I had been formulating an article about the new Russia, which is apparently the same as the old Russia. However, guest blogger John Noonan over at Michelle Malkin site has articulated very well the real threat of the modern Russia: Borscht Fascism.
Ivan creeps me out. They're looking to boost their military to Cold War levels, bleeding off (literally) opposition to the state, and are selling sophisticated military hardware to all five Official State Sponsors of Terorrism [sic].
Russia's chief export is destablization [sic]. That and the AK-47, but I suppose the two are related. Either way, these guys are bad news bears for the War on Terrorism.
Nail on the head. Terrorism is not a cut-and-dried problem. Terrorism has its tentacles in all kinds of organized crime like drug and human trafficking. Oppressive governments provide weapons to terrorists who will cause chaos indirectly on their behalf. It's been known for a while that Russia has been dealing with nations like Iran, Iraq (during Saddam), and Syria. The weapons trickle down and the death continues.
I've read excuses for Russia that claim the government doesn't deal with terrorists, individuals do. There are some who claim the chaos in Russia is conducive to ex-military and criminals selling weapons without government consent (popularized by Hollywood and thriller fiction). However, it's obvious Putin is longing for the old days.
While I'm in the mood of posting cartoons, I thought I post this great prediction from the Simpsons (back when it was funny):
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Asleep by The Smiths