All the papers are breathlessly reacting to statements by Russian President Vladimir Putin and other officials that proposed American missile defense shield in Europe would lead to a new arms race.

It became clear some time between Russian nuclear technology sales to Iran; and heightened role in propping Saddam Hussein's regime via lucrative Oil-for-Food kickbacks; to their general crackdown on further liberal constitutional development; and forceful silencing of media critics (third deadliest country for reporters, behind Iraq and Algeria); and regression towards autocracy; and you get the picture; that Vladimir Putin is no friend of the West, no friend of democracy or liberty, and certainly no friend of the United States, no matter who is our president.

But to threaten an arms race is laughable.

Last we recall they lost their first attempt. The Soviet Union went bankrupt in trying to keep up with Reagan's arms buildup, which was precisely why Reagan authorized it.

Russia's gross domestic product cannot hold a candle to America's -- the United States could for a long period of time absorb the increase of defense spending from its current 3 percent of GDP to 7, 8, 9 percent or even more. But Russia could not. They would implode.

So, they want an arms race? No problem. They won't last long. And Putin knows this.

Thus this is bravado geared towards an hysterical and reactionary anti-Bush global media. And nothing else.

Labels: missile shield, Putin, Russia