Russian President Vladimir Putin questioned the logic of expanding American naval power in the Persian Gulf, arguing in an interview broadcast by Al-Jazeera that such a buildup has no bearing on stabilizing Iraq. He noted that aircraft carriers and missile-equipped warships deployed to the region serve no apparent purpose in addressing the Iraqi conflict.
Putin also addressed broader regional anxieties, suggesting that countries beyond Iran share concerns about potential unilateral US military action, and pointed to the 2003 invasion of Iraq as an example of bypassing international law.
His Al-Jazeera remarks followed a sharp speech at a security conference in Munich on Saturday, where he accused Washington of abandoning international norms and increasing global instability, drawing criticism from US and NATO officials.
In January, President George W. Bush had ordered a second carrier battle group to the Gulf, announced a Patriot missile defense deployment to the area, and warned that US forces would confront any networks moving weapons or fighters from Syria or Iran into Iraq.
Putin was set to begin a Middle East visit on Sunday, with stops planned in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Qatar.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in February 2007, in its own words.