Disinfo: How Strong Is Russia?

KIRIT RADIA | ABC News:Is the bear back? The Russian bear is roaring angrily as its former Soviet satellites forge closer ties with the West. But as Russia makes threats and takes steps to curb perceived Western encroachment on its border, just how much of a threat is it?Experts say Russia's options are limited, but warn it should not be ignored. Independent experts are divided on the extent of Russia's strength. However, American intelligence believes Russia's military may have rebounded to become the second most powerful in the world, behind only the United States, after suffering from mismanagement and insufficient resources after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Military spending increased several-fold under former President Vladimir Putin, buoyed by booming oil and gas revenues.Russian soldiers patrol the highway near Igoeti, northwest of the capital Tbilisi, Georgia, Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2008. A top Russian general said Russia plans to construct a series of checkpoints manned by hundreds of soldiers in the so-called "security zone" around Georgia's de-facto border with the breakaway territory of South Ossetia. (Darko Bandic/AP Photo)