[GOP_1900AD]

RE: We have more in common with the Russians and they with us, then either of us has with AlQaeda - etc...

It's easy to conclude that. Most Russians are Caucasian, and based on their appearance, can easily be mentally lumped in with Western European peoples (and those of that origin elsewhere). Of course, not all Russians are 100% Caucasian (but neither are many "white" Americans - things of course are a bit different vis a vis Western Europeans). Culturally is where things get a bit more interesting. Although the initial Muscovy and Kievan Rus were certainly offshoots of Nordic tribes, much intervening history has resulted in a quite different cultural outlook than one would find in the West. Whereas, at the margins of the West there were battles with and minor loss of territory to Mongols and Muslims during the period 700 - 1500, Russia became a de facto vassal state of the Mongol Empire. This is an issue most Russians do not care to confront. Furthermore, cultural interchanges with the Persian Empire, and the later Islamic Caliphate, had an undeniable cultural influence. From samovars filled with tea, to onion domed churches, Russians assimilated oriental cultural elements.

There is a contention, which some might actual consider constructive contention, within the Russian psyche, between oriental and western elements.

What else would we expect from the only country besides Turkey to straddle the boundary between Europe and Asia?

[GOP_1900AD]

By the way, I've got a family tree that is extremely pertinent to this discussion. I technically have more in common, genetically, with RusIvan than I do with most of my fellow Americans ;)

[GOPJ]

It's easy to conclude that. Most Russians are Caucasian, and based on their appearance, can easily be mentally lumped in with Western European

Nah, the reason we're so much alike is we both developed the modern technology -- the bomb -- space travel etc. (Ok, both sides got some German help...)

Russians didn't "buy" a bomb from a superior culture and wonder how to make it work - they're not AlQaeda -- AlQaeda's known for more money than brains - much more money than brains.

The fact that the Russians never figured out rule of law and free markets is strange, but, well, that gives us an advantage -- a big one. Who knows, maybe someday we'll work together to control the nutjobs in the ME... In the mean time, of all the forces that might stand toe to toe with us, who would you perfer?