[section9]

I don't put too much stock in this.

Putin knows that Saddam is about to check into the Roach Motel. He's doing this now because he knows the Iraqis are desperate to strike a deal with someone, anyone, to isolate the Americans.

I don't blame Putin at all. The Russians are probably raping Saddam six ways from Sunday. I would not want to be Saddam's people going up against Russian negotiators.

Putin knows that any agreements he makes with Saddam will be honored by the successor regime. The Americans have probably assured him as much.

Russian oil interests will play a major role in the exploitation of new Iraqi fields. This agreement assures Putin a place at the economic tale when time comes to divide the spoils.

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[section9]

This agreement assures Putin a place at the economic tale when time comes to divide the spoils.

Sorry, should read "table", not "tale".

Be Seeing You,

Chris

[Cindy]

re your post #17: "Putin knows that Saddam is about to check into the Roach Motel..."

No doubt about it...Puti knows.

[Welsh Rabbit]

I don't blame Putin at all. The Russians are probably raping Saddam six ways from Sunday. I would not want to be Saddam's people going up against Russian negotiators.

I agree. The Russians are very shrewd and unscrupulous operaters (after all, they gave us a run for our money for awhile); an ignorant, backwards peasant like Saddam is just going to get hosed...