GUESS THEY DIDN'T GET THE MESSIANIC MESSAGE - AT 1:12 P.M. ET:  From The Wall Street Journal:

Kremlin Signals a Harder Line on Relations With the U.S.

MOSCOW -- Russian President Dmitry Medvedev struck a Cold War tone on Tuesday, pledging to press ahead with an ambitious rearmament program in response to what he described as NATO's military expansion close to Russia's borders.

His hawkish comments come ahead of his first meeting with President Barack Obama early next month at the Group of 20 meeting, and were paired with even tougher rhetoric from Russian Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov. Mr. Serdyukov accused the U.S. of trying to push Russia out of its traditional sphere of influence -- the former Soviet Union -- in order to secure raw materials and energy supplies.

Dmitry Medvedev, standing, spoke to Russian military leaders Tuesday.
Analysts said the comments were designed to send a signal to Mr. Obama that the Kremlin wouldn't be an easy negotiating partner.

COMMENT:  See our 7:18 a.m. post.  We're getting this same message from adversary after adversary.  And who visits the White House today?  Jimmah Carter.  (See our post right below this one.)  What great imagery.  This administration is not up to speed on foreign affairs.  It's still in campaign mode.  The campaign is over. 

March 18, 2009