Is Russia itching for a direct conflict with the US?

Question

When you see http://uk.news.yahoo.com/rtrs/20080816/tpl-uk-georgia-ossetia-81f3b62.html it would appear RUSSIA actually is just looking for reasons to conflict with the US. Although I believe a missile base in Poland is a copy of the old Cuban Missile Crisis (you would think we had learned by the last time nuke silos next to super powers is just PLAIN STUPID). However, with Russia's actions in Ossetia is it really any surprise nearly all of East Europe wants to join the EU and US against their oppression? If were me, I'd be far happier working with the EU and east europe as good future clients of Russian resources instead Russia takes a stance, either with or against. I think as much as the West is trying to be peaceful Russia actually hopes for a conflict with US troops in east Europe. Sad it is, but Russia appears to have no interest in cooperation or peace they want WAR.

Answer 1

You'll get many different opinions on this one.  I think Russia wants to control the west by cutting off the oil and energy that flow through their territory to the west.  They did it last year to Ukraine.  They also launched a cyber attack on Estonia last year, effectively crippling their command and control.

This is just a trial run for the big show, just like Hitler practiced on the Sudetenland, Austria, Czechoslovakia, and finally when he was convinced the world would do nothing, he invaded Poland.

Answer 2

It appears so, they are trying to regain there super power status by threatening nuclear war.

Answer 3

Russia would be doing what they wanted, but they are exactly trying to avoid a clash with the US so they do what they think they can get away with. On bad couple of days and the US could destroy most of their military capability. They can't defend against our air power, especially outside of Russians built up areas. We could take out almost all of their navy, air force, and ground based military equipment in short order.  

What stops the US? We know they want to grow their economy, so they need to be in the G-8 group of countries. They need influence, and they will lose good will if they keep that c**p up. They know they can push it, because the US and Europeans have a lot invested in Russian development, and in Russian business. The west thinks that Russia can be brought along slowly, but surely, into the fold of civilized countries who don't attack others for gain, but trade with them in stead. That is why China gets away with a lot of c**p as well. They are a huge trading partner with even more huge potential. We would rather have them as friends than fight with them. Unfortunately the leadership is more motivated by their own selfish greed and desire to be personally great in the world and wealthy and powerful, than for the well being of their people.

Of course we have problems like that with democrats in this country as well, but they have a lot further to go than the Chinese and Russian leaders, even though Clinton got help directly from the Chinese in his campaign funding, as did Hillary, and Bill paid China off big time, it was money well spent.  

Answer 4

No.  But they do want to be assertive.  They have been rolling over every time we pushed since 1991.  They really haven't been at the top of their game, like they were 1949-1985.  So now that they've recovered and can compete economically, they want to be able to compete militarily too.  

Answer 5

don't mess with Russia!

Answer 6

Yes they are.  So would Bush be a war monger to protect us.

Answer 7

No, they learned from history that the aggressor benefits from brinksmanship. The Soviet Union "annexed," invaded or usurped power in a dozen countries during the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. They're just repeating the process and expect that the United States will do now what we did then: pretty much nothing.

During those periods, we pissed and moaned. The Soviet Union took most of the countries by force after undermining their governments. Then they moved homeland Russians in to help run the country, which is why they are now rushing into Georgia - to protect the Russians who were planted their during the years Georgia was part of the Soviet Union.

And what can we do? Russia has the third largest army in the world, and 70 percent of our operating military is involved in Iraq and Afghanistan. Oh, and don't forget that they got nukes, too.

George Bush has failed miserably in dealing with Russia. Putin is a thug who has turned back the drive for Democracy and has now appointed himself the equivalent of premier of Russia. No one who knows how things are going in that country is surprised by their desire to re-expand their borders.

We needed to cut this off four or five years ago when Putin began to amass power. Instead, Bush said he and Putin were friends who saw eye to eye on so many things. This will be a huge stain on Bushes record because Russia's not done yet.

Jim the Yooper

Always wanted to be a KGB thug