Bush looks to his father to mend relations with Putin

[babsbunny]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/article2723234.ece

By Rupert Cornwell in Washington
Published: 30 June 2007
Tomorrow's summit between George Bush and Vladimir Putin raises the intriguing question of whether the shadow of the father can help the son bring an end to the frostiest period in ties between the United States and Russia since the Cold War?

For the first time in his six-and-a-half years in power, Mr Bush is inviting a foreign dignitary not to the White House, or the Camp David retreat, or his ranch in Texas. This meeting takes place at the home of Mr Bush's father in Kennebunkport, Maine. The former president's deft handling of US-Soviet relations was a hallmark of his term in office.

The White House confirmed yesterday that the 41st president will be at the house while his son entertains Mr Putin. Although he will not take part in the official talks, the elder Bush is bound to be involved informally as the two leaders address the host of grievances that divide them.

[Donnachaidh]

1. Still gotta go to Poppy when you've wet yourself Georgie?

Bet Chimpie's going to be doing some HARD drinking before the meeting.

[MGKrebs]

2. They are just planning their retirements.

Just because they don't always agree doesn't mean they can't look out for each other financially as they ride off into the sunset.

I suspect they will talk about pipelines, rights-of-way, public/private security, and Condi. I think Puti's hot for Condi.

[spindrifter]

3. Wow! To think that we have a Secy. of State who

isn't able to handle this bit of diplomacy...

[MaineDem]

4. Plus, she's a Russian "expert" remember

:eyes:

I think Condi is irrelevant on the world stage.

[spindrifter]

5. Too true. She does not

command the respect of any of the people she ought to be interacting with--which is our loss.