“The people of the Czech Republic don’t have to choose between being a friend of the United States or a friend with Russia,” Bush said in his stop at this former Soviet satellite. “You can be both. We don’t believe in a zero-sum world.”

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19040836/

What happened to "you're either with us, or you're with the terrorists".

Just a lil different... Unless of course, Russia is a bunch of terrorists.

They're just the kind of terrorists that we like!

Exactly, so it isn't a "zero sum world" unless of course, you are George Bush discussing terrorism.

I believe LW meant that dealing with nation-states is not the same as dealing with organized terror groups.

his father didn't have any beef with the czech republic that he wants to settle. did he?

Ok, so its a zero sum world when its convenient.

Nation States = no absolutism
Wars against words = absolutism

You'd think it'd be the other way around.

Maybe. Terror groups tend to be short lived versus nation states, so it's probably smarter to be flexible with nations as their leadership and guiding principles can change over time. Terror groups exist mostly for a goal, like pushing Israel into the sea. If the goal is wrong and violent, then I don't see why there should be a flexible stance.

I see no reason why a missile defense system wouldn't make sense, especially if we make an honest effort to talk with Russia and China to reduce stockpiles further. Rusty warheads aren't much good to anyone anyway, and I'm sure Russia would love some free money, even if they have to dismantle a couple nukes in the process.

thats not happening though. bush opted out of the anit- ballistic misslei treaty back in 2003 and hasnt made an honest effort to discuss concerns with russia as far as i can see. both the US and britian have plans to develop new smaller nukes too.