Kyka
needs to LURK MORE
Posts: 481
Registered: 06-08 |
Its true that Russia, even without the territories that have seceded in the last 20 years, is still a formidably powerful country. The Arab nations will never become a global power, on account of they are too busy squabbling among themselves and plotting to destroy Israel. But Russia has shown itself perfectly capable of being a global power.
While it is true that Vladimir Putin is not above taking harsh measures, he is not a dictator in the sense of Hitler or Stalin. there have been no mass killings etc. But as Potgiesser has pointed out, he doesn't fuck around. He is a very practical leader in a very tough situation. If you read about him, he is nowhere near as hardline as some other Russian politicians and generals, and he has managed, against the odds, to improve the Russian economy and bring it slowly out of its post coldwar slump, has maintained a reasonably strong military without bankrupting the country, and maintain power against the hardliners on the one hand and the Russian oligarchs (Russian business barons)on the other.
Given the number of recently independent states that surround Russia and who really dont like Russia all that much, if Putin wanted war as much as some say, he has had no shortage of opportunities. Georgia has spent a long time re arming, with US and UN support, and now I think it is Georgia more than Russia that is pushing the issue, that is acting out of fear of this massively powerful country to its north.
We are right to be nervous about the Russian situation. But as Abraham Lincoln once said, "Do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?"
|
08-10-08 04:47 
