[Schwaeky]

If it is something Al Qaeda wants or benefits from, no matter who else Russia may try to aid to our chagrin, it is in our strategic best interest (unless you want a revived cold war) to keep Russia closely aligned to us in the War on terror. Remember, they have been injured too now by Al Qaeda, the gloves are off.

Most importantly, if the islamonazis want us to fight russia, we must keep Russia close to our orbit, because ultimately, the terrorists would like to see us fight the russkies for them, and vice versa, because then they benefit. Its a classic question of, "cui buono" (to whom the good)?

The terrorists are not stupid, you do not fight Russia and America. You get Russia and America to fight each other, and destroy each other... For that reason, regardless of other complications, keeping close ties w/ Russia and working together in the war on terror is a must, lest we see a Pax Mecca in our future...

[risk]

We don't have to abandon our principles to understand Russia's situation and encourage the Russian people.