Mike Sylwester,

Well I’ll buy that you are at least associated with the FSB.

So take this one back to them: the US gets trust because when asked to leave they do. Philippines, Saudi Arabia are recent examples. Iraq as soon as they ask.

Russia when asked to leave and agreeing to leave does not. In addition the current rampage in Georgia is not a confidence builder. Is shows a certain lack of discipline. Which is not law and order.

For 500 year Russia has sucked totally on grand strategy. It appears to be reverting to form. As to law and order: abrogating the contracts with outside oil companies is not a confidence builder. So you made a bad deal. Do better on the next contract. It builds confidence. Or if you really got cheated re-negotiate. Throwing the oil guys out looks bad and discourages new investment. Which you may not need now but who knows what the future will bring?