Bush is no angel. Putin is no angel. What they both share as politicians is the desire for power at all costs. We, the people, are the real losers. But, who listens to the people anymore? And yet, people show their nationalism/patriotism as if they were personally getting something out of it. Wake up!

Jadhu, San Diego, U.S.A.

Why does Mr. Blair care about democracy in Russia more than any Russian does? Does not UK have its own problems? Maybe, it is better to talk to Mr. Bush and advise him to stop invading any "non democratic" country?
About US missiles in Europe: did you forget Caribbean crisis? History repeats itself, the only difference is that now it is Europe, not Cuba, and American missiles, not Soviets.

Yuriy, Boston, Russia/US

mansor ahmad, koula lumpur, malaysia>> The British government is willing even to bribe Saudi Arabia prince hundred millions of pounds annually to do business there. Why the double-standard?
" way to hit that nail DIRECTLY on its head" SA,,is bad about human rights.....real bad. As bad as Iran if not worse.

sergey, london,
Thanks God, Putin has the guts to stand his ground and defend our national interest.

" the usa would not go to war against Russia, more than 1/2 of the people in america are of russian descent", simply not gonna happen, Russia would attack the us first, for they dont care that there are many russians in usa." The usa is built from Russian people, and was the biggest influx of immigrants ever to the usa: you could in a real sense of the word say that "usa is russias sister country if you started with dna" Russian americans just would NOT ever accept this imagined war you have in your mind. They were forced to come here by hunger. They still love Russia.

Kat, Smithville , USA/Tennessee

sam, Dallas, USA
So what?! Putin has what Europe wants and needs....OIL.
" my own fellow countryman, Russia belongs to all Russians, not just Putin, and we all need criticicism to grow. Why are his criticizers disappearing ? Because he cannot see the need for his own critics, or his friends cant see his need and everyones need. Criticism grows us as human beings, if it is constructive, we should look at it, and try to understand why that person, sees what that person sees....this does not mean its okay to harm another ......Criticism = Human Character Growth.......Putin cannot accept that, or others that know him, cant accept his criticizers , this is NOT something to be proud of. This makes humans look like animals, as we must be if you look around the terrorized world we live in.

Kat, Smithville , USA/Tennessee

three thing here< I live in the us blair, putin and bush are power brokers playing with lives of the average person in the us, russia or the united kingdom. all average people worry about housing, food their families, hey fella their are over 450 million people who lives are being played with here over power politics. very sad indeed. hey i have an idea the us has grain which russia needs they have oil we need wow lets trade them. keeping everyone happy. both countries need food and warmth in a cold winter. hmmmmm common sense has does not exist in politics

rt, dayton,

Business hasn't turned its back on China, a far more repressive regime than Russia at the moment. Why's everyone beating up on Putin while ignoring the future host of the Olympics, taking place on top of the blood in Tiannamin Square?

Tom Robbins, Woodbridge, va/USA

bush. blair and putin are playing power politics period. the average
person in the Us, Russia and the United Kingdom are just concerned with keeping a roof over their head and food in their kids mouth. 450 million people are directly affected their game playing. I have an idea us has lots of grain Russia has oil wow lets trade. would make a lot of sense which these three leaders have seemed to lost.

rt, dayton,

While it's completely understandable and scary that Al-Qaeda might get WMD's, how could anyone believe that a COUNTRY (any country) will launch a pre-emptive strike against the US? A COUNTRY has a return address, something Al-Qaeda does not, because there's no Republic of Al-Qaeda; it's just a group. If Iran launches some 1960's era missile at the US, before that missile even gets out of its own airspace, Iran will be a giant parking lot. The Iranians know this FACT and so does the US, but it seems everyone in the US don't have a clue how to think . The Russians couldn't care about 10 missiles in Europe. They can deliver their entire stockpile anywhere on earth in minutes. What they have said is those radars are going to spy on their troops.

Alex, Bay Area, CA, USA

To SERGEY in London, As far as weapons of mass destruction go, Can you say "SYRIA"! And noone is going to " point missles into Russian territory. Do you know the difference between offensive & defensive weapons? And how do YOU know Iran doesn't have long range missles. Because Russia hasn't made that arms deal yet? Your comments are a waste of time. Your'e either heavily medicated or just another victim of Russia's propaganda machine!!!

Mark, Navarre, USA

It seems apparent that Putin's intolerance for democratic freedom has risen with Russia's economic power regarding their valuable energy base. His bellicose comments are not constructive and harping on whether Iraq was a good or bad decision is irrelevant regarding Russia's sabre rattling. Putting up defensive shields to deflect nuclear attacks should pose no threat to Russia especially since they announced they have missles that can penetrate any defense..that along with their declaration to point them at Europe is pretty aggressive talk. Maybe we shoud make the point to Putin, stop selling sophisticated arms and nuclear technology to rogue countries like Iran and we may not have such a need to protect others from those nations! The world has largely ignored China and Russia's dealings with Iran which make any UN sanctions a joke..Russia wants cash for its weapons and China wants energy for its weapons..and they are conducting business to support a rogue nation to benefit themselves..

Rick, Cincinnati, OH

ARE THE RUSSIANS IMMUNE TO AN ATTACK FROM IRAN OR NORTH KOREA? IT SEEMS THAT THE SHIELD WOULD BE A PLUS FOR THEM.

JERRY, OXFORD, ALABAMA/USA

There is an investment boom in Russia. Investors put their money to projects that earn profits, not to projects/contries which Mr. Blair advises investing. Also I fully agree with Joseph Kellie. Russia has been alsways saying that US attutude to Iran, Nothen Korea and other similar nations do not solve nuclear problems, rather creates them. The longer the USA continues using force in every step of its foreign policies, the more countries will wish to obtain nuclear weapons. Russia is crying this. However, other world is just saying that Russia supports terrorist regimes

Pavel, Moscow, RUSSIA

Russia should aid in condemming Iran and N Korea for its radical and liberal threats of nuclear arms. Russia has aided and even encouraged dangerous regimes all over the world. Russia should be more responsible especially since it is part the European community itself. Putin should not threaten nor should he lecture about misuse of arms. The Russians did try to park nukes just off US coast in Cuba in the 1960's and pointed a massive arsenal threatening Europe, Middle East, and Asia. Russia has had dubious past committing horrible crimes against neighbors for the benefit of military might, In reality, Bush would justified in protecting Western Europe against the Russians as much as rogue nations. When Russia learn that their neighbors are not there for their benefit and exploitation the better off the world will be. You dont see the US invading Canada, Mexico, South America or even menacing Cuba for their benefit. Putin needs to figure out if he wants the benefit from the world

james, Branson , USA

Blair is yet to realise that the days when "Brittania rules the waves" are over. Britain is no more "Great" Britain but only a lap dog of the US. And it may bark but scare no one.

V.M.Mohanraj, Bangalore, India / Karnataka

That's a good one I can use, my marriage never broke down and my wife did not leave me ; it is a fluidity of personnel;-).

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

So why isn't Blair issuing these kinds of threats towards other countries with human rights violations and minimal or no democracy. He doesn't threaten Zimbabwe, he doesn't threaten China. Double standards, I tell you!

Alice, Moscow,

Mr. Blair needs to go away soon, soon soon !!! and let Mr. Brown NOW formulate UK policy ... his idiotic support of Mr. Bush has lead the West to a new showdown with Russia, when we should be working with them and the Chinese to facilitate understanding - not repointing missiles !!! International BIZ is fully vested in Russia already to the tune of 100's of Billions of Euros ... so Mr. Blair speaks from his own `hedge fund' I think. Someone should suggest him for some roving `flunky role' such as `World Bank' or `IMF' chief ... like Mr. Wolfowitz who told the American Congressional panels in 2002 and 2003 that Iraq would have already have rebuilt itself ??? Bye, Bye ... Mr. Blair ... raise some sheep !!!

Ozzy, New York, USA

to Eli Tailpei

You are a Big Brain,eh? Why do you think the "law enforcement' has had to tell the world tall stories on how this KGB Putin poisoned Litvinenko? The brass tacks are that there would not be any need of spinning the yarn had they managed to find anything you are talking about.

Andrey, Krasnodar, Russia

Russia economic, geopolitical & military cooperation with China will ensure a viable multi-polar world. Russia al;ogn with China will prove to be a strong alternative to US unilateralism in the 21st century

Gaston, Indianapolis, IN

The history has proven the fall of Russia when? Russia never falls, never has, never will. Nobody who attacked Russia ever won. Learn history before you speak.

hel, NYC,

This is a joke! Missile defense system to protect Europe from Iran and N. Korea???? Come on Putin has a right to fight back. What if Russia wanted to build a defense system for Iran and N. Korea then we would have something to say. Protection from Iran? What a joke.

Steve, Washington, USA

I am surprised how people blindly accuse Putin of being not democratic. He is definitely not, but nobody should forget that Russia is in transitional period. In 1991 it started from scratch with totally broken by communism economy and legal system. Everything belonged to everybody and nobody. Of course it created corruption, if only anyone knew for sure how could it be done better. Democracy of Eltsin was good, but tens and may be hundreds of millions of people were put into danger of death by starvation, literally. With Putin things became far more stable thus he has overwhelming support of people. I'm sure everyone in UK and US knows how to manage Russia better but I would question if they really know it. EU and US should press on democracy in Russia but not forget that things are far more complex than simply screaming "democracy".

Ken, San Francisco, USA

Blair is playing a dangerous game??? Mr. Putin is out of his mind for thinking Mr. Bush and Mr. Blair are dummies... Mr. Putin represented a wonderful suggestion... Let's think about this... Missiles in Iraq and Turkey? Ummm.. Hell No!

The U.S. and Europe have no intentions to hurt Russia, nor threats.. We are not fighting Russia, We are fighting Terrorists and Enemies. And we are asking Russia to join us so that we can put an end to these terrorist attacks that are happening all around the world. This is childish, we need to move on and pull together so that we can also fight Global Warming.

Lauren, Chicago, IL

What is apparent to me is how incredibly impacted human beings continue to be by men who talk of war, hate, religious zeal, power and control. When will the people of the world put an end to the chaos these men create? When will we be able to live quietly in peace caring about eachother in a meaningful way. Bush, Putin, Blair, Chavez, the Ayatollah, all suffer from the same disease- hate, control and a total disregard for the human race.

Wayne Roberts, New York, New York, USA

Invest because its beautiful? I'm sure Nazi Germany had many sunny days back in the 30's and 40's that were beautiful...and I'm sure the view from behind certain barbed-wire and from various gas chambers at Auschwitz was beautiful...

Is it beautiful when the russian mob holds a legit business hostage.

And...we are not positioning new bombs in Europe...its a defensive shield...and according to Russia...it wont even protect us?eu from their newest missile...and Iran says its a 'joke'.

Will the sun still shine beautifully in Russia when they regress to a totalitarian state again? Yes. Will the Urals look pretty to the elite Russians who get to vacation there no matter the type of government?

Please...

CR, Parker, CO, USA

I don't understand why people are so confused about world issues. Here are some facts, EU depends on Russian oil. So the EU would like to have a stable partner in Russia, so they will not be black mailed or held hostage for oil. US missile defense, It's about ten intercepter, so how can it defend against 2,000 plus Russian nuclear missiles if that's the US goal, and it if built it will take about 5 or 6 years to build. Think again people. Iran missile threat, is not a threat and probable will not be a threat for some years to come. So all of these issues are to drum up support for political ambitions only. Just like the US war with Iraq on the bases of weapons of mass destruction. Believe me, this is just political theatre. If there was a threat Russia, EU, or the USA would not go to war base on the mutual assured destruction. So I say to all, please read between the lines and do not get caught up with this political theatre.

Corey, Columbia, USA

As Russia becomes stronger(in terms of economics and military power), the relationship between Russia and USA is likely to get worser. If today's Russia is the past's Soviet Union, USA would not have the guts to put missiles in Poland and Czech. Because if USA does that, Russia will retaliate by putting missiles in Cuba. I think the real motive of USA is to expand its influence beyond Western Europe into terrritories of ex-Soviets' sphere of influence. At the moment, Russia will complain but if the USA insists on putting missiles in Poland and Czech, i believe the Russia will do nothing intially. However, the USA better get prepared to remove these missiles if Russia ever gets her chance to regain its power back as the former mighty Soviet Union.

JJ, Singapore, Singapore

Actually, with the mess in Iraq, it was about time someone worth it start telling Bush 'It is not going to happen.

Speco, Oldenburg,, Germany

Wouldn’t it make more sense for northern Europe (Scandinavia, Great Britain, Germany, Denmark, Poland etc) to call for an increase in the amount of co2 added to the atmosphere (if that even causes global warming) in order to protect themselves from freezing to death when Putin cuts off all of their fuel supplies? The US won’t be able to do a Berlin airlift for all of Europe.

DCM, Troy, USA

Politics is an art. When politicians say something they have something else in mind which is difficult to be understood by commoners.Only Russia and America know what they are doing.I dont believe its anything to do with Iran or North Korea. Under that pretext america and russia are trying to strengthening their grip over the new European terrotories.Something else going on here. Probably we can see the seeds of a new world order being sown here by the superpowers.Putin really is a man of guts and we must salute him.
When Blair said lask of political reforms he didnt even think of looking in to his own political backyard of what their own policies towords oil supplying Middle eastern states to Britan.
Its all power and oil game and as usual Amricans and Britons are hypocrates and apply selective standards when they talk so we eally shouldnt be bothered about them.

Sam, Mumbai, India

The US and EU fought a Long Cold war against Russia and won. unlike past Power house countries like Nazi germany, we Give the country Back to it's people and direct them towards our way of handling dissidents, criminals and problem people as well as democracy and government. with Full Human Rights as defined in Geneva. Putin has no right to come in and dismantle all the progress that has been accomplished. this is an act of war. Russia is supposed to be a Huge Ali with the west, they are turning into a threat against democracy again. these countries simply STILL do not get it. Establish a Strong Human rights Policy in your country and (WallA) there is absolutely No basis for any type of confrontation with the coutry in question. The West Will not spend the Billions of dollars for defence if it is not needed. this whole thinbg with Russia is complete stupidity on Putin's part. He will most definately lose again and this time the loose around Russia's neck will be tighter than ever.

Mike, Eugene, Oregon

My understanding is that the shield is more targeted against the threat from Iran not North Korea.

Kevin, Seattle, WA

The history has not proved the fall of Russia. The history has proved the fall of Communism in Russia. Russia regardless of its political system is recognized by the West as the potential threat to its (West's) world domination. Simple as that. Neither democracy nor freedom is the real issue here for Blair or Bush. If it were, then all West's business dealings with Saudi Arabia, China, Azerbaijan, and many other countries with gross human rights violations would seize. In fact, the majority of US population, sheep being led to slaughter, still believe the US foreign policy is guided by the principles of freedom and democracy. Many will disagree with this statement, but its their loss. The real concern of the West is how to prevent the formation of power block consisting of Russia, China, Iran and other countries that would challenge West's world domination.

Fuad, LA,

An anti-missile shield at the eastern border of Poland against non-existing Iranian nuclear missiles? The ignorants will believe it, the visceral Russia haters will love it and the servants and hitch-hikers of empire will appreciate and support the hidden agenda.

If it were against a potential future Iranian threat the system would be placed in Eastern Turkey, the Caucasus or the Balkans where the US isn't short of clients who would be only too happy to comply.

The purpose of this exercise (same as the exploitation of some other recent events) is clearly to create animosity between Europe and Russia who in recent years (with Iraq and all) have probably come a bit too close for the likings of the masters of the world in DC. The game is called "divide et impera". But you have to give it to them: It was a very clever move.

DAN , ALMATY, Kazakhstan

It's about time Blair kept his mouth shut and put his efforts into sorting out the problems at home, some caused by his stupid decisions, Iraq for instance.

Dave Madley, Alicante, Spain

Dave
That's exactly the point. Russia did not get much from Europe or US in the last 15 years and is not expecting a change for the better. Putin is just trying to protect Russia's interests, not dictate agenda to anyone. Nuclear shield next to Russian board is suspiciously far from North Korea and suspiciously close to Russia to get him worried about Russia's interest here.
don't buy Russia's oil and gas, find an alternative. That's best for everyone.

LI, Moscow, Russia

Any of you ever think that maybe People would just like to invest in Russia because it is a beautiful country ?

Kat, Smithville , USA/Tennessee

Putin needs to becareful when it threatens to face missiles in Europe. History has prooven the fall of Russia. The US will be there to defend Europe with it's might. The US never mentioned any kind of threat to Russia when it decided to build a shield around Europe, it just wants to protect it from rogue regimes.

David, Guam, Guam USA Territory

"Before leaving for the G8 summit, Mr Blair said that unless there were shared values “people in Europe will want to minimise the business they do with Russia.”" -- If he means democracy and human rights, his statement is rediculous; as England, not to mention the US, have strong economic relationships with China, whom doesn't share their values. Why do these and other "values" countries continue to build China up without any agreement toward sharp human rights or democratic impelments? I'm also curious about why this missile defense system must be placed near the Russian border. Why not place it squarely in Europe, or more south?

Christopher, Orlando, USA

Blair is playing dangerous game. Europe will freese to death next winter if Russian business turns its' back on EU!

Askel, Moscow, Russia

Perhaps Putin's strong opposite views are not to create a new East-West Cold War but a warning against unlateralism that US-GB is aggressively pursuing since Bush 2nd term. Perhaps even a new Cold War wil make the world a safer place. Bush's naive policy of "either you are with us or against us" smacks on arrogance and an insult to democracy that Bush is hypocritically pushing down the throats of others. Strong Russia will provide the rest of the world to choose to stand up either with with US and Russia, a democtaric choice.

If Blair has strong views about Putin's lack of democracy which will discourage inward investment in Russia, perhaps he should also lecture other governments, especially in the Middle-East whose democracy and human rights are worset. The British government is willing even to bribe Saudi Arabia prince hundred millions of pounds annually to do business there. Why the double-standard?

mansor ahmad, koula lumpur, malaysia

If we only consider disguises above real intents of actions, we probably couldn't reach any real and productive goal towards humanity. Given that Bush have other agenda other than protection from attacks, does the reaction of Putin to the situation doesn't reflect his real intents for power and insecurities towards his nieghboors much more to US? Why is he so indignant to the presence of NATO in Europe? Why is he so linient in dealing with bad guys like Iran and North Korea? Or could we apply the saying here, "Birds of thesame feather flocks together"?

Joel Pineda, Manila, Philippines

Bush and Blair went to Iraq under a pretext of weapons of mass destruction. Have they found anything? NO, but the army is still there.
Now they want to put missiles in Poland trained at Russian territory under pretext of defending from Iran.
Iran does NOT have long range missiles.
Is it only me who has a deja vu feeling?
Bush and Blair are prepared to go to war anywhere there is oil. That is what I call global terrorism.
Thanks God, Putin has the guts to stand his ground and defend our national interest.

sergey, london,

I'm afraid that some of the comments here seem to suggest that Putin's is the only opinion that Russians have. As if the whole country speaks with one sole voice, barring a few irrelevant dissidents, through Mouthpiece Vladimir.

Actually, I first saw reference to the above "Times" article in the online version of "Izvestiya", of all places. This suggests to me that there are many Russians, not least journalists, who are quite happy for Blair and others to get tough with the bully boys.

I hope Blair gets his half-hour with Putin and that he tells him some home truths about the link between inward investment and missile threats.

Human rights. Those who would compare the orange jump suit indignities of Guantánamo Bay with the massive slave labour operation in the Gulag, and the centralist manipulations of the present Russian government with certain curbs on freedoms in the West, are living in Cloud Cuckoo Land.

Eric, Blaricum, Netherlands

Tony's new employers in the City and his neighbours stand to lose a mint in existing and future fees if Russian companies don't float, one word in their shell-like from Putin and they will be off even before Gordon can invent a tax to slap on them.

Michael, Doncaster, UK

Aren't we going to depend on Russian gas?

gleble, Whitby,

Western businesses play a marginal role in Russia compared with the local capital. Blair's threat seems to be for internal European consumption, it cannot scare anyone in Russia.
Putin is just trying to bring some attention to obvious question about why US needs nuclear shield in Poland and Czech republic. He chose a wrong tactic but that's the substance - noone in their right mind believes russia is the enemy, even GWB. Noone responds, we get the usual nonsence in lecturing Russia and Putin about why he should be nice to europe instead of protecting Russia's own interests.

LI, Moscow, Russia

Hi Sam, thats the point one country doesnt particular need what another has. the global market mean that you stand together or fall as individuals. Theres no space left for countries like Russia and the US to dictate agenda. Especially with strong competition emerging from Asia. Success now requires fair trade of equal value otherwise a country might find it self increasingly isolated and weakened. A lesson Russia should have learned already.

Dave, London, UK

This is idle talk. There is investment boom in Russia. Investors put their money to projects from where they expect to earn profits, not to projects which Mr. Blair points out to

Pavel RUS, Moscow,

Why does Mr Blair look at things from the Russian presidents point of view?

When the USA moves weapons to a location it usually means that one of the countries surrounding will be invaded for some reason. This is fact and historic and is the reason that Korea wanted nuclear weapons, Iran may want nuclear weapons and other countries are left hoping they do not incur the wrath of the USA.

The world was strangely more stable when we had the cold war.

Joseph Kellie, Edinburgh, Scotland

Honestly, we don't care much of the foreign businesses in Russia. Very few Russians have personal incentives from their presence in the country. Gazprom is no good (a closed shop existing for Putin's friends, their daughters and sons) but BP is no better.

JB, Tomsk, Siberia

I assume American Shield in theory will be intercepting incoming nuclear missiles, Can someone tell me please, what will happen to debris and nuclear dust that will start falling down to earth?

Which European country has agreed to be contaminated with radioactive substances just to save other states further westwards?

Tom, London, UK

as well as Arabic oil for USA?

Dmitriy, Kiev, Ukraine

"An EU diplomat close to the talks said: “When it comes to multilateralism, the US is from Mars and the EU is from Venus.” (end of quote)
Yes! And US missiles will be in my backyard.not Putin's! Did we ask Bush to do that ? Did we ask Hitler to occupy Poland and then put his FAU's in Penemunde ?
I wonder why Putin's advisers did not plan to put SS-20 in Venesuela "To protect Moscow from Chechnya's terrorists!"

Peter, Liverpool, UK

When Bush critizes Putin about his neglect of democracy and human rights, Putin should use Bush's own record to hit back at him. In health care, education, treatment of the homeless, prison policies etc, there is ample evidence that the U.S. government has denied the most basic human rights to large numbers of his own people. Perhaps he could also cite "Sicko" by the famous American film maker, Michael Moore, in support of his views. America's shameful record needs to be paraded in public.

akai ringo, Tokyo, Japan

finally the show of some backbone in foriegn policy, shame it is against a Russian president representing his nations legitimate concerns , not against a terrorist threat that elicits a half-hearted response. Putin should lead the "war on Terror"

Ben, Folkestone, UK

I'm sure if Western law enforcement bodies check offshore accounts of Putin and his close aides, they will find plenty of interesting things. It's enough to make them tone down their rhetoric. There's no need to rise to this kind of threat

Eli, Taipei, Taiwan

So what?! Putin has what Europe wants and needs....OIL.

sam, Dallas, USA

At least the people from Mars are looking after their own economic national interests, the people from Venus seem intent on placing more burdens on their companies and citizens.
The term 'cutting greenhouse gases' trips off the tongue very easily, few people actualy understand what it requires in practise.
As an engineer, I have seen many companies go to the wall because they can't afford the latest 'clean up' technologies and can no longer operate legaly without them.
All this is doing is helping to destroy our industrial base and making things even easier for the asian economies to prosper at our expense.
People who say that we should set an example, simply do not understand the economic reality or the attitudes of the growing Asian economies, who are for more concerned with improving livng standards and achieving the power that goes with wealth than worrying about some theoretical global warming problem.

tony, birmingham, uk

Of course people in Europe won't want to deal with a regime that doesn't share their values. That's why we don't do any trade with China. Oh wait...

Dex Torricke-Barton, Oxford, UK

It seems to be very amazing approach in EU-Russian collaboration. On the one hand we see open tension between USA and Russia, on the other - most europe leaders convultions on this case. Why don't ask simple Europeans, if they want U.S. defending system in Europe? I don't think that Mr. Putin is fully perfect president, but, anyway, he really wants to protect us from potential assault.
I want to see how Mr. Blair will talk if USA build some military bases near Britain, for example. Well, 'there is no smoke without fire", U.S. goverment, as usuall, wants to quarrel EU and Russia - historical neighbors...
"Think before doing something!!!"

Pupkin, Moscow, Russian Federation

This man Blair is nothing but the spokesperson of big business. I am not surprised that the Times has not covered the BAE bribery scandal involving Saudi Prince Bandar. No doubt this was done in the "national interest". Shame on our media.

Dr I Khan, aberdeen,

Since the UK no longer tolerates dissent then how can Blair lecture Putin ? After all, didn't the Labour party expel an elderly dissenter from one of its conferences and a muslim dissenter from a John Reid press conference ? We can't even protest near the Houses of Parliament anymore without permission. So much for tolerating dissent.

Mark B, Hornsea, UK

I guess that Mr.Blair was joking then he said " unless there were shared values “people in Europe will want to minimise the business they do with Russia”. Just look at the China democratic record and European companies pouring investment into Chinese economy… Oh! I got it! It is a famous British sense of humor.

Alexey, Moscow, Russia

Dear Editor,
Just imagine that Russia deploys Anti-Missile Sys in Holland against some threat from suppose Iceland (that has got no Forces at all) under an agreement with the Dutch. Would the British Government believe in such a fantasy and what might be a reaction fo Mr. Blair to such plans?

Sincerely yours,

George Shorkov, Moscow, Russia

"Tony Blair is preparing to tell Russia that it faces an economic backlash in Europe unless it shows that it shares the West’s democratic values of tolerating dissent and preventing abuses of human rights."

But the West do neither.... and boy, do they hate direct questions because of the real answers they'll always avoid with the TB, double cross take......."Well, the real question we should be asking is...I don't like your question so I'll avoid it with a lot of nonsense" Not so much a legacy much more an abomination.

And what a pantomime it is, whenever the the leader is on a junket and the deputy leader is indisposed ....... and lo and behold, it doesn't really matter to the country, does it? In fact, it shows us all that they are quite superfluous and merely a drain on resources.

amanfromMars, Seventh Heaven , Global Communications HQ

Does Blair mean the same way that business shuns China because of its abysmal human rights record? Get real. If there's a market in Russia, business will be there.

Wendy, Frankfurt,

This Tony Blair response is much more effective than that of the fumbling George 'Ww-ah'. Fancy saying the cold war is over, blah-blah-blah!!!

Jim, Solihull,

China does not share western values etc, and that has not stopped western businesses from investing in China.

Subramaniam, Paris ,

More global warming hot air their than outside. Useless, and ta otal waste of money.

Tom Katz, Weybridge, UK

I thought business didn't care about politics. The 13% tax rate here and the profits to be made are greater concerns than freedom of speech for foreign business people.

Alice, Moscow,