Having the ability to read the press from another country gives the reader a different point of view on the events that go on around the globe. It is too easy to go back into history and uncover abundant examples of when Germany, Austria, and Russia were misunderstood in the political arena. In today's world, Germany and Austria no longer need the strong support from the United States due to the withdrawal of Soviet troops from Eastern Europe. This allows Germany, along with Austria, to play increasingly stronger roles in international politics. Over the years to come the United States will find itself in strategic need of maintaining good relations with Germany.
German hospitality allows the U.S. to station a large contingent of troops on German soil.
Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, and its poor economic status, Russia still remains a force to be reckoned with in the political arena. The latest developments in the Balkans have shown Russia to be an important mediator between NATO and Serbia. To this day, Russia plays an important role not only in Eastern Europe and Soviet Union's former republics, but also with countries as China, India, Iraq, Libya, Syria, Egypt and many other countries around the globe. Until the Russian economic situation is improved, the rest of the world must keep in mind that, one of the few ways that Russia can make money is through the sale of its military weapons and technology. If the Russian call for help is ignored by the western world, Russia might be forced to sell its military technologies to countries which would be undesirable for the rest of the world, like Iraq and Libya.