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Entry: Two Cheers for Putin Link: http://www.takimag.com/site/article/two_cheers_for_putin#5000 Post contents: I am no fan of those trying to start a new Cold war with Russia, but I don't see that as a reason to kiss the ass of Putin. What Putin's gang has done in Chechnya is almost as criminal as what Bush II has done in Iraq. And all Putin has done with the economy has built up a new elite, replacing the old oligarchs with his old KGB buddies. I don't see any merit in pushing rich westerners about when western countries let rich Russians go about their business (London is full of them for example). Again though, I see no reason to try to actively agitate Russia or start another Cold War. Playing power politics just invalidates any moral superiority we had. Russia isn't going to become a superpower again. Its birth rates are dreadful (except for those of the Muslims and the Asians), the life expectancy is getting worse, all this military spending is just wasteful, and Russia could feel a squeeze if oil/gas prices collapse. No need to get particularly worried about them, and there is no need for alarmistic rhetoric or giving the National Endowment for Democracy more money to keep making an ass of America. Sent at: 2008 07 06