Russia Picks Sides

Russia is making a great deal of fuss about the US plans to install its missile defence shield in Eastern Europe where it will be able to defend the continent from attack from Iran. Rather than thank America- Russia surely wouldn't want a nuclear detonation so close to its own borders- Putin is acting as if the shield is all about Mother Russia.

It's an odd stance, in my opinion, acting like the Cold War is still in full swing. Couldn't have anything to do with Russia siding with Iran in this particular horse race?

Iran is set to receive an advanced Russian-made anti-aircraft system by year-end that could help fend off any preemptive strikes against its nuclear facilities, senior Israeli defence sources said on Wednesday.

First delivery of the S-300 missile batteries was expected as soon as early September, one source said, though it could take six to 12 months for them to be deployed and operable -- a possible reprieve for Israeli and American military planners.

Another sign that any action Israel is going to take may happen very soon. It also begs the question of how a certain US presidential candidate thinks he can swing a Russian vote for sanctions against Iran in the UN.