Putin says Iraq shows Russia needs strong army

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.swissinfo.org/eng/international/ticker/detail/Putin_says_Iraq_shows_Russia_needs_strong_army.html?siteSect=143&sid=8326533&cKey=1192703904000&ty=ti

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin promised on Thursday new nuclear weapons as part of Moscow's military build-up, saying the experience of Iraq showed the need for resource-rich countries to keep strong defences.

In a televised question-and-answer session with Russian citizens ahead of elections in December, Putin also told the United States to set a date for withdrawing all its troops from Iraq and warned Washington against using force in Iran.

"Thank God Russia is not Iraq," Putin told a questioner who asked about supposed U.S. intentions to gain control of Siberia's vast natural resources. "It is strong enough to protect its interests within the national territory and, by the way, in other regions of the world."

"... What we are doing to increase our defence capability is the correct choice and we will continue to do that," he added.

[malaise]

1. He is 100% correct

Someone better stand up to Bush

[malaise]

2. dupe

[madokie]

3. I'm surprised that he has shown the discipline he has concerning bush* invasion and the occupation

of Iraq. For that I love the man

if or when Russia gets involved all hell will break loose. This next big war will be fought on American soil, our homes, our cities, our mothers, our fathers, our babies, yes it won't be pretty.