[AdvisorB]

Thank you so much for the compliment.

I think your point is well taken about islamo-imperialism serving as a catalyst for the reshaping of national interests and global alliances. The by-product of this is, as you so correctly pointed out, is causing a fundamental rethinking on the part of Russians, American, and others (Indians, Chinese, Turks, Israelis) about how to deal with this metastisizing, cancerous, islamic fundamentalism. I think Vladimir the first realizes that the modern day Tatars are knocking at the door. Russia has a very overexposed underbelly, and needs allies. I suppose it doesn't hurt to have the last remaining superpower as a friend. Hence, I think the relationship can only get better.

[MinuteGal]

Thanks to you and others for your informative comments. This thread is a pleasure to read.

Leni

[Savage Beast]

Yes. Russia is underpopulated and has a shrinking population that must protect vast natural and strategic resources. Americans are their logical allies. The only thing likely to sabotage an alliance would be the suicidal decadence of American "Liberalism". The catalyst of radical Islam, one might hope, may cause America to swing away from this "Liberalism" and toward sanity. If so, one can be cautiously optimistic about the future of the world.