[Bloody Sam Roberts]

His crime is having put Russia in a situation not easily "forgivable"...

I can't understand why the US would be so reticent to expose ANY nation that was doing this in a clear attempt to contravene our efforts to neuter Sadaam. Especially, in light of information coming out about how the Russians profited from the Oil-for-Food debacle. Putin is not our friend. I hope the President realizes this.

[GarySpFc]

I can't understand why the US would be so reticent to expose ANY nation that was doing this in a clear attempt to contravene our efforts to neuter Sadaam. Especially, in light of information coming out about how the Russians profited from the Oil-for-Food debacle. Putin is not our friend. I hope the President realizes this.

Nonsense! The Russias were being pragmatic. Russia was owed billions by Saddam, and that was one of the reasons they did not want us to invade. The oil for food profits Russia received were simply payback on money owed to them.

[Atlantic Friend]

Well, I guess there are always financial interests, and I'm sure the Russian ambassador came screaming that the Bush administration was defaming his motherland, so just to calm things down the Administration had to do something.

And really, it was not very bright of this guy to spill the beans. I can easily imagine his indignation, but this kind of move is best left to the SecState and President. You can't have aides thinking their personal feelings override their duties - and discretion is usually the first of the duties when you're kucky enough to work with the big boys.