Re: Russia would launch pre-emptive nuclear strikes to defend it's allies
Wonder why he felt the need to rattle his sabre now? Russia is raking it in from the oil boom, under Putin has re-asserted its pride. Between the weakness that USA under Bush has suffered and the strength that Russia has regained under Putin, we are at the cusp of a two-polar world again I guess.
Difference this time is that China and India have joined the classes of Japan and far east as economic entities, which will hopefully encourage the checks and balances of the two-pole world without the histrionics and risks of a cold war.