Rumors of War - King of the North

There have been several reports of late about Russian activities all over the world (Africa and Venezuela, for example). Here is a report about Russian activities in the Arctic, from the AP:

Missile launchers ply icy roads and air defense systems point menacingly into the sky at this Arctic military outpost, a key vantage point for Russia to project its power over the resource-rich polar region. [...] Russia, however, has made reaffirming its presence in the Arctic a top goal, not the least because the region is believed to hold up to one-quarter of the Earth’s undiscovered oil and gas. Russian President Vladimir Putin has cited estimates that put the value of Arctic mineral riches at $30 trillion. The move has alarmed Russia’s neighbors, analysts say.

Personally, I think the report is a bit sensational and off the mark. It seems designed to make the reader think Russia is doing something new or menacing when in reality, all they are really doing is refurbishing their existing bases in the Arctic. They are, after all, an Arctic power and member of the Arctic Council, so they are well within their rights. Although I do think it's important to keep watch on competing world powers, I don't believe in sensationalism and fear-mongering.