The Russkies Are Coming, the Russkies Are Coming!

[Generation ABXY]

According to the New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/05/world/05patrol.html?_r=3), Russia has two Akula class submarines patrolling the eastern seaboard.

A pair of nuclear-powered Russian attack submarines has been patrolling off the eastern seaboard of the United States in recent days, a rare mission that has raised concerns inside the Pentagon and intelligence agencies about a more assertive stance by the Russian military.

The episode has echoes of the cold war era, when the United States and the Soviet Union regularly parked submarines off each other’s coasts to steal military secrets, track the movements of their underwater fleets — and be poised for war.

According to one historian, this may be the first time they've done so in well over a decade. Right now, it apparently means nothing...or, rather, any one of a number of different things.

Personally, I think they just want to see ol' Bill again, too. ;)

[Narradisall]

I'd be amazed if either country actively tried to revive a similar cold war.

America has subs parked in other areas of the world all the time though, its international waters, no one owns them so they can go their if they want. Likely its just posturing, but hell half the time we all seem to be running subs on training etc all over the bloody place.

I'm surprised we haven't crashed two of the things into each other yet...

[Generation ABXY]

I'd be amazed if either country actively tried to revive a similar cold war.

America has subs parked in other areas of the world all the time though, its international waters, no one owns them so they can go their if they want. Likely its just posturing, but hell half the time we all seem to be running subs on training etc all over the bloody place.

I think it is just that it's been so long since they've last done it that has some people uneasy, and I can certainly understand why (I mean, one can't help but ask, "Why now?"). I agree, though - or at least, would like to believe - that neither one wants to start up the Cold War again.

I'm surprised we haven't crashed two of the things into each other yet...

And you didn't even have to use plum for someone to get it. I think CoG's making real progress. :D

[Doogie2K]

fnd0qg4I_MM

It's going to happen, you know. Westwood told me so.

[Johan]

India had a multi-billion dollar order for these subs, but when one went down and killed all the crew on board (Russian), they cancelled. Speculation is the Russians are trying to revive the contract by proving the worth of the subs.

Either way, it's in international waters. Life goes on...until it stops. Until then, live it.

[Ink Asylum]

Look out!

http://mediamatters.org/static/images/item/fnc-20090805-putin_chest.jpg

Actually, nothing to fear. If it comes down to a World Leader Shirt-Off, we've got this one in the bag. Putin's looking a little flabby.

http://suzette.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341c860f53ef01156f4b8c34970c-800wi

[Narradisall]

Pffft, did you not read that Putin just recently single handedly took a mini sub to the bottom of the deepest lake (I think it was a lake) in the world?

I bet he breaks rocks on those pecs of his.

Oh and I don't use plum, I figure most people here have decent enough sarcasm detectors, and those that don't provide me with a simple amusement.