CEP20050816027126 Tbilisi Chechenpress WWW-Text in Russian 1420 GMT 08 Aug 05

8 August: Seemingly hidden global processes are under way in the world against the background of the "antiterror" hysteria. But if you look carefully enough, you will see that the world is gradually polarizing.

This polarization has one interesting peculiarity - both sides are trying to attract Russia. For its part, Russia is successfully taking advantage of this. There is the so-called antiterrorist coalition and G8, on the one hand, of which Russia is a full member. On the other hand, there is the Shanghai Eight [presumably, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization], of which Russia is a member, too. Which of them will Russia prefer?

[Passage omitted: on recent developments in Iraq, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan]

George Bush has so far hoped that the honest eyes of a KGB lieutenant-colonel will not betray their eternal friendship. But the US president is unaware of how treacherous the Russian special services can be. As a result, "Pu [Russian President Vladimir Putin] has chosen Hu [Chinese leader Hu Jintao]", i.e. not his friend Bush, but the chairman of the People's Republic of China, Hu Jintao. What is the reason for this precipitate choice of Pu?

International news agencies reported recently that "a large-scale Russian-Chinese military exercise Peace Mission - 2005" is to be held in August.

[Passage omitted: the Russian military command said preparations for the exercise completed]

Subsequent events showed that the Americans did not think long about replying to Putin. Out of the whole arsenal, they pointed to "their friend Vladimir's" Achilles heel - Chechnya - by showing an interview with commander of the Chechen Resistance Shamil Basayev.

This retaliatory step by the Americans was aimed at demonstrating to the Kremlin ruler how shaky his position is in case Putin decides to continue to disobey "Uncle Sam".

Judging by their recent actions, the Americans have been consolidating their positions in Azerbaijan and Georgia. After the inglorious loss of Central Asia, the Caucasus is the last outpost of the US, which it will leave under no circumstances. If Putin makes haste by creating an "explosive mixture" of Russia, China, India and other Asian "tigers", the White House will not limit itself just to showing Chechen [rebel] leaders on American TV channels but will take more drastic measures. These might include, for instance, the delivery of portable air defense missile systems to the Chechen Resistance.

If you remember, it was the delivery of these missile systems that played a crucial role in the Soviet Union's defeat in Afghanistan. History may repeat itself. Especially now that only the Caucasus range separates the Americans from Chechen resistance fighters. For several hundred bucks decorated Georgian herdsmen on their omnipotent donkeys can deliver a couple of dozens of portable air defense missile systems to any of the Chechen gorges.

[Description of Source: Tbilisi Chechenpress WWW-Text in Russian -- official news agency of rebel Chechen government; located at www.chechenpress.com, -co.uk, and -.info]