Quote Originally Posted by Hanren View Post
But if you read between the lines, its not much about territorial issues. Its about playing politics in the international arena.
That's about it. I can't really blame the Russians. All throughout the Cold War and afterwards, they've been perceived as the "bad guys" with stories about horrific purges, massacres, pogroms, etc which were probably all true. It'd make sense if they feel obligated to return the favor.

OT

As for Chavez..... He's harmless besides making gasoline more expensive for everyone. If the US sold him the military hardware he asked for in the first place, Chavez probably wouldn't be making much noise (anti-US rhetoric). Beats me why the US wouldn't sell him more F-16s... They're 30-year old designs and near the end of their service life. Chavez did what I would've done, buy newer Sukhoi SU-30's instead.