I see this is a new phase of the U.S empire of chaos war of aggression against Iran. Russia has failed to contest the making of this catastrophic war of aggression. History will not be kind to Russia for allowing this to happen or at least not contesting it. But the Russians will find that that all their concessions to the empire of chaos will end in the doorsteps of Russia itself as the empire of chaos creeps every closer to Russia’s borders.

RT: "But, for the United States, the new UN sanctions are not enough." Medvedev and Putin must finally be opening up their eyes in shock as to what they bought into when they supported American sponsored UN sanctions against Iran. These UN sanctions were nothing more that a public relations stunt to garner world support for these subsequent unilaterally implemented American sanctions. Brazil and Turkey saw through this American charade; however, unfortunately, Russia did not. Of course, some in the US congress are now doing their best to demonize Turkey and brand her as a "terrorist supporter". Now Russia is squirming and wiggling to disassociate herself from these latest sanctions that are not subject to UN vote. I am surprised that Russia has not learned how to deal with America, which uses deception very adroitly to manipulate other nations to do her bidding. A government that will deliberately deceive their own people with gross lies about Iraqi nuclear weapons and WMD, will not hesitate to deceive and lie to other nations. If Russia is not careful, she will one day wake up and find that America has sucked Russia into sending combat troops to Afghanistan. "Please, please, send equipment; then trainers for the equipment; and, then of course, troops to protect the trainers" - you get the idea????

Russia has been easily check mated. Its sphere of influence continued to shrink.

I am not that quick to jump to the conclusion that Russia has misjudged or failed to see where this leads. On the contrary, I believe that Russia and China have, after many years, succeeded in expanding their "international community", by having other then themselves defend the points of view they stood for. Diplomacy, problem solving, harmonizing of interests --- all these goals have not been abandoned by Russia or China. But now, an opportunity arises of a different kind. One BRIC country, and another soon to be added (BRICT), are taking a lead in forging peacefull path to solutions. China and Russia, on the other hand, are giving US, Britain and France a face saving device --- sanctions ---, a "victory" if you will, in exchange for taking the peacefull settlement with Iran happen. If --- very likely --- the trio squanders the opportunity, and comes back to the prescribed three month review without any results, there will be a change in China/Russia stand in UN. Legitimatelly, they can support Turkey and Brazil for creating an opening if US chooses to ignore it. This is why there was so much fury against the Turkish-Brazilian-Iranian deal. The gig is up, and Russia/China now can hold them accountable for the lack of progress. However, I really have a problem with RT using such terms as "Iran on tight leash", or "carrots and sticks", and such typically western expressions. These are all terms derived from human interaction with animals, and it is not hard to guess how deeply rooted western colonial mentality is against natives of all kinds. RT is global media, and hopefully reaching out to the multicultural world respectfully. I regret this form of low self-esteem, an imitative behaviour on the part of some RT reporters that needs to cater to supremacist western language.

It seems that Russia has already forgotten August of 2008. What does Medvedev think? That the US under Obummer has undergone a change of heart and that it is now a genuine friend with no bad motives? Russia is enabling the same sick game that Iraq was subjected to. That this resolution also calls for conventional weapons sale freeze to Iran shows clearly what the main aim is: retard Iran's military capability to soften them up for invasion and regime change. This is not, and never has been, about preventing nuclear weapons programs, which Iran does not have.

Mednedev has to go. Period. Why isn't China complaining also. What's going on behind closed doors? Evil United States got what it wanted = China & Russia vote. Those sanctions should be illegal. How can you sanction a country so severely without any proof that it wants the nuclear bomb? United Nations is garbage. Russia & China are weak. Now we enter the era of the "New World Order" thanks to these so-called "powers" and the rest of the world will pay for their inactivities. Russia: you may complain openly as much as you can. United States from now on will ignore your call - it got what it wanted = your vote.

Manuel Noriega of Panama was America's friend until he dared to stand up to America. Then America invaded Panama and imprisoned Noriega as an enemy of America. Saddam Hussein was America's friend until he dared to stand up to America. Then America invaded Iraq, murdered Saddam's two sons and grandson, hung Saddam and destroyed the country. Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey was America's friend until he dared to stand up to America. Now America is planning to punish Turkey. Putin and Medvedev must be careful never to become America's friends.

Part of my mind never dismisses the possibility that Russian leaders may be just making mistake by "following the US lead". But, mostly, I look at the situation differently. Firstly, I do not see neither Medvedev nor Putin as naive politicians or coward leaders, who would be afraid to go against the US if necessary. Secondly, think about, -- what is tanking the United States these days? Primarily, those remote wars they are conducting in the Middle East. They are draining Americans both politically and economically. May be Russians want the US being even more sucked into those conflicts -- to the point of no return (if Americans are engaged in combat actions with Iran that will be the beginning of the end for the USA as a global superpower). So, Russians are making risky move in form of "support" to create an illusion for Americans that they are "safe" in their maneuvers around Iran. I do not believe for a second, though, that Russians wouldn't care about their southern Muslim neighbors (remember, Russia has pretty big population of Muslims ready to erupt in the appropriate situation). I think, that recent meeting of the Russian, Turkish, and Iranian leaders has something more than was exposed on the surface. They, probably, agreed on some elements of the game... before Russia made its "public appearance" in the UN. So, as soon as Russians coordinate their actions with Iran and Turkey, Russia is not in the danger zone in the South... Another part -- Europe slowly drifting apart from the US's deadly hug of Cold War time. Russia, of course, should welcome and support this process. So, playing nice with Europeans, Russians are weakening forces which are holding Europeans in American slavery.

Have you seen the RT interview with President Medvedev during his last visit to the U.S? It was embarrassing and simplistic. I think things got worse for Russia since Medvedev assumed the top job. Russia sphere’s of influence could be harmed strongly with if the U.S uses the latest UNSC resolution to start a war in Iran. But if it is true Russia is going to purchase 10B new weapons from Israel and EU/US, than Russia is really not a global player any more. It has some nukes but Russia has neither ideological confidence not the military prowess of the Soviet Union. This is a nation run by money/wealthy lust group of oligarchs and the rest of the society is leaving off what remains of the great Soviet achievement. Today’s Russia looks and more confused: It seems to want to joint the U.S dominated European zone [position preferred by Medvedev]; another driving force is that of the push for setting up multi-polar new global architect [position supported by Lavrov and Putin]. Russia’s weakened position is now clear for the whole world to see. Thus, the nation seem to pulled and pushed by contradictory/ disjointed ambitions. Now we can see beneath the exterior façade of the patriotic past and military prowess, today Russia commands less global prestige under Medvedev’s leadership.

It's humiliating to watch how US is treating Russia as if she were one of Pavlov's dogs. America rings a bell and Russia runs to vote for US sponsored sanctions at the UN. America rings a bell and Russia cancels her S-300 contract with Iran. America rings the bell and Medvedev rushes to Washington grovel in front of Emperor Obama. USSR had its problems, but she was respected and feared by the US. Today, US and NATO just mock Russia at every opportunity, as they scheme to dismember Russia to get access to the mineral wealth of Siberia. Respect for Russia has dropped since the demise of the USSR to a low point where even an American sponsored two-bit lunatic like Saaksahvili dares to launch a war with Russia. How low can Russia sink?

Bogdanov Your hypothesis is flawed for the following reasons: first, unlike the Soviet Union war in Afghanistan, the U.S uses its capacity to print money from nothing and its military might to gain other notions wealth to support its many endless wars. Second, Russia is geographically closer to these centres of conflict. Thus, Russia will suffer from these the U.S. orchestrated chaos. Thirdly, Medvedev is too green, too inexperienced and too naïve [ if one takes his admiration of American food such as Coke and Big Mac] seriously. I wonder what is Medvedev’s view of Germany’s success to make healthy food massively cheap and available to its citizens, something the United States has failed to do! I agree with those who suggest that President Medvedev is not up to the task of steering this big complex ship, called Russia in these troubled waters of the current Great Game. Bring back Putin!

Medvedev is now claiming that Russia "did not agree" to any separate sanctions when it backed a joint UN resolution last week. Too late to complain. These subsequent insidious sanctions were always part of the American Plan - the UN vote was the key to launch the charade into action. Brazil and Turkey saw through this American charade, and refused to vote for the UN sanctions. Russia blindly voted for the UN sanctions without realizing the consequences of her foolish act. Now, Russia is wringing her hands and claiming that she was deceived by America. Too late. Next time America asks Russia to roll over like a little puppy, perhaps Russia will refuse - but, I doubt it because Kremlin is so enamored with Emperor Obama.

You guys have some really good points here, and I agree with all of you. In my opinion Russia is the only country who could stand up to US, and only country US fear today and yesterday. I believe that many little countries and all of muslims countries see some kind of protector in Russia, because that's what it was for many years..muslim partner and its been supported by those nations. Thats why Russia should not let those opinions change toward her. Remember West is full of s..., forget about it, they only use other countries for their own interests, and seek oportunity to destroy you.

It was just a matter of time before America started mocking Russia for not supporting the new impromptu American sanctions against Iran. US Defense Secretary, Gates called Russia "schizophrenic" for not supporting America's new impromptu sanctions against Iran. At least, he didn't call Russia a "terrorist supporter" as Turkey was called for not supporting America in the UN.

eko I agree with your assessment. But how did Russia act on crucial decisions regarding the Muslim world? Russia is increasingly depending on Israel’s military technology and that means Russia will not push hard on key issues such as crisis in Palestine. The U.S knows Russia’s weaknesses and that it why the U.S has tripled it efforts to dazzle Russia with gimmick/ fake "reset' to bring Russia on board to the U.S. empire of chaos. Medvedev does not offer confidence to the Muslim world. His language at times reflects that of the standards neocon talking points we associate with the U.S. Compare that to Mr. Putin who often appears at home inside a Mosque. In contrast, Medvedev’s hesitant vague 'modernising' Russia mantra makes Russia appear weaker than the it really is. Now compare this to Putin’s recent interview with French journalists. It does not has to be Putin back to the top office but Russia needs a leader with strong credentials; a leader that can draw a line in the sands and sign with RED MARKER where Russia stands in big global issues. The current Russian leader may be the favourite of the Putin hating western leaders and Russian oligarchs but so far he has been outwitted and outplayed by the U.S PR machine. Since he became the President of the United States, Obama came to Moscow only once. Now, how many times has Medvedev went to Washington? Obama did not come nor did he send high level delegate to the 65th anniversary of the Great Patriotic War celebration. The asymmetry relationship between Russia and the U.S is painfully clear for those willing to be honest in their assessment of the current U.S/Russia relations.

PR101, I think, you are right on both your statements -- Americans still can print money and maintain their wealth by taken it from other occupied or politically hijacked nations. By doing that Americans are capable of sustaining their superiority. I do not believe, though, that this is endless process. There is a point (or threshold) crossing which causes thing spiraling down rapidly. This is not an attribute of Americans or even humans. This is one of be basic laws of the Universe -- the Nature likes Big Bangs if somebody becomes too greedy. Therefore, I am still standing behind my theory that adding one more war in the basket (especially, with Iran) will put the United States down. Now, about Medvedev. Everything said here about him may be take seriously only, if we assume, that he is ruling Russia alone. But, I am pretty sure, that that he is just front-end of the real brain (which may not necessarily operates at the best of its capacity) governing political and economical life in Russia. And I don't think Medvedev is so naive as someone suggested here. He may play this role, though. Remember? He was "appointed" by Putin himself. And Putin knew him for years. So, I personally, think that there are some (unknown for us) reasons why Russia behaves today how it behaves. May be it it playing game called "Creating Multi-Polar World". Or, may be it is weak enough (economically) to stand alone against the West... and now the East, as well. This is may be why, Medvedev is so desperately trying to push this modernization thing. For me this sounds like a "confession" that the economy is performing well. The one should consider the fact, that the integrity of Russia is determined primarily by its economical strength. Otherwise, we would see another (and final) wave of disintegration of used to be mighty Russia. I think, that Russia's biggest ally today is time -- the country needs time to catch up with others. And may be this is the game which Russian leaders play...

eko, How can you be agreed with all of us, if we have really conflicting opinions here? Just curious how this is "technically" possible... Kihnu, I agree with you -- no matter what reasons force Russians to behave certain ways, they should maintain their dignity and have self-respect. The same like you, I am disgusted by certain things they do and how they represent the country.

Bogdanov Thank you for your thoughtful response. I do agree with you that Russia needs time to restore its economy and society. Russia is also making some significant gestures toward EU countries. I think recent close cooperation accords on various domains including energy and high technology between Germany and Russia and Putin’s confidence in the Euro shows that Russia is playing smart game within the European sphere. It is cooperation which the U.S would like to control and if it cannot control it then undermine it. Increasingly, the U.S uses military force or threat of military force to occupy other countries or conduct economic blackmail. This tactic is clear from how the U.S has forced EU nations not trade with Iran. But this additional boycott does not apply to Russia and China. The real danger I see is that the U.S will force EU/NATO to use military blockade against Iran. How would Russia respond to this? The U.S is a diminishing but dangerous empire and that is why Russia needs to reinforce its defense. Russia must be ready if the U.S decides to start a new war against Iran or North Korea. Creating chaos is a clear geo-strategic tool deployed by the U.S. Now, how can Russia consider the U.S as partner in peace when in reality the U.S is an empire of chaos?

Since some time and reading the constant vitriolic aimed at Iran from Mrs Hillary Clinton, and Obamas strange statements about people un-clenching fists, it leaves one to ask who really has the clenched fist. It is perfectly clear, the USA. Since the fall of the Shah, his police state and the US Embassy take over by students in the 70s the US has never forgiven Iran, just like it has never really forgiven the Vietnamese for kicking them out, then the use of Saddam Hussein to attack Iran and use chemical weapons against them, and sanctions. All in an attempt to destroy a nation. Iran has proved to the international community it has no nuclear weapons neither has it made any attempts to manufacture nuclear weapons. The Hype has come from the west led by the US. It needs to destroy Iran as next to Turkey it is a stable regional power with the technical and economic knowledge to keep itself together. The idea that they will make them bereft of any friends is not going to happen, dream on. Leo Tolstoy once wrote, "Thoughts that have important consequences are always simple. All my thinking could be summed with these words. Since corrupt people unite amongst themselves to constitute a force, honest people must do the same. It's as simple as that" . So be it with Iran they will unite with honest people. The sanctions imposed will in the end hurt the Sanctioniers and their economies. The US economy is not so rosy, neither the EU but the EU is in far better shape. Come September the US is facing a heavy financial problem and who is bailing them out, bank and corporate robberies in the guise of sanctions? Already Germany and France owe Iran extremely large amounts of money, but sanctions say, "we don't have to pay you, the money is impounded". As for war, this would have unfortunate disastrous consequences and Turkey may well take the side of Iran, Syria and Lebanon could also be involved. and the EU would sit with egg on its face.