indianapolis, USA

Let's see... Since collapse of USSR Russia attacked only one country after it was attacked first. At the same time US attacked Serbia, Iraq, Afghanistan... without being directly attacked by them. Yeah, you right, Russia is aggressive country. Something needs to be done about them.

Vitaliy, Sacramento, USA

I support the US, but we must not go too far within Russia's sphere of influence. It is a mistake. Now Russia is entering our sphere. Of course, Russia is aiding Iran, and Iran is a serious menace while Georgia, Poland, etc. are not. Let's hope this will all end in secret cooperation -- US & Russia.

Edwin Rowe, Chicago, USA

Want to make $s? Buy oil below $100 and hang on for a year or so. The current downdraft isn't going to last as the tension in the Middle E heats up. Russia understands the formula: sell arms to Iran, make $ from sales, cause tension, raise oil price, prosper with oil, more power.

Ed, Fairfax, VA, USA

WWAD - What would America do? If Some other country located rockets in Mexico, radars in Canada to protect itself from ... let's say Panama. And then dozens of US peace keepers would get killed. The answer is simple - you can ask Saddam. Oops, never mind.

Vitaliy, Sacramento, USA

Yeah people, Russia is the good guy. Look who they continually partner with - every brutal, Communist and dictatorial regime that exists. It is they who have always allied themselves against whoever the US supports. What's wrong with your judgment?

Chris, Tulsa, OK

Can't we all just come together and give a tight hug!? Seriously though... Russia has thousands of nuclear missiles. It would be stupid of us to try and take them on! By placing 10 interceptor missiles designed for rogue nations shouldn't be a threat to Russia! This is just stupid!

Aaron, Anoka, USA

You sure about that Dave? if Russian military power is just a paper tiger, US would have invaded Russia a long time ago like it's done in Iraq.

Not to mention US has done nothing more to "punish" Russia than wag its fingers. And last time I checked, it's the US economy collapsing. So yes, dream on.

Dk, San Fernando,

>The interceptors are designed to stop ballistic missile attacks from Iran...<
I have not seen more idiotic statement than this. How about Russia would install interceptors in Cuba to protect the USA from Argentinian missiles. Sounds very reasonable. Stop watching the Simpsons all the time.

Peter, Odessa, Ukraine

US set a precedent with Kosovo - why should Kosovars get their own state and not say the South Ossetians or Abhkazians - who were never really Georgian anyway.
Why no outrage over Sakashvili bombing civilians..
RE: Iran the US overthrew democraticly elected president and put in a dictator in 1954.

p, Vancouver, Canada

As an american I have a legacy helping countries throw off repression, such as the Pacific Rim, Kuwait, and yes Europe. I am amaze at how history has changed for many of you. One of you stated that England alone won the Battle of Britian Pilots came from all over even the USA, Canada, NZ, Aus too

Richard , Bangor, Maine, USA

Why all the furore over what the US does all the time? F16s to India, Australia, UK arms to Saudi Arabia... business is business. Seems the press wants to paint different pictures with the same scenario.

Howard, Manchester,

Russia is a country in the throws of collapse. But, they are not going to go quietly. Putin and the rest of the old-school Kremlinistas have taken the country back on the path it was on since 1917 and away from a viable future. In the meantime, they are going to put the rest of the world at risk.

Mac, Florida, USA

Russian weapons are one of the best in the world. Cheap, reliable, simple. Long live Rosoboronexport! US sells tons of weapons via humanitarian aid to countries "suffering" from "imperialist barbarian" Russia)))) Who knows how many Tomahawks private US companies sold all over the world...Hypocrites

Alex Meshkov, Novosibirsk-Beijing, Russia-China

by golly, if Texas secedes from the union, I will go and fight with them against the tyrannical federales.

Bob Hawes, Tulsa, usa

Why not? The US is stationing its missile systems and sending its military to train soldiers in Russia's neighbours; so Russia selling weaponry to Iran & Venezuela should not be questioned. I expect Russia to carrry on this approach to check US aggression in any part of the world. Good on you Russia

S K Lin, Georgetown, Malaysia

I don't understand the warmongering and claims that the US stealth bombers can destroy.. They failed completely in such a small country as Serbia in 1999, where the first ever downing of F-117 happened... The best way is to partner with Russia. Napoleon and Hitler already tried the other approach...

Dragan, Falls Church, USA

Russia is a paper tiger. Their weapons are no match for the technology of the US military. Dream on, Putin. You've bullied all foreign investors so now your economy is collapsing. Brilliant move!

Dave E, Santa Cruz, CA, USA

America is turning into a communist country and is stuck in Afghanistan. Putin knows what it's like and knows he is free to do whatever he wants, No one can stop him.

Bastiat, San Diego, USA

"our stealth bombers could demolish any medium-sized country's air defense network in a matter of days without (US) casualties. " Too true! Witness Afghanistan and Iraq!

Any prospective American stooge in Europe or Asia should also think- Vietnam, Ukraine, Georgia etc

Marco Borg, London, United Kingdom

Putin stated his case over an extended period of time that Russia was not comfortable with the expansion of NATO to it's borders. He told us the we [the west] were "not listening." The US - Condi Rice - has done a terrible job with the Russia relationship. So they now do this. I am Republican.

robert, boston, us

Why should the US worry? They'll be able to sell replacements to Israel for any aircraft shot down. It will be good for US industry.

Bill Peter, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

For 50 years the Europeans begged the U.S. to become involved in their political squables.....then for 50 years they complained about the U.S. being involved in their squables.......the only constant is their hand being extended for one form of benefit or another while they vocalize their criticism.

James, Santa Barbara, USA

Byron, get out of Austin and go live in Putin's Russia. There are a lot of things wrong with the misplaced aggression of the past 8 years of the Bush administration. But don't be so reactionary, one-sided as to glorify a dictator like Putin at the expense of the country that brings u such freedom

Jason, Austin,TX, USA

Russia appears to be emulating all the features of criminal regime. The problem is that Putin is displaying similar features to Hitler at a time in history very similar to the 1930s. I just hope my children survive. We need a strong Europe as the US is on its knees as a result of greed.

Stephen O'Mara, Tamworth, Australia

Russia's recent bravado is like taking a swing at someone who's already fighting sixteen other people at the same time. If we weren't immersed in a broad, Middle East conflict, Putin and company would keep their mouths shut and behave.

Jay, Houston, usa

We here in europe are blind. The usa has helped out most of the world. They stand for peace and democracy and freedom for everyone. (Although..they are not perfect...who is? ) While us polite europeans are literally being taken over before our very eyes we choose to turn a blind eye until it will be too late for us. But we're ok with that because we rather be comfortable and let our children worry about it. The USA is the only country (maybe besides Israel) that stands for truth. Most of you will ofc disagree but I do believe this is how many view the situation but don't talk about it. Remember...we're european...we think about things but dare not speak them.

Brock davis, Delft, The Netherlands

Iran needs to buy a lot more of this stuff if it is going to have any chance of stopping a concerted US attack. As it is, our stealth bombers could demolish any medium-sized country's air defense network in a matter of days without (US) casualties. Iraq had plenty of Russian-made SAM systems....

Mark, Somerville, Massachusetts, USA

What has the West done to enable Russia to enter the WTO? The threat to stop the membership now shows up the double standards at work. After all, the West ensured that the first former Soviet Republic, not counting the Baltic states, to enter the WTO was not Russia, but Kyrgyzstan!!

Mike, London, UK

Cory from US, Russia also helps with humanitarian aid (eg in China's earthquake & in Serbia to clean up NATO mines) as do other countries so let's not get all holy about USA.
Also, does anyone actually think Iran would attack first? It is US&Israel itching for it,Iran needs weapons to deter them.

Maria, London, UK

What Putin is can be best exemplified by his actions & friends: Restriction of the press, the invasion of democratic Georgia, aiding low-life dictators such as those found in Iran and Venezuala. Nothing good has ever come out of a Russian-controlled government! The Russians just don't get it!

WSF, Owosso, USA

Russia is taking the right position. Our country has become highly socialized, and is now entering a phase of highly fascist foreign policy based on warfare.

TEXAS should do the right thing and seceed from the USA.

Byron Ledbetter, Austin, Republic of Texas

If USA wouldn't be so aggressive in rhetorics about Iran, Venezuela or Korea, so the world would&#1090;&#1077; need so much... it would be no demand....
Russia also need money to go against world money crisis to help banks

Sasha, St.Peterburg, Russia

If USA wouldn't be so aggressive in rhetorics about Iran, Venezuela or Korea, so the world would&#1090;&#1077; need so much... it would be no demand....
Russia also need money to go against world money crisis to help banks

Sasha, St.Peterburg, Russia

With more hostility US speaks and acts toward Russia, with more hostility Russia responds. It is a huge mistake to think if US pressures Russia hard enough, Russia will "behave". The current US political tactics just doesn't work.

Alex, Seattle, USA

Wake up you stupid liberals, Russia seeks to dominate through control of energy. They have been busy for the last 10 years gobbling up all the oil and gas rights they can get their hands on, meanwhile the US and Euro doddle on climate change, p*ssing away our opportunty to become energy independent

Brad, Seattle, USA

Russia is also trying to lay claim to the Arctic, it is clearly expansionist and a massive threat and we have to treat it the same as the cold war era. Time also to destabilise chavez until gone, but offer friendship to Cuba, if they keep Russia out.

Neil Murphy, cromer,

The foreign policy of this administration is a disaster: first they start a needless war which results in Iraq falling into Iran's sphere of influence, then they provoke a needless confrontation with Russia with predictable results. Actually, there is little chance of this provoking WWIII.

Michael Landis, Guilford, Vermont, U.S.A.

That's okay. Iran will someday use these systems against the Russians much the same way Iraq and Aghganistan used American-supplied systems against the US. And Hugo Chavez will use them on his own people in an attempt to remain ruler-for-life.

Daryl, Mpls, MN, USA

why do people insist on moral equivolence between nato and russia? nato is a democratic body that people ask and have to prove themselves worthy to join. russia is just picking a fight for no reason other than the chip it has on its shoulder.

chris barnette, we won that battle of britain alone.

will, grimsby, uk

Stop iran...The longer we wait the more danger is a head. cold war has already started.
Europe is in greater danger than you think..Any U.S president no matter republic or democrat should keep Ms Rice as an advisor.she is well informed .I hope the next president can play chess.Talk is not enough.

Sam Etemadi, toronto, Canada

USA is the country that sells more weapons in the world, to every kind of country including feudalist, dictatorships, or armed groups. Indeed, USA sells nuclear material, and has started most of the latest wars. Continue that way, WWIII is very close, provoked by you!

alberto, spain,

Thanks to goofs like Piskolti and his ilk which infiltrated
the Roosevelt administration, parts of the US government, and the left in the US, thinking communists were the shining light of the future, the soviets were able to prosper
and be directly responsible for the deaths of MILLIONS
Thanks

M Wryley, Omaha,

Chris Barnett, just so you know, Swiss people already speak German.

Horace, Florence, Tuscany, Italy

In addition now Russia and Iran are arranging a deal to include exacting operational-tactical missiles ‘Iskander’ too. When Iran obtains the missiles it will be able to strike any American war sheep to come into The Gulf or Arabian Sea to bar supply of their troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Alexey, Moscow,

America will do nothing to stop Russia. We only attack countrys that are weak.

Johnny, L.A California, USA

We better set Iran back a "few" years( one thousand will do!) before the late model Russian anti-aircraft systems get in place.

Besides, we owe them plenty for the 1970s capture of our embassy, and their current production of manufactured (EFP) land mines that have killed many of our troops.

Marcus (Retired Air Force Pilot), Tampa ,Florida, USA

Putin and Chavez are like Achmedinejad--they stoke unrest in order to increase the price of oil. Russian defenses in those countries will have about as much success as the Syrian air defenses against Israel earlier this year. Embarrassing.

Cord, San Clemente, USA

To Mr. Bacon,

Russia does not qualify in violating the Monroe Doctrine. It is neither a European nor Asian power. It is simply Russian. Don't put them into a box with your thinking.

Patrick, Osaka, Japan

To all those with a sense of outrage lets be clear no-one is forcing any country to join NATO. Until recently Russia was cooperating with NATO. Short term opportunism in Georgia is costing the Russian economy dearly because there is no rule of law in the country. Dr P grow up this is all very old.

Graham, Westlake, US via UK

Wise Leadership = Nevil Chamberlain or Winston Churchill. Be careful what you wish for.

America is the ONLY nation to stand up to brutal regiems. When we fall....you will too!

Will, Anytown, USA

People have known this was coming for a long time. Still, it's amazing to watch it unfolding before our eyes. Read the 38th chapter of Ezekiel to see how it all turns out.

Christina, Birmingham,

Countries are quick to applaude any opposition to the U.S., yet, when the storm begins, they call big brother to their defense. They want us as an ally when they need us, not when we need them. Swiss, French, and British need to remember that they would be speaking German had we not waxed Hitler.

chris barnette, greensboro, u.s.

jacob, maybe you should move to Venezuela or to an arab country

Mike Johnson, pompano bch, fl

sure is a dangerous game but we offered the Russians to participate in our Star Wars, they could have copied it. Now they have to face the Chinese and the West; very dangerous move, in deed.
Let's shake it up a bit and let the best man win.

Hansje, Dayton, USA

If Iran bought S-300's now, months would pass before trained Iranian crews manned them. The U.S. might well strike before then. And even if it waited, these SAM's could not save any target in Iran, but only make it harder for the U.S. to destroy.

Mike Hollins, L.A., U.S.

USA can not do what they are doing now. We will have a major nuclear war. Russians had their peacekeepers under UN mandate in Osetia and they were killed in night attack. I doubt that it was without US approval.

Arnold, Geneva, Switerland

The Monroe Doctrine has been in place since the 1800s. It says that if any European power attempts to exert its influence in the Western Hemisphere that we will go to war to stop them. We should put a naval blocade around Venezuela and teach these countries teh consequences of alying with Russia.

Roger Bacon, Miami, USA

With McCain/Palin we will reach World War III sooner then anybody expects. We need WISE WISE leadership, who treat other nations as partners and consider their interests as well.
Why US supports agressor Georgia and wants Georgia in NATO so badly? Georgia is located very close to Iran, convinient..

Alex, Seattle, USA

I think most people in the world forget exactly how much money the United States gives away to countries all over the world, even to countries who despise it. Not only money, but also humanitarian aide to all sorts of natural catastrophes. Let peace reign supreme and never forget the generosity

Cory, Corvallis, OR, USA

Very simple policy response is in order.

A missile launch from Iran or Venezuela with Russian-provided armaments will be regarded as a direct attack from Russia.

It goes back to the John Kennedy doctrine. No surprises from use; nothing new.

Hubbard, LAGRANGE, GEORGIA, USA

Daphne
Venezuela has not done more to help the poor people than Americans you are out of touch big time the US did more to help poor people in the last for hours than Chavez has done at all Venezuela is a third world country he doesn't even help his own people GET REAL

Jerry, clifton park, USA

If Russia wishes to offer military support to Iran then Europe should cease trade with them and do without their resources. The greater disadvantage will be to them.

Chris, London,

EVERYONE READY FOR WORLD WAR 3?????

Jacob, portland, united states

Venezuela, has done more to help poor countries, than the so called SUPER POWER, ever has. That encludes POOR AMERICANS. ARABS has done more to help poor BLACK people in NEW Orleans than George Bush. I don't even know why Black people are fighting Arabs for American RED NECKS?.& have no rights.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

Why do you play the same "dangerous game" Dr.Rice? Why did you begin this game?

Stan, Volgograd, Russia

As an American, I have to say that my country is having to eat its Karma burger. Too bad that the good will have to suffer along with bad. We all should have stood up against the evil a long time ago while we could have done so in a non-violent manner. Now it's too late for that.

Kim, Dallas, Republic of Texas

Russian technology is stone age compared to the stuff we're using now. The next generation of military hardware from the U.S. will leave them totally in the dust. We have nothing to worry about.

Steve, Birmingham,

"I don't know what weapons World War Three will be fought with, but World War four will be fought with sticks and stones."

~Albert Einstein~

John, anytown, USA

Russia reminds me of that fat kid in high school that has so little self confidence and gets easily bored so he goes and tries to pick a fight to reassure itself. Venezuela reminds me of that fat kids conspiracy theorist friend that always wants to talk big because his fat friend will have his back.

Russ, Austin, U.S.A.

What does the US have to worry about? Don't they have the best army? Hm...Apparently not anymore.

Andreas Andreou, Cyprus,

Putin is gonna spank Obama.

Mark, Edneyburg, usa

There will not be another cold war, my friends we are headed to World War III quicker than I thought! To all that live in The United States of America it wouldn't be a bad idea to stock up on food, and stuff that is necessary! History is unfolding in front of us all so open ur eyes! McCain/Palin08

Brent, USA,

I am so happy Russia has started to play the same "game" as the US.The expansionist US regime, in its imperialistic mode, has been setting up military bases all over the world and encircling Russia, training local militias in ex- USSR member states and providing weapons.Bravo Medvedev,bravo Putin.

Dr. Szabolcs Piskolti, Signy, Switzerland

the yanks want it every way it is about time the realised that they cannot arm Russias near neighbors, and not expect Russia to do the same.

Graham Bromley, Rotherham, UK

I can not understand how the US government can say anything about the Russians in Georgia when the US is neck deep in IRAQ and AFGANISTAN with no end in sight.

Corey Wallace, Grande Prairie, Canada

Double-plus ungood.

Jordan, Texarkana, USA

I'm a conservative person politically, but I can't stand the inept way my country has been dealing with Russia. And it will come back to haunt us— sooner rather than later, unfortunately. Or possibly sooner and then later, too.

Gregory Scott, Houston, Texas

Hmmmm Cold war 2 or world war 3?

Thomas, NY, USA