[CyberAnt]

I wonder if this has anything to do with the fact that Putin is planning a visit with Bush ..??

[FairOpinion]

I think dealing with the Russians is very complex, because on one hand I do think Putin is sincere about wanting to join the West, but old habits die hard, and the Russian are also ingrained in their distrust of the US, secretiveness, and doing things, which they think it's in their own interest, even though it really isn't.

Specifically, I think it would have been more in their interest to "fess up" to Bush about their support of Iraq and join our coalition, but instead, they chose to oppose us and continue to help Iraq against us to the very end.

But Putin did agree to not contest our withdrawal from the ABM treaty, which was a real major thing for them.

So, there is hope for them, but we can't trust them.

[FairOpinion]

I didn't specifically answer your question/speculation.

I think Putin's visit was planned a long time ago and they have had visits back and forth with Bush. This may well be a topic raised, but I doubt it is the only reason.

I think Bush is trying to turn the Russians around, so they start to trust us more and then, slowly we can start trusting them -- but not until we see tangible evidence.

[Mo1]

Putin is planning to come here again .. when?