[Netizen]

Putin likened demands by Washington that Moscow negotiate with the separatists in Chechnya -- where rebels are believed to have planned the school siege -- to the U.S. talking to the terrorists behind the September 11, 2001 attacks.

These are not "freedom fighters," Putin said. "Would you talk with Osama Bin Laden?" he asked. Putin said the Chechen separatists are trying to ignite ethnic tensions in the former Soviet Union and it could have severe repercussions.

What a crock! Did Bush suggest they talk with the terrorists? No wonder Putin is mad. What a bunch of double talk to suggest that they need to talk with their enemies while the US does not.

[Dont_Tread_On_Me_888]

What a crock! Did Bush suggest they talk with the terrorists? No wonder Putin is mad. What a bunch of double talk to suggest that they need to talk with their enemies while the US does not.

No different than Washington telling Israel they can't defend themselves against their terrorists.

I am beginning to think the Cold War was the fault of the Amerians, not the Russians.

I am convinced we should have been HELPING the Russians in their war against Afghanistan.

Putin should be drafted to be our Secretary of State.

[joebuck]

"What a crock! Did Bush suggest they talk with the terrorists? No wonder Putin is mad. What a bunch of double talk to suggest that they need to talk with their enemies while the US does not."

Although I agree with your assertion, let's take Putin's words with a grain of salt. Putin mismanaged this situation horribly and his people are justifiably outraged at him. This may be an effort to shift the blame to a convenient old scapegoat. I think this is part of Putin's fight for his political life.