TODAY: Russia could block Nato from using its airspace; Robert Gates’ statement on Russia harshly interpreted, Condoleezza Rice tries a violent verbal attack although even US commentators are unimpressed; new military assertiveness; corruption; allies. Russia has threatened to block NATO from using its airspace for operations in Afghanistan, citing member states’ ‘hostile’ policies toward Moscow. US Defense Secretary Robert Gates most recent statement on Russia has not been taken kindly by this Russian newspaper, although the New York Times portrays his position as cautious about provoking hostilities. Condoleezza Rice’s strong rhetoric on Russia this week, which was critical on a range of issues, marks a ‘one-way ticket to insignificance’. Mikhail Gorbachev sees her stance as reckless. Russia is refusing to allow OSCE observers to patrol in South Ossetia.