Putin's Crusade

The LA Times this weekend had an article,Iraq Planned Attacks Against U.S., Putin Says, discussing why Putin seemed to be offering Bush a helping hand. One idea was:

"Some analysts say the controversy over Bush's policies in the Middle East is distracting Europe from Putin's increasing authoritarianism and human rights abuses in Chechnya."

Now we can see why, 48 Killed in Russian Border Attack .

"CHERMEN, Russia - Thousands of troops poured into a southern Russian city Tuesday chasing suspected Chechen rebels who set fire to police and government buildings and killed at least 48 people in brazen overnight attacks."

As long as the Europeans are fixed on Bush's quagmire in Iraq they will ignore Putin's quagmire. So, we have one more world leader who supports Bush. He is in such good company.