Us missiles - Putin revives Cold War speak

14. In echoes of the Cold War, Russian president Vladimir Putin gave a very blunt warning to the United States against going ahead with plans to build an anti-missile shield on Russia’s borders. Putin angrily told the USA that its military expansion revived the threat of the East-West "mutual destruction" scenario. He said: "The threat of causing mutual damage and even destruction increases many times." He promised the White House that Russia would retaliate with “counter measures” to prevent America placing 10 missiles in Poland and a radar system in the Czech Republic. Putin did not specify what shape his threats might take. Some experts believe Russia could withdraw from a key disarmament treaty, which has been key in maintaining European security since the end of the last century.

Prepare for war with Iran, says France

15. France’s foreign minister has warned the world that it may have to prepare for war with Iran over its nuclear programme: "We have to prepare for the worst, and the worst is war," he stated. He even said Europe should be prepared to act alone to stop Iran developing nuclear weapons. His comments have sparked protests and outrage in Teheran. Iran’s official news agency is furious and retaliated by saying France was really the USA in disguise, and that the country “has taken on American skin". The agency issued a stinging response to what it calls France’s total lack of logic: "The occupants of France’s presidential palace have become the executors of the will of Washington. They have adopted a tone that is even harder, more inflammatory and more illogical than that of America’s," it said.