[Skybird]

with Brazil set to become - or already being - a regional leading power and the US having lost much sympathy in South America in general and having seen contempt for the US rising, Putin would be dump not trying to make hay while the sun is shining. It is a good opportunity for him, because different to the Russian'S ability to react to American interference in Georgia, there is little the US can do when South America is denying the North even more and makes friendship with the Russians - last but not least not only in defense to the US, but against the growing Chinese influence on the South American economy and market as well. as a german commenator yesterday said on TV: "the Southamericans may feel contempt for the US - but of China they are afraid."