Russia 'can't allow' U.S. to widen war to Iraq

Drudge Report ^ | Friday, October 5, 2001 | SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM

[callisto]

MOSCOW — Russia has already signalled its opposition to a U.S. offensive against Iran and Iraq.

Russian officials said Moscow would help Washington with the war on terrorism. But they said President Vladimir Putin would not allow the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein or Iran to become a U.S. target in such a war.

Moscow has sent weapons and troops to help the opposition Northern Alliance overthrow the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Russia has also agreed to U.S. troops and combat planes in neighboring Uzbekistan, Middle East Newsline reported.

Both Iran and Iraq are on the U.S. State Department list of terrorist sponsors. The Bush administration has been engaged in a debate over making Iraq a target in Washington's war on terrorism.

Moscow has indicated that this is where it would draw the line. Russia has emerged as an ally of both Baghdad and Teheran.

"We can't allow the United States to wield its club the way it wants," Col. Sergei Goncharov, a leading Russian military analyst, said. "We are on good terms with Iran. We have tremendous economic investments in and expectations of Iraq. We can't afford to sever all these ties in one stroke. I foresee a major debate along these lines."

Arab diplomatic sources said Moscow has relayed assurances to Washington that it will oppose a strike against Iraq.

But Goncharov said Moscow might not oppose a surgical strike on Iraq should Washington bring proof that Saddam was involved in the Sept. 11 Islamic suicide attacks on New York and Washington.

"It's quite obvious: if there is proof that, say, Iraq harbors terrorists, then action is fair," Goncharov said. "But if they want to start carpet bombings, like in Yugoslavia, and then see what happens, it can't be allowed."

[callisto]

This is an old article. I hope it hasn't already been posted. Couldn't find it.
I wonder how much control Putin yields over his military?

[OWK]

Sorry Mr. Putin, but we cannot allow you, to not allow us, to defend our nation against terrorist enclaves, where ever they might be.

[First_Salute]

"Russia has emerged as an ally of both Baghdad and Teheran."

Always was the taskmaster, since World War II.

[Question_Assumptions]

Simple solution. If these guys are your buddies, then get them to cough up the terrorists hiding in their territory.

[RickyJ]

But they said President Vladimir Putin would not allow the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein or Iran to become a U.S. target in such a war.

Just try to stop us Putin. You think your the only country with suitcase nukes? HAHAHA!

[onedoug]

As time shall try....

[American Soldier]

My see-saw position on Russia's conduct in Chechnya has been pushed toward the anti-Russian side once again. Russia cannot be allowed to play the same doubletalk game with us that the Pallies play with the Israelis.

[KC_Conspirator]

"Russia has emerged as an ally of both Baghdad and Teheran."

More like Baghdad and Teheran are customers of Russia.

[steveegg]

How far can we trace that anthrax?

[STD]

Mr. Putin we will no longer be able to prop up your financially strapped gangster nation with loans from the USA or the World Bank. Further we know that the real reason that you and your mobster elite don't want the USA to attack Iran and IraQ is because in your greed you have sold nuclear weapons to both regimes. This truth once discovered would barr Russia from the league of civilized nations and brand Russia a rouge/ terrorist nation.

Examing the time we live in, I fully expect the above scenario to unfold.In order to hide Russia's complicity with Iran and Iraq, Putin might switch sides and be forced to use Russia's nukes on the USA. What an exciting time to be alive!

Agape,DrMike

[callisto]

probably pretty d**n close to its source. There are very few scientists with the knowledge and ambition to produce weapons-grade/professional-grade anthrax. There should also be records of where certain strains have been previously located/shipped to, etc.

[gfactor]

and nixon went to china cuz he just "luvs" authoritarians.

[ASA Vet]

You think your the only country with suitcase nukes?

So called "suitcase nukes." are no where near large enough to teach the lesson to the world:

"Never ever attack the U.S."

If that lesson isn't taught we will continue to see our nation attacked.

[IncPen]

Who asked Russia?

[Quix]

Been assuming this was the reason.

Seems to me there ought to be some leadership ways around it. . . .unless we've already been so sold down the river by Bimbo Crusher et al that we have no clout to weigh in with. . . . or else Gorby and all the other globalist pals including daddy B . . . have vetoed it as well as Putin. . . which I guess is the same thing as being sold down the river by Bimbo Crusher et al

[FresnoDA]

Russia Likely Culprit In Anthrax Outbreak (Lunev Correct-)

And check this out as well.

[nothingnew]

Yeah!....What you said!

FMCDH

[Stavka2]

Thing is, if you think the US is going to have cardiblanc to bomb whom ever it wishes on minimal proof...sorry, might as well move to nuclear war and get the posturing over. Besides, the real perpitrators, the US self righteousness won't touch. Can we say "Saudi" children? I knew we could.