Russia

Originally Posted by Cannon Shell

Putin is the president of Russia. He is a prominent figure regardless of what Bush or anyone else says about him. What was he supposed to do say Putin is really a KGB killer?
The rise of Russia would be a good thing. Helps deflect some of the superpower hate elsewhere and also keeps China in check.

Bush gave Putin way too much leeway
in his own country when Putin had to bargain
with other political factions within his own
country. Basically, the other political factions that
are no longer present, were not given much
help from us at all. And now they are gone.
And Putin's hold was not strong at the time

This happened when both our countries were facing
legitimate terrorist threats (Chechnya for Putin). And
Bush was warned by his own diplomats and those in Russia.

As far as keeping China in check, I would
have to defer. But it is possibly a good arguement.