tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24528000.post-46333179552693901212008-03-22T18:54:00.000Z2008-03-22T18:54:00.000ZAnother reason is strong global clout.<BR/><BR/>It's part of the "quartet" negotiating Mid East peace and has strong relations with Israel and the Arab nations equally (for example, Israel lifted Visa restrictions on Russian just yesterday !!!)<BR/><BR/>Russia's also one of the six parties negotiating with North Korea.<BR/><BR/>Russia made the Kyoto Protocol happen.<BR/><BR/>In a few years, it'll be the only nation able to send a man or woman into space.<BR/><BR/>Third largest F/X reserves.<BR/><BR/>Most natural gas, by a mile.<BR/><BR/>Reigning European champions in basketball. A mean chess team.<BR/><BR/>Culture. Sports. Economy. Natural Resources. Foreign clout. History. Etc. Etc. Etc.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12248791977170347491noreply@blogger.com