What naivete. Russia is an energy and nuclear superpower. They have like a third of the world's natural gas reserves, are the world's largest oil producer currently. ..not to mention over 10000 warheads if some article I read somewhere is to be believed. Simply put, you cant f*** with them. The US hesitates when it comes to Iran and Iran is not even as badass as Russia. We are a spec of dust compared to them in the global scheme of things. We let these 2 ascend to power and the lights go out on us,...sure,..people will cheer and pontificate about democracy and their rights to elect who they want, but they will do it whilst in the middle of grinding hunger and poverty and a prospect of future prosperity pushed further back into the future by decades by the selfishness of two people and our collective inability to think as a people.
Things have never been equal, they will never be. That is why you dont argue with a person who has a gun to your head, no matter the circumstances. When we are caught in an economic spiral to the bottom, UK and WR wontfeel it. Neither will the US or France or Germany.

Deal signed.

We only have favourable dealings with China because they are willing and eager to displace Western powers in the sphere of influence. Don't be naive. The Chinese are cutthroat businessmen, not philanthropists. Once choice is removed by Western powers walking away from any dealings with us, the Chinese will box us into a very tight and unenviable corner....these two being trapped and pariahs on the international scene will sign away our new emerging national resources for a song.
We need both poles, the East and West contesting for " our favour". They balance each other out.

What is the basis of sanctions against persons who are fully cooperating with ICC? People awaiting a trial and a verdict who may (and will be found) innocent? Are they guilty? What logic , or what law is the west using to impose sanctions? What travesty has been committed? Do they stand for elections in their country without a single ongoing case? This is a ridiculous argument at the least. They are several investigations and proceedings against some of the western governments and former heads of state in their own courts if you are not aware? Will Obama, Merkel and the west sit and begin pondering the Kenyan constitutional clause on presidential candidates and it's implications? Then impose sanctions! This line of argument is pointless!

ditto.thanks for seeing my point. @!any link that they may probably not cooperate with the court?i heard wsr say that he can run the country from Hague or is that non cooperation?