[PhilDragoo]

His Excellency Yuri V. Ushakov
Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary
Embassy of the Russian Federation
2650 Wisconsin Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20007

Ambassador Ushakov

My condolences to the survivors of the terrorist violence in Beslan and prayers for the all of the victims.

It is difficult to express the terrible sadness and the enormous rage this event evokes in me personally, and in my fellow American citizens.

The evil of Islamists is beyond measuring, and the current War on Terror is a global one. I fervently hope our President George Bush is working closely with your President Putin for a vigorous and just prosecution of the odious villains of this particular event, and of the larger war as well.

May our two countries' common sadness and outrage at this tragic episode lead to deeper trust and cooperation in the pursuit of the peaceful world we both desire.

Sincerely

Phil Dragoo

Faxed to Embassy of the Russian Federation 202-298-5735

[MarMema]

I met Yuri a few years ago when we were guests at a dinner there. He was most impressive, of course. I am wishing I knew what he was saying now.

In fact, I was interviewed, along with another woman, by the press after the dinner. And during the conversation the other American woman said to the Russian reporter that we are all the same people, good people, everywhere, in all countries, really.

And I just popped out with "Except for the chechens", with no thought or hesitation.

At which the Russian reporter quickly ducked her head and tried to stop a huge smile I saw on her face. I think she was even chuckling some.

[MeekOneGOP]

Excellent letter, Phil!