[Politics] The Cold War Revival

Though the post-9/11 world may seem nothing like the Cold War of forty years ago, it does not seem as though Russia got the message. And as we delve further into the Iraq war and concerns of terrorism, it seems that the media is not really considering the big picture in terms of Russia's recent moves, many of which are quite troubling. In short, over the past year or so, Russia has allegedly involved itself in a reinvested arms race, rigged elections, attacks on a former Soviet republic's communications infrastructure, violations of the civil rights of its own citizens, the poisoning of candidates and diplomats, and with a militant and nationalist youth movement.

Since I cannot be sure what this all amounts to, I will simply provide you with a few articles about recent developments and investigations. One thing I can say for sure though is that Russia does not seem to be happy about having been relegated to something between a superpower and a developing nation.

"Putin's Shock Forces:" This article from last week's edition of Newsweek details the rise of the Nashi, a militant youth movement glorifying an imperialist Russia. It has received a great deal of been comparison to the Hitler Youth of the 1930s.

"Russia Tests Long-Range Missile:" From the BBC Tuesday, this article follows the development and launch of a new missile intended to evade and penetrate missile defense
systems. Russia has complained that the U.S. development of a missile defense shield for Eastern Europe threatens its security.

"Russia Hired BotNets...:" Here is a recent article from VNUnet with further claims of Russia's involvement in the attacks on Estonia's internet services and websites. Such attacks on the telecommunications infrastructure is considered a primary tool in the future of warfare as a means of impeding the flow of information. BBC's original May 17 story, "Estonia Hit by 'Moscow Cyber War,'" is here.

"Russia Says Britain Politicizing...:" This article, from Reuters, follows up on Britain's investigation of a former KGB officer, and Kremlin critic, who was poisoned late last year with much speculation about Russia's involvement. Russia is refusing to extradite Britain's prime suspect in the case and has accused the country of politicizing the death.