"Aida Lott" wrote in message . net...
Once again Michael proves himself a complete idiot.

Not really. Michael is right.


Putin is a pragmatist. He will side with Germany and France when he thinks
he can score a few points and he will side with America when he thinks he
can score a few points. Ultimately, befriending America's economy is far
more important to Putin and Russia than the economies of France and Germany.

Not at all. Trade between Russia and US is negligible while with
Europe, especially Germany, it is substantial. The US don't
participate in any economic development plans while Germany and France
do. It is funny to read this because in reality as far as Russia is
concerned, the US may not exist at all. There is no real leverage
whatsoever. All external dependencies are in the EU, with Germany
being the biggest partner.

Shroeder are Chirac are sufferring under delusions of grandeur if they think
Putin is squarely on their side.

Putin is squarely on his own side.