Ach. I don't want to offend the Russian contigent of TFF (should we have one) but well... I don't like their actions one little bit. I'm sorry but I do feel rather qualified to comment on Russian behaviour because well I've studied it so long. And I just am not a fan. It was overly aggressive and very undiplomatic. I just thought it was very unnecessary.

However I suppose it should be taken to account that you have to be reliant on what the media portrays. And well it's not good is it.

As for it starting a new Cold War? Bah. Medvedev and Putin aren't stupid enough. The Russian economy is dependant on Western energy companies buying their plentiful resources. So while they do for the time being have a reasonable bargaining chip, when new energy methods come into play, they could find their hand turns into a busted flush.

And Nick Sarkozy... Jury's out on that one.