Putin: Clinton Wasn't Interested in Fighting Terrorism

NewsMax.com ^ | 11/08/01 | Carl Limbacher and NewsMax.com Staff

[kattracks]

In comments guaranteed to raise eyebrows on both sides of the Atlantic, Russian President Vladimir Putin said late Wednesday he was disappointed that ex-President Bill Clinton seemed so uninterested in combating worldwide terrorism.

"I wouldn't want to go into any assessments of my colleagues," Putin first told ABC's "20/20" host Barbara Walters in an exclusive interview.

But then the former KGB agent revealed his dismay over Clinton's attitude toward the terrorist threat.

"The former president of the United States ... was in a very difficult situation. But even at that time, we certainly were counting on a more active cooperation in combating international terrorism."

Putin lamented the missed opportunity, suggesting the possibility that the events of Sept. 11 might have been avoided had circumstances been different.

"I don't know whether it would have been possible to prevent these strikes on the United States by the terrorists, but it was a pity that our special services didn't get the information on time and warn the American people and the American political leadership about the tragedy that came to pass."

Since Osama bin Laden's attacks on the U.S. two months ago, Clinton has repeatedly insisted he did everything he could in the war on terrorism, though former Clinton aides admit he was frequently preoccupied with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal in the last two years of his term.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
Clinton Scandals
Russia
War on Terrorism

[Rubber Duckie]

Clinton aides admit he was frequently preoccupied with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal in the last two years of his term.

Therefore, it is all the fault of Republicans and the VRWC. </sarcasm>

[bluefish]

Combine this with x42's statements to college students today that we were to blame for the terrorist attack on 911 and one has to conclude that Clinton was not only incompetent, he was sympathetic to the terrorist cause. If he keeps opening his trap while other world leaders share insights like Putin's, the slightest additional evidence for his complicity in the death of 6000 Americans should be enough to nail the bastard for treason against America. But of course the press won't connect the all too obvious dots for the American people for that to ever come about.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

Interesting to watch The Toon's legacy firm up, isn't it? He can be impeached again, but the sorry invertebrate isn't worth the effort and distraction in time of war. I hope the voters of NY evolve spines in the next five years and get rid of that carpet bagger they saddled the Senate with.

[PeoplesRepublicOfWashington]

The Toon said we were to blame for the attacks? Where's a link?

[onyx]

Even at an early hour, your two comments are brilliant and correct.

[exnavy]

Billy-boy is interested in one thing only, and it ain't terrorism!

[1Peter2:16]

Clinton has repeatedly insisted he did everything he could in the war on terrorism. . .

just like "he did everything he could" to get us that tax cut, right?

[Libertarian_4_eva]

I got a better idea how about the republican party giving us a good runner for the senate. Rick Lazio a nobody from the middle of the state who hid from the press against the most popular democrat next to Al Gore running in a state that is controlled by the democrats.

Oh yea it was the voters fault.

[Imperial Warrior]

Clinton's legacy simply put was: babes, blowjobs, burgers, and bullshit. He's the best punk teenager we ever had for a President.

[Neets]

Do allow me to indulge you..get your barf bag ready tho!!

Clinton calls terror a U.S. debt to past

[Lion's Cub]

"I wouldn't want to go into any assessments of my colleagues," Putin first told ABC's "20/20" host Barbara Walters in an exclusive interview.

In view of Toon's historic visit to Moscow while he was supposed to be a student at Oxford during the height of the cold war, one could interpret the use of the word colleague as either an unfortunate blunder or a Freudian slip...

[lavaroise]

Clinton aides admit he was frequently preoccupied with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal in the last two years of his term.

Yeah right, like it distracted him from firing bombs over Kosovo or Sudan. BULL, wag the dog, now who's waging!

[prognostigaator]

bttt

[Miss Marple]

I am so sorry I missed this ABC interview last night, due to my absolute loathing of that network! I would have turned it on to see this!! Transcripts are posted on another thread.

I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to President Putin's visit. I am certain that Clinton will leave the country for a while, which will be an added bonus.

[LiberteeBell]

BTTT

[cschroe]

former Clinton aides admit he was frequently preoccupied with the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal in the last two years of his term.

A scandal brought on by his own criminal behavior and cover-up. The other thing no one else ever talks about is how impossible it is for him to have been on the ball with his Presidential duties when he spent more time campaigning and fundraising for Dems than paying attention to his sworn duties. That's why I'm not upset with GWB for not being totally engulfed in the recent election cycle. He has more important things to do right now!

[smiley]

Well, there you have clinton's legacy. Thanks alot Clinton! You were so damn concerned about servicing your own selfish needs over the country. I hope you rot in Hell with the rest of the Taliban evildoers.

[Hugh Akston]

What are Putin's motives here?

[syriacus]

Putin seems to enjoy "dissing" the Clinton administration.

First he dissed Albright. Now Clinton. I wonder who's next?