Fightin’ Words from Putin, Ahmadinejad

Russian President Vladimir Putin isn’t showing any sign of softening up in his response to the U.S. government’s plans to install an anti-missile shield in Europe.  Meanwhile, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad dramatically announced that Israel’s days are numbered.

Globe and Mail:

Mr. Putin, in an interview at his country residence outside Moscow, said he considers U.S. plans to build an eastern European anti-missile site to shoot down Iranian missiles a provocation aimed at Russia.

Asked what he might do to retaliate, he said he would return Russia to the Cold War status where missiles were aimed at European targets.

“It is obvious that if part of the strategic nuclear potential of the United States is located in Europe, and according to our military experts will be threatening us, we will have to respond,” he said.

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AP Photo / ITAR-TASS

In a three-hour interview with reporters, Putin repeatedly criticized the U.S. as dangerous and hypocritical.