Russia Creates New Military Structure

The military strategies that have long defined Russia are now being completely retooled. The nation that was once almost untouchable because of it's sheer number of soldiers and surrounding advantageous demography has now decided to drastically cut back on troop numbers and focus on improving their military technology and strategies.
The Russia goverment is going to be putting an estimated $140 billion dollars into buying new arms for their military over the next two years. But why such drastic changes?
It seems Russia has two main motivating fears:1. NATO and 2. Islamic insurgents.
Russia has no real immediate fear of NATO, and in fact seems to be modeling it's new military system after NATO sanctioned militaries. Though Russia is suspicious of Ukraine's involvement with NATO, to some it looks like Russia may be making a push to in the future join NATO.
The immediate fear of the Russian army is fundamentalist Muslims. Muslims currently account for roughly 17% of the Russian population and are the only growing community in Russian society. Many feel the massive cutback in military forces was to push as many Muslims out as possible.
So what does this mean for journalists? It is too early to tell, but if Russia is putting itself in line to perhaps join NATO, it would go a long way in helping journalists have a fighting chance. The protection of democracy and individual liberty is a fundamental stance of NATO, and though it isn't iron clad, it could only help Russia in terms of loosening its grip on journalists.
If Russia instead decided to focus it's efforts on Mulsims. things might go down hill quickly. The United Nations is not going to stand by and let Russia commit genocide. If Russia turns on it's Islamic population you can bet they're going to be shutting down every media system in the country that isn't run by the government. It could be the end of any chance of journalistic freedom in Russia, at least for a good while.

Wes Culp
Team Russia
3/22/09