[PrinceOfCups]

On the contrary, I would opine that Putin leaked the story.

[Route66]

I feel sure that Bush already knew this and that's why he and the rest of the administration were not talking about it. When he said we should not run off and make assumptions without knowing all the facts, he meant it. I imagine that there are some 'nuances' in this matter that the administration did not want to have to discuss publicly at this time.

[maine-iac7]

On the contrary, I would opine that Putin leaked the story.

This IS a Tom Clancy story!

Is this why Bush has been relatively quiet on criticizing Putin and vice versa while at the same time not appearing overly friendly? And maybe any "public squabbles" were for cover?

And?

After Beslan, Putin said he wanted to form an alliance with civilized countries to jointly fight the terrorists.

Now, if Bush, Putin, Blair, Howard and rest formed an alliance to hunt down the terrorists wherever (no borders) they are...they will truly have NO WHERE TO HIDE.