Russia handled the Syria crisis far better than we did. Our current Secretary of State is as inept as the President.
Russia is developing its shale resources while manipulating the EU via its gas supply, maintaining if not growing its influence as the Middle East wanes with growing populations and dwindling oil supplies.
Russia has positioned itself as the stalwart bastion of traditional Christianity, such as opposing radical feminism and the homosexual movement. This makes them a sympathetic cultural ally with the more conservative developing world, especially in disputes against “The West”.
Right now, we’re on the decline and Russia is rising. It’s biggest problem remains demographics, from a barely replacement level fertility level now (which was far below it a decade ago) to a growing Muslim population (which they don’t kowtow to).
Putin is a better leader than Obama. Who’s the better dictator is open to debate.
Putin actually likes the country he leads...as opposed to that piece of dog crap who figures it’s his duty to destroy the country he leads.
I think it’s his arrogance that pisses me off the most.