Russia 'can't allow' U.S. to widen war to Iraq

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Russia 'can't allow' U.S. to widen war to Iraq

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM

Thursday, October 18, 2001

MOSCOW — Russia has already signalled its opposition to a U.S. offensive against Iran and Iraq.

Russian officials said Moscow would help Washington with the war on terrorism. But they said President Vladimir Putin would not allow the regime of Iraqi President Saddam Hussein or Iran to become a U.S. target in such a war.

Moscow has sent weapons and troops to help the opposition Northern Alliance overthrow the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Russia has also agreed to U.S. troops and combat planes in neighboring Uzbekistan, Middle East Newsline reported.

Both Iran and Iraq are on the U.S. State Department list of terrorist sponsors. The Bush administration has been engaged in a debate over making Iraq a target in Washington's war on terrorism.

Moscow has indicated that this is where it would draw the line. Russia has emerged as an ally of both Baghdad and Teheran.

"We can't allow the United States to wield its club the way it wants," Col. Sergei Goncharov, a leading Russian military analyst, said. "We are on good terms with Iran. We have tremendous economic investments in and expectations of Iraq. We can't afford to sever all these ties in one stroke. I foresee a major debate along these lines."

Arab diplomatic sources said Moscow has relayed assurances to Washington that it will oppose a strike against Iraq.

But Goncharov said Moscow might not oppose a surgical strike on Iraq should Washington bring proof that Saddam was involved in the Sept. 11 Islamic suicide attacks on New York and Washington.

"It's quite obvious: if there is proof that, say, Iraq harbors terrorists, then action is fair," Goncharov said. "But if they want to start carpet bombings, like in Yugoslavia, and then see what happens, it can't be allowed."

-- (The Final Battle @ is. coming), October 19, 2001

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as if man is in CONTROL. LOL LOL

-- al-d. (dogs@zianet.com), October 19, 2001.

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