Haven't seen anyone mention this aspect of the Castro news.....

[texanshatingbush]

It occurred to me today that this situation might present a great opportunity for the Russians to tweak the nose of George Bush, a la Kennedy's Cuban Missile Crisis.

Putin is certainly feeling his oats lately. And the Russian people like a "strong" leader (according to Hedrick Smith). And the Bush administration has certainly weakened the US with regard to its military strength, its economic strength, and how it is perceived by the rest of the world.

So what's to keep Putin from taking advantage of this convergence of an unknown quantity in Cuba, and all these Bush-fueled weaknesses in the USA? It would be a good way for Pooty-Poot to score some easy points on his home front as he consolidates his power.

Or am I just suffering from tin-foil poisoning?

[thunder rising]

1. Did Russia grow a navy in the last few days I missed? Influence yes, show of force, no!