[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.

[Cindy]

re post no. 8934...

Is Russia with us or against us?
Only God knows for sure.

[debg]

"I have never said this in public; I'm going to do it today," Mr. Putin announced as he stood next to Mr. Bush at Camp David. "When counterterrorist operations began in Afghanistan, we were approached by people through several channels ... who intended to fight against Americans in Afghanistan. "And if, by that time, President Bush and I had not formed [an] appropriate relationship, as we have, ... no one knows what turn would the developments in Afghanistan [have] taken," said the Russian leader, speaking through a translator.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/990883/posts

[Domestic Church]

" I know President Bush looked into Putin's eyes and saw a good soul we could work with but anyone can be deceived."

I don't think he's deceived...I think he's keeping his chess opponent close so he (and Condi) can watch carefully.