While I like to poke fun at things on this blog, the following is no laughing matter:

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2007/08/09/wrussia109.xml

This type of behavior is simply a matter of saber rattling and chest thumping. Is it designed to scare Europe? Perhaps. But Europe also realizes that an attack by Russia is highly doubtful. Of course, Russia does send a clear message to Europe and NATO that Russia considers their military strength a joke. Also, this is an election year in Russia and Putin's Party considers itself the party of tough guys and hardliners. Provocative actions like this may play to the knuckle draggers who get a kick out of this behavior. It is, of course, also significantly dangerous behavior. What would have happened if that Russia plane was shot down? Bravado without logic is hardly the mindset a government that wants to be successful should possess. Unless, of course, the government is acting without logic.