Putin: Bush not in charge of U.S. policy -- and looked the other way on Georgia

Famously, George W. Bush looked into Vladimir Putin's soul seven years ago and said of the Russian president:

I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul; a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. And I appreciated so very much the frank dialogue.

But Thursday, speaking to a group of visiting Western experts and journalists in the resort town of Sochi, now-Prime Minister Putin suggested that Bush was not in charge of U.S. policy. "It is the court that makes the king," he said, presumably a reference to Vice President Cheney.

Putin blamed the Western media for "propagandizing" the conflict in Georgia, saying that Russia's response was temperate given Georgia's "aggression." He said that he waited several hours for a U.S. reaction and that Bush, during two meetings in Beijing where both were attending the Olympic Games, signaled that there would be no U.S. military response.

According to an account in russiaprofile.org, the two first talked at 11:30 a.m. local time Aug. 8, the day the conflict began. Putin said Bush told him: "Nobody wants a war." Then, during the opening ceremony for the Beijing Olympics, which began at 8 p.m., they spoke again. Putin said:

It would be wrong if I tell you exactly what was said, but it became clear to me from the evening conversation that the United States had done nothing and is not willing to do anything.

Putin did have some nice things to say about Bush, calling him a man of honor and integrity. It was just some unnamed members of the Bush administration, he said, whose views had led to a deterioration in relations with Russia.

"I treat President Bush better than some Americans would," Putin joked.

And Putin suggested what may be the key to his relationship with Bush. Talking to Westerners on the seventh anniversary of 9/11, Putin urged them to better commemorate victims of the terror attacks, saying:

Back then we supported the United States. Let's not forget about this common threat to us -- terrorism.

-- Johanna Neuman

Photo: Paul Morse / White House

Comments

[Jeugenen]

"LISTEN-UP RUSSIAN IDIOTS”
Podhoretz Neo-Cons and Leiberman Neo-Libs, America’s failed Crypto-Neo-Marxists, dictate to the Nations of the World: “Listen-up idiots, you shall do as I say and not as I do!”

[Sandeep]

Putin only treated Poland and Czech Republic only if the missile base of USA comes up at their territory other wise not. It is reciprocal not forked tongue. You can do things that compromise Russia security but they should not do or say anything. Is that hypocrisy or a joke?

According Paris Conference Agreement (1989-1991) Western leaders promised to Russia not to expand NATO beyond former East Germany.

This agreement is thrown to winds. The anti ballistic missile agreement is thrown to winds.

“"King Putin"'s only interest is his own self aggrandizement whilst his people are left to rot”. Whole word knows the amazing transformation Putin has brought about after the Soviet Union is brake up. The country was then wrecked due to system collapse.

USA and EU is not the world community. If you believe that way let it be.

“The Russians have done nothing since World war 2 to earn anyone's respect.”. Soviet lost “10,700,000” soldiers in world war II. Britain lost “382,600” soldiers. Yet, Russians have done nothing in World War II. I pity, what else?

Any one who fought the world ward II have done world one of the favors no human being living in this world should forget. Yet, discrediting the contribution of the Russians, this is worst moral crime to commit.

I wonder why we always fall back on history for the present situation and actions. Every situation is different. Soviet Union is dead. Russia is not soviet union. Communist does not rule Russia. Putin is not communist.