Joint US - Russian military operations?

Iconoclast

This info was gleaned from Russian language electronic news sites and reflects a summary of both articles and opinion pieces. I am posting it for informational purposes more than to catalyze discussion.(a) Tadjikistan & Usbekistan have agreed to allow US aircraft to use facilities within their borders. While these are, technically, independent nations within the CIS, both still have very strong ties to Russia due to a variety of military, economic and political reasons. In short, *if this report is correct,* this agreement was either permitted or "encouraged" by Russia.(b) In interviews / statements, Putin has made it clear that various military elements are available to assist the anti-terrorist campaign if the US should request it.(c) The thrust of the editorial content was that although no official statement has been made, the reports about the airfields would not have been made public nor would Putin have spoken so directly if he & the Russian military had not already begun to move in this direction.(d - my $0.02) Not addressed, but obvious, is Russia's ongoing battle with Muslim Chechniya & the terrorist attacks in Moscow last year. An international anti-terrorist campaign would benefit Russia in many ways and bring some legitimacy to its own very brutal war against an Islamic foe.

alledan

Tye Russians are aiding the opposition forces in the north of AfganistanThe Muhadjidean are still at it with the taliban around some of the cities. On sept 11th in the evening there was a heavy rocket attack on targets on and around Kabul. factions of them are still friendly to the US.Make no mistake about it, the russians want some payback! If America enters the scene, it will be a huge boost to their agenda and they will alow us to assist with not too many objections. The Russians have already been feeding us their intelligence on the Taliban militia.

royc38

"The enemy of my enemy is my friend".

Txs

Ironic. That's the statement I used when explaining to my wife why we used to support bin Ladin and the Taliban.

metz

I welcome an open and fruitful relation with the Ruskies. They would be a powerful ally. The proximity of an ally like that with the * homeland has to be a good thing. It would also open a large market for selling our products. The Russian people, I think, would welcome better relations with us. It could only help the country out.Andy