I am thinking the Putin thought Bush was getting ready to invade Venezuela

[NNN0LHI]

The Russians didn't send all this stuff down there for the fun of it.

Don

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iio3aRoskDcylpG-L-L9i7Ss-8Pw

Russian nuclear warship in Venezuela manoeuvres: officials

3 days ago

MOSCOW (AFP) — Russia said Monday it was dispatching a nuclear cruiser and other warships and planes to the Caribbean for joint exercises with Venezuela, the first such manoeuvres in the US vicinity since the Cold War.

The announcement came amid soaring tensions between Russia and the United States, including over the presence of US naval vessels sent close to Russian shores to deliver aid to Georgia, but Washington downplayed its significance.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Russian navy said the joint manoeuvres would take place in November under an agreement sealed when the leaders of the two countries met in Moscow in July.

Among the Russian ships to take part in the exercises would be the heavy nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser Peter the Great, a vessel with massive firepower whose cruise missiles can deliver nuclear or conventional warheads.

[malaise]

1. No the Russians are simply showing Bush that anything he can do

they can do better. If Bushco believe they can place weapons on Russia's doorstep, Putin will return the favor.

Gr.

[bemildred]

2. An interesting thought.

Although I wouldn't think such a threat was imminent. Maybe this was just a combination of taunt and prophylaxis against the future threat of invasion.

[AngryAmish]

3. I don't think so

Were Bush to decide to invade there is nothing Russia could do. Just like our option were very limited in Georgia. Too far from home plus the Russians cannot project power like the US. All we have to do is wait for the Russians to go home.

My two cents: It was sent there to show that there is cooperation b/w Russia and Venezuela. It was a gesture, not a serious threat. If there was a shooting war the Russians would have to run or be dead in short order.

BUT, if your point is that they were there to protect...then there might be something there. Cheers.