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These posts about the American Russian relationship remain invalid or myopic without first taking the other perspective. What does Putin see? Has anyone taken notice of what Putin now has to fear? Americans are now on or close to Russia's western borders. Major American military units sit just off the Russian east coast. And now Americans are building a chain of military bases from Bulgaria to Tajikistan as well as meddling in the politics of so many Russian 'satellite' nations such as Georgia, South Oddessa, Uzbekistan - only partly because the pipeline from the Caspian sea to the Black Sea requires 'stable' governments. This is new American presence on Russia's southern borders.
From Russian perspectives, US military power is surrounding Russia. It is completely irrelevant what you think. This is what Putin's people see. It does not help that the new American foreign policy is to see everything in only black and white. Historically this eventually leads to intolerance and war. You don't have to be Russian to see that part.
What is Putin doing? When a nation is threatened from outside, then its government becomes dictatorial inside. Russia has very good reason to be fearful since the US has demonstrated that it will invade anyone without any justification (other than religious extremist reasoning) and can do so even with world wide objection. The US no longer acts as an honest friend.
You tell me. What has Tony Blair gotten in return for his support of America? Nothing. What has Russia gotten after working with the US to end to cold war. The US then unilaterally declares all previous treaties null and void.
Again, did you ask first, what is Putin's perspective?
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