Russia issues a doctrine

In the wake of the Ossetia invasion, President Dmitri A. Medvedev of Russia formalizes a doctrine that is, effectively, a "hands off" warning to the US on the former Soviet Republics.

Russia, he said, would observe international law. It would reject what he called United States dominance of world affairs in a “unipolar” world. It would seek friendly relations with other nations. It would defend Russian citizens and business interests abroad. And it would claim a sphere of influence in the world.

Perhaps it's as notable that Medvedev feels he can make these statements. (Reuters has an article, too.)