Is The Russia Army A Paper Tiger?

In Georgia, Russia Saw Its Army's Shortcomings
-- Christian Science Monitor

Decades of neglect, outdated technology, and an ineffective conscript system reduced the capabilities of the Russian Army.

Moscow - The global perception of the Russia-Georgia war this summer is that an armored juggernaut of old Soviet military proportions rolled over its puny rival after a five-day conflict.

But the view from Moscow is different. Many Russian military experts are still shaking their heads in dismay over a catalog of delays and mistakes that plagued the Russian Army's thrust into South Ossetia.

"The war made it clear that we have all kinds of shortcomings in equipment, training, battlefield coordination, and intelligence," says Alexei Arbatov, a military expert with the Carnegie Center in Moscow.

The Russian Army's questionable performance has prompted urgent debate here over Russia's need for a modern, mobile, professional army capable of rapidly responding to challenges that might erupt along Russia's long borders with its unstable post-Soviet neighbors. In fact, the August conflict is giving fresh impetus for a 30 percent jump in defense spending, and a military modernization plan.

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My Comment: Failures in the Georgian War have been a wake-up call to the Russian political establishment. Solution .... throw money at the problem.

Russia needs to do develop a strategic view towards its military. It must also examine how it will confront its domestic enemies who are now engaged in a low level conflict with Moscow. These were issues that former President Putin should have focused on when he President. The new Russian President has clearly marked this as a priority for his government, as is now starting the process to address what has quickly become a major concern for Russia.

Russia's view of Nato not being a threat in it's current shape is correct. But their concern of former Soviet Republics becoming Nato members has raised alarm bells .... they know that this development will entice many former republics to look at forging new and independent ties from Moscow .... a clear weakening of Russia's influence and status in this part of the world.