Russian intelligence services warned Washington several times that Saddam Hussein's regime planned terrorist attacks against the United States, President Vladimir Putin has said.
The warnings were provided after September 11, 2001 and before the start of the Iraqi war, Putin said Friday.
"I can confirm that after the events of September 11, 2001, and up to the military operation in Iraq, Russian special services and Russian intelligence several times received ... information that official organs of Saddam's regime were preparing terrorist acts on the territory of the United States and beyond its borders, at U.S. military and civilian locations", Putin said.
Regarding how the information might have been related to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, Putin said, "Whether or not this was sufficient basis to state the United States was acting within the boundaries of self-defense, well, I don't know. This is a separate issue."
What are your thoughts on what Putin called a "seperate issue" ?
Originally posted by ivanhoeGot a source for Putin's quote?
Russian intelligence services warned Washington several times that Saddam Hussein's regime planned terrorist attacks against the United States, President Vladimir Putin has said.
The warnings were provided after September 11, 2001 and before the start of the Iraqi war, Putin said Friday.
"I can confirm that after the events of September 11, 2001, and ...[text shortened]... separate issue."
What are your thoughts on what Putin called a "seperate issue" ?
Originally posted by ivanhoeI have a few thoughts. The silly bugger is about out of money to continue his effort to reestablish the KGB.
What are your thoughts on what Putin called a "seperate issue" ?
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He has learned that by saying nice things, the stupid Americans can always be bled of a few million dollars.
He has planned on the largesse of the French. Talk about your basic mis-reading of the nature of man!
We'll see. The sad part is, Putin is right. A few innocuous words will probably get him enough gasoline and matches to burn at least fifty more newspapers.