I've been watching the Russian situation as American news has been consumed by hurricanes, Bush Guard service, and memogate at CBS. It has been interesting to watch various media and organizations to bend this to their politics. The more liberal an outlet is, the more likely they have been to scold that Russia should not employ military force, and instead negotiate with these Chechen beasts. I would expect liberals to be sympathetic for children, but they've pinned themselves into anti-war positions when it comes to responding to horrific terror. The State Department, not surprisingly, was formost amongst this side. Conservative outlets, however, have lined up with Putin and his vow to fight terrorism anywhere. I myself tentatively come down in favor of freedom of action for Russia. As I mentioned last week, however, I remain deeply concerned that Putin will use this to his own advantage. News from Voice of America would seem to confirm that. Putin is looking to gain authority to name regional Governors. That authority currently sits with voters. I understand Putin wanting loyal regional Governors, but at the same time, this goes a long way toward consolidating power and eliminating competition. I'm also a little nervous about aligning with a man who is former KGB and who has displayed the willingness to take more and more power from the Russian people. Much like in World War II, however, I'm not sure we have a choice but to support an ally who is working for his own good.
2 comments:
I have the same reaction. The more leftwing an organization the more they want to neutralize Russia. Hardly a surprise. They want to do the same to the U.S. For what purpose, I can't figure out. What do they expect? That France and Germany will leap into the breach and supply law and order for a chaotic world?
As for the regional Governors, my understanding is that Putin wants to nominate the Governor but the regional parliaments would confirm the choice. While it serves to consolidates power, it also checks the further fracturing of Russia, the Balkanization of which could lead to monstrous wars in the power vacuum from an inattentive and impoverished central authority. My sense is that Putin is fighting not only his and his country's own history but the combined resources of the Leftwing Western-dominated press that pillories his every move. One encouraging sign is that the media appears somewhat frightened of the prospect of a strengthened and enervated Russia.
You might be interested in this on the topic.
http://themoderatevoice.typepad.com/blog/2004/09/the_draconian_s.html
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