[CCIP]

Where did I blame the West for Russia's situation? Although it all eventually sums up from a range of factors, I think it's safe to say that Russians have by and large themselves to blame for being unable to get past most of their problems. I just said that playing political games and social experiments with the West has not brought it only more problems, and they have been hurt tremendously by these involvements. Victimized, sometimes, but a lot of the time drawn in by their leaders' incompetence and even naivete that they can make a better world at least for themselves - and having millions of largely innocent people pay the price.

So, that's all I'm saying. So far, all I see is that Russia's involvement with the western politics or ideas costs millions of dead Russians. There's easily 60 million dead Russians for these reasons in the last century - and what does Russia have to show for it? Wounded pride?

Again, I'm more than open to proof of the contrary. But the West has simply done nothing for Russia but use it as a good source of cannon fodder.

[edit]
...and the reason I'm personally in the West iand not Russia is because, likewise, Russia had no use for me other than potential cannon fodder. The jury is still out on what things will turn out like for me here.
Again, keep in mind that I'm merely stating the obvious facts as to why Russia is not keen on cooperation on the Iraq or Iran questions, and other Western schemes that it's been reluctantly opposing. I'm not whitewashing any particular side here.