Red lights flashing

Vladimir Putin seriously threatens Russian democracy, but his actions also threaten global peace..

Upcoming elections are already showing signs of rigging and foreign observer missions are being heavily censored or limited, whilst the Russian leader manipulates his way to another presidential term.

At the same time, Russian military forces are reviving. They have arguably the best multi-role combat fighter, the super-cruising, stealth capable Mig-35. They recently tested their long-range bombers and missiles in the Bay of Biscay, right under the noses of NATO commanders. Their long range ballistic capabilities have been preserved by their space program. Their navy conducted extensive exercises in 2007 and they are playing a dangerous game of opportunism in the Middle East.

If Putin wins another term through deceipt, is he capable of doubling back on the reassurances of peace he has been selling the world over recent years? I believe he is and that the bible foresaw such an eventuality.

The key to Russia’s ability to reassert her strategic position is the annexing of strategic assets in the Middle-East. That would give her a dominant stake in the world’s most vital energy resource, oil. Iraq, with 25% of global reserves, is a big prize for both hemispheres, but if the US is unable to protect her interests due to recessionary and other political predispositions, Russia is very likely to goad Iran into giving it a go. By that I mean that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, who would very much like to upstage the US in Iraq, is mad enough to strike preemptively with Russian backing.

Arguments about the legitimacy of the US occupation of Iraq will be forthcoming, but it would take less for a despot like the Iranian leader to do something as rash as attacking Iraq. He has been supplying arms to Iraqi resistance fighters, so his colors are clearly nailed to the mast. But the window of opportunity that would briefly open in a moment of weakness in the US, could spur him to take his chances, with Russia’s blessing.

The Israeli secret service, the Mossad, arguably the most effective intelligence agency around, has uncovered evidence that Iran is building Nuclear weapons whilst maintaining a cover about their peaceful intentions. Once they reach the tipping point where the US is forced to back down for fear of exposing her forces to the great nemesis, Iran may be emboldened enough to strike.

If Putin is already playing a dangerous political game it is because he has a sinister agenda. That agenda is becoming more evident with each passing day, suggesting that his reelection in March could portend a very serious shift in East-West relationships and a return to cold-war politics.

(c) Peter Eleazar at www.bethelstone.com