The American Spectator

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But it doesn't really matter to what degree, if at all, Putin had forehand knowledge of these punitive actions. He has constructed a regime that exerts a full range of secret police powers. The old criminal organizations may have curtailed effectiveness, but their replacement by government-related elements exercising the same tactics may be even more dangerous. The potential for official commercial extortion exists at every turn. Political disagreement has strict limitations and often dire consequences.

Unfortunately, the fact is Russians have come not only to expect corruption and criminality in their own government, but to perceive the rest of the world as the same -- or worse. V.V. Putin thinks as his countrymen do and adjusts his policies accordingly. The tragic Litvinenko affair has finally pushed London and Washington rather belatedly to begin to realize this. They, too, will be adjusting their policies.

Happy New Year, Vladimir Vladimirovich!

topics:
Trade, Vladimir Putin, Business, Military, Russia, Communism, Oil