[Maria S]

Wow! World's best chessplayer is ALSO politically astute. I remember when the Soviet Union backed Karpov over Kasparov because of Kasparov's views. (At least I THINK that's the way it was...been awhile ago!) I always thought Kasparov was such an improvement over Karpov, the scrawny little twerp!

[eno_]

Five years ago, then FSB chief Vladimir Putin spoke the truth when he said, "There are no ex-KGB officers!" Will the West ever learn?

The West is learning well, only they are learning the wrong lesson: Suspension and diminution of liberty are easy when the sheeple are ready to give up liberty for the Homeland Security's illusion of safety.

[Toskrin]

Kasparov has long made it clear that he has political aspirations. In one article he offers rare insight into both Vladimir Putin and the US State Department. Looks like we have someone to back for the next president of Russia.

[Carry_Okie]

Well worth the time. He's right.

One would think that Condi Rice would know better. What's missing from this picture?

[theFIRMbss]

>One of Yukos's major shareholders, Platon Lebedev, has been jailed on charges widely seen in Russia as having less to do with justice than with signaling to all Russian business that no one is safe. ...

[jimt]

Ping !

Your thoughts please.

[Dead Dog]

I think things are going along just as our State Department would have liked. They were deeply saddened by the events of the late '80s.

[snopercod]

Security forces are interfering in business activities when and where they choose. The attorney general's office rubber stamps accusations against oligarchs and big businesses upon orders from the Kremlin, while local prosecutors are on a business-bashing quest to meet the expectations of their governors and mayors. Small and medium-size businesses are desperately trying to raise awareness for myriad Yukos-type clampdowns elsewhere in Russia. Independent-minded journalists are being sued and even imprisoned for publicly criticizing members of local administrations.

Russia is getting almost as bad as California.

[RussianConservative]

What line of crap. Weak economy? 9th largest last year, bigger then Italy this year...so 8th largest. KGB state? What exactly KGB state...great buzz word but what it entail?

Condoleezza Rice's rush to "Forgive Russia" in fact was received by the Putin regime as a green light for any drastic actions Mr. Putin might care to take in moving toward a KGB regime back home.

What drastic actions? Maybe closet socialists at Wall Street Journal not like fact that Putin instigate 13% flat tax? Not very one world government....or that he put 24% corporate tax, get rid of sales tax and cut VAT in half? Maybe they hate Putin drastic action of really cutting back government...not just talk about issue? I know, they hate his drastic action of telling IMF where to shove head....or maybe it is property ownership they hate? Or judgement by jury trial...I know enlightened West elites only like three judge panel show trials like Milosovich.

Oh I know, maybe loosening of gun ownership laws?

No, no, silly me...I know what drastic...and Wall Street Urinal being economic toilet payer here is against...they against the Russian industry first push. They against Putin for not shipping Russian jobs out but for importing work and factories. They against strong economic growth and paying off of national debt. They against surpluses that not spent but set by law for rainy day.

Oh and that Putin Christian and Orthodoxy taught in schools and crosses and icons seen on flags, buildings and military while gay rights not exist and abortion curtailed...that not help his "KGB" image either.