A New Cold War?

In light of Russia's struggle to keep Ukraine from falling into America's sphere of influence, Stratfor speculates that Vladimir Putin's on-going India trip could lead to yet another front in a new, subtle, cold war.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived Dec. 3 on a visit to India, while Pakistani President Gen. Pervez Musharraf is making a stopover in Washington to meet with U.S. President George W. Bush. Moscow's moves to counter the possible loss of Ukraine to U.S. influence could affect the situation in southwest Asia and the Indo-Pakistani region. The Cold War chessboard could be resurrected if the United States and Russia seek to engage in a geopolitical game, and the regional actors will have a chance to advance their national interests.