[af_vet_1981]

I’m lost. This is Russia, this is a power mad KGB thug who murdered his way to the top. A coup attempt ends all lovey dovey like this? What am I missing?

You’re missing more hyperbole and a reasoned knowledge of Russian history. You might couch US history in such a fashion; how slave holding founders rebelled against their lawful monarch, etc.

[hardspunned]

Russian history, which you are apparently ignorant of, dictates that an unsuccessful military coup leader is executed. Always! The KGB thug leaders that I am familiar with in Russian history would have all demanded execution. Nyet, in both cases today. 20 years was the threatened max sentence for military treachery in a battle zone and a military attack on the state during war?!? Then poof!, nothing. Yeah, nothing fishy here.