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Putin says could turn against Assad - if case proved
Reuters ^ | 09/04/2013 | Thomas Grove and Yara Bayoumy

Posted on 09/04/2013 9:18:44 AM PDT by SeekAndFind

President Vladimir Putin offered a glimpse of international compromise over Syria on Wednesday, declining to entirely rule out Russian backing for military action as he prepared to host a summit of world leaders.

As the United States and allies prepare to bypass any Russian U.N. veto and attack Damascus, there is little chance of Putin's support. But his words may herald new efforts to overcome great power rivalries that have let Syria descend into bloody chaos.

At the same time, Moscow said it had sent a warship it calls a "carrier killer" to the eastern Mediterranean, where a U.S. fleet is waiting for Congress to approve orders from President Barack Obama to launch punitive strikes against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad following his forces' alleged use of poison gas.

Putin's remarks on the eve of a G20 summit in St. Petersburg stressed Russia did not share Obama's conviction that Assad has resorted to chemical warfare - he noted suggestions the August 21 gassing was instead the work of al Qaeda-linked rebels.

And only proof, plus backing in the U.N. Security Council that depends on Moscow, would justify using force, he added. Nonetheless, in saying he did "not rule out" his support, Putin gave a shot of warmth to relations with the West that the Syrian conflict has helped chill to levels recalling the Cold War.

Moscow has been the main arms supplier to Assad, who is also backed by Iran as part of Tehran's wider confrontation with the United States and its allies in Israel and the Gulf Arab states.

(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; Russia; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: assad; putin; putinsyria; russia; russiasyria; syria

1 posted on 09/04/2013 9:18:44 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
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To: SeekAndFind

First voice of reason I’ve heard in a week.


2 posted on 09/04/2013 9:20:55 AM PDT by DManA
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To: DManA

No problemsky, Nobamsky will make any “proof” anyone needs.

NSA checking into Putin’s back.


3 posted on 09/04/2013 9:25:53 AM PDT by Leo Carpathian (FReeeeepeesssssed)
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To: SeekAndFind

He’s full of cr&p


4 posted on 09/04/2013 9:26:09 AM PDT by nuconvert ( Khomeini promised change too // Hail, Chairman O)
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To: nuconvert

Just playing obama like a fine instrument. A virtuoso performance.


5 posted on 09/04/2013 9:29:49 AM PDT by refermech
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To: DManA

Its not our problem and anyone who supports a war should join the Detroit city council because the country is in even worse fiscal shape.


6 posted on 09/04/2013 9:31:02 AM PDT by cripplecreek (REMEMBER THE RIVER RAISIN!)
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To: refermech

Yep, Putin is going to toy with Obama. He knows they do not have proof. Remember the admin says it is classified.

Ask yourself, why is it classified? If the admin wanted more public backing, the info should not be classified. That info is classified just like the Bin Laden pictures.

Reason being. The truth would be known.

Of course Al Reuters thinks Obama scored LOL


7 posted on 09/04/2013 9:39:03 AM PDT by dforest
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To: SeekAndFind
He's giving BO an out here: take the time and prove your case. If you do, we'll join you.

BO would be wise to take Putin's offer. Congress would be wise to make him.

What are the chances of either happening?

8 posted on 09/04/2013 9:47:21 AM PDT by Vigilanteman (Obama: Fake black man. Fake Messiah. Fake American. How many fakes can you fit in one Zer0?)
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To: SeekAndFind

Leave it to Obama to turn Russia back into a superpower which dicates world actions.


9 posted on 09/04/2013 9:50:19 AM PDT by 1Old Pro
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To: 1Old Pro

Leave it to Obama to turn Russia back into a superpower which dicates world actions.


Almost like it was pre planned and choreographed.


10 posted on 09/04/2013 10:14:14 AM PDT by rdcbn
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To: dforest

Bingo! Putin knows just as much as obama. If there is proof Assad did it, Putin already has it. He just wants to see if obama has it. Plus, it will help him figure out where the US is getting it’s intelligence.

If there is no proof, he’s going to force obama to admit it.


11 posted on 09/04/2013 11:23:39 AM PDT by VerySadAmerican (".....Barrack, and the horse Mohammed rode in on.")
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To: SeekAndFind

How’s that “reset” working, Barry? Which celebrity Demo Daughter will be ambassador to Russia, Chelsea or another Kennedy?


12 posted on 09/04/2013 11:33:06 AM PDT by Rainier1789 (My Constitution has a 2nd and 10th Amendment)
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To: SeekAndFind

Putin is playing the Clown.

I am beginning to think the reports blaming the REBELS (not Assad) for the gas are credible.


13 posted on 09/04/2013 2:10:31 PM PDT by SoFloFreeper
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