I think it's a mutual blow off. The problem is that we have the most to lose by it since they have vast natural resources, and are in position either to help us, or to help our enemies. If the situation is going to change, someone has got to take the first step, and unfortunately, our government has decided that it is going to stand on "principle" rather than trying to do something constructive. The result is that the Russians are helping our enemies instead of us. In the long run, that is going to come back to haunt us. Looking 20 years down the road, it may be that we are snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the Cold War.