[sukhoi-30mki]

Actually,the cooperation I look at is more than political.Italian,French,German & even British companies are trying to sign up with Russian weapons manufacturers to jointly develop or market goods.Both Italy & Russia pretty much developed an advanced jet trainer(Yak-130) together,but broke off only due to technical considerations,while the BAE & AMS of Britain are promoting joint upgrades of several Russian weapons.Then there is the issue of Russia becoming an attractive investment destination & fast growing for companies from these countries.So even if Germany or Spain go conservative again,there isn't a guarantee that they will turn their backs to Moscow-their interests seem to demand that.

[moose2004]

Don't forget how heavily America is invested in Russia's economy, more so than the other countries you mentioned, Yet we, like France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Britain, adhere to Reagan's way of dealing with the Russians, "trust but verify."

[LenS]

Russia? An attractive investment option? Not with Putin helping his cronies steal companies left and right. All Russia has going for it is the flat tax. But what good is low taxes if your company can be seized by whatever faction is in power?

And Russian weapons? US military equipment has been turning Russian military equipment into scrap metal for decades on battlefields around the world. Once our missile defense system is up and running, Russia's final military asset, it's ICBM's, will be just as worthless.