BBC News: Russia tests giant fuel-air bomb

Every major Nation develops and tests new arms. Russia just just another big bang for publicity. Mr Putin is hardly a saint, but his harsh words for Bush’s America and it’s aggressive imperialism strike a chord with many people.

For example the American Missile shield in eastern Europe is rubbish (some more insights here). It’s no surprise that Russia feels threatened by the US and abandoned by Europe. That is why Russia retreats from important international arms control treaties.

Russia is hardly in good shape these days - the nation is rich, but shrinking fast. Mr Putin needs big bangs for external propaganda as well as building up morale at home.