[FairOpinion]

I have no doubt all you listed is true. Russia is continuing to arm itself. They most definitely don't want to sit there being vulnerable to an attack from anyone. But they are also not in a position to expand their influence -- they are losing their influence even over countries, which used to be part of the old SU.

But they are also not stupid, that's why they are extremely unlikely to attack us.

I think we have multiple enemies, terrorists, fanatical Islamist regimes, left over communist regimes, like N. Korea and China. and so on.

And when faced with those enemies, I think countries, like Russia see that their own interests are better served aligning themselves with us against those other countries, than the other way around.

As I said earlier, I think until fairly recently that was not the case.

[Domestic Church]

"Russia is continuing to arm itself. They most definitely don't want to sit there being vulnerable to an attack from anyone. But they are also not in a position to expand their influence -- they are losing their influence even over countries, which used to be part of the old SU." But they are also not stupid, that's why they are extremely unlikely to attack us.

As I read this and thought of the logic in it, I started to wonder to what degree does our perceptions of Putin's personality, background and character play into our seeing Russia as potential friend or foe? 25%? 35%? 5%?

I know myself, in the back of my mind, I can't help but think of him as a shadowy counterpoint (there is something in his countenance and gait prompting this), a real life Ian Fleming character but I recognize how molded is my view by the soundbites and TV clips.

I know my perceptions of Clinton prior to his ever being elected were correct...as slime coated but I was able to perceive that because I had my bearings within this American culture.

Russia and most of these problem nations are exotic terra firma...no hard bearings.