81.   I can safely predict, however, that no mention of Stalin or any other Russian leader, Putin included, is likely this time around.

82.   If US officials were grateful to Russian leaders for their role in helping bring about a possible end to the standoff, they were not showing it.

83.   If he does, the Russian leader may have to take a long look in the mirror.

84.   In disclosing his need for heart surgery, Yeltsin broke a long tradition of secrecy maintained over the health of Russian leaders while they are alive.

85.   In five years as Russian leader, Yeltsin has repeatedly overcome crushing political problems, somehow managing to keep reform alive.

86.   In Moscow, Talbott reported no breakthroughs and said talks with Russian leaders would continue.

87.   In the bad old days of communist tyranny, Russian leaders did as they pleased and nobody dared object.

88.   Initially, Russian leaders saw foreign oil companies as the answer to their prayers.

89.   It was difficult to determine whether the Russian leaders were entirely serious in threatening to leave or what they hoped to achieve if they stayed.

90.   It is folly to act on the assumption that Russian leaders, or their counterparts in Iran, will merely resign themselves to an American fait accompli.