Russia was an erst-while foe in Afghanistan, when the Americans enlisted and supported people like Osama Bin Laden to drive the Russians from Afghanistan. In some fashion or other, it is sure that the Russians are going to exact revenge in Iraq, as are others itching to teach a lesson to the out-of-control and barbaric American Military might.

Rice said Russia is a valuable ally and partner in many areas, including the fight against terrorism and efforts to curtail the spread of nuclear arms. In essence, no meaningful relationship now exists betwen the two cold-war foes - America and Russians.

Russia, which was critical of the Iraq war, has retreated during President Vladimir Putin’s tenure from some of the democratic advances since the collapse of communist rule. Putin has consolidated economic and political power and clamped down on the press. The backsliding of democracy in Russia could become an irritant in Bush’s second term and a sour note as the White House presses for expansion of liberty in the Middle East and elsewhere.