[Cindy]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1055186/posts

"Russia hesitant to seize materials terrorists desire"
Washington Times ^ | 1/10/04 | Nicholas Kralev


Posted on 01/09/2004 10:43:47 PM PST by kattracks


ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Russia is reluctant to join an 11-nation U.S.-led effort to seize illegal shipments of nuclear and other proliferation materials that could fall in the hands of terrorists, senior U.S. officials said yesterday.
    Even though discussions are still in their initial stage, the officials said the Russians are not yet convinced of the legality and merits of the plan, known as the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and proposed by President Bush in the spring.
    "They are not ready to join the process," a senior State Department official who asked not to be named told reporters. "They are interested but are raising a lot of questions."
    Russia, which has a big navy despite its decline since the Soviet Union's collapse more than a decade ago, would be an "important player" in the PSI, the official said.
    "It would add political weight as one of the founding member of nonproliferation regime," he said.
    The PSI, which Mr. Bush put forth in a speech during a European trip, is designed to intercept on the high seas shipments of illicit arms and other proliferation materials from states and other actors Washington regards as supporters of international terrorism.
    In addition to the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Australia joined the effort."

[FairOpinion]

In case anyone here is interested:

San Diego State U To Offer Masters Degree In Homeland Security

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1055191/posts

The priority of the RNHS is to pursue advances in the following areas:


Biological and Chemical Terrorism
Port and Border Security
Information Technology and Cyber Security
Education and Training
Critical Infrastructure

[hummingbird]

"Russia is reluctant to join an 11-nation U.S.-led effort to seize illegal shipments of nuclear and other proliferation materials that could fall in the hands of terrorists, senior U.S. officials said yesterday. Even though discussions are still in their initial stage, the officials said the Russians are not yet convinced of the legality and merits of the plan, known as the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and proposed by President Bush in the spring. "They are not ready to join the process," a senior State Department official who asked not to be named told reporters. "They are interested but are raising a lot of questions." Russia, which has a big navy despite its decline since the Soviet Union's collapse more than a decade ago, would be an "important player" in the PSI, the official said.

Why would any peace-loving, cooperative, friendly nation be reluctant with such high stakes in play..."...not yet convinced of the legality and merits of the plan..."...sorry, that doesn't "scan" right.

"They are not ready to join the process,"...stalling for some reason like they did with France & Germany prior to start of war?

Russia, which has a big navy......wonder if it is ever on "loan or for educational purposes only."

Someone rescue me from my cynicism. I know President Bush looked into Putin's eyes and saw a good soul we could work with but anyone can be deceived...Any possibility that the Russians are on our side in this after all, and, both sides forgiving (or willing to overlook) past insecurities between us, are just as anxious to control Islamism as we are? Can't recall...who was the poster who saw this as a Chess Game. I tend to agree and the moves are way ahead of what we are seeing, IMVHO.

[Domestic Church]

" Even though discussions are still in their initial stage, the officials said the Russians are not yet convinced of the legality and merits of the plan, known as the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) and proposed by President Bush in the spring. "

In other words it doesn't serve their vested interests.