NationStates Jolt Archive

First of all, excuse me if this does not deserve its own thread, however, this is quite interesting.

At work this afternoon, I grabbed the front section of the NZ Herald and found an article by Vladimir Putin in our Perspectives page. Aside from the fact that a foreign leader has written an article for our foremost newspaper, the entire article is interesting - here it is by the way.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/section/466/story.cfm?c_id=466&objectid=10461851

In all seriousness though, do you think that Russia has advanced to the benefit of the Asia Pacific? Would it be wise for Russia to become more involved in APEC to balance off the Americans and Chinese?

Well Putin was in Indonesia on the way to Australia where he met the President their, and signed a deal for a load of military equipment for the Indonesian military, no doubt he intends for Russia to be involved in the region.

Here's an interesting context article to the one already posted:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/20546428/site/newsweek/

The general point-counterpoint is that China, Russia, Pakistan and some other 'stan's (I is from Kazakhstan) are on one side of the line with USA, Japan, Australia and possibly India on the other side with the rest of SEA bouncing in between.

Some say 'this is badness' and we're on our way to another Cold War while others say 'this is much of a muchness' and the world is too globally integrated for that to happen anymore.

Some say it's all about oil and access to energy.

Pick a position, any position.

Another Cold War? No doubt. I'm waiting for Putin to issue an official statement: "The Cold War? It's back on, bitches."