Babylon was destroyed in 539 B.C. by the Medo-Persians, the nation from the North. Just as Jeremiah had predicted it would be after serving God's purpose of punishing Judah for her sins. It was then judged for its own.
Babylon is also a symbol in the Bible of all Evil, whose King is Satan. Parts of Chapter 50 17-20 look to a time when the Messiah (JESUS) will rule and Israel will be restored, because those who seek foregiveness will be restored.
The second time since the fall of communism (and the first under Putin) that Russia expelled a NATO military attache
Russia expels Lithuanian military attache
http://www.interfax.ru/e/B/0/28.html?id_issue=10691526