Was only a matter of time before that came to the front. No more special trips for Vladimir to Crawford, I guess.
Bush 2001 "my friend [Putin] has been quick to grasp the notion about changing the security arrangements in the world,"
Bush Nov 15 2001 "And the more I get to know President Putin, the more I get to see his heart and soul, and the more I know we can work together in a positive way."
Bush June 8 2004 "I always enjoy talking to my friend, Vladimir Putin. He's a strong leader who cares deeply about the people of his country and understands the issues that we face. "
Perhaps after Putin's latest, he'll be on the White House black list. Husayn was on the black list. First the white list, then the grey list, and then the black list.
Got Tit for Tat:
Russia says it is willing to attack terrorists abroad
MOSCOW — Russia may use cruise missiles and strategic bombers in preventive strikes against terrorists outside its borders, the commander of Russia's air force said yesterday.
At the same time, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of pursuing a dictatorial foreign policy and setting double standards on terrorism.
The ITAR-Tass news agency said Russia had initiated internal discussion of preventive strikes over a year ago "due to Washington's regular employment of this method in international affairs."
seattletimes.nwsource.com
Earlier on the trip, Putin told The Hindu newspaper that the war had turned Iraq into a breeding ground for terrorists. "As had been the case with Afghanistan, Iraq turned into a major hotbed of a terrorist threat, a firing ground and incubator for militants," he said.
He also blasted the United States for giving refuge to Ilyas Akhmadov, spokesman for Chechen separatist leader Aslan Maskhadov.
"Providing safe haven and support to terrorists, their accomplices and sponsors actually serves as a justification and, indeed, an encouragement of their crimes," he said. "We cannot have double standards while fighting terrorism and it cannot be used as an instrument of a geopolitical game." |
