It took just one day for a response. On Wednesday, November 23rd, Dmitry Medvedev*, in a nationally televised appearance by the Russian president, let the world know what Russia now thinks of the United States' military capacity. In response to what Russia perceives is an active incursion and a potential act of eventual aggression on behalf of NATO countries in Eastern Europe (and hence the US), he said the following:
"First, I am instructing the Defense Ministry to immediately put the missile attack early warning radar station in Kaliningrad on combat alert. Second, protective cover of Russia's strategic nuclear weapons, will be reinforced as a priority measure under the program to develop out air and space defenses. Third, the new strategic ballistic missiles commissioned by the Strategic Missile Forces and the Navy will be equipped with advanced missile defense penetration systems and new highly effective warheads. Fourth, I have instructed the Armed Forces to draw up measures for disabling missile defense system data and guidance systems if need be... Fifth, if the above measures prove insufficient, the Russian Federation will deploy modern offensive weapon systems in the west and south of the country, ensuring our ability to take out any part of the US missile defense system, in Europe. One step in this process will be to deploy Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad Region."Never mind that the Bear's plaint is groundless. Never mind that Russia knows it has nothing to fear from old Europe. Since 1945 Western Europe (except for Great Britain) has not commit monies to its national defense -- the European sovereign debt crisis will make this matter even worse. And, never mind that Russia speaks loudly, but carries a small stick. For example, in 1914 war against Serbia meant war against Russia as well. Yet, after Afghanistan and the break up of the Soviet Union, Russia was humiliated, and could do nothing to support its fellow Slavs in Serbia during the 1999 Kosovo War and particularly its aftermath.
Still, what is important here is Russia is immediately jumping on what they perceive to be America’s weakness and failure to commit resources to its National Defense. Concomitantly, they view Mr. Obama as a weakling. Russia understands that with Mr. Obama, politics trumps everything – including National Defense and the security of the American people.
* When Mr. Medvedev speaks, it is Mr. Putin speaking. This is the way it has always been. If anyone still believes that Mr. Medvedev’s views are his own, they are foolish. After all, Mr. Medvedev, it should not go unnoticed, bears a striking physical resemblance to a hand puppet.
