Posted on 12/20/2004 3:12:04 AM PST by tornado100
President Vladimir Putin is now viewed as an enigma by most Americans. Oh, what a difference a few years can make in this rapidly changing geopolitical landscape! When President Bush first met with Russian President Putin in 2001, Bush was tremendously impressed with him - Bush stated: "I looked the man in the eye. I was able to get a sense of his soul", which certainly conveyed hopeful expectations of a Vladimir Putin as democratic reformer and ally of the US. President Bush quickly dubbed the Russian President "Pootie Poot", and thought that he had found a man with whom he could forge a cooperative relationship. And, at first, there was reason for optimism about Putin. In the immediate aftermath of 9/11 - in a show of solidarity - Putin was exceedingly helpful to the US in the fight against international terrorism. Unfortunately, things have gone terribly awry. Although Putin has generated impressive economic changes in Russia, his overall progress in support of democratization has been lacking.
The Bush-Putin relationship is now strained by the Kremlin's proclivity to enact political repression, both at home and in former Soviet states. Let's focus on the Ukraine which has become the center of worldwide attention in recent weeks. Two competing groups are now vying for power in the Ukraine - the reformists of the "orange revolution" and those seeking to maintain the status-quo with Russia. The former, the pro-democracy faction spearheading Ukrainian self-determination, free elections and clean government, clearly has the momentum among the populace. In any event, the recent election results for the presidency were apparently rigged and subsequently tossed out by the Ukraine's Supreme Court, with an attending order to repeat the runoff on December 26. To make matters so much worse, the Kremlin seems to have very dirty hands in this entire matter.
It's widely believed that Putin and his surrogates involved themselves in atrocious behaviors vis-à-vis the recent presidential election in the Ukraine. The Kremlin is not only implicated in election fraud, but in attempts to assassinate Viktor Yushchenko, the "orange revolution" candidate. Yushchenko was poisoned with a pure form of dioxin found in TCDD, an element of Agent Orange. The amount of dioxin in Yushchenko's blood is the second highest on record, and very well could have been deadly. At the very least, the poisoning has disfigured a once handsome man, and shortened his lifespan by years. As a result of the poisoning, Yushchenko experienced severe and disfiguring skin lesions, in addition to considerable internal damage and pain.
Needless to say these entire circumstances have infuriated the free world. The poisoning of Yushchenko was almost certainly perpetrated by his opponent's camp, which was working in collusion with the Kremlin. Many believe that the poisoning would not have been carried-out unless Putin himself granted approval. It would be fair to say that the Kremlin's little plan to destroy Yushchenko backfired big-time. Yushchenko is now even more popular having survived the Kremlin's unconscionable actions. And his "orange revolution" continues to garner an increasing number of proponents. Putin's man, presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovych, will in all probability lose the upcoming election that will be closely monitored. Because of Russia's shenanigans, the Ukraine will undoubtedly be more eager to align itself with the EU and NATO in a pro-western mode.
Putin is beginning to act out in a very nasty and unseemly way on the world stage. Only a few weeks ago, Putin had the unmitigated gall to refer to America as a "dictatorship" in the realm of foreign policy, and he further compared our nation to a "kind but strict uncle in a pith helmet". Why? In short, Putin is miffed because the Bush administration had the audacity to ask Russia to stop meddling in the affairs of former Soviet states including the Ukraine. Conversely, Putin believes that it's actually the US that is inappropriately "interfering" in the Russian-Ukrainian relationship. Essentially, Putin wants to abuse his Ukrainian political opponents without criticism. Because of myriad cultural, historical and economic reasons, Putin is intent on holding the Ukraine firmly within the orbit of Russian influence, whether by hook or crook. Any thinking person would surmise that Putin is developing imperialistic designs, somewhat akin to those seen during the prior Soviet epoch. This spells trouble.
According to Russian scholar Michael McFaul, associate professor of political science and a Hoover Fellow at Stanford University, Putin is of a dual-mind when it comes to implementing much needed reforms: "Since becoming Russia's President in 2000, Vladimir Putin has simultaneously pushed forward a positive agenda of economic reform and a negative agenda of political repression. It's a sad story of one step forward, two steps back, and if it continues it will threaten the existence of a free Russian society...The list of Putin's attacks on democracy is striking in both its range and depth. He has conducted an inhumane war in Chechnya, seized control of all national television networks, emasculated the power of the Federation Council, tamed regional barons who once served as a powerful balance to Yeltsin's presidential rule, arbitrarily used the law to jail or chase away political foes, removed candidates from electoral ballots, harassed and arrested NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) leaders and weakened Russia's independent political parties" (Center for American Progress website, 6/24/04).
In a recent article by McFaul at the Weekly Standard magazine, he writes: "In the Ukraine, Putin made his first aggressive attempt to consolidate 'managed democracy' -- his advisers' term for Russia's new regime-type in another country. Hoping to prevent a democratic breakthrough like those in Serbia in 2000 and Georgia in 2003, Putin's administration orchestrated a giant effort, first to aid Yanukovych's electoral campaign, then after the vote to blur the world's understanding of the results".
Incredibly, Putin refers to his awful manipulations and oppressive behaviors as "managed democracy"? Clearly, Putin really doesn't grasp what freedom is all about.
President Putin is now exhibiting his true colors. Today's Russia reflects a new-styled autocratic rule, somewhat reminiscent of the former Soviet era but tolerant of select economic reforms. Moreover, this Russian crackdown on freedom is distasteful to the West, particularly in this age of democratization. Although it's an often cited cliché, "past is prologue" seems very apropos of the emerging circumstances in Russia. It's almost impossible to forget that Putin was a bigwig in the KGB not that many years ago. The KGB apparatchiks were extremely dedicated to the Soviet cause. As for Putin, I suppose an entrenched mindset that seeks to sustain and grow an empire, and suppress human rights, is difficult to cast aside.
One salient question for America to ponder is this: Could Russia's autocratic ways conceivably lead to another version of the Cold War? Sure, it's possible, considering some of Putin's recent remarks that were an assault upon America and indicative of his hard-line mentality. I think it would be fair to say that Putin's failure to enact democratic reforms is beginning to sour the West on his governance. Who knows? In protest of Putin, maybe I will even have to revive my impression of Natasha's famous lines, "Yes, Fearless Leader" and "Boris, kill moose and squirrel".
--------------------
Neocon Bush be stoopid! Bush is a Trostkyite like Soros! Bush and Soros march in lockstep! </jb6/RussianConservative
The West, You must mean the US?
As we speak, Schroeder and him are having a "love-in" in Hamburg. Schroeder will call him a true democrat and will elevate him to super humanitarian status.
The following is a piece I wrote almost 2 years ago. Nothing has chnged. Our former allies and Russia will try to combine to be an economic/military threat to America.
I don’t want to get on a rage here, but…….
The Socialists, former PDS leaning, heel clicking “Leaders of Europe” are now Goose stepping arm in arm together to enslave the new European democracies into their diminishing economic quagmire. The revolutionaries Schroeder/Fischer, together with “King” Chirac and the opportunistic Putin are trying to reset the old Pinball game that the U.S. has forced into Tilt mode for the last 58 years. They believe that their anti-American rhetoric will show the world that it is better to be dominated by the old aristocratic class conscious ruling elite, which will let them eat cake, than being able to determine their own destiny by setting their own agendas, laws and purpose. Their goal is so transparent that it would have to anticipate a great amount of stupidity on the part of the former Eastern block countries not to notice their true intent. Gone would be self-determination, freedom of speech and liberties associated with the normal democratic concept. The only purpose would be to milk these new countries for their Tax Euros and to be indoctrinated into the socialist melting pot that is called the EU ?
The “old Europeans “have shown time and time again, that their goal is to create different classes within their societies. The Master race concept was a failure and reinstituting it won’t work again this time around. The “Krautiots” for instance want to have someone else work for them while they can collect the ample Government subsidy, just like it should be awarded to these Super humans. They determined to abandon Atomic Energy, only to encourage other countries to build new reactors from which they can purchase cheap energy. They will do anything to show the world that they are ecologically pure and socially just.
Well, History does have a way of repeating itself, it won’t work this time either. The idea of taking over Europe without firing a shot to create Lebensraum has hurdles that neither Chirac or his new Komrades: Schroeder, Fischer and Putin will be able to overcome. To bank on the stupidity of others for your own gain has always been futile.
Of course this is only my opinion and I could be wrong.
Oh remember the Russian tanks rolling into Kiev? So many bought it like sheep.
Well we see our leftist propagandist has arrived. One not bright enough to write a counter arguement but bright enough to read an article on psychology and your gold fish and think it will work on people. How old are you? 12?
Did I tell you today what an idiot you are? No? Ok, you're an idiot. Now go neocon yourself where the sun doesn't shine.
You are a disrupter and nothing else. You add about zilch to any conversation, except for your insults and your dim wittedness.
Other then that, your world view best fits in at DU. Maybe you should get an address there.
So that evening we call alled of our Russian friends, and they were all laughing about this.
Experience has taught me to believe the Russians who are actually there, over some American group, funded by whomever, that is, "reporting" on the web to influence people ( usually to donate money) and sway public opinion for their own personal welfare.
Tell us more about the evil neocon cabal and how they are conning the USA into supporting our enemies. Awaken us to the threat of the neocon conspiracy!
That's ok, Gary, keep your head buried in the sand. Let me make another statement that you won't like - I have far more experience with Soviet intelligence and the KGB than you will ever know, and I know their tactics.
No, I will not tell you more than that.
My "assumptions" as you phrased them, are based on things that Putin has said and done since becoming President of Russia. Putin has said that he wanted to restore the "glory" of the USSR to the Russian Republic. As recently as 2 years ago, Putin went out with a herd of Russia subs and conducted a series of "war games" conducted against a simulated American enemy. This occurred after Russia and America were supposed to be forging a new, friendly relationship. And, there have been more than a few news articles reporting on the new aggressiveness of Russian warships toward American warships.
As for Putin and Yuschenko, there is no doubt in my mind that Putin was behind the poisoning of Viktor Yuschenko. It totally fits within his goals to keep as much of the former USSR under his control as he can. Yuschenko has his own ideas and will not toe the line as Pootie-Poot wants.
Don't forget, Putin has plunged a few daggers in Bush's back. The Dioxin that he tried to poison Yuschenko with is the primary ingredient of Agent Orange which was used to defoliate so many forests in Vietnam and affected so many American AND Vietnamese with terrible health problems.
You sound gullible enough to buy the oceanfront property in Kansas that I have for sale.
Since Kosovo was bombed we Orthodox tend to not trust too easily.
Carol Devine Molin certainly doesn't keep up with the news.
I guess she didn't hear the Prez's press conference. Vladimir and George are still on a first name basis. Losts better than old Chirac.
The relationship is not strained except maybe in some quarters in the Beltway who cannot stand the thought of a Christian Russia actually exhibiting moral leadership and helping on the war on terror...and who maintain contact with the spirits of the Cold War. They need to be rudely awakened.
I was getting livid that it was published at GOPUSA until I read this at the bottom:
Note -- The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, views, and/or philosophy of GOPUSA.
Too long ...much too long!
As for neocons, your kind has been the down fall of the the Republican party for a long time. Thanks to you neocons we give China to much and spend like drunken soldiers. Thanks to neocons we put almost no pressure on Saudi Arabia and we are still sitting in the Balkins. But you personally probably have to quams that we bombed Christian Serbs to support the Saudi Jihad.
You can start with the likes of Tailgunner Joe, Hoplite and TapTheSource.
Then there is the Polish branch of the EU/Fourth Reichers who've invaded FR and spread their socialist crap around rather thick.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.