[Cicero]

I consider Putin to be our ally, against both Muslim terrorists and a potential threat from China, and I favor NATO expansion. But allies never have identical interests, and it's wise to follow Reagan's advice of "trust but verify." For instance, even though Russia is our ally against Muslim terrorists, they happen to support Iraq because of past historical policies. And it's not impossible that Russia at some future time may grow unfriendly--just as it's possible that at some future time we may get another clinton in the White House, or worse.

For all those reasons, an army in the middle of Europe may be a useful insurance policy against unforeseen developments.

[cynicom]

cicero...

There is a small town, called Khasan, in Russia on the border where Russia, North Korea and China all meet. There are guard towers and barbwire fences all around. No one trusts anyone there. Russia is well aware of the North Koreans sitting there with over a million troops and now getting into the nuclear business. Southeast Asia has about four billion people, small arable landmass, and the majority poverty stricken. Russia has a huge landmass with untold natural resources and less than 200 million people.

Russia must decide, be it a mutual wedding with the West, or a shotgun wedding with China....