Putin points to NATO threat in new security strategy

[edhopper]

http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/01/world/putin-nato-security-strategy/index.html

Russian President Vladimir Putin has endorsed a new security strategy, which points to NATO expansion as a threat to the country.

The document outlines the national interests and strategic priorities of the nation. Putin signed the executive order Thursday, establishing a new posture toward the NATO bloc, which has seen its relationship with Russia deteriorate since the crisis in Ukraine, which began in 2014.

Russian news agency Tass quotes the strategy, which cites a NATO military buildup, and "the alliance's approach to Russia's borders," as a threat to Russia's national security. The document says the organization is illegally extending its reach.

So who do we side with? NATO and our allies? Or Putin?

[stevenleser]

1. Appearance by negative nationalist anti-Americans supporting Putin in 3..2..1..

[edhopper]

4. I am waiting for a post

with the Sputniknews spin.

[moondust]

2. BBC

Our correspondent says Mr Putin wants the West to acknowledge Russia's right to treat its post-Soviet neighbours as part of its sphere of influence, free from links to Nato or any other Western-dominated alliance.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-35208636

Remaking the Soviet empire? What if those neighbors are not interested?

[stevenleser]

3. "What if those neighbors are not interested?" Which describes Ukraine & what happened there to a 'T'

And its hard to blame them. All the former Soviet states that went with Europe and/or NATO are doing extremely well and those that didn't have economies in the doldrums and various other problems.

Deciding which way to go is a no-brainer really.

[davidn3600]

5. Maybe the Kremlin should ask themselves why these countries want to get away from Russia?

Unfortunately Mr. Putin is leading Russia down the same path the Soviet Union went down. It's obvious to most of Russia's neighbors and why they want nothing to do with it.

[stevenleser]

6. Oh they know which is why Ukraine panicked them so much. It wouldn't take much to start a wholesale

galloping rush of the rest of the former Soviet Satellite States joining the EU and NATO.

The punishing invasion of Ukraine and annexation of Crimea was a warning to those countries.