I agree the U.S. has learned that Russia has been re-born. They have also created a vast military alliance with China via the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. The actions of the leading world military powers all seem to indicate that a new arms race has begun among the super powers. The only way to check this re-emerging Russian power is to allow a strong German military in Europe. As well as a closer Military ties between France, Britain, Poland, Italy, and Spain. To check China the U.S. must strengthen ties with Vietnam and allow Japan to develop greater offensive capability. Other key U.S. allies need also be included. However it is important for the world to realize that a WWIII is only a matter of time. Russia is back and China wants a empire. Of course this is just my opinion, but I hope I'm wrong.

Seth - I see things a little differently, no doubt Russia is back, this is plain to see, also there is no doubt that Russia has acquired critical defensive mass, so we will now build and build, which is the arms race you refer to. However, Germany, France and Italy, have too many mutually beneficial interests, with us, basically a swap of hydrocarbons for goods, so no one is going to cut their own throat in the deal. So Russia will actually build closer relationships with these. No the threat to Russia, comes from Britain, this has always historiicaly been the case. Britain is continually working agaist Russian interests, it is one of their priorities. So look for activities around British led and funded terrorism, subversion, NGOs and agitation of ex-eastern european countries. Britain doesn't have the military power to threaten Russia anymore, so uses other more subtle techniques instead. For China, yes they will become more and more powerful, there is no doubt, they will be among the world leaders or indeed the world leader. That brings me to the real reason a WWIII could happen, and that is the US unable to cope emotionaly with its natural demise. Coping with the US demise, is one of the biigest factors to deal with in the future. Gettin the US institution to accept America a country amongst equals, is a huge task to achieve.

After the fall of USSR empire that counterbalance abuses of US empire, the last one have acted with no limits. They invaded Iraq two times, Afghanistan two times (firstly with their creature Taliban and secondly to expel the former ally that strikes back the former lord), support all abuses of Israel against Palestinians etc. But now Russia is back and China wants a more presence in the world affairs. Unfortunately, it seems to me that only a balance of superpowers can avoid foreign interventionism and neo-colonialism.

I totaly agree that ww3 is just around the corner! But the real quastion is wich side really wants it? When Yeltsin was president, US loved Russia! Because they could steel what ever they wanted! Now they and noone else can and suddenly Russia is bad! It is in no Russian interest starting any new conflicts, nor i belive it is in Americas!!! There are high players on these game, and players that no one even heared of, people who controls the IMF and other internatioan organizations!

The US will keep on doing whatever it wants until it is stopped by a strong adversary. The results of the S. Ossetian war have effectively thrown US ambitions in that part of the world into limbo. It even lost Ukraine, which was such a sure thing. Russia effectively protected its interests without occupying Georgia. This fact also undercut US strategy.