Dissension Among Russian Leaders On The War In Libya

Dmitry Medvedev said using the term crusades to refer to the situation in Libya was 'unacceptable' Photo: Reuters

Medvedev Rejects Putin 'Crusade' Remark Over Libya -- BBC

Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev has said Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's description of the UN resolution on Libya is "unacceptable".

The rare rebuke came after Mr Putin said the resolution resembled "medieval calls for crusades".

Mr Medvedev said such comments could "lead to a clash of civilisations".

The UN resolution, which Russia abstained from voting on, authorised military action in Libya to protect civilians from pro-Gaddafi forces.

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More News On Russian Leaders Disagreeing Over The Libyan War

Libya: Russia's leaders in public spat over 'crusades' -- The Telegraph
Medvedev and Putin clash over Libya -- Financial Times
Medvedev Calls Putin's Remarks On Libya 'Unacceptable' -- Radio Free Europe
Russia's Medvedev Slams Putin Over 'Crusade' Remarks -- FOX News
Medvedev Clashes With Putin After Premier Slams Libya ‘Crusade’ -- Bloomberg Businessweek
Medvedev clashes with Putin over Libya -- AFP
Medvedev raps use of word crusades on Libya -- Reuters
Medvedev criticizes Putin over Libya remarks -- M&C

My Comment: Medvedev is right on this issue, but this "disagreement" has more to do with Russian politics than what is happening in Libya. Medvedev is positioning himself to run for a second term as President, while Putin (still undecided on running for the Presidency) does what he is very good at .... appealing to the hot button issues that are deep to most Russians. In this case he is appealing to the deep suspicions that most Russians have towards outsiders, more specifically on the UN resolution and the support from the West to have it passed.