[Miss Marple]

That is what I am trying to figure out. If the Taliban had contacted Putin and said they wanted help, he would have simply said "the Taliban." Therefore those losers can be ruled out.

So, WHO was Putin contacted by? WHY won't he say who it was? WHY did President Bush just let it hang in the air without a comment?

Choices for nations or individuals being warned that Putin has told Bush and their secret is no longer safe:

France
Syria
China
Iraq(although since Saddam is gone I think he would have named them)
Germany

And now, getting to individuals who might have called Putin telling them they were going to help Afghanistan against the Americans:

Jesse Jackson
Bill Clinton
Madeline Albright
Al Gore

[Wait4Truth]

Your post is just awful and probably very true. What on earth has this country come to???

[Lady Heron]

Thanks, I missed all of this, this weekend.

[windchime]

I believe it is significant he made this statement in a LIVE press conference, so it would be heard just as he stated it. There was also affirmation of the relationship with President Bush as Bush has described it.

I lean toward your individuals list. The statement was made in the style of a revelation. It wouldn't be a surprise to anyone if the usual suspect countries were involved.

[Dolphy]

Choices for nations or individuals being warned that Putin has told Bush and their secret is no longer safe:

As much as I dislike all of the individuals you named I find it hard to believe they would approach Putin. Afghanistan was another failure of the UN, for years they sought a way with which to deal with the civil conflict and rise of the Taliban. For years they failed. There were many interests, factions and agendas afoot there. In any event, I suspect Iran or perhaps dissidents in the region, even certain elements who reside in Pakistan. And I further suspect that they called on Russia for arms and money, not overt support. This could well be the reason Putin said we would be sorry for going to Iraq, he knows that in the aftermath of victory comes the extremists and ongoing, bleeding unrest.