Response

Based on U.S. and Russian press reports and discussions with U.S. and Russian officials, it appears that the U.S. response is asfollows: Russia's economic interests in Iraq will receive due consideration. There is Russia's interest inpromoting a "multi-polar world" and bolstering the stature and authority of the U.N. vis-a-vis the United States.
Now that the U.S.-led coalition has overthrown Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq, thequestion of Russia's position on the conflict again focuses on political and economic issues, including Russia's rolein the U.N.. President Putin still appears to be trying to balance three competing interests: protecting Russian economic interestsin Iraq;restraining U.S. global dominance; and maintaining friendly relations with the United States. This report will beupdated periodically.