The problem is, power is VERY addictive and hard to give up once you've got it.
I hope you'er right...but I remain skeptical.
FYI As I posted earlier if you can pick up a copy of Sept issue of the American Spectator, as they have a couple of pieces on Putin and the new Russia.
Ben Steins Diary is particularly good also.
But that does not negate Russia's righteous position in Chechnya. I support the Russian cause even though the execution of the war is sloppy.
And those that hold this as the new USSR are in fantasy land.
Chechnya in the modern Russia was never denied any rights and had autonomy. The reasons for revolt - Wilsonian ethnic based state as a rationale for independence is a discredited position. Since no rights were denied the Chechens - they had no claim to wage a war of independence. Past grievances are no justification either.