Putin Expects Voice in War’s Next Step

Russian President Vladimir V. Putin said in an interview with London’s Financial Times that he expects the United States to consult Moscow before taking the “war on terrorism” beyond Afghanistan.

He was quoted in today’s edition as saying the top priority should be blocking the financing of terrorism, and he specifically warned against military action in Iraq.

There are growing signs that the United States may consider expanding its anti-terrorism offensive to Iraq.

Putin acknowledged that the international community is concerned that Baghdad is creating weapons of mass destruction, but openly questioned the effectiveness of past bombings by British and U.S. warplanes.

“We should convince the Iraqi leadership to allow United Nations observers and controllers to sites and facilities inside Iraq . . . in exchange for lifting of sanctions,” he said. “As for possible use of force, we should look at the productivity of what has been done in this regard so far.”