[Calpernia]

>>>Still, highest officials in the Bush administration continue to regard Moscow as a close friend and indispensable ally in the war on terror.

Interesting add on to this. I need to be criptic though.

I just spent the afternoon with Russians from Russia (meaning, not born here).

They do not think the Russian government is supporting Arabs. Seems the general opinion is an cultural hate for Arabs. Not just the religion.

As for black market? General opinion is yes, if weapons were sold, it was not done through government ok, only black market for money.

Is this absolute? I don't know. How valid is this information? I fully trust the source; but have no idea if it is fact.

[Calpernia]

Ping to http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1013726/posts?page=9390#9390

And FWIW, these same people did not have a high regard for anyone in the Ukraine. That is referencing our previous discussion.

[JustPiper]

I think the Russians, especially Putin, would put a nuke under his Mamusha's bum if he got enough $$$

[Domestic Church]

"As for black market? General opinion is yes, if weapons were sold, it was not done through government ok, only black market for money."

Wasn't there an incident involving "rogue" Russian army or KGB officers targeting a wealthy and powerful Russian civilian (who happened to be on the outs with Putin) in Great Britain last fall? Was this fellow a newspaper publisher?

What are the odds the Russian Black market would be used as an operational method by the past or current Russian government to maneuver certain items? It's obvious that it would be used by rogue elements for profit but wouldn't our own CIA dig deep into the gutter if it was deemed necessary?