[url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4734894.ece]
George Bush isn't in charge, says Vladimir Putin
(Reuters)
My kinda guy... but the people around him are rubbish, says Putin

Richard Beeston, Sochi
In a thinly veiled dig at George Bush, Vladimir Putin today suggested that the US President was not in charge of American affairs, saying that it was “the court that makes the king”.

Amid heightened tensions with the US in the wake of the war in Georgia, the Russian Prime Minister insisted that the US leader was a man of honour and integrity, but blamed members of the administration for the sharp deterioration of relations with Russia.

”I still hope we will maintain good relations, but it is the court that makes the king,” he told a group of foreign journalists in an interview at his residence in the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

He nonetheless spoke fondly of his relationship with Mr Bush, saying, only half-jokingly: ”I treat President Bush better than some Americans would”.

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At times Mr Putin displayed genuine anger, particularly when discussing the deployment of US navy warships just off the Russian Black Sea coast. Much of his criticism was aimed directly at the Bush administration which he accused of training and army the Georgian military and encouraging its leadership to launch last month’s assault on the breakaway province of South Ossetia.

"Should we have wiped the bloody snot off our face and bowed our head? Should we have waved our penknives?” he said in response to the mobilisation of Georgian tanks and troops.




Have your say

That Bush, Blair & the majority of 'leaders' don't make the decisions is probably right; the Chicagoan world banking system along with other evil-doers pull the strings . . profit, profit & more profit please!
People's lives & emotions don't matter in the 'pure' capitalism of neo-conservatism!!

Pete, Leeds, UK

How can you have a meaningful conversation with an electorate that is'n in tune with world realities because they live in a fortress and dont grasp the fact that their leaders have used politics of fear to keep them ignorant.



I agree with Vladimir Putin that the disaster in Georgia was in no small way caused by irresponsible behavior by the Bush administration.

James Canning, Seattle, USA

I have always believe Bush is a marionete. Whos know who is really in charge. I suspect it's been a shadow government that tells Bush what to do and say.

Jakson, Boston, USA

True, we Americans do have a lot of firepower deployed in the Middle East, Persian Gulf/Indian Ocean region. But it should not be overlooked that we are fighting a two-front war there, in Iraq and Afghanistan. For the good of all civilized nations, European, Asian, African and Arab, pray we succeed.

matt pedigo, Scottsville, Kentucky, US, US

ipd, I've never had to worry that any discussion of controversial topics could result in fines or jail time, as per European "freedom." What exactly do I live in constant fear of? Please let me know, so that I can appropriately tremble!

Ken Schmidt, Independence, USA

The Russian military only proved the were capable of engaging in a punitive action. If they stuck around, they would have been bled just like they were in Afghanistan. Why are so many are ready to consign the Georgians to oppression b/c they live next to a national socialist bully?

Tony, SF, CA, USA

If Putin hates the Bush Administration, well President Bush must be doing something right. Europeans sure have a short memory. We died by the millions to protect Europe and spent billions to rebuild it and defend it. If WW III comes, I vote to sit back and watch.

Adam Smith, Omaha, USA

Unfortunately the American people are fed the 'Freedom and Democracy' line too often. Sadly they are one of the most undemocratic nations in the west and live in constant fear.

Land of the Brave maybe, land of the free? You must be bloody joking.

ipd, London, UK

It may sound strange but I hope Putin can contain the provocations of the US military. There are now four aircraft carriers in the Mediterranean, Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. Putin may be able to prevent the US military from attacking Iran and the start of World War III.

Lamarr01, Iowa, USA

Yup! The hardliners forced George Bush to wage war in Iraq.

Neo Cons.

Putin is right.

Vishal Patel, London, UK

Barryfrom Chicago, is it really you ?

Alan, WNC, US

It sounds like Putin is falling for the Bush administrations good cop bad cop routine. Does he seriously think that the Bush people are doing anything more than carrying out the boss’s orders?

t, CA, USA

I am a right wing Republican, but understand this. Russia has every right to be concerned about U.S. hegemony on its back yard. It's the same concern the U.S. has when the Russians flex muscle in Cuba, Granada, and Venezuela.

Richard Gross, Arlington, TN, USA

Putin is the only real leader of his country in the G8 today.

William, Guildford, UK

Tom Roberts posted "....I count 3 people using the phrase "military industrial complex". Have any idea who said that and what party they belonged to?. ..." Yes, Ike, a Republican, said it. So, was he right or wrong?

Liam, Philly, USA

"Liberals do not believe in Freedom!"
Lisa, Virginia, USA

I think you misunderestimate the liberals, Lisa.


Matt, Berlin, Germany

The problem is Russia isn't part of the solution, nor are they prepared to fix anything they destroy. How much money have they contributed to rebuilding those areas? Nada!

Nate, SLC,

first thing he's ever said that i agree with.

scot, atlanta, usa

The russians were just trying to protect those in south Ossetia, as many were dual Russian/Georgian citizens. There was no reason for Georgia to do what they did. Putin is right about america, and that Bush is a puppet of his administration. Look at the guy, he doesn't know anything.

Joel, Michigan, United states

Brilliant Andrew. Maybe next time we'll just bulldoze the place and forget about collateral damages. You just don't get it. Check out some footage of the Russian assault on Georgia. Then go find a white flag and hide under it.

John, Alabama, USA

Yes it is true the US was arming georgia but.... we were arming them to fight insurgents not tanks and airplanes. Plus remember russia in afganistan in the 80's? Hardly in and out the iraq fight is much like that and the US and our British friends have had much more success in iraq than russia did.

Jason, harrisburg, USA

Sara Palin VS Vladimir Putin....must be interesting....)))))

Maria, St Petersburg,

It is time to withdraw the US Ambassador from Moscow "for consultations", and not send him back for quite a while. Let them deal with the Charge d'affair

John, Beltsville, USA

Is the President of Russia in charge? Who is leading Dmitry Medvedev around by the nose? Gee, do you think it might be Putin and his old KGB Communist cronies? Russian democracy is a fraud. Don't buy into it.

John, Beltsville, USA

I guess Russia has forgotten that after declaring their independence that made Georgia free! Iraq wanted to be free of Sadam Hussien but did not have the means to do it! The Americans did what the Iraqis could not at the time! Liberals do not believe in Freedom!

Lisa, Virginia, USA

"A great nation doesn't need a permission slip." -- George W. Bush ... no wonder Putin "likes" him.

Tom, Gothenburg, Sweden

This is really going to get you americans going isnt it.....

Tom, Didcot, UK

The Russian military was in and out of Georgia in 2 weeks job done. The military might of the US and UK, in and out of Iraq in, oh hang on we're still there ... after a few years. Simplistic, yes I know but so are most of the other comments. Russia is not the enemy here.

Andrew, London,

>>Russia has no right imposing its peace keepers on Georgia uninvited and without a UN mandate.
RF HAS the mandate of the UN.. Please, check facts before posting..

Alex, Moscow,

We're all the same, it's just a question of which side of the fence you happen to be sitting on as to what view you might have. Be aware we are victims of western propaganda.

You can pick holes in this all you like though I can't see the difference between Russia and Georgia and the US and Iraq.