Putin's Projection

I cannot forecast to you the action of Russia. It is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma: but perhaps there is a key. That key is Russian national interest. --Winston Churchill

Well, Vladimir Putin finally reveals his hand: he wants to rule the world and he's angry the U.S. interferes with his plans. That's not exactly what he said, though:

Attacking the concept of a "unipolar" world in which the United States was the sole superpower, he said: "What is a unipolar world? No matter how we beautify this term it means one single center of power, one single center of force and one single master."

"It has nothing in common with democracy because that is the opinion of the majority taking into account the minority opinion," he told the gathering of top security and defense officials.

"People are always teaching us democracy but the people who teach us democracy don't want to learn it themselves."

Gordon Johndroe, press secretary for the White House National Security Council, rejected Putin's comments.

Let's look at Mr. Putin's actions to promote democracy and freedom just in 2006:

• Stopping oil transportation to countries he's trying to cow
• Assassinating political enemies
• Attempting to assassinate political rivals in geographically important states like Georgia
• Arming Iran
• Arming China
• Arming anyone who will act against the U.S.
• Taking over private enterprise within Russia and stifling the press
  
• Acting against non-government organizations in Russia
  
• Expanding the KGB
  

By focusing on the United States, Putin saves Europe from taking a serious self-assessment. I'm sure Putin's words sound good, but to anyone watching Russia right now those words are very hollow and quite clearly psychological projection. Since the U.S. is everyone's favorite scape-goat, he figures he'll exploit it.

Those who want the U.S. to get out of Iraq need to consider the ramifications geopolitically of doing so. Since the Left refuses to drill for oil and explore serious ways to become energy independent (corn oil is not a serious solution), they should have a good alternative to staying in Iraq and being near to police the Middle East, but they don't.

America's reliance on Middle East oil, African oil, South American oil makes us a debtor nation. Of course these countries like our money, too, and don't want that spigot to turn off, either, but we need them more than they need us. China also needs energy as their economy grows.

The geopolitical world's ground shifts constantly and I'm not sure we have ever lived in a more dangerous time. Meanwhile, back to Anna Nicole.