Oh my. Another dirty war. How many have occurred on the GOP’s watch? Let’s see what spin they’ll put on the tragedy.

It’s clearly time for the Wayback Machine.

President Bush, June 16, 2001:

I have invited President Putin to Washington this fall. He accepted. He invited me to Russia, and I accepted. And I look forward to the visit.

We also agreed to continue our cooperation and work toward common solutions on important regional issues, from the Balkans to Nagorno-Karabakh to Afghanistan. And we discussed our common interest in developing the energy resources of the Caspian Basin in a way that benefits all the countries of the region.

Respectful relations require honesty. And we did discuss areas where my country has differences with Russia — over Chechnya, and over media relations. I also expressed my hope that Russia will develop constructive relations with its neighbors, like Georgia, that are trying to find their own way in a challenging, but hopeful world.

This was a very good meeting. And I look forward to my next meeting with President Putin in July. I very much enjoyed our time together. He’s an honest, straightforward man who loves his country. He loves his family. We share a lot of values. I view him as a remarkable leader. I believe his leadership will serve Russia well. Russia and America have the opportunity to accomplish much together; we should seize it. And today, we have begun.

(snip)

(and resume, with Putin)

The government of the Russian Federation, businessmen of both countries and the U.S. administration of course can do a lot more to support the effectiveness of our economic ties. And the President expressed that we need an additional impulse from our businessmen, that we will do everything possible to receive a very high-level business delegation of the United States to Russia; moreover, especially if it is headed by one of the senior officials of the U.S. administration.

Here there are a lot of very specific issues. We talked about energy resources; we talked about using the Caspian Basin. You know, very soon the new pipeline system is going to go into effect, which is going to be transporting energy resources from the Caspian region through Novie Russkie. And this is a joint project of two companies, Russian and American companies. I’m sure that this will not be the last such project.

(snip)

(and resume, with Bush speaking about Putin)

I looked the man in the eye. I found him to be very straightforward and trustworthy. We had a very good dialogue. I was able to get a sense of his soul; a man deeply committed to his country and the best interests of his country. And I appreciated so very much the frank dialogue.

There was no kind of diplomatic chit-chat, trying to throw each other off balance. There was a straightforward dialogue. And that’s the beginning of a very constructive relationship. I wouldn’t have invited him to my ranch if I didn’t trust him. (Laughter.)

Secondly, I appreciate the opportunity to be able to talk about a new relationship, and we will continue these dialogues. The basis for my discussion began with this simple premise: that Russia and the United States must establish a new relationship beyond that of the old Cold War mentality. The Cold War said loud and clear that we’re opponents and that we bring the peace through ability for each of us to destroy each other.

Friends don’t destroy each other. People who cooperate do not have a basis of peace on destruction. Our nations are confronted with new threats in the 21st century. Terror in the hands of what we call rogue nations is a threat. I expressed my concern, and so did the President, very openly, about nations on his border and nations that can’t stand America’s freedoms developing the capacity to hold each of us hostage. And he agreed.

I brought up concerns about Iran. And I’m hesitant to put words in the President’s mouth, but he said he’s concerned, as well — I think that accurately categorizes your position — and we’ll work together to stop the spread of weapons of mass destruction. And I believe as we go down the road that we’ll be able to develop a constructive relationship as to how to use our technologies and research and willingness to keep the peace, in a way that makes the world more peaceful.

Yes, it’s good that you understand the sense of his soul, Mr. President. Just remind me… who mentored who?