Although not completely convinced, I think it entirely possible for Russia to detonate a small nuclear device, or several, inside the U.S. using Al Queda as a cover. The story of missing Soviet suitcase nukes has been around for a while now. It's a perfect alibi. Look at the state of Russia's military. I've heard it's in total disarray. Perhaps the Soviets realized a massive war with the U.S. was a futile, and much too expensive game to play...and decided to play a different one.