Another "Cold" War?

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After crushing Georgia in the 2008 South Ossetia war and then leaving much of Europe out in the cold, Russia is quickly refuelling its reputation as a nation not to be trusted. Aside from being the single source of income for a country recovering from an economic collapse in the late 1990's, Russia's abundant energy supply has been viewed by much of the west as a bartering chip used to strong-arm its former Soviet satellites. It is speculated that Russia ending Ukraine's special treatment and hiking up the rates for Ukraine's gas prices is in response to Ukraine siding with Georgia during the Ossetia war.

Other than formerly being part of the Soviet Union there is something else that Georgia and Ukraine have in common. They are both in the process of becoming members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) alliance. NATO was formed with the goal "to keep the Russians out, the Americans in, and the Germans down" according to its first Secretary General, Lord Ismay. That might explain Russia's hair trigger with Georgia and Ukraine. One thing is for sure, Russia is not pleased by the invitations.

Relations Between the Superpowers

The 2008 Ossetia war between Russia and Georgia has earned the nickname "The Olympics War". Rumour has it that Russia had been planning on invading Georgia during the Beijing Olympic Games since April which also happens to be the same month Georgia and Ukraine were invited into the NATO alliance. United States President George W. Bush publically called out Russian Prime Minister and former President Vladimir Putin during the games stating that Russia's actions in Georgia were unacceptable, thus starting a Cold War-like rhetoric between the former foes for the whole world to see.

Also on the agenda at the April NATO summit was the need for a missile defence system in Europe. The United States claims that they have been working with Poland and the Czech Republic to deploy a missile defence system in Europe to defend against potential nuclear attacks from Middle East rogue states such as Iran. However, Russia views the missile defence system as a direct threat to them. The United States stuck to their guns saying that claim is rubbish; citing that Russia has announced that it has developed missiles incapable of being intercepted by defence systems.

Russia still feels as though the United States is increasingly turning its neighbours against them and perhaps with good reason. Contrary to the claims that the proposed Czech and Polish missile defence systems is only intended for threats from the Middle East, George W. Bush cited the war in Georgia as all the more reason they are necessary. Poland also deeply desires the United States' military presence in its borders to protect them against Russia.

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