From The Independent UK
By Rupert Cornwell

Tomorrow’s summit between George Bush and Vladimir Putin raises the intriguing question of whether the shadow of the father can help the son bring an end to the frostiest period in ties between the United States and Russia since the Cold War?

For the first time in his six-and-a-half years in power, Mr Bush is inviting a foreign dignitary not to the White House, or the Camp David retreat, or his ranch in Texas. This meeting takes place at the home of Mr Bush’s father in Kennebunkport, Maine. The former president’s deft handling of US-Soviet relations was a hallmark of his term in office.

The White House confirmed yesterday that the 41st president will be at the house while his son entertains Mr Putin. Although he will not take part in the official talks, the elder Bush is bound to be involved informally as the two leaders address the host of grievances that divide them.

These range from the planned US missile defence system in eastern Europe to the independence of Kosovo - both fiercely opposed by the Kremlin.

Washington complains about the erosion of democracy and human rights in Russia and Moscow’s bullying of neighbours once part of the Soviet Union. Mr Putin has responded by likening Mr Bush’s foreign policy to that of Nazi Germany, and by offering his own missile defence project.

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