Russia's Defense Minister Unveils Plans to Overhaul Military (embarks serious military build-up)

VOA ^ | 02/08/07 | Lisa McAdams

[GSlob]

Given the time frame they have [dictated by such things as resources depletion timetable for the extractive economy and decreasing demographics], what they are about is a gigantic waste, even if none of it were to be stolen or to dissipate through corruption. And as for the reverse engineering, plasma etc - that game can be played from here as well, they [or the chinese] do not have a monopoly on it.

[stuck_in_new_orleans]

Someone educate me. Whats the deal with Putin. Is he elected? Does he have a election coming up? Are there term limits over there? Is he going to just declare himself the "leader" and stay in office...and what would the people do? Is he popular?

[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

We use $200 billion dollar bills to light cigars.

[AlaskaErik]

Russia's conscript military will be 50 percent muslim within 10 years. It is unarguably the most demoralized force of any European or Asian country. Its tactics and weaponry were unmasked as utterly ineffective in the Middle East. I doubt if it will ever become a force to be reckoned with.

[Jmouse007]

In answer to your questions; Mr. Putin was elected twice by the people of Russia. According to the constitution a person can only serve TWO terms as president. Therefore, according to the Russian constitution he can not run again UNLESS he changes/amends it; not beyond the realm of possibility, but possibly unlikely, I do not know if the Russian people would stand for it. that said, they do like a "strong leader" and Mr. Putin is that. The second option is for Putin to hand pick a successor who will be a surrogate thorough whom he will actually reign and hold power; pulling the strings behind the scene (a very good possibility).

Given Russia's move toward democracy (in spite of the backsliding, the people there have embraced democratic reforms, capitalism to one degree or another is thriving throughout most of the former Soviet Union). While they will never go back to communism, the idea of a restored Imperial Russian state with a dictatorial “czar”/”president” in power IS a possibility. This seems to be the tact that Putin is pursuing. That said, time will tell what will happen. We should have a pretty good idea within a few short years or less.

[Proud_USA_Republican]

Prediction:

Russian military continues to rust. Russia's economy is a one-trick pony based on energy exporting. They will not be able to perform a military buildup like this with only their own resources. It would take decades.

[JudgemAll]

Despite the substantial projected outlays, Russian President Vladimir Putin says his nation's military budget is 25 times less than that of the United States

In $ value, perhaps... Not in terms of sheer quantity, though. Russia exports in fact far more than the US in terms of quantity but less in $ value.

[SevenofNine]

Now that funny ROFL rack itt

Tsar Vlady the poisoner

[nw_arizona_granny]

Thank you, bump.

[BIGLOOK]

MI ping

Under funded? Consider the economy.

[Jmouse007]

Here is some additional information as to how Putin is going to circumvent democracy in Russia and continue his so-called "legacy". Please go to the following link:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1786727/posts