Stung by Criticism Over Georgia, Putin Asks West for a Little Understanding

NY Times ^ | September 12, 2008 | ELLEN BARRY

[Sal]

Traditionally, the Russian president controls foreign and security policy, and the prime minister acts chiefly as a manager of the economy. Yet it was Mr. Putin who rushed to the Caucasus battlefield, flying back from China to meet with Russian generals and visit the Russian wounded. It was “a shame,” Mr. Putin said, that the crisis had fallen to Mr. Medvedev, whom he described as “an intelligent, contemporary man of liberal views.” He said the decision to invade was Mr. Medvedev’s; not a single tank, Mr. Putin said, would have moved without direct orders from Mr. Medvedev. “I never impose my advice on him,” Mr. Putin said.

We totally believe you, Pooty. Just because your actions are the direct opposite of your words is no reason for us to doubt you.

“As for your humble servant,” he added, “earlier, the problems of economic development consumed 80 percent of my time. Now I spend much more on it.”

And you're doing such a fine job, Pooty, CARRY ON. You were damaging your economy way before the invasion by corruption and destructive non-market oriented intervention. But the invasion was the crowning glory, a stroke of genius that is paying off handsomely. I'm sure Russia will remember you with uhm... not gratitude, uhm... not admiration, uhm... well just settle for the fact that they'll never forget you.

[montag813]

Perhaps Vlad saw Sarah Palin not blink an eye when reciting the NATO rules of engagement.

[redgolum]

So Putin just realized he has made the world a bit angry.

I honestly think Putin expected no reaction for moving on Georgia.

[MarMema]

come and gloat with us...

[rfp1234]

Seriously? Is this from The Onion?!

[nw_arizona_granny]

Yes, NY Times has spun the above. This tells me that someone, somewhere at the NYT wouldn’t mind at all seeing another Cold War. <<<

It might increase sales....and they may think Russia will win next one.

Cold wars are hot wars, the minute some fool fires a shot.

[said with sarcastic forethought.]

[Lasha]

Thank you for the ping and to everyone showing so much support of this small country! and to Cheburashka - you CANNOT be more right! As I once wrote here, all Russians need to do is to learn respect others irrespective of their size... but for now they only respect brutal force....