At first glance, it would seem Israel has no power over Russia, but this is wrong. Soviet technology has been shown to be inferior to western technology time and time again, most clearly in the Israeli Arab wars, from 67, to 73 to the war in Lebanon in 82. No where more so than in the aircraft downing ratios between the IAF and the combined Soviet stocked Arab air forces. Soviet tanks have also been tested and did little better. While the Russians would like to present their systems as on par with US made weapons systems, the bombing in Syria of what ever site it migh be, with no Israeli jets downed show once more that Russian made systems are just not up to par. Should Israel fly into Iranian air space and come back, it won't be a hit only to Iranian infastructure and pride. Russian technology would take a beating. Olmert would be wise to point out to Pres. Putin that leaving these Russian weapons systems untested is in Russia's best interest.

No argument from Israel will influence Putin's position. It's certainly worthwhile for Olmert to communicate our position but it is unrealistic to believe it will change anything. If America does not take military action, the bottom line is that we will be obliged to take military action as best we can. The risk to us is unacceptable -

Putin says, "the Iranian nuclear project is under tight Russian control." That's the problem. And Putin's 'special' commitment to those Russians who've emigrated to Israel...is it the same one Ahmadinejad has towards the (elimination of the) State of Israel?

Olmert can whine and kvetch all he wants about Iran, but Russia will ignore him just the same, as what Israel wants is irrelevant and plays no role in Russian foreign policy or relations with Iran and other ME countries. More likely Olmert will return once again with his tail between his legs with a warning by Putin of the grave consequences that any Israeli attack upon Iran would have. Israel is going to have to accept Iran as a major player and power in the ME, and learn to keep its noses out of the affairs of sovereign nations in the future if it wants to continue to survive going forward.

The new evel axis inludes Russia and China as the rulers of these two countries have been behaving like dictators towards their citizens and supporting evil regimes like Iran and Syria.

Vanya, you are as Jewish as my left leg speaks Chinese. When your gilded empire will burst open and disintegrate Iran will be the first to scavenge it's Moslem rump. Satirist Voynovich had predicted your future (and present) in his immortal "Moscow 2042". When the gas fields will be exhausted you will use the pipelines to export shit. Go, buy some vodka and drink your fueher's health - he's gonna be around for some time..

Strange that you do not live in Israel, perhaps because you already have learned that Israel is irrelevant and that prosperity lies elsewhere yah? You Israelis are an arrogant and not a very bright bunch that have wasted 40 years and much money occupying the Palestinian's lands when you could have been using that money to improve your own country. In 40 years Russia will still be a wealthy and prosperous country while Israel, if it stays on course, will still be the miserable place that you left to seek greener pastures.

With all the mess Bush has got us in I am not surprised that Putin is becoming so friendly with Ahmadinejad and others. This is the first chapter of a new cold war. No matter how much we hate each other we will learn to live together. The same goes for Israel and Iran. By the way Maurice I agree with you about Russia and China, but don't forget that our countries have supported dictators thru the years as well. At the end of the day you have to look after your own interests first!!!

There is a large bunch of Russians in Israel, I'm sure that some of them must know how to kick the ass of these filthy Cossacks.

So you ARE not Jewish, Ivan. Than why do you lie? Is that an inferiority complex - to hide behind a Jewish name and spread your nationalistic propaganda here davka. Nobody respects your country anyway. Some are afraid of it, others want to take advantage dealing with its corrupt KGB regime. But respect - no. Cannot Learn to live with it, Ivan. As for me being in Europe - "greener pastures" is irrelevant. I am working for IDF and staying here temporarily to share my professional expertise. When my working assignment is over I come home to my family in Jerusalem. More vodka?

Terry that no amount of rational thinking and proof will ever influence Putin. Therefore, we will have to pick up the burden and deal with it as we always have and as we always defeated Russian technology, be it as it is. I only hope Mr Putin understands how serious we are about our survival. If he does, he knows what to do next. But I don't understand Lev's angry attitude against Israel and its people ( even if some of them live in Europe or on the Moon). It's none of your business because in a true democracy it is called FREEDOM. Why should you care ? You are not even a Jew though you paint yourself as one. And, by the way, Israel doesn't have to accept squat. Why should we accept a major terrorist government and its psychotic, megalomanian and criminal leader as "a major player" as you so infamously put it ? It seems you have been totally blinded by your 75 dark and bleak communist years.

While it's true that Putin cares little or not at all about Israel's concerns, what better way does Israel have to express them, and how sweet it is that the KGB Polkovnik (Col.) supposedly a democratic leader (there's a laugh), has to receive him or reveal himself as the Antisemite he truly is. Lev, how much do you fear them, or how much are you being paid to side with Antisemites? When did they corrupt your soul?

You'd have better luck sticking your bare arm in a cobra pit. History shows time & again, every time, that those who put any trust in Russia wind up bitterly disappointed, if actually still alive.

I think before Bush leaves office he's going to dump on Iran, full force. Watching TV and the news in the US, Its just a matter of time and the time is not far off. You won't be there alone. Thanks Bob