FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, shown at a news conference, has signed a revised military doctrine listing NATO and the United States as national security threats.
Alan: In terms of "The Official Story" (whether told by Russia or the United States) is there any persuasive reason -- particularly in light of America's unjustified belligerence in Vietnam and Iraq -- to believe that Uncle Sam is substantially less crazy than Vladimir Putin?
December 26, 2014
Russia has adopted a new military doctrine, naming NATO and the United States as major threats to its national security.
President Vladimir Putin approved the new doctrine Friday.
Its core remains largely unchanged.
New parts of the doctrine include what Russia sees as the threat posed by NATO's expansion and military buildup.
"NATO poses no threat to Russia or to any nation," an alliance official told VOA. "Any steps taken by NATO to ensure the security of its members are clearly defensive in nature, proportionate and in compliance with international law. In fact, it is Russia's actions, including currently in Ukraine, which are breaking international law and undermining European security."
NATO reaffirmed that it intends to continue seek a constructive relationship with Russia, "but that is only possible with a Russia that abides by international law and principles -- including the right of nations to choose their future freely."
Russia's doctrine lists several military threats. They include “strategic antiballistic missile systems," which Russia says undermine the nuclear balance of power. The United States and some of its allies have expanded anti-missile systems in recent years, despite Moscow's objections.
The document also points to the threat of instability in countries bordering Russia or its allies and the possible deployment of foreign troops in those nations.
Russia issued the statement almost one year after a conflict erupted in eastern Ukraine after protesters in Kyiv forced the country's president, an ally of Moscow, to flee to Russia. Since then, Russia has annexed Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, and Russian-backed separatists have battled Ukrainian government troops in the country's east.
"Busy giddy minds with foreign quarrels."
Henry IV, Part I
Ukraine's pro-Western parliament overwhelmingly passed a law on Tuesday abolishing Kyiv's neutral, non-aligned status, a step some Ukrainians hope will lead to European Union and NATO membership.
Moscow was quick to react - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the law counterproductive.
NATO has boosted its military presence in Eastern Europe this year due to Russia’s support for insurgents in eastern Ukraine.
NATO has boosted its military presence in Eastern Europe this year due to Russia’s support for insurgents in eastern Ukraine.
Moscow has continuously denied supporting the rebellion.
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