After all the Dateline, and 60 minutes, and BBC pieces regarding the death (murder) of Alexander Litvinenko, we are now being treated to even more maneuvers in this case. Due to Russia refusing to extradite the primary suspect in this case, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government has ordered the expulsion of four Russian diplomats. Naturally, the Russians are now threatening to do an in kind move.

Is it just me, or does building a wall between two entities seem an awful method of resolving a problem? The British (and more importantly the British intelligence services) want a resolution of the former russian spy's death; how and why was he killed, and who was behind it. The Russians could assist, but claim their constitution prevents handing over the prime suspect to another country.

Will this further isolate the Russians, as Putin continues making moves toward rebuilding the Russia of old? Will this make Brown appear a more firm handed leader than his predecessor? Will we get a new thread by Halo exhorting us to naysay Mr. Putin?

Personally, I would like to know what all happened in this case, from the transport of the radioactive materials to the people involed to the reason behind it; and, finally, was Putin actually involved in some manner or not.

In any event, I do not think the expulsion of diplomats is going to further the investigation, but will have more of a stifling effect.

There seems to be an air of certain suspense around here.

What will the Russians do? And when? Are they going to overreact - ala Missile Defence System? If so - in what way? Because we aren't dependent on Russia like East Europe and other member states for their natural resources, having much of our own. And we are too far for any more severe retaliation (no, I don't mean militarly, this isn't 1960), so the only thing the Tsar can do is to kick out *our* diplomats, which I suspect he will.

Either way, everyone is firmly behind Brown on this. Not to suspect Tsar Putin would be slightly foolish I think. What with his dodgy KGB background and his incessantly anti-cooperative moves thus far. But for him I think this is all part of the same game at the moment, with the US's defence system and the general anti-West view of Putin's government these past two or so years.

So how this plays out I think will be a general indication of Russia's alignment internationally, especially in regards to ourselves and the US.

Of course acting bigger and more threatening than you actually are and trying to translate that on the diplomatic and international stage is only going to harm yourself in the end, if you don't have the economy and military - not to mention national unity - that Russia just does not possess.

I like Brown's move, it's something Blair would never have done. Brown certainly would not have stood back while our personnel were kidnapped from the Gulf. There would have been serious and swift consequences.

I'm liking Brown right now. It's nice to see a firm and resolved hand at the helm, as opposed to a needy and conscious one.

So yeah, let's wait and see what Russia's next move with. I've no doubt it'll be a stupid one.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/6906481.stm

- Tit for tat.

So, will Brown now take it to the wall, and have the diplomatic staff return home entirely, leaving only necessary security personnel to look after the embassy? It would certainly be a nice slap in the face to Putin, sending the message that if he and Russia are not willing to cooperate in a dimplomatic way to get to the bottom of a heinous murder on British soil, then they do not deserve to be treated in any diplomatic cooperative manner.

It is what I would expect from Mr. Brown, based on his tough-guy persona.

I have read that Russia also has asked for and not received the extradition of some expatriots. A big buisiness tycoon, who is also labeled as an outspoken Putin opponent. Big difference between a political opponent and a murderer, I know, but that is what I read.