[Carry_Okie]

Nonetheless, it may explain Russia's refusal to join the coalition. Putin may know more than he's let on.

There are other understandable rationales for Russia's position in addition to that culpability as a supplier of illegal arms. Iraq owes the Russians a LOT of money. There are contracts with Lukoil for developing Iraqi oil fields. Iraq was trading oil in euros, not dollars. All of those benefit Russia. In addition, when we kick butt in Iraq (again) the desirability of Russian weapons on the world arms market will be dignificantly diminished.

[Carry_Okie]

"dignificantly..." hmmm almost a useful word. :-)

[Magnolia]

...the desirability of Russian weapons on the world arms market will be dignificantly diminished.

Excellent point once again! No doubt there are multiple reasons, some more apparent than others.

[ninenot]

the desirability of Russian weapons on the world arms market will be dignificantly diminished.

Except for the AK-47, easily the most reliable battle rifle in production today, and with bazillions of spare parts and rounds of ammo in circulation.