The Russians are Coming! The Russians are Coming!

Ever since reading about speculation that the Russians would be sending troops to Iraq - I have had that possibility stuck in my head. On the surface it makes tremendous sense.

The Russians have plenty of troops and if the US helped with the cost of their upkeep - then it becomes a no-brainer for President Putin. Consider the following:

- Putin has shown a willingness to help out President Bush - most recently with his announcement that after 9/11 Russian intelligence agencies warned the US of further potential attacks on the US coming out of Iraq.

- Putin and Bush seem to genuinely like each other.

- Having the Russians come on board in the coalition in Iraq severely undercuts Kerry's claim about Bush harming traditional international relationships. All that would be left out of Iraq would be France and Germany (and I think Kerry may want to take a long look at how France is polling among voters here in the US).

- If Russia came on board in Iraq - Bush could point out that he went to NATO first to get addition troop support but those traditional allies refused (i.e. the request was blocked by France and Germany). NATO is pretty much an organization that has outlived its purpose and partnering with Russia would underscore that fact. Have you heard anyone at this week's DNC ask why we still have troops in Germany? Why not?

- Russia has historically been at odds with both France and Germany. A Kerry election clearly benefits France and Germany but there seems to be nothing in it for Russia. Sending troops right before the election helps cement a Russian / US relationship.

- The Russians aren't squeamish when it comes to terrorists or hostages. Last year when terrorists seized that opera house - can you recall any terrorists walking out alive?

- Doing this in Iraq will give Putin a freer hand in dealing with his own radical Islamic problem in some of the former USSR states.

When you look at the idea of Russia sending troops to Iraq - it seems to make a lot of sense. Of course if it does happen - the Democrats will say that Karl Rove orchestrated the whole thing.