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Corruption. Although Russian politicians and the media talked about the problem frequently, officials did little to address it. Extensive corruption among law enforcement agencies in particular stymied any coherent response. Corruption had tragic consequences for Russia in 2004 as it facilitated numerous terrorist attacks on Russian territory through the exchange of access for payment. Russia's rating for corruption remains unchanged at 5.75 because the country and its political leaders seem to lack the political will to address the problem in a comprehensive manner.

Does this mean that 2005 saw an unprecedented rise in corruption? Certainly not. It has occurred during the past five years. It is simply that last year a certain psychological barrier was crossed - a barrier that had existed for many people who for various reasons approved of the incumbent political regime. In other words, their expectations were dashed.

One of the interesting stories that captured my imagination is when the President first came into office and he cleaned out the police forces in order to rid the country of corruption in the law enforcement -- understanding full well that the people must trust security in order for a society to flourish. And so, Mr. President, you've got hard work ahead of you. You've tackled problems with vigor and enthusiasm. But, most importantly, you've stayed true to a philosophy that I admire. So welcome back to the Oval Office, and please give your good wife all my very best.

So I think it is about where a country is headed too. And I can't resist sharing this from the same link above.

"First, Mr. President, welcome. I reminded the President about what a fantastic visit I had to Georgia. Laura and I will never forget your hospitality, we will never forget the food for which Georgia is quite famous, we will never forget the fantastic folk dancing we saw. And then I'll never forget our visits and the speech to the Georgian people. It was a fantastic trip."

Heh,heh, the US ambassador's wife told me that President Bush told her that Georgia was his favorite country to visit. He enjoyed it as much as I did.