[jwalsh07]

Putin made a large mistake. He's now stuck with the Germans, French and bombast. The Russians have been shocked and awed just like the Arabs has.

Look for russian defense spending to double in the next 5 years if you don't believe me.

[thoughtomator]

Most of the world will be increasing defense spending, at least those who don't already spend more than they have on it, either in reaction to the US victory, or in the expectation that a rival will react to the US victory.

[MizSterious]

Yes, but now at least we can put to rest all the spin about our "good friends" the Russians. (I never bought it.)

[Brian S]

Look for russian defense spending to double in the next 5 years if you don't believe me.

Oh, I believe you and further, you can add a couple other countries to the double, triple, etc defense spending increase.

If your industry is the sale of arms, this is the 'big one'. Definite 'sellers' market.

[patriciaruth]

Look for russian defense spending to double in the next 5 years if you don't believe me.

Just going on record that I don't think this is going to happen, and if so, not as a result of Americans trouncing Saddam's evil minions...it will be because of the humiliation in Chechnya and for self defense against the Muslim fanatics. For that they will increase maybe 30% at most 50%.

The one country whose defense spending is going to double is China. The generation currently in charge still thinks that they must inevitably fight a war with us, and they were shocked and awed by our capabilities in Iraq. But I am holding out hope that if we can ease on down the road a bit further that the younger generation, the one-child generation, won't want to give up their MTV for B2 bombers.

[GGpaX4DumpedTea]

"Look for russian defense spending to double..."

I agree with you. Putin has to be quaking in his KGB boots. GW-I did not reveal to the world what our military strength is today, and Afganistan only revealed glimpses. Putin, I am sure, expected Saddam and his Republican Guard to make things very difficult for us. His retired Generals were advising the Iraqi's, the Iraqi's were armed with mostly all Russian stuff.

Looking back, now, Putin can contrast the Russian quagmire (that nasty word applies in this case) in Afganistan to our gaining decisive control there against the same enemy, in a relatively short time. The world now can do the same. What the world now sees is a Russian Teddy Bear, soft and furry (though I would not add cuddly, except as perceived by the French and Germans) with a feeble growl and a feeble bite.

[Monty22]

"Putin made a large mistake. He's now stuck with the Germans, French"

I can't believe, honestly, that in my lifetime I'm seeing the old USSR unite with France and Germany of all things.

Just 6 or so years ago I'd have yelled 'impossible!', much less 10+ years ago..