Putin back in power sooner rather than later?
Discussion
http://uk.news.yahoo.com/18/20081114/tpl-russian-p...
I've always had a fascination with Soviet/Russian history and politics and this little news snippet has piqued my interest. Although neither of them will admit it, Medvedev looks like he could well step down and let Putin back into the Russian hotseat.
I'm curious to know what will happen within Russia over the next decade, how will the 'Russian Bear' start flexing her muscles again? Putin is ex KGB and very fond of the 'old' ways, he wants Russia to be dominant again. We are at the beginning of a massive economic crises and we are starting to suffer from energy issues. Russia has massive reserves of oil and gas and will use that as leverage against the West (as she has done with Ukraine).
There is the issue of the new American 'Defense Shield', Russia has already stated that she will ensure that it is unable to function and is moving nuclear weapons as close to the border of Poland as possible.
The West is weak, the Russians know this and will exploit it, after all, it is what they are good at. The Russians only understand strength and if we postulate as they do, they will back down, although it seems that the West is seemingly unable to do this anymore.
So then, where does this leave us? What is going to happen? Will there be a new Cold War? Will Russia try and regain some of her old territories as we have seen in Georgia?
As I said, I find it fascinating and I'm interested to hear others opinions on the matter.
I've always had a fascination with Soviet/Russian history and politics and this little news snippet has piqued my interest. Although neither of them will admit it, Medvedev looks like he could well step down and let Putin back into the Russian hotseat.
I'm curious to know what will happen within Russia over the next decade, how will the 'Russian Bear' start flexing her muscles again? Putin is ex KGB and very fond of the 'old' ways, he wants Russia to be dominant again. We are at the beginning of a massive economic crises and we are starting to suffer from energy issues. Russia has massive reserves of oil and gas and will use that as leverage against the West (as she has done with Ukraine).
There is the issue of the new American 'Defense Shield', Russia has already stated that she will ensure that it is unable to function and is moving nuclear weapons as close to the border of Poland as possible.
The West is weak, the Russians know this and will exploit it, after all, it is what they are good at. The Russians only understand strength and if we postulate as they do, they will back down, although it seems that the West is seemingly unable to do this anymore.
So then, where does this leave us? What is going to happen? Will there be a new Cold War? Will Russia try and regain some of her old territories as we have seen in Georgia?
As I said, I find it fascinating and I'm interested to hear others opinions on the matter.
Edited by bob1179 on Friday 14th November 09:17
There was an interesting episode of Panorama on a little while ago, you might still have it on iplayer. They interviewed lots of people in Russia about the situation. They all seemed to love Putin.
There seemed to be a common theme that the Yeltsin days were bad times for Russia - the country still finding itself economically, and Yeltsin himself renowned for drunken blunders and embarassment.
The guess is that Medvedev will stand aside for Putin who will then run for a longer presidental term - interesting stuff. I do not know Putin's views of the West - but certainly he will be in charge of the country for a long time.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/764...
There seemed to be a common theme that the Yeltsin days were bad times for Russia - the country still finding itself economically, and Yeltsin himself renowned for drunken blunders and embarassment.
The guess is that Medvedev will stand aside for Putin who will then run for a longer presidental term - interesting stuff. I do not know Putin's views of the West - but certainly he will be in charge of the country for a long time.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/panorama/764...
Edited by john_p on Friday 14th November 11:23
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