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Dead on. The journalists can sit by in total suspense but, you're right, Russia's support is a given. She must play hard to get for the sake of appearances but she was ours from "Hello".

She has $40 billion in Iraqi concessions that are worthless until after the fall of Saddam. They bought them from Saddam, but can't use them until he's gone. For a promise that her concessions will receive due consideration, she will be on board. A decision to not back us wouldd cost her big time in postwar Iraq.

Also, its important to remember, Russia has her own Muslim problems. She needs us to assure that Turkey and Saudi Arabia terminate their support for the Chechens.

Russia already knows Saddam is gone. If she is smart, she has already identified and formed ties with some of the generals who may make up the transitional government.

Russia's reticence is all for the cameras.