Not suprising that the Russians might be pleased that there is now a US President that will not stand up to them.

Barack Obama's victory is indeed a great historic event. There were many comments on the challenges he faces now as the newly-elected President, but he seems to be exactly the person to cope with the hardships, making them only a temporary reality of the world history.
I would say, the hardest point for him now would be to rule up to the great expectations, and to establish the promise/hope/faith balance. Being a truly "global" President, whose ancestors belonged to dıfferent nations, he, I believe, is a living (and ruling) sign of our globalized world century, and I wish that he could bring every Change he is up to!

In Thailand we are already planning to put Obama's education plan into practice. The headlines are saying "Obama inspires changes at the Ministry of Education"... I must say it has been a long time since the the US last left a positive influence on our country.

loren32
its obvious that the US is a superpower, whats the point of trying to flex muscles, try forming future partnerships instead rather than the "football" mentality that exists where one has to be shown to be better than the other. any US president will work for the interests of US citizens, dont know where u get the misguided belief that a US president wont work to defend its interests wisely...

it's too early to tell whether Obama's ruling will be doing good/great for everyone in the next 3 years of his term or not. But i think if there would be an ordeal throughout the world, US will always be a priority.

Neither the hopes of the Russian people nor the declarations of the Russian president are surprising; the average Russian admires the United States. As for the declaration of the Russian president , he is simply warning the new Obama administration that Russia will not yield in areas of vital interest to her; i.e. the Caucausus. The chill is mostly due to the blunder of the Bush administration in supporting Georgia in the brief war in August. Bush erred in two counts; our position was unprincipled for we backed the aggressor (Georgia) and our stand was exactly the opposite of our policy in Kosovo. It wasalso myopic for un alliance with Russia is indeed necessary to the United States.

thank god obama is elected, i am from florida, 2 reasons why i voted for obama, his plans against the economy and im tired of republican bulling, usa does not need to be bullyin other country we must respect them as much they should respect us, its funny when sore losers that voted for mccain sayin that now that we wont stand up for other countries, thats stupid, thier stupid for thinking such idoitic. united states of america is the best and strongest country in the world no matter what..u people are just use to republican ways and need to relax you will see that democratic is what we need in this time years to come..give obama a chance,

I have just returned to the US after nearly 10 years of living in Russia. I returned for the election.

It is amazing to me how ignorant we are of other countries, especially of Russia. Of course this ignorance is fed by our own media, as the reporters never live among the real people, but in much nicer accomodations and they do not really know or understand what is going on around them.

Russians, like most American's know absolutely nothing of Obama except what the Russian state run media wants them to know. McCain has been painted as a warmonger who dislikes Russia. Obama is portrayed as a "nice" guy, which in the Russian culture means he is weak and he can be manipulated and run over...of course this is of benefit to Russia, especially to Putin who IS a modern day Stalin just better dressed.

The reality of the Russian military and thesociety in general is that it is a "paper tiger" which must maintain its illusion of strength. Its military is filled with the concripts who could not afford to payoff doctors to get them waivers for serving, and many of those conscripts are extremely poor and uneducated, and very brutal people, who tend to be drunks. The average Russian officer, not to mention enlisted man is incable of making the simplest decisions, which certainly adds to the weakness of their military.

Russian military strength comes only in its size and culture of not valuing human life, and their willingness to throw away the lives of its men, therefore sending waves of soldiers against their enemies, overcoming by the mass of men.

The US (and Europe) must stand up to Russia. It is unlikely that the EU will do this since they are beholden to Russian oil, and Russia has proven adept at turning off the oil to Europe to get their way. Further, Europe tends to be characterized by cowardice, and content to have the US as the world's police force, with "US" paying the bill in both blood and money while Europe reaps the benefits... but then why not, socialism prefers free rides.

America MUST stand up to Russia, and MUST CONFRONT Russia. We must develop and support allies in the region (such as Georgia, the Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, etc...), and we must not back down, and we must not reward Russia with WTO membership.

Obama is not the man to do this. He is perceived as very weak not only in Russia but in Europe. Any support that he seems to have from across the oceans is not a result of respect, but rather out of anticipation of his weakness and ability to be manipulated, to the detriment of the USA, on the world stage.

American's forgot its standin and responsibility in the world when it even considered Obama for president, let alone in electing him. November 4th saw America shoot itself in the foot making the world a more dangerous place for "US".

Do not be fooled, our stature did not grow in the world, and especially in Russia. Rather we are better "liked" because we are viewed as the new patsies for the duration of the Obama administration. We have made a grave mistake.

The leadership in the Kremlin is indifferent with respect to the USA. The Russian populace , by enlarge, is anti American. You should check out
their opinion polls. The situation in Russia has inverted since the end of the cold war. I'm surprised you missed that.

I can truthfully say that i'm not surprised with Russia's reaction. But i'm concerned with what they will do now that they believe that the new president elect doesn't have the backbone to stick up too them. I can say that the Russian Government wouldn't surprise me if they do make good on their decloration on attacking the U.S. missle defence system because of their views on President-Elect Obama.

Most of the Russians did not care who would have won the presidency. The article speaks of a very small minority of some people who mix with expats. That's a dead giveaway. Most of the people do not know the difference between the two other their obviously different appearances.

loren32 let me transmit obama's message to the whole wide(wild) world – 'we are not enemies but friends' nov5 2008.

As far as I know, no one in Russia has made a declaration to "attack" the proposed U.S. missile defense systems in Poland and Chech Republic. The Russians merely want to place some of their tactical missiles in Kaliningrad, so that if need be, they have an option to neutralize the system placed on their borders, and essentially designed to snoop around using its phased-array radar. A purely defensive stance and an entirely reasonable and proportionate response.

I think a lot of people have seriously missed Obama's ability. He can stand up and play bully but not with out using diplomacy first. I don't think your average Russian cares much, as they are just trying to get by day to day. The problem I had with McCain is he made comments regarding Putin during the campaign. Lets face it you may think he is the anti Christ but you don't need to announce it to the world. That cuts you off at the knees before you even start. Standing in the corner and refusing to talk to people is childish and hasn't worked. Iran is a prime example. Poking someone in the eye just inflames emotions and does not help. What I saw in Obama is an unyielding calm and even handedness. Once all the options are weighed he makes the best choice. You better hope that doesn't mean military action because I am sure he won't make the same mistakes GW did. In case you missed that we spread ourselves thin all over the place and are spending massive amounts of money to loiter on site in Iraq. We left Afghanistan tragically underfunded, and have no goals or time tables in place. Now many folks immediately say you can't fight a war on a time table. BS!!!! It is project management 101 you set goals, milestones, and it is all tied into a time table. You can go over sure, but at least you have a set goal in mind. Right now we have none, and it is hurting us. I think that we will see the government put in their place when needed, how ever Obama will do it quietly allowing their leaders to save face.

Nobody should doubt the necessity of having a close and constructive relationship with Russia. We need the assistance of Russia in many parts of the world (i.e. Iran, North Korea, etc) and in the UN. We need to expand our aggrements on nuclear arms controls and reductions to prevent a new arms race which neither country can afford. I fail to see how a few anti-balsitic missiles in Poland or supporting the adventurism of the Georgian president can help to enhance our nation's interests. Russia has been invaded many times and the remarks of the Russian president reflect their mistrust of the Bush administration and the Russian newly found determination to protect their borders.

How would we react if Russia placed anti-balistic missiles in Cuba?

One additional point toward reinforcing the argument that a close relationship with Russia is more essential to our country than a few anti-ballistic missiles in Poland: Our space shuttles go into retirement in about two years and their replacement will not be operational until 2015 or so – a gap of about 5 years when we will not have a vehicle to go to the international space station. As of today, the only other country with a vehicle capable of getting there is Russia (we used them when our shuttles were grounded).

From what all I remember through the years and history , Russia has very little natural draw to live and get along behavior . Putin recently said they are no longer interested in the conquering mentality . I did not believe him . We have allies in the separate counties there that depend on our resolve .

hey you who calls yourself a patriot,.

Sakasvili is a bully and a war criminal;who hides under a blanket eating his tie everytime he hears an aeroplane;while his stormtroopers lock little children in sheds and burn them all alive.
next time your in Russia i sugest you go and associate with real hard men in Moscow,they not cowards,or drunks as you rant;and they certanly not thievs.
1 Russian Soldier is worth more to me if i was to lead a Military Campaing than 50 American or british or anyother;if i was to tell you how dedicated,enduring,resiliant,ect,ect,ect you would go and build a bunker and put a blanket over your head,for fear of real men.

While I naturally appreciate American Patriot's time, experience and insights into Russia. Anyone who is under the delusion that President-elect Obama is weak either doesn't know him or has been listening to conservative campaign rhetoric. Has anyone lived long enough to remember the old adage "don't mistake kindness for weakness" and know what terrible error that is? President-Obama has triumphed through the primaries and the general election. He has been a success throughout his life. No one who has met him for more than a few minutes comes away with the impression of him as weak.. That includes heads of state. On the contrary, he is respected and esteemed as strong and wise. President-elect Obama is "the iron fist in a velvet glove" personality. Whatever Russia, Iran, or any other nation is plotting against us, they will find President Obama response more than formidable.

Dear American Patriot
You mentioned that yu have gone back to USA after Ten Years of stay it is good for you. I am sure you are one of thoses who would like to have WAR at the expense of others if you think that you are a patriot why you your self be volentaored to go & fight in Georgiga,Ukrain, lativia & Poland you go & sacrifice your self for the WAR instade to make use of Other EU Or others. We are fed up from such kind of people who are parasite & live at the expense of others & to make money by selling weapons.WE ALL NEED PEACE NOT WAR IF YOU WANT GO AHED BUT DO NOT ENVOVE OTHERS.WISHING YOU GOOD LUCK YOU ARE NOT BETTER THAN THOSES WHO LIKE WAR

Dear Moderator
I am vey much pleased for your suggestion.But here we all arer free on Free Opinion. When the American Patriot wrote to creat WAR & being indeferent He was not Moderate why is it that I have to be Moderate. Please revie his then I will do . When it on your interest all are right but when it is not on your interest you are always moderate
Thank you
Joshou

I believe confrontation is the last option when it comes to relationships, whether it is among people or countries. Both the United States and Russia have a lot to gain in having a positive atmosphere of cooperation and understanding. And both have a lot to lose with the opposite.
Incidentally, Russia – that is Czarist Russia – was the only European country that supported the Union during our Civil War.

I strongly believe that Obama's Administration will not only make the U.S.A. a safer place for all of us but the world as well. May god bless all of us here in the U.S.A and also the world.

American Patriot – "America MUST stand up to Russia, and MUST CONFRONT Russia. We must develop and support allies in the region (such as Georgia, the Ukraine, Latvia, Poland, etc…), and we must not back down, and we must not reward Russia with WTO membership". – I am sick of patriots like you – patriots like you send billions to support Georgia...instead of cooperating with Russia. Patriots like you made the US the country that is being hated by the rest of the world. Instead of economic collabolation your "patriotic" brane works only in the direction of war. If you were in Russia, you should be able to undestand they are not US anemies, there is no reason to start another stand up means "COLD WAR"!

As all our populations worldwide accept and embrace one of the great Truths ... we are all one humanity ... then we can focus on our shared human qualities.

Obama represents the aspect of our human ability to be thoughtful, accepting of differences and to have a willingness to work with others.

Perhaps he comes to this by the fact he is of mixed race ... yet we are all one humanity. Perhaps he comes to this by the fact he step-father was from another religion ... yet we are all one humanity.

Our humanity and in fact all the other species depends on us to grow our kindness to one another ... while enjoying and accepting our great diversity!

Each of us is responsible for growing the qualities we admire in this one individual ... and acting on them within our small communities. Then and only then will our world become a safer place for all of us.

When I was a senior in high school a Army recruiter came out to speak to us. Some one in the audience asked why future American wars would start and he said that there were many reasons and answers but a good way of determinig who was on the list potential enemies was with the media. He said first you would see news briefings of crimes or political scandals within the country anything to make the public feel disgust or fear of that nation. Fear he said was the driving force of any administrations path to war because without public support congress would be hesitant to fund any action. Then he said comes the tricky part as with the wmd's with Iraq, you have to find an excuse.
An excuse like any other part of politics has to have a slogan and that slogan needs to be repeatedly drummed into peoples ears day and night. When the people have heard enough and the President can see for himself its effects. Then you have sanctions then you have WAR.!!!!!

The Russians have every right to place their defense missiles on their land. And so do the Polish, Czechs, the Americans, etc. There is nothing wrong in trying to defend your country.

American Patriot, you are absolutely correct! I could not agree with you more!

- Another fellow who spent a similar amount of time in the Former Soviet Union.

even perceptions can be LIMITED.

tambua,hamisi,kenya.

I think that the whole world is going to be surprised by the way the new president-elect Obama is going to handle world affairs. For one, anyone who has half a brain, would know that Georgia is not as innocent as its leaders are pleading in the war that happened there and that they mis judged the Russian reaction. Obama once during a debate, mentioned that he was not so sure that Georgia was as innocent to the tragedy that played out while the world watched the Olympics and McCain immediately rediculed him for that. I agree with Mr Obama and I believe that he will first investigate every situation before he passes judgement and reacts out of being fed half-truths.

Anyone who cannot understand that Russia feels "threatened" by the whole missile story of the US as well as all Russia's previous states wanting to join NATO, is not thinking clearly. Hopefully, diplomacy will once again play a role in world affairs and not just "send in the troops".

Mr. America Patriot, if you are beeing so patriotic, Why are you not in IRAQ, Afghanistan to show your patriotisim. People like you just talk rubbish and you think you are the best.

My father use to tell me, and i quote. "Lead by example and not just by mere word saying"

Nobody like war.

George Bush lied to the whole world, making us believed that IRAQ is developing or has weapons of mass disstruction. (Biological & Chemical) Until today 25/Nov./2008, they still haven´t find them.

My Question today to Mr. George W. Bush, is:- After 8years of fighting against Terrorism:- WHERE IS OSAMA BIN LADEN?

Whether Bush or Obama, it will be America first. nothing is changing much except now that America has been in an embarrassing situation, there is chance to white wash itself and appear new. But take it from me; America will remain America for Americans. New wars, new enemies and all for the American dream.

Hi bloggers (who still look at this site) I disagree with you Anne. As things stand right now America will not be able to be its "old self" bullying other governments and leaders to do what is in America's best interes. My reason for believing this is that with all their debt and indebtedness to China ("the red dragon, remember") they will have to be on the other side where America will have to listen to other government and leaders. There is just not money for warmongering any more. Obama is the right man for the right time. I doubt very much that McCain with his lack of economic knowledge and his pent up anger would have been able to be of any good and might have damaged America's image in the world even more (if such a thing at present is possible). Believe me I used to be a great admirer of America and its people but for the past few years I have lost all of that.

we all know that gambling is not morally right and is never a good follower of life, yet the whole world is based upon gambling via stock marketing, thus i ask why ????....why do we let people keep hurting us all due to their iggnorance ans selfisness ??? it seems we keep digging a hole and till its good we keep going but soon as we fail we blame and start to use others and making innocent people pay for the mistakes of their doings....it will take time till 2016 if we stay to the cause...if anyone who may help is our President " OBAMA " who could make it happen if we all play our parts and help him make things happen for the good of all kinds....i see in our future that bad things will happen by human factor or nature till 2038...but we all need to stay focus and show each other roads to kindiness and hold rule of humanity as a path of good will and future of our universe....just getting graduating documents does not make us a smart person.it is chosen minds that shall only direct others to the right path...thus in music as a sample does not make a true musician till you have your soul in it for the true you and the music you write or play and be chosen only to do as such....even when people who have learned all their lives does not make it happen....common sense is the key ........