[Sender]

In some ways I still like Putin. I think he is someone that can be a valuable ally against the most urgent enemy, radical Islam. I also think he is a man of character.

However we must never forget that Putin, likable or not, is CEO of the restructured, downsized Soviet Corporation, which will never be exactly like us, and will never be completely trustworthy. 'Trust but verify'.

[Marysecretary]

I like him, too, in some ways. I thought he would be good for Russia but somehow that's not happening. It ain't over til the fat lady sings, but...I do agree about his being an ally against radical Islam, though. Beslan woke him up a bit.