Reports: Putin Boasts Over Russia Missiles

[Pharaoh]

MOSCOW -- Russian President Vladimir Putin boasted on Tuesday that Russia has missiles capable of penetrating any missile defense system, an apparent allusion the U.S. defense network, Russian news agencies reported.

"Russia last year tested missile systems that no one in the world has and won't have for a long time," he was quoted by the ITAR-Tass and RIA-Novosti news agencies as telling a news conference.


"These missile systems don't represent a response to a missile defense system, but they are immune to that. They are hypersonic and capable of changing their flight path."

Putin said he had shown the working principles of the missile systems to French President Jacques Chirac during a visit to a Russian military facility.

"He knows what I'm talking about," RIA-Novosti quoted Putin as telling reporters after state-run news channels cut their live broadcast of the news conference.

The U.S. defense system against long-range

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/31/AR2006013100234.html

[oasis]

1. But Bush can look into Pooty poot's soul and see that he means us no harm.

Isn't that precious?

[oblivious]

2. Yeah, but are they available at Wal-mart yet?

[formercia]

3. No, but the Chinese will soon have them I expect

then the Pakistanis, then everyone else who can afford them.

[endarkenment]

4. Missile defense systems = maginot line.

Not only that but they are hugely expensive (kleptocracy loves 'em) and counter measures are relatively cheap. Ineffective, easily obsoleted, and we will lose this war of attrition. Great!

[Ezlivin]

5. But we're driving Hummers on the freeway

And some of our soldiers even have body armor.

Freedom's on the march!

[Kolesar]

6. Is Putin a bigger jerk than bush*?

A world leader has a responsibility to measure his words.
edit: pronouns out, putin in

[endarkenment]

8. Eh?

Bush unilaterally pulled out of the ABM treaty and restarted nuke weapons programs. Putin is letting it be known that Russia will keep MAD alive by developing parity through counter measures to our insanity. Putin, believe it or not, is doing the responsible thing here.

[cliss]

7. Putin is no fool.

He knows exactly who this dialogue is directed at. Bush. And Cheney.

Putin understands that the ONE thing Bush understands is power. The ability to fight back. Missiles. Armaments up the Kazoo. Bush respects that. And he backs off, with admiration.

The countries which are defenseless (like Iraq) are invaded. Notice, lots of countries are doing this: bragging endlessly about their nuclear capabilities, the "Gates of hell" will open if you attack us, we're prepared for you, we'll blow you to Kingdom come etc.

It's all directed at one man.