These actions epitomize the sense of insecurity that Russia feels in the Western-dominated post Cold War world. Russia is frightened, almost mortally terrified. On a recent trip to China, Russian President Boris N. Yeltsin responded to President Clinton's criticism of the war in Chechnya by touting the power of Russia's nuclear arsenal. To Dartboard, it brought to mind our own experience as a scared teenager. When we felt threatened, we too ran off to find our six foot, 250-pound football-playing buddy to back us up.

In all fairness, if we were Russia, we'd be scared too. In recent years, the West has done precious little to reassure this former adversary. The International Monetary Fund has given Russia billions of dollars in loans but failed to create a stable economy. The U.S. Senate has resolved to create an ICBM protective shield once it becomes technologically feasible. Such a shield would allow the United States to launch a nuclear strike with impunity, a prospect that is understandably frightening to the Russians, not to mention Dartboard.

When, and if, Yeltsin's presidency ever ends, the transition will be one of the first landmark events of the next century. There is a strong chance that the communists may regain power; Yeltsin's approval rating is unbelievably low, hitting two percent at one point over the past year.

The West would do well to mend its relations with Russia, not only because Dartboard does not want to enter the next century with a nuclear cloud hanging over our heads. It would truly be a tragedy if America won the first Cold War only to enter another a decade later. The second time, the West might not win.

IMAC INJURIES - Adam S. Sofen; 007 - David M. DeBartolo