Mevedev is certainly not in charge in Putin's Russia;Bush's power limited by checks&balances of Constitution, Putin's unlimited.
Nazi Germany&USSR&Japan initiated WWII & are totally responsible for the tens of millions of deaths; the USA &UK finished it with USSR switching sides in 41.

Dr Andris Lielmanis, Brampton, Canada.

Why US confronts Russia? US will have everything it wants beyond Russian backyard if they engage Russians. Look Chinese take up Africa. Latin America turns against US. New NATO members former Russian allies leave US on its own fighting in Iraq and Afganistan. Putin says ally with us and we both win.

Alex, Moscow, Russia

Putin and Medvedev have gotten the message in South Ossetia and that is why they are circling some strategic wagons of thier own ... Venezuela, Bolivia, Syria etc etc. Bush and Cheney have made alot of enemies in the past 8 years and Russia suddenly has alot of new friends. Gee whiz I wonder why?

John, Grand Rapids, Mi,

The more Putin says, the more and more he makes sense.

With Dick Cheney at the helm, and the disturbing spectre of VP Palin waiting in the wings - Baptist Taliban in pantyhose who believes that the Iraq war is a holy rather than corporate affair, I certainly have less to fear from Russia.

Paul , Vancouver, Canada

RB, Brighton, London; Russia DID go to the UN seeking a peaceful resolution to Georgia's agression, only to get blocked by the US and its lapdog.

A little research would have gone a long way in preventing an embarassingly misinformed post.

ALD, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Gee Vlad, where have you been? Some of us have known this for years. It's really always been President Cheney, puppetmaster extraordinaire......

Russ, Milford, PA, USA

bush isnt in charge says putin, does that statement apply to the russian prime minster as well

Cam Luong, Town, Country

People speak as if Russia has not invaded Georgia 5 times since 1801 and forcibly absorbed it's territory. It tried to ethnically wipe out their language and culture. Russia has been a bastion of tyranny for 1500 years and this endless talk re: their alleged "greatness" is lost on me.

Sean Quigley, North Merrick,

It appears Putin has been absolutely right speaking about western media’s huge misleading to be main part of his message. Not mentioning that Richard Beeston confirms the statement of Putin.

Alexey, Moscow,

Ossetia sought to withdraw from Georgia. Georgia sought to stop them. Russia intervened. Remember Vietnam? Remember the American Revolution?

keith, decatur, alabama, usa

It was the US who started this by breaking up the Yougoslav republic and giving seperatists their way. Putin warned the US not to continue this seperatist idiology in Eastern Europe. Why not the Kurds? Russia is right. What is good for the goose is good for the gander. Let Russia sort ot its borders

Joseph, Sydney, Australia

"Russia should have taken their complaint FIRST to the UN and sought diplomatic means before launching a full invasion"

You don't say! And what would you call the 6 hour Security Council meeting on August 8 where the US disagreed with the Russian requirement for Georgia to "cease all hostilities"?

Mykola, Kirovograd, Ukraine

America has been involved in many conflicts over the last 100 years. The American political culture is that of finding reasons to intervene. The truth could be that there is money in wars for the US war industry, and US politics see it as good business sense.

Jim Wills, Brisbane, Australia

Russia should have taken their complaint FIRST to the UN and sought diplomatic means before launching a full invasion. It was natural for the EU and US to see it as old-style Soviet behaviour. Blaming Bush is a smokescreen. Thankfully the West's strong stand has warned Putin off.

RB, Brighton, UK

Much like a constitutional monarchy, in a democracy the president is basically a figurehead. Sure, he can veto legislation, but Congress can override him. In order for the president to get anything done, the administration has to be on his side.

Foreigners understand this better than Americans do.

Kevin, Petersburg, VA, USA

There's nothing random in politics, even what the leaders say to the public or media guys. But if an opera score is written to cover 2-3 hours of action, political score is made to cover millenniums.

John, Solarville,

Bush is a likeable guy. He is touchingly sentimental and desperately wants to be liked. However, these are not reasons to respect him.

John Collins, Augusta, USA

"We died by the millions to protect Europe"

I think the figure is around 400,000 for all of WWII.

John, San Anselmo, US

With Putin's ouster of the oligarchs, the chance for certain interests to gain control of Russian resources and treasure evaporated like a dream. Hungover and angry the neocons awoke to that reality. Now Russia is the "enemy" once again. I agree with Putin. He is only looking after his country.

Fred, San Diego, US

If Putin is correct, then woe be America if we elect Obama, the stooge puppet of Soros, Ayers, et al.

gilbi, Villanova, PA,

Bush is the enemy....It's the Neocons....It's the people around Bush.....
I'm glad to see appeasement is alive and well in the world. You liberals like to live in FAKE peace, just ignore it, then it slits your throat. Don't worry Obama is on the way and the US will fall back to sleep.

Randy, Flyover, USA

Americans in democratic elections put and kept George W. Bush in office. Putin has no say and the United States never has bowed to Russia, going back all the way to Abraham Lincoln.

Jim, Cleveland, Ohio, USA!

See: you tube . com SLASH russiatoday

for the full audio with translation.

A lot is missed in the story published on timesonline.

Putin is RIGHT. Georgia's agression took from all their munitions depots, a fully mobilized army and air force resources against Russian troops and people.

Randall Stephens, Austin, Texas

Of course Bush doesn't run anything. If you read a document written by Cheney, Rumsfeld and Wolfowitz in September 2000 entitled "Rebuilding America's Defenses", it lays out pretty much every policy Bush has put forward in the last 8 years.

MIssile defence shields, Middle East wars -- the lot

Neil, London, England

I think it is dangerous to try and bully Russia by sending in the warships,
Russia isn't Iraq or Britain even. (Remember Suez?). How about trying China next? Or a little diplomacy?

Don, England - Glasgow temporary ,

Anyone who doubts who is in charge in any government should watch the classic comedy series, Yes Minister, and Yes Priminister. I often wonder whether Margaret Thatcher was the only PM strong enough to get things done her own way and not allow bullying tactics by the mandarins stop her.

Darwin, Tarragona, Spain

Russia invaded a soreign country. Putin is a very dangerous man. He actuallu said to Bush "You know, Ukraine is not even a country". This man must be dealt with sternly & forcefully. Georgia was first and Ukraine is next. Mcain was right: When I look into Putin's eyes I thimk of 3 letters: K.G.B.

Andy Kay, Royal Oak, michigan

As long americans like Al exist who actually think Bush protects the world and live in the denial of the american drem over looking the fact and the atrocities thier country is actively promote around the world, I am sure we have a lot of this acts backed and orchestrated by the neocons.

Mark Bolan, Moscow,

Maybe Bush has lost the plot but then again so has Putin neither so called world leaders seem to be able to move on for the benefit of the world they always seek confict. Perhaps in the days of globlisation the American Dream should be extented to the rest of the world's population!

Dave Farmer, Broxbourne, England

The usual paranoid, self-serving nonsense coming from the right wing Americans on this thread. And for their information it was Russia/Soviets who won WWII.

Benjamin, London,

Sad to say, it appears the invasion by Georgia was instigated to block public debate about the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan during a national presidential campaign. The Bush admin continues to justify military occupations abroad rejected by the public but fostered by Israel. Free speech anyone?

Charlie, New York, USA

Bush will inevitably go down in history as a pioneer, a visionary and a true leader. God bless him for having the courage to do what’s right even when terribly unpopular. To hell with the short sited, to hell with the appeasers, to hell with the radicals. May we press on!

Jon, Stuttgart, Germany

I like comments from the Russians who'd like us to be sad over the number of people they lost in WWII and I would, if we didn't so rarely discuss that Stalin killed more Jews than Hitler, if they'd not surrounded themselves by satellite nations by force after the war, weren't a nation of gangsters

Joe Pretorius, San Francisco, USA

If you really want to understand why mankind wages war on one and other I can do no better than to suggest the excellent book by Willam Bramely titled The God's of Eden. He lays it all out in there no world leader including Putin is in charge they are all puppet actors playing a part.

Terry Leonard, London, UK

First Sarah Palin was correct in her answer to the war with Russia question as it was posed to her. Second I keep seeing all over the internet people talking about the Bush doctrine. A free cookie to anyone who can describe it and by it I mean all 4 iterations. Ready go.

Jason, Somewhere , USA

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.

Gabriel, Dublin, Ireland

Lee R. Sachs, Rogersville, USA

You are not the only one that feels Bush is getting a raw deal. He has done more to protect the world we live in than any other current leader in the world. His determination alone is reason to admire him. Tony Blair should also be praised in the history books.

Al, Indianapolis, USA

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.

M, London, UK

I wonder if Putin will ever grow up.

Alastair, Alicante, Spain

Putin's claims of the US president being led by another are more then a little ironic considering Putin's position. This is a media campaign by the Russians mostly made for Russian consumption. We've seen this before... they talk big and then back down. We're ready for Cold War 2 if he's game.

Bill Rogers, Los Angeles, USA

Oleg of Ukraine, didn't the Russians do enough damage to your country with that inferior nuculear power plant with went kaboom! Wake up, you people of Europe, the wolf's at your door and it sure ain't Bush!

Henry, Warrenton, Missouri

The USA has troops everywhere. When Bush was campaigning, he said he would bring them home, that we didn't need to be in so many countries...then 9-11 happened. It seems we are damned if we do, and damned if we don't. Too many countries call on us for help. Time they work out their own problems

Bobc, Ky, USA

The American efforts to put the blame on Russia are not supported by the facts.
However Dick Cheney has never been much influenced by inconvenient facts.
Mikhail Gorbachov's letter to protest the American willful distortion of the facts re the Georgia/Russia clash is a must read .

Denis Gray, Niagara Falls, Canada

betweem palin, putin and bush, putin is probably the only one who understands the bush doctrine. on the other hand, he's also the only one that needs to.

jem, london, uk

Putin is RIGHT and HONEST!!! He may be not politically correct sometimes, but he tells US the truth. We lost 28 000 000 people in 1941-45. Just think about it. You can tell NATO is not NAZI, but weapons are weapons. What you expected og Russia when bring rockets to it's border in Poland.

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

Your article is incorrect. Putin launched the assault across the border first, on 6 August, prior to the Georgian response which began 8 August. Get your facts straight please.

Ivan Durakov, Middleamerica, USA

People of US need to have a look at the world map and to the places where US Army and NAVY now. What are they doing there? Protecting the world of terrorism?!!! You kidding me, right?
Putin is rude but honest. So much effort was spent to minimize nuclear war threat and we have it now. Why?

Nikolay, Moscow, Russia

Putin is right! Geargia, Saakashvili started the war. They killed sleeping civilians in Tsinvali children and women. I would nuke Geargia at Putin's place.

Ad, Houston, USA

Russian peacekeepers were in S Ossetia according to the Sochi Agreement of 1992 and their activity was monitored by OSCE.

alex, London, UK

Putin is no dope,he knows that the financial sector of the U.S. is not in good shape.Just as the Former Soviet Union was when Ronald Reagan faced missiles at THEM. This is a way to keep economies going during bad times.Read "THE CREATURE FROM JEKYLL'S ISLAND,A 2nd look at the federal reserve."

J, Coopersburg, USA

Let's replace name "Bush" with "Medvedev" in in the text and see how that works out, shall we, Mr Putin?

Elena, Riga,

2shawn, ashtabula , usa
Wow, you seem to be quite aggressive neocon person, arent you? Who wishes to live in the "country of freedom" for the cost of others - Russians, Ukrainians, Georgians etc. Mind to support your words with your deeds? I mean if you "like war" why dont participate in it too?

Oleg, Ukraine,

Randall Austin you have no idea what you are talking about. I have spent time in the "Republic" of Georgia with their military ( DoD assigned in Germany). For you to say what you did makes sense for someone that probably has never traveled outside your zip code, which is the case of 90% of US people

Gaylen, Stuttgart, Germany

Whatever one might think , to instal peace keepers in another country without its blessing is tantamount to an invasion. Russia has no right imposing its peace keepers on Georgia uninvited and without a UN mandate. The same could be said of Bosinia. But the difference is the UN sanctioned it.

vingula, Lilongwe, Malawi

George Bush will not truly be in charge until his term of office expires and he can become Prime Minister of the USA.

Alex, Moscow,

PUTIN is correct in his thoughts and actions. I am happy Russia did yeoman's work, performed an excellent military action to stop the terror unleased on innocent civilians by the Georgian military. Sakashvilli was "installed", not elected. Check the facts!!!

Randall, Austin, Texas, USA

Wake up my fellow citizens, PUTIN IS RIGHT. The Neocon Israel Firsters have penetrated our government to the point where we are now fighting a war for that other country. George Washington warned of the internal enemy. Putin has the wisdom and foresight of George Washington - WAKE UP - RIGHT NOW

Mr. RAH, Ocala, USA

She said that if they attacked one of our allies, that YES we would be OBLIGATED by TREATY to assist. If a bully hits you and you run away, what will happen next?

She's got a firmer grasp of the situation than community organizer boy.

dll, Overland Park, KS, USA

All of the insults hurled a Pesident Bush are nothing compared to the insults hurled at President Lincoln. He freed a lot of people also.

RoberTx, Amarillo,Tx, USA

It is obvious that most people don't have a clue.

This has nothing to do with the U.S.A. or its policies. It is about driving oil prices up to help the Soviet economy which is in freefall at the moment.

As for the comment in regards to Palin, she is right on target.

Barry, Chicago, USA

Putin is a hard liner nostalgic for the days when the Kremlin had an empire to rule. The Ukraine is next. Europe's foreign ministers will convene meetings and issue statements the Russians will ignore.

Banjo, Hot Springs Village, USA

Putin impresses with his mind, his toughness, humor, wit and even honor and integrity. Certainly he leads courageously, a true Machiavellian in a modern Law of the Jungle Context.

He is now teaching us a lesson. We try to tit-for-tat, but he has some resources that we don't.

Horizon, DFW, USA

Are your crazy? Putin is in the process of recovering the former Soviet Union. Did you see the story about the Soviet Bombers flying into Venezuela today? Chavez said that they were there to show military solidarity. Then he kicked the US Ambassador out of the country. Wake up. Don't praise him

Bob, Georgetown, TX, USA

I agree that Bush isn't how many people think. I do see him as honest and genuine. I think that many people made up their minds about him before he ever did anything, and that perception distorts how many see him. Putin, however, I do not trust. He has taken Russia many steps backwards.

joel, kansas city,

I believe in being respectful of all human beings. However, why in the world would one show respect to one who has no respect for anyone else? Be it president, King, Queen or an average citizen, if they do not treat the earth, animals or other humans with respect, why would they deserve it?

Debbie Dawson, Los Angeles,

Just gotta say: when Gibson asked her about the Bush doctrine she had that "moose in the headlights" look.

As Bugs would say: "What a Maroon"!

Dan, Anaheim, usa

Let's face it... Even though Sara Palin is trying to be VP and may I add a hearbeat or god for bid a cancer cell away from being president, she has no idea about world affairs. She has a great story. But overall 8 years of the same thing is enough.. This should be an open and shut case..

John, Southampton, US

Whereas Medvedev, on the other hand, has his hand firmly on the tiller, while Putin has his tongue firmly in his cheek.

Larry Podmore, Surfers Paradise, Australia

sarah needs to answer cornering questions more like the Obama. Truthfully, the Gibson trap was NATO membership. Georgia and Ukraine NATO entry "would need to be evaluated within the current Russian situation and our ability to keep commitments"

talgus, Dallas,

William , to compare what the US did in Afghanistan re arming locals is exactly what they are trying to do by installing misslie shields in Latvia Czech and Poland - this is something the Russians will never permit. Afghanistan and more so the Caspian is a far higher stake than any Baltic state.

patrick, SIngapore , Singapore

So far, in 24 comments I count 3 people using the phrase "military industrial complex". Have any idea who said that and what party they belonged to? I love it when American liberals make profound statements they've overheard. Putin is right. Bush is a fine man. Everyone who meets him says so.

Tom Roberts, Tokyo, Japan

And what would Obama do? He'll be an appeaser like Carter before him. Liberals are so consumed with "what the rest of the world thinks"...cry me another bleeding river & go back to therapy. The Soviets were brought to their knees because Reagan took a tough stance & didn't back down.

shawn, ashtabula , usa

That's most interesting projection by Mr Putin onto the US context of an old Russian saying that the Tsar himself is a good person, it's the officials who are bad people. Or he tried to be diplomatic, as in "the Queen was badly advised".

Mariusz Kuklinski, London, UK

bitter bitter dems., about to go down the tubes with a far out candidate again!

Elfie, New York,

It seems that by invading Georgia, Putin has won the hearts of some Americans. Viva Putin! Death to Bush! How strange that some Americans hate any president that stands up for their country.

Phillip, Florida, USA

The U.S. lacks unity. It is a confederation of fractional political groups. Until a real leader comes along it will lack teeth, much like the E.U. Countries like Russia, China and even Japan (the good guys) will dominate because they can develop consensus. The west at large is obsolete.

Thomas Pfeil, Santa Rosa, USA

This is a Stalinist leader from the old KGB. BUSH should be defending Georgiat with everything we have. Georgia had every right to defend its own land. You people forget, Georgia only moved against their own territory. Russia invaded them without UN mandates. Russia simply wants the pipeline

Jason Sowers, Harrisburg, PA, USA

C.Turk, that is absolute nonsense and simply mendacious propaganda. The Ukrainian president is as corrupt as, and as much of a lackey to the American neocons,as Saakashvili, as any truly informed person can tell you.

Vierotchka, Geneva, Switzerland

Lou, New York City - you're right, Palin didn't infer that the US should go to war with the US, but she certainly implied it.

Vierotchka, Geneva, Switzerland

You're kidding me right? Look at the events to the run up of the Russian invasion. Georgia invaded these disputed territories and Russia responded. I've no love for the Russians but they reacted to events. The Georgians did this on the eve of the Beijing Olympics. So read up on events.

Chris, Atlanta, USA

Maybe Putin can be a character reference for Bush at the Hague. Bush can plead insanity.

Tony, New Orleans, Louisiana

All the counties mentioned in this article are aggressors. Like schoolyard bullies each one, seeing what they can get away with. What they can acquire through intimidation, war or bribes and secret deals. Each only interested in getting what they want. I know believe technocracy is the way to go....

stuart, vancouver, canada

This President could have sat on his hands for 8 years and did nothing like a former President - This President will be treated well by the historians. Obama has NO reason to even be considered other than being able to able to put two sentences together, and people are starting to figure this out.

Brian, kenosha, US

Let's get the "Palin would go to war with Russia" straight. She said she would invite Georgia into NATO, and was then asked if Russia invaded Georgia, then under NATO wouldn't the US have to go to war with Russia?

Her answer: "Perhaps so".

Yeah, that's really inferring the US *should* go to war.

David, Atlanta, GA, USA

To Lori:

Palin responded to a direct question from Charlie Gibson as to how she would respond if Russia attacked a NATO allie. How exactly would you want her to respond? If we do not come to the aid of our allies, then who is left? Putin is a KGB'er at heart. Take everything he says at that.

Ed A., Michigan, USA

The Russian attack on Georgia was a pretense to get an opportunity to destroy the air fields in Southern Georgia and prevent an Israeli attack on Iran. A serious war which might include use of nuclear weapons on the Russian border is an intolerable eventuality.

ron , Jacksonville, USA

and if senator Mccain won this years elections what sort of people will be around him?

Bruce, Druitt Records,

America, Russia and China should be working together against the islamic extremist. These terrorists have attacked all three countries and none have been able to stop the growth of these organizations. Super powers? Show me.

Scott, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

They allied themselves with Hitler for a chunk of Poland, Remember the Katyn Forest, remember Hungary, Czechoslovakia, they supported nth Korea and nth Vietnam, they instigated the Cuban crisis, remember KAL 007, but still dumb Yankee leftists blame poor ole uncle Sam.
God Bless America

Ned Rowse, Melbourne, Australia

lets face Russia has for many many years been the agressor. Its know Russia planned this for 8-9 months ahead. This is why 2 months prior C. Rice told Georgia NOT to do this but they did anyway so Bush was not too pleased and didn't help much. It's the Ukraine that's the good guy's.

C.Turk, San Francisco, USA

Mrs. Palin certainly did NOT infer the US should go to war with Russia. Most folks are unaware of Americas committments, secret treaties etc. Neither candidate has any idea as to America's limitations or its capabilities Only the current President has the information and not any of the "wanna be's.

Lou, New York City,

The Russians have NO intentions of recreating the Soviet Union. They know exactly what the US would do in any areas that the Russians would try to "reoccupy" - same thing the US did to get the Soviets out of Afghanistan - arm the locals (Mujahadeen) with state of the art US military hardware .

William, Lake Arrowhead, USA

Joe is correct, the US military industrial complex gives support to any form of unrest to satiate it's greed.

When will the people of America open their eyes to what is happening?

Peter, Brisbane, Australia

Bush is doubtless likeable, a frat boy type. But he has few brains and is controlled by warmongers and Neocons. Putin sees the situation very well. Bush will not be treated well by history. In fact he will come off far worse than Nixon in most respects.

Hal, Tucson,

Congressman Dana rohrbacher of California himself stated that it was Georgia who initiated the attack on S. Ossetia and would obviously have NEVER done so unless he had been encouraged to do so by Bush. I too would be upset at Bush knowing the lies being fed to the American public about truth

Mark A. Glenn, Denver, America

That was a nice comment Mr Putin said about my President. Thank you. I'm old and was taught to be respectiful of leaders of a country , In my country, respect has fallen by the wayside. With all the politicans critizing and bashing each other, we are digging our grave

Mary E. Sellers, Memphis TN, USA

i agree with putin, but i still don't trust him.

Mark Haney, San Diego, USA

George W. Bush is a man of honor and integrity. Someday, when those with Bush derangement syndrome either grow up or die, the true history of this man can be written.

Lee R. Sachs, Rogersville, USA

Yeah, this thing is pretty much over. Russia won S. Oss but they sacrificed a lot of international goodwill. Strategically, they're probably worse off than before the war started. NATO doesn't need to 'punish' them any more; it just makes Putin more powerful at home.

Matt, Chicago, IL, USA

You got it all wrong, the cold war was started by us. It was convenient for the military industrial complex to foster and keep it going, lots of billions to make. That's the real secret as to how the rich make money off the taxpayers.

Joe, Wilbur, USA

Russians have recent memories of what all out war can do to a country. They suffered through WWII and had many brutal battles fought on their own soil. They're not a willing to go to war as the media makes them out to be. Talk of war w/ Russia just looks attractive on headlines..

Ron, Phoenix, US

Seems Putin is the last leader left with some common sense and it is refreshing to hear someone say it as they see it, rather than serving up a pretend reality the media owners want them to offer to the ignorant masses, lest they will be destroyed in the next election.

Werner Hoermann, San Pedro, CA, USA

Putin is a smart person, and knows whats going on. Its the damn people around Bush that have ruined relations with Russia, i.e. Cheney, Rove, Rumsfeld. Now we give Georgia $5 BILLION in aid, while our own hurricane stricken cities get only $10 million which is nothing. Oh ya goodbye civil liberties

Mustafa, Springfield,

Sara Palin endeared herself to Vladimir Putin today during the ABC interview by inferring the U.S. should go to war with Russia. This is the very height of an irresponsible statement and proves Sara Palin is unfit to serve in the VP capacity.

Lou R, Parump, USA

What will the leader of other countries, the talking heads, the congress and the far left do when President Bush leaves Washington. Who will they blame for their own failures?
I for one want to thank him for his service and keeping his promise to keep us safe.

rsusan, Rye, United States

It's time for Putti to kiss and and make-up. After 50 years of the cold war and trillions of dollars,we are not going to fight a nuclear war with the Russians. They may be humorless and brutal but they aren't our enemies. We have much more dangerous fish to fry. Atleast Bush got him to smile.'

DK, Santa Cruz, usa