[jagrmeister]

One more point- it's become obvious that the Bush administration cowers before strength and laughs in the face of weakness. This is why we gave Mommar nothing when Libya disarmed voluntarily but refuse to take action in N. Korea or Iran. Further, China has arguably worse "democractic values" than Russia, but they are a surging economic powerhouse and we don't want to pick a fight with them. So you'll never hear Bush condemn Hu Jintao during a press conference like this. But for Russia, which is in economic shambles, Bush finds it easy to kick them around. All this does is give our enemies one message- threaten the US credibly and you have it made.

[John Lenin]

it's become obvious that the Bush administration cowers before strength and laughs in the face of weakness

What planet do you live on ? Bush cowers to no one.

[jimbo123]

Putin is a rat and should be treated as one.

[MEG33]

You might want to click on the transcript and judge this for yourself..Bush did not "humiliate" Putin.

[nikos1121]

..."it's become obvious that the Bush administration cowers before strength and laughs in the face of weakness. "

What are you talking about? That's about the sorryest, (if I could spell) thing I've ever heard.

I don't think there has been a more clear administration or president on just about every topic at hand. I don't see us cowering to anyone. Diplomacy takes time, and sometimes the seed of democracy is planted from what you;ve done elsewhere. The Ukraine happened because of our presence in Iraq. In time the students in Iran will rise up for the same reason.

Your analysis, excuse me for being blunt, sucks wet dog fur...I'm surprised at you...

[bahblahbah]

I didn't quite agree with your first comment but now that you bring up China I have to agree with you.

The only thing we do with China is ignore them when they get mad at us, for instance when we strengthened our alliance with Japan. This is mostly because we think that they'll actually do something about North Korea which they really aren't going to do much about. We still have this stupid idea that market reforms in China will lead to personal freedom. Actually it will have the opposite affect since the people of China seem to just want power and not freedom. They're nationalist fascists of the Nazi sort and not communists.

But I do remember recently Bush criticized the Chinese government for jailing a guy smuggling Chinese bibles and they immediately released him. I think it would be great if we could get the pope or some other high religious figure to call a boycott on all Chinese goods and services until they allow religious freedom. If the Chinese gave in then that would be the real first domino in Chinese freedom and not these market reforms.

[John Lenin]

Bush administration laughs in the face of weakness.

W is still rolling on the floor laughing in Chiraqs face ....

[NorCalRepub]

I wouldn't say our position on Korea or Iran are cowering. Discretion is the better part of valor.....go through all the regular channels first like diplomacy and then when it doesn't work, use force........no one in their right mind would opt for force as a first option.......

[JoeV1]

It is believed that Russia has the worlds largest petroleum reserves. Bush would want to alienate Putin in the face of this for what reason?

[Cold Heat]

We are engaged in a confrontation with China.

You just will not see it.

It is how we deal with the Chi-coms and Bush has really taken them on.

This is why Gates and other are out in force against Bush policy, and why there will be more coming.

[frithguild]

I don't think you are looking at the bigger picture. Russia is arming Syria, and is doing so publicly. You can bet Putin has been warned and spurned it. We drew a line in the sand nad he crossed it. Now he gets a trip to the woodshed. All very measured and predictable. It is up to Putin now to manage his power by consolidating domestically. THAT's dimplomacy.

[uncbob]

One more point- it's become obvious that the Bush administration cowers before strength and laughs in the face of weakness

Maybe it is because we DON'T have the military capability we had when Bush's father took office

You think this is bad CHINA is going full blast ( Thank you NIXON ) and our ecomony can't handle or the public won't stand for increasing the miltary to the point it needs to be

All our industry has been shipped out

[Right_in_Virginia]

What planet are you living on?

[gogipper]

You may consider Russia weak, but obviously it is not behaving as if it were weak.

Putin is arming Venezuela
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/opinion/archive/s_303563.html
Putin is arming Syria
http://www.centerforsecuritypolicy.org/index.jsp?section=papers&code=05-D_09
Russian espionage activities now are at the same level as the cold war.
http://strategypage.com/messageboards/messages/47-1684.asp

The world is full of strong players and Bush is playing it right.

[bd476]

Read the texts of what was said by whom on all topics discussed at the Summit as well as preceding preparatory discussions: The list of transcripts.

[WoofDog123]

"One more point- it's become obvious that the Bush administration cowers before strength and laughs in the face of weakness. "

His silence on China is terribly hypocritical.

[jb6]

Don't forget that just 3 years ago China threatened to destroy half of America. Of course all the blood soaked stocks from the slave labor that the elites own, might have something to do with how no one will say a word to China.