The Bush administration is set to put a high-profile nuclear deal with Russia on hold, according to US diplomats. Officials expect Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, to recommend that George W. Bush, president, recall the civil nuclear co-operation agreement from Congress in the wake of Russia's conflict with Georgia."At this point, it's dead," a congressional staffer said. The deal would be one of the most visible victims so far of tensions between Washington and Moscow, which have risen to levels rarely seen since the end of the cold war. US officials have warned Russia it faces "consequences" for its conduct in Georgia and they increasingly write off Russia's hopes of joining the World Trade Organisation.
Officials expect Condoleezza Rice, US secretary of state, to recommend that George W. Bush, president, recall the civil nuclear co-operation agreement from Congress in the wake of Russia's conflict with Georgia.
"At this point, it's dead," a congressional staffer said.
The deal would be one of the most visible victims so far of tensions between Washington and Moscow, which have risen to levels rarely seen since the end of the cold war. US officials have warned Russia it faces "consequences" for its conduct in Georgia and they increasingly write off Russia's hopes of joining the World Trade Organisation.
The deal would be one of the most visible victims so far of tensions between Washington and Moscow, which have risen to levels rarely seen since the end of the cold war.
I have so much confusing in my mind. Looking for tensions reasons for Washington. Did Moscow turn down their offer for sending doctors to help with the Russian peacekeepers wounded and dying? Perhaps while in Beijing together, Bush promised Putin that he would like to march into battle together and Putin said he didn't want it botched up, then kept calling Bush Georgia. I suppose that would make tension.
Or perhaps Blackwater had some bible-thumping trainers still in country and the only pictures they could send Bush of the turmoil was those of them getting their asses kicked. Perhaps that is why Stratfor had people reporting back the minute the skirmishes began.
Bush was playing Uno while Putin was playing 3 dimensional chess. Tough break George...ia. Never underestimate their intelligence, always underestimate their knowledge.
Frank Delaney ~ Ireland
