Originally posted by Davo:
but you'd think they'd at least remember that without America's nuclear umbrella, the USSR would have invaded, or at least attempted to invade, most of Europe.





Davo, would you mind citing your sources por favor. I am mainly referring to the invasion plans. Maybe you are right but maybe not. You sure sound like you were taking part in the Kremlin secret meetings when the above plans been discussed. I honestly don't think that there's much certainty involved but mere assumptions on your part. My proof - starting from the late 1940's, Yugoslavia was the worst sworn enemy for the Soviets, it never became a member of a Warsaw Pact and its independent politics thereatened the satellite status of obedience of the rest East European countries. Still no invasion or invasion plans ever took place - as far as the history knows - with no American protection whatsoever. The Soviets were concerned that the tiny contry that bravely fought Nazis for 5 years would mount lasting guerilla resistance. I believe the Sovites were no less concerned about the outcome of the possible invasion to GB or other European countries. But these again are my assumptions. My point is that no such plans ever became evident - even for such Cold War authority as George Kennan.
Just my 2 cents for the sake of the historical accuracy...