[Brilliant]

We need to engage Russia more than we are doing. The reality is that we need Russia on our side both in this war on terror, in the struggle with China, and economically. Putin has definitely not moved in the direction that we want him to go, but in the long run, our future depends on enlisting Russia on our side, and for some reason, Washington seems unable to see that.

[TemplarAkolyte]

I don't doubt our policy on Russia. The policy is to support democratic systems of government ever since the Berlin wall fell. With much thanks to the United States her former satellites are leaning or are democratic. The Russian sphere of influence in the region is diluted but still very potent. Historically, this is a continuation of the Eurasian Great game of geopolitics.

Engagement is a two way street. How that's done on our end can be argued ad infinitum. The West obviously needs Russia in a multitude of political and economic facets; Russia needs money, not necessarily Western money. The question ultimately is: What is Russian policy towards the west? Their skitishness with nearby democratic states along with what their actions have been this past decade do not promote much confidence of what their western policies may be.

Russia is the fulcrum and it's hard to tell which way she will side. I think some of our Freeper comments harking back to the rhetoric of the Cold war may very well be appropriate. Perhaps to some Russians, the Cold War never ended.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not giving up on Russia, she has a great people and tradition but they share that knife's edge in this pivotal time in history. I think the eggheads in Washington see this and more. The ball is in the Russian court.