[aegiscg47]

Yes, the Russian armed forces are but a shadow of their former selves and have a long ways to go to catchup to the West. The interesting thing if you read a lot of global defense articles is that they have very few concerns with the U.S. or NATO, even though the rhetoric is often aimed at them. Their big worry and the reason for any kind of buildup is that they fear a massive Chinese ground invasion that could take away a quarter of the country.

[rollo tomasi]

A Russian or Chinese invasion would be successful as Iran safely launching a manned mission to Mars in the next year which is why they don't take confrontation seriously.

Economic warfare and other strategies are employed in hopes that the US is weakened enough from seriously responding to eventual monumental threats (That would make the war against Al Quaeda look like a man and wife thumb wrestling) in foreign lands. The rhetoric is due to creating some scapegoat to go after, rally against, and destroy. Russia is a mess but in some realms "it started to rain" when the USSR broke up. Those that grabbed/manipulated to get the cash are a very peculiar and dangerous bunch that are not fully exposed.

[Forward the Light Brigade]

Russians are getting ready for WW 3. They will be ready to face anything the world tosses at them—maybe an invasion by the US to enforce UN Pro Gay agenda? Or an Invasion from Red China, or Muslim hordes? Anything can happen. By the way, nothing like a war to clean up military corruption.