Kevin, "look at what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan"? I won't defend US action in Iraq, and I certainly won't defend the US's missile defense program. But I will certainly defend US military action in Afghanistan. How can you expect the US not to protect itself from military attack when Russia is prepearing to build up its army from something much less scary, the perceived lack of energy resources? Afghanistan was clearly in US interests - NECESSARILY in US interests - because of the Taliban's undeniable ties to Al-Qaeda. I agree, however, with moderate NYT columnist Thomas Friedman that Iraq was a war of choice.

Madison, New York,

The world will just have to recognize Russia as a cockier country with lots of cash --with legitamit interests of their own--which is a bi-polar world, and the muscle to back it up.

Essentially the Russians want success and a better life for themselves --

The wild card in the world will be if Israel and Iran go at it militarily -- If Iran inflicts severe damage on Israel, will Israel hold Moscow accountable--and if Israel takes vengeance on Moscow, Will Moscow hold Washington accountable?!

Russia needs to keep Iran on a leash, while the USA tries to keep Israel turning the other cheek , when they get another suicide bomber of the week , blowing themselves up in a Tel Aviv market place......

George Person, Phoenix, USA

I think Peter Stoyanov from Sofia, Bulgaria and Anna from St.Petersburg are right.

Since the collapse of the USSR, the US Administration's moves around the world has been frightening and becoming more and more aggressive. Look what's happening in Iraq and Afghanistan! Look at the US plans for the Chekhs and Polaks with their AMDS. Look how the US is bullying the North Korea and Iran. Why would one do that if one wants to keep the peace? The US should insist on diplomatic resolution but not a military one.

Russia merely answers to the threats to its national interests that it deems are stemming from the US international policy. Don't you think there would be a double-standard to think that the US can answer to the deemed threats to its national interests and no one else could?

In summary, the US international policy in its entirety is the source of all the disturbance around the world. No exaggerations mad

Kevin, Vancouver, Canada

Putin is right. It is the US that is offensive and dangerous with its megalomaniac idea of the world judge that allows itself to carry out anything (military attacks or ecinomic sanctions) to push its interests

Anna, St.Petersburg, Russia

Putin, must be told to stand down his idle threats to the U.S.
Putin, and Iran are a danger to us all.
Are we going to be afraid of a little man in the Kremlin who talks big???
We as the U.S.A. need to take steps to let him and the world know that we do not need these kind of arms threats.
I am not going to be pushed around by some dictator nor the rest of us should.

Ernst, Philomath, Oregon

Peter Stoyanov, Sofia, Bulgaria
you all it is correct has said.The Russia does not need the war ,nor arms race since this negative tells on economy of the countries .США first approached to border of the Russia.Do Not forget that built rockets in Hollow can have an offensive nature .Do If rat to lock in corner has a resistance and the defence ,what big was not an enemy.Folk to Russia for president and elected by him way we completely support.Single what we want - build the friendly relations with europe and ignore such country as USA. respect Aksenov Evgeniy .Sorry for bad english.Russia.Vladivostok.

Evgenyi, Vladivostok, Russia

This info is scary as hell! I thought we had good relations with Russia and they'd finally gotten over the whole "Motherland" thing. Regardless of your political stance, I think people should take alarm at this news of rearmament. Sounds like the Cold War, only this time we might not be so lucky.

Dave, Lexington, Virginia

What´s going on with Russia is the result of U.S Government arrogant or if not ignorant in understanding International Affair. With or without the Star Wars Program and no matter how much you try, if Rogue countries wants to do some damages they will succeed in just a matter of time. What America should do is set themselve to be an example for all countries to follow by diverting military fund and put them to use by providing humanitarian aid to the world.

Alexius Bermudez, Terrassa/Barcelona, Spain

Bush is what you get when you have a lousy election system. If the popular vote were something we in the USA deserve you would'n't have Bush in the whitehouse. We are a people saddled with a non democratic system that can get a Bush for President that coudn't pass the exams required by the no chil left behind tests.

Loren Stang, Houston, Texas

To Jeff in NZ: you've fallen into the same farcical arguement as anyone who doesn't follow the effects of an american administration on the shape of the world. It is common knowledge that it was precisely the Clinton administration's decisions (or lack of decisions) that created the monster Bin Laden and all the downstream affects from his being left alone to build Al-Quada. It's the failings of the democrats that often set the world into a tail-spin. Look at the affects of the Carter administration! Frigthening!

Mr. King, Manchester,

"Vladimir Putin signalled the return of the arms race yesterday"

Are you sure? Did Putin start building an AMD station in North America or attaked small oil rich countries in the Middle East?Does Russia have any military bases all around the world?

Peter Stoyanov, Sofia, Bulgaria

If the US had not re-elected Bush this nonsense would not be happening. I hope they are enjoying watching oil prices rise above $90/barrel from $26 under Clinton!

The Democrats will no doubt reverse the Bush repudiation of the ABM treaty and then Russia can scuttle this wasteful expenditure. Of course if the US put another Republican in we can go back to the good old days when nuclear war was one error away.

Jeff Larsen, Chch, NZ

Excellent translation and relatively unbiased. I am impressed. What astounds me is how Putin can readily answer tough questions from reporters on the spot without a script or writers, while George bush stumbles, and bans people from the white house such as Dr. Gail Dines for asking the president questions which arent on his script.

Michael, New Jersey, USA

why is Bush continuing with this shield nonsense. this is no way to eradicate the world of nuclear weapons and only serves to heighten paranoia; and a race to obtain 'heavier' more destructive weapons by other countries. the real 'war' is in educating those in the middle east and helping to build a safe and sustainable society for them through showing them that the West wants to help; not just take natural reserves such as oil. i wonder if the whole world was run on renewable sustainable sources of energy would we still have the need for nuclear weapons and missile shields?

Graeme McLeish, Chengdu, Sichuan