Russian Mistral Purchase Leaves Neighbors Wary

TBILISI, Georgia -- Despite disagreeing over whether France should sell four Mistral-class amphibious vessels to Russia, most Western defense analysts seem to believe that the deal will not only happen, but is an item of overblown concern. However, prevailing opinion in Washington and Brussels stands in sharp contrast to Eastern European capitals, where unease over the sale remains strong and is rooted in very different assumptions over Moscow's intentions.

Many in the West simply do not believe the vessels would significantly alter the balance of power in the region, pointing to the relatively minor combat capability they would add compared to existing capabilities in Russia's fleet. Proponents and those indifferent to the deal have also used the poor overall condition of the Russian fleet as well as the worldwide upswing in the acquisition of similar amphibious platforms to relativize Russia's intentions. While technically correct, such observations gloss over some key issues that lie at the heart of Eastern European fears. ...