Free Republic

With U.S.-led forces reaching the outskirts of Baghdad, the Kremlin is softening its staunch opposition to the war in what analysts say is an indication Moscow wants to mend frayed relations with Washington and, perhaps, win a spot for Russian companies in postwar Iraq. "For political and economic considerations, Russia is not interested in the defeat of the United States," President Vladimir Putin told reporters in the provincial city of Tambov on Wednesday. Putin did not elaborate, but he continued to toe the softer line Thursday, saying Russia will still cooperate with the United States despite differences over Iraq. "In...