Reuters reports today that Russia has stationed Iskander missiles in its western regions, bordering Poland and Lithuania. The Poles and the Lithuanians are nervous -- and understandably so -- after having suffered for decades behind the Iron Curtain.
Clearly, Putin is trying to flex Russian muscle again in the world, even trying to reconstitute an anti-western sphere of influence reminiscent of the bad old days of the USSR. That's what's behind all the protests in the Ukraine -- where the people want closer ties with the west, but its leader is seeking the closer economic ties with Russia being sought by Putin.
What bears noting is how completely wrong Obama has gotten Russia policy throughout his tenure.
And remember how snidely he dismissed Mitt Romney's stated concerns about the geopolitical threat caused by Russia?
The problem is that Putin has taken Obama's measure. And that means trouble for all of us.