BTTT
Good catch and confirmation of the thread I posted. And so it begins...
BTTT
When I first read about this, I was alarmed. But then I read more and realized that this was primarily about elections of the "regional" governors. You may not know, but in Russia, you are pardoned for any crimes you may have commmitted once you are elected to regional or central government office. This has led many of the murderous oligarchs running and winning office in Russia. I don't think that limiting the eligibility for these offices is a major threat to democracy in Russia. Now if Putin does something similar for Moscow and St. Petersburg, then that is the time to worry.
BS..Putin is a coward and Russia is a terrorist supporting government.
We tend to think that Russias "tough resolve" on the Chechyans has something to do with the war on Islamic Fundamentalists, but don't be fooled.
They provide weapons, technology, and sophisicated covert op's to top terror regimes across the world.
The Russians are the reason why the Iranian government built Busheshr and they're the reason why a second plant is going in Iran.
Their nightmare is a pro-US government established by the vastly pro-American populace in Iran, because they will lose mass economic viability. Their lifeline is the terror government in Iran.
They will arm our enemies to the teeth to ultimately destroy our country and claim innoncence when and if it happens.
To me, this seems to be exactly following the path set by first Kruschev, and then Gorbachev. It's a little bit skewed, perhaps even personal paranoia, but JF'nK's nomination fits right in.
AARGH! I'll just go have another beer. Perhaps our more erudite FReepers can help me out here?
Russia opposed to reference of Iran to UN Security Council [Putin's "firm" resolve]
Persian Journal ^ | 9/14/04 | Persian Journal
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1215330/posts
Russian Deputy foreign Minister Yuri Fedotov said in Moscow on Monday that Russian Federation is opposed to reference of Iran's case to the UN Security Council.
Speaking to Russia's Interfax semi-state news agency, Fedotov added, "We believe it is still too soon to refer the case to the Security Council."
Interfax added in its report, "Iran's nuclear program is one of the major issues on the agenda of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Governors' Board that will convene in Vienna today (Monday)."
Meanwhile, according to reports by Western media, the United States' efforts aimed at winning Europeans' votes in its favor continues even until the IAEA Board of Governors' meeting.
Russia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov had last week evaluated Iran's current relations with the IAEA, and IAEA's latest report on Iran, both as "positive."
Reflecting on IAEA Chief's report on Iran's nuclear programs, Lavrov said, "Our first impression on the issue is that the general trend of developments is positive, and the ambiguities regarding Iran's nuclear programs are gradually being eliminated as time goes by."
Lavrov also stressed yesterday for the second time over the past two weeks that Russia would continue its nuclear cooperation with Iran in its peaceful nuclear projects.
Russian foreign minister had previously stated that it was his stance during his visit to the occupier Jewish state.
The historical reaction of Russians has *always* been to centralize power in the face of a threat. In fact, they tend to gravitate toward centralizing power even when there *isn't* any threat.
But, that said, the question here is whether Putin has got some real reason for grabbing power in order to combat terrorism, or whether he's just grabbing power because he's a megalomaniac, and using the latest terrorist atrocity as an excuse.
It's easy, and obvious, to jump to the latter conclusion - but the fact remains that terrorists are able to operate freely inside Russia, bribe their way onto Russian airliners, get the cooperation of law enforcement, etc. etc. Imagine if you had the Chief of Police of some medium-sized city in Massachusetts cooperating with al-Quaida, and you'd have something analogous to what's going on inside Russia. Putin may think - rightly or wrongly - that the only way he can stop that sort of shenanigans is by obtaining dictatorial powers.
Kill all the Muslim terrorists, "Pooty Poot". We back you, Vlad.
1/3rd of the Russian people still think Lenin and communism were a good thing. Why is everybody so excited ?