The Relationship between Bush and Putin

[mastodon]

I think they have a unique relationship compared to their predecessors.

[mastodon]

Bush, Putin Hope to Cement Bond at Texas Ranch
Gazeta.ru

"When the former KGB chief and his wife Lyudmila arrive at the heavily guarded entrance to "Prairie Chapel" in central Texas on Wednesday, they will see an uninspiring vista of flat plain Bush likes to call "The Sahara." But first impressions can be deceptive."

[Nukester]

President Bush is a down to earth genuin person. I believe that he wants to make a difference in the world for the positive. He expresses his religious beliefs and I believe that he see's the good in people and tries to work with the good.

If Putin and Bush can really set a new standard for the relationship between Russia and the USA, then these two country's could easily become the teamed up superpowers of the world.

With China lurking in the dark alley, we need it.

David
SC
USA

[mastodon]

I absolutely love Putin.

I hope to go see him speak in Houston. He'll be giving a closed speech, but my friend and I will get as close as we can.

I don't think China is as evil as everyone makes them out to be. They are humans too. They want what is best for humanity, but they invision a different way of going about it than we do. Sure some in the administration in China may be rather evil, but the average citizen in China has little in contrast to an American citizen - aside from political ideology.

I see Russia as the key to China. Russia is an indelible member of Asia and has much clout when it comes to China. Putin has met with both North Korea's Kim Jong-il and Jiang Zemin in the past several months. These meeting have been mostly geared to trade, but such is the initial step in productive relations.

[Ragnvald]

Agree, Masto.
Putin is cool.

I am also starting to like Bush, though I am rather democrat by my views.

I don't trust China, though.
I met many chinese people during my study.
Not very fond of them. Inconsiderate to others, not reliable, get easily offended and become trecherous.
Unable to discuss Taiwan issue at all. "Pull out the gun" straight away, you become their eternal enemy after that.

I hate those asian walk arounds, etc.
Direct, frank people even with diffrent views envoke far more sympathy in me.

[mastodon]

I am VERY adamant on the Taiwan issue. See my 'web page' by clicking on the little house icon below my post.

China has no right to Taiwan. They feel they do because of unclear international treaties and legislation. I have also met Chinese nationals but few have been as you describe. I suppose I am meeting far less 'determined' types being in the university setting.

I think Bush is doing fine too. I am not the sentimental type at all so his human/emotional appeal doesn't really score points with me.

I am in the process of talking to my professors to miss class on Wednesday so I can go see Putin speak. Greenspan will be here in Houston tonight, but I don't thik I will be able to see him speak.

[Madscientist]

Bush and Russia

After a whirlwind of diplomatic meetings during the weekend in New York, President George W. Bush turns his attention this week to one nation and one leader. Mr. Bush and President Vladimir Putin of Russia will spend three days at the White House and at Mr. Bush's ranch in Texas trying to strengthen the surprisingly cordial relationship that has developed between the two men and their two nations in recent months. Although obstacles remain, Mr. Bush and Mr. Putin seem within reach of decisions that could open a new era of cooperation.

Mr. Putin gave a crucial boost to relations after Sept. 11 by providing strong support for Mr. Bush's campaign against international terrorism. He cleared the way for American military forces to use bases in Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, Central Asian nations that border Afghanistan and were once Soviet republics. Moscow has also helped to arm guerrilla forces in Afghanistan. In the talks that begin this Tuesday the two leaders can enhance their cooperation against Osama bin Laden and other terrorist threats and work to narrow their differences on arms control and other matters.

Although advisers to both presidents caution that no formal arms control agreement is likely this week, the two sides are moving ever closer to an accord. Moscow is apparently ready to accept the missile defense testing that the Bush administration wants to conduct, as long as Washington does not formally repudiate the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty. The treaty can probably be preserved if the two leaders agree on language permitting limited defensive systems. It would be a grave error for Washington to walk away from a treaty that has helped keep nuclear peace for three decades.

Agreement is also near on trimming arsenals of long-range nuclear weapons by more than two-thirds, probably to somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 warheads apiece. Currently the United States has about 7,000 and Russia a little under 6,000. Such reductions would substantially reduce nuclear dangers and costs, including the risk of a warhead being accidentally launched or stolen as Russia's military infrastructure decays.

While they are at it, Mr. Bush and Mr. Putin ought to talk about ways to improve the inadequate security for Russia's nuclear weapons and materials. Mr. Bush, who warned last week of Osama bin Laden's efforts to obtain nuclear bomb ingredients, should support congressional efforts to add $100 million to programs that help Russia safeguard stockpiles of enriched uranium and plutonium.

Russia's relations with Iraq and Iran remain a source of friction. Iraq has exploited Russian support to evade international weapons inspections and cheat on United Nations sanctions. Russia has hoped that lobbying for eased sanctions will bring it new business contracts and repayment of Iraq's Soviet- era debt. These commercial considerations must be subordinated to the urgent need to curb Iraq's illegal biological and chemical weapons programs. Similar concerns apply to Moscow's nuclear reactor and weapons sales to Iran. These deals have helped sustain Russia's struggling arms manufacturers and nuclear industry. Yet if Mr. Putin means to be a full partner in the struggle against terrorism, he must agree to restrict arms and nuclear deals with countries like Iran that refuse to cut their ties with international terrorists.

Mr. Bush made clear after his first meeting with Mr. Putin in June that he thought improved relations with Russia could be a centerpiece of his presidency. He has a chance to bring that goal closer to realization this week.
- THE NEW YORK TIMES.