Editor's Note: The following is an edited version of a previous post.
By Fareed Zakaria, CNN
Now that Vladimir Putin has been re-elected president, Russia is going to look remarkably similar to before he was elected. Why? Because Putin, in a sense, never left. Putin was running the government and the economy on a day to day basis. While he had ceded the presidency, and therefore foreign policy, to Dmitri Medvedev, it was really a charade - Putin was behind most of the most important decisions anyway.
If Putin wins the next election, which he is allowed to run for, he will have been in charge of Russia for over twenty years, maybe twenty five years. This is longer than Stalin.
One wonders whether Russia is really willing to have one man - even if a somewhat competent man, and even if someone whom they regard as having restored Russia - rule for that long. I have a feeling that, while the protests that we saw over the last few months were small, they represent some degree of public dissatisfaction with this idea of a kind of life-time czar.
The Russian economy is based on essentially oil, natural gas, diamonds and nickel - it’s all natural resources. It’s really a Siberian Saudi Arabia. And in order for Russia to develop - economically and politically - it has to be able to diversify its economy.
So far there are very few signs of this. And you have to say, one of the reasons might be that it isn’t to the advantage of the regime to diversify. The more you diversify, the more prospect there is for losing political control. As long as you have what is essentially an oil economy - oil, natural gas, natural resources - all that can be very neatly controlled by the regime.
With Putin now back on top fully, there might actually be a small benefit that comes from it - that is, he’ll now want to be the deal maker, whether it’s with Obama or the Europeans.
The odd thing about Vladimir Putin is he’s a very, very shrewd analyst. I’ve met him a few times, and I’m always struck by his very strong analytic skills. He is a very good debater, for example, whenever he’s trying to present a position. And he’s written these newspaper articles for various Russian newspapers that analyze Russia’s situation, including all of its problems - political, economic, lack of democracy, for example - and he does it all very intelligently.
He doesn’t seem to understand that he is the source of many of those problems. He is the architect of the system that he is creating, and that’s where you wonder if there’s some kind of strange self-delusion where he doesn’t understand that he is at the heart of the reasons that Russia can’t progress in the way that he is describing.
Perhaps there will be some kind of revelation where he begins to understand that and loosens up and opens up the system. I very much doubt it. I think more likely, it will take some kind of sharp shock from the outside to bring that realization.
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"Sharp shock...", well, I admit, most of US, around the World, as an ordinarily Citizens of such... Countries, we are travelled on THE PATHS THAT ARE ENGINERRED AND DESIGHNED FOR US (purposely) BY SOMEONE WHO HELD SUPERRIOR POSITIONS.
However, the real obstacles ahead of US is, if those...Superiors are contradicted each other. Then, some of those superiors will turn into ordinarily and the Major devastations and disasters will occur, since there is no balance of Power left.
What? What language was that. It made no sense at all.
Does this have anything to do with Russia?
lay off the weed dude
Looks like Google Translator (Russion-to-English) failed you, brother.
And what?
America is already 100 years ruled by the same Rothschilds.
Rothschild is correct but they are controlling the whole world. they only have 500 Trillion in their bank accts. Every govt and assocation is a puppet to them. I bet you most of these brainwashed Americans have never heard of them.
Yes, a lot of us have heard of the Rothschilds. It just the rational world doesn't revolve around conspiracy theories and anti-Semitism, unlike you and your friends. Now, take your meds, put your aluminum hats back on and go nappies.
i em an Uhmurikin that have herd of them. I like there chalk-o-lot pretzils. I em so glad that your white supremacist army will save us from the dangers of candy. It's whut Jeeeeeezus would want.
whatever
Mmmmm...caaaandeee...(*purrrr)
Mr. Bob,
I believe, you understand, what the difference is between the Rothschilds and Putin, also, please, make adjustment for russian population across this big country: 100 000 on meetings it's nothing overthere...
Only russian people should make a change in their life..., When? Who knows, maybe, they don't know.
No, we are ruled by Martians. FYI!
..respected,Mr. Fareed Zakaria garu, Respected MR. PUTIN was come back. Now some conflicts was balancing. And Russian economy will increase fastly with day by day. In external affiars will participate major role in the World. U S and Isreal will not invade to Iran and Syria.Now U N O also seeks negotiations for all issues(do not irrespectable). Arab countrys and Asian countrys will enjoy with fruits.
Thanks god for Putin followers good english speak.
Oh yeah!
You apparantly can boast of speaking good Russian or Chinese...
Russia is one 3 (only!) countries that can be proud of 500 years of sovereignty. And we do cherish it.
@ Vsevolod Demidov: Yes, 500 years of sovereignty by keeping the boot on the necks of every neighbor you have ever had. Russians are some of the most xenophobic people on Earth, though not without some reasons. They certainly paid back the Poles, Estonians, Lituanians and Germans, didn't they? And don't forget those pesky Georgians and Ukrainians. You sure showed them a thing or two about what it means to be the tough kid on the (Eastern) block.
He is Indian, obviously.
No I cant speak Russian at all and my Mandarin is limited. But then I'm not scrawling incomprehensible psudo-nationalistic claptrap on a Russian or Chinese board, now am I? Your vaunted 500 years of sovereignty is due only to your size: in the many wars and battles Russia has lost, nobody was able to or bothered to actually occupy those vast frozen tracts of land. Russia is a middle power with the GDP per capita of a third world african country, ruled by a kleptocracy and with an economy based on resource exports. wereb it not for your nuclear weapons, nobody would take you very seriously.
Gaunt, you really don't know what you are talking about.
I know exactly what I am talking about kid. If you take issue with any of the hard facts I have posted, then man-up and make your case. Otherwise, go away and leave the adults in peace.
As i remember, the Russians took care of Napoleon's army and Hitler's uber army, didn't they?
The "rulers of the world" are angry, because Putin liberated Russia from 80 years of communist rule. Lenin, Beria, Kaganovitch and countless others now living in Israel.
If you go back to other Mr.Zakaria's articles, you will notice that S.V.P.Yadav has commented on them as well. And ALL his coments are negative towards Mr. Zakaria, as if trying to teach him how the world functions which according to this YADAV, Mr Zakaria cant understand or something. Whats your deal YADAV, are you just here to criticize the man on and on....I am sure you are the smartest man but this doesnt really work all th time, take a break dear.
Well said
A paid agent? They can't even find/train agent who can speak fluent English these days??
@ AQA: I agree that Yadav's comments leave much to be desired, but why shouldn't one critisize Zakaria who is just an ignorant vegetable? He has no idea on Russian issues, so it would be better for him to stick his nose to Mid-Eastern problems, he usualy shows his unbelievable expertise in!
> Russians are some of the most xenophobic people on Earth, though not without some reasons.
Lukos, when russians are not attaking someone, someone is attaking them. Yout end to get xenophobic that way, you know. Most russians are still traumatized by WW2 experience and Staling repressions while for the rest of the wolrd it is an acient history.
And now chinese are hopping across the border in Siberia.
Listen, Mr. Zakaria,
Weren't fix a mess in America. The entire Russian economy is based on gas/oil/nickel?
You're a liar. Have a look at CIA fact book:
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/rs.html
"complete range of mining and extractive industries producing coal, oil, gas, chemicals, and metals; all forms of machine building from rolling mills to high-performance aircraft and space vehicles; defense industries including radar, missile production, and advanced electronic components, shipbuilding; road and rail transportation equipment; communications equipment; agricultural machinery, tractors, and construction equipment; electric power generating and transmitting equipment; medical and scientific instruments; consumer durables, textiles, foodstuffs, handicrafts"
The CIA Factbook shows industries that are located in the country listed, not that they are a major producer or innovator of said industries. A country the size of Russia is of necessity going to produce other things beyond their major exports that provide the overwhelming majority of it's GDP, such as oil/natural gas/nickel. I don't think Russia is really that well known for it's "advanced electronics." Of course, a Russian nationalist such as yourself wouldn't admit that, eh?
Lukos, your generalized, uninformed opinion on Russian politics, a thousand year old culture and tumultuous history shows in your dilettante approach at criticism. Russian economy if heavily burdened by social obligations and the 40% (not 100%) of the GDP that is from oil and gas exports goes almost entirely for pensions of WW2 veterans that had no opportunity to earn a retirement under the communist regime and then the wild 1990's. Anyhow I'll stop now, I know I'm wasting my time.
40% of your GDP goes to WWII veterans? How many WWII veterans are still alive? 10,000??
I'd never thought people could be this ignorant. You made my day.
Wigi, you post something that insanely laughable, and then claim anyone else is 'uninformed'? Did you really just say that most of the Resource exports (which form 82% of Russias foreign trade and exports) all goes to fund WW2 veterans? Seriously?
The war ended 67 years ago. How many veterans exactly do you imagine are still alive? Even if the war ended YESTERDAY and every veteran was still alive, do you really imagine it would take Russia's entire resource export budget to pension them? What is wrong with you?
Gaunt: what he was saying is that Russia has a tiny tiny economy that is barely capable of supporting their veterans.
There is China just next doors, to provide advanced electronics, Ipads, Tablets, Nike shoes, spare parts for cars,and sattelites, Russian flags, o wait. There is China across the pacific to do that too.
@Lukos
Space technologies of Russians – the most sophisticated nowadays (ask NASA guys) – are not enough advanced high-tech industries to you, pal?
Yes, Sir. But what fraction of GDP do those "other" industries produce? 50-80%, 10-15%? Or 1-5%?
"it will take some kind of sharp shock from the outside to bring that realization."
So, try to try, stupid author.
pind ostan han-a ide ja?
I remember you guys tried... ohh for so long... and then collapsed.
Don't say "Hop" till you land
there is still time for you. Refugee 
or is your genetics have anything to so with Native Americans?
Believe or not, without the shock you'd still be a communist country trying to hang on dear life with outsized ego of trying to rule the world.
What country do you live in? Social-Democrat or Social Security does not ring a bell? what do you think public colleges are? Fire Dept? so you even have a choice where YOUR money is going? do you thing the louder you spew here the bigger your retirement will be? better work hard now. ask any Budgeted employee how it ends. Hows your health? good for now? hold on, that food gonna get Ja!
Anyone who sais that Russia is Siberian Saudi Arabia is obviously lying, but for what purpose? For the purpose of propaganda of disrespect for Russia around the world. Russia has been a highly industialized country for the last 40-50 years. Mr. Zakharia obviously serves somebody's interests. But behind those kinds of statements I feel some sort of an emotion, like anger or jealosy of some sort. Somebody out there seems to be really frustrated with this sort of proud and undying Russia which they tryed and failed to manipulate at will and are faced with the situation where they actually have to respect our opinion on many matters.
To compare Russia to Siberia's "Saudi Arabia" isn't appropriate, as Saudi Arabia doesn't have diamonds, gold and other minerals. Yes, Alex, Russia "has been a highly industialized country for the last 40-50 years", but its manufactured goods haven't been able to compete on the international market. Yes, Putin might have secured over 60% of the votes, but critics and independent election watchdogs believed the elections can't be seen as fair. There were reports of "carousel" voting, in which voters were driven in busses from one place to another to cast multiple ballots. If it was the case, the voters – the young, educated, middle-class urbanites – would have no respect for the government.
Not so far away from your backyard there is an election scandal brewing...it's called voter suppression..and it happened in Canada. The winning party got elected with less than 35% of the votes and is accused of calling non-supporters to misdirect them to non-existing voting stations. Why does the West always think that their sh–*& doesn't stink?
Russia cannot compete on intl market. it has to do with cost of extracting resources at -40Celcius (look that word up British stowaway) anything new under the sun? no original thought my friend. History 101 is biased and based on negatives around here. i never read anything negative in history books about USA regarding innovation, etc. you even know your own county or ping beer goggles too tight? Register, lets see if face matches that mouth.
"Obviously Lying"?
Really? According to Russian stats, 81% of their earned export dollars are natural resources, inlcuding oil, gas, diamonds, wood, and a few others. So when you say zaharia's statement was 'obviously lying' what you really MEANT to say was "the absolute truth as confirmed by the Russian government itself."
Feel free to apologize.
Gaunt, i have a important question(s) for you: Why do you have an itch for what is the choice of the Russian people? i.e. your ide seems to be that not only you have a right to your opinion, you seem to also believe in this right to feed your opinion to others for regurgetation (sic). Who are you to command, advise and even poke your head out in a taxi which you are not even a driver of? i do not come to your house and defecate nor do i M/ake your wife service soldier boys, yet you feel like it is your right to come to my house and do the same. i believe you accidentally forgot that the idkfa mode is OFF, the world is small now, it is also round...itd. itp
p.s. please dont hurt me
Your post is inane. I cited facts sourced by the Russian government itself. I posted no opinions, I simply pointed out that the previous posted was mistaken (or lying), and corrected him. If you take issue with my facts, thenbe a man and challenge them, but this mealymouthed whining about how I am somehow trying to i9nterfere with the choice of the Russian people. No, I am simply trying to correct the facts of some uneducated examples of the Russian people, likely including yourself.
Gaunt: you did not cite any facts in your post. But you said you cited facts from Russia government source. Did you mean Russia government has not facts?
Sorry, Gaunt, my bad. Got mixed up!!
So... you're forgetting that every time you want to put an astronaught onto the international space station YOU ARE BUYING THE SEATS FROM RUSSIA!?
How low-tech of them ...
...and also buying Proton launches every time when an American company want to put a communication satellite into geostationary orbit.
Check out http://www.ssloral.com who launches all their satellites.
and yes, these seats and these rockets are very low tech. They are kind of crude, simple, and reliable.
If you have the Muscle, America will never attack you. But, if you don't, you will be used as bombardment experiments. Take example, Cuba, America can't attack Cuba. Because, Cuba has a Muscle. If it doesn't, Cuba was joined as 50 1 States, long time ago. But, Cuba survived and got respected because of its Muscle.
Does Iran has Muscle?
We don't know, until we hear from the IAEA. If the International Atomic Agency said, it has, America and Israel will keep using Economic sanctions like Cuba and keep negotiations over negotiations, continuously like North-Korea. But, if Iran doesn't have Muscles(Nukes), welcome to the boom boom time by bombs against Iran, within few Weeks.
Cuba has muscles? Which Muscles exactly? The impoverished, unequipped Cuban military would be wiped out in a day if it was attacked by Italy, let alone the US. What 'muscles' exactly do you imagine Cuba has?
A Sphincter?
No country is served well by a lifetime ruler. Some may tolerate it more than others, but the countries that advance themselves and their citizens most consistently also consistently replace their leaders. It's an obvious solution. Vibrancy requires new ideas, but someone who has been comfortably ensconced in power for years is not looking to rock that boat. Nothing brightens up a place like a good and REGULAR housecleaning!
Really? Are you an expert in World economy or something? Well here is an example for you.The Republic of Singapore – country with the third GDP per capita in the world, one of the least corrupt countries by Transparency International. Since Singapore attained independence in 1965 there were only 3 (yes THREE) prime ministers. So, dear, friends, shove your stereotypes you know where. There are other ways of political organization besides "shining beacons on the hill" that are as effective. It is not about how long a ruler stays, it is about flexibility of the system that limit his power – this is the main Russian problem, not how long Putin (or whomever) rules.
"Small" protests?? Mr. Zakaria, 100,000 people on the streets of Moscow is anything but small! We have seen nothing on that scale since the early 1990s. Russia is trying to shake off Putin's rule *right now*, not in some distant future. One does not have to wonder "whether Russia is really willing to have one man": the Russian people say quite clearly now, they are NOT. As to the convincing 60+% Mr. P. scored in the elections... you do not really believe those cooked numbers, do you? It's a shame that CNN reacts to one of the most brazen electoral frauds with such poorly informed and toothless column.
Thanks God, your opinion and the opinion of 100,000+ protesters (mostly liberals, communists, and nationalists) is very loud but still small part of the Russian Federation people's opinion.
Very true Lena, the majority of the posters here and most western journalists have no idea what they are talking about. The majority of Russians know what is best for Russia and they clearly showed it at the polls yesterday. The losers will always cry foul and the US State Dept. propaganda against Putin will continue. They simply don't want a strong and prosperous Russia. Ideally, they would love to see Russia disintegrate and trust me they are working very hard and throwing a lot of money around to see this happen.
Lena (that is not your real name, of course), do you work for russian intellgience? Otherwise how would you know "liberal" is a deragotory term in the US while it is not in Russia or Europe? Only in the US you would say liberals, communists, socialists in the same breath. In Russia people don't talk like that and protests to end Putin's rule are real.
@ES: I did not know that “liberal” is a derogatory term in the US… But you are rignt – the opposition protests in Russia ARE real .. though not that numerous. BTW – one of my younger cousins was taking part in one of such rallies in Moscow a couple of hours ago. He thinks people like me make a mistake by supporting Putin. Maybe i am too naïve (in my late 40-s
.. or maybe it ‘s just my bad habit of scrutinizing any politician’s ‘words and deeds’ (both economic and political, as well as national and international) and relying on life experience and common sense when casting my vote...
To Fareed Zakaria:
Thank you for the article. Sometimes it is really interesting to read what true experts think about my country (and sorry for my English!).
ES: "liberal" has mostly derogatory accent in modern political terminology in Russia as well. It sounds almost like "liberast", basically a populist who dresses his non-existing ideas into the form of pro-civilized world advocacy. So Elena is OK here and does not have to work for any intelligence.
Lena: I hope that was more than rub. 85. They should certainly pay extra for the foreign language comments.
Those with no idea what I am talking about, google "russian pro-putin bloggers hacked e-mail". NO pro-Putin comment these days is to be taken at face value.
Regardless, that is how things started back in the late '80s. "Elections" were staged and, despite the (suddenly allowed) protests of "loud but small" crowds, "right people" were elected to the right posts.
Until they weren't.
Intolerance, barricades in the minds – looks there’s nothing new under the sun …
Alexander: Maybe CNN columnists will follow your clear-cut directive to respond in a more aggressive manner to “one of the most brazen electoral frauds” in Russia given the flood of the most ’reliable’ information about the “cooked numbers”. But who would ever listen to your command not to take pro-Putin comments “at face value”? Those anti-Putin activists who tend to go away from the right path? But I have a feeling that many people came here to discuss rather than to get instructions even from such a talented person like you (though with a Democratic (US)/ or Communist (RF) mindset;().
Finally, if someone says that more and more Russian people can eventually choose to say no to having “one man” – that would be something I could agree with. Besides, most of us know why and when it could happen.
But so far this sounds to me more like the protesters’ wishful thinking.
@ Alexander Balaeff: "Lena: I hope that was more than rub. 85. They should certainly pay extra for the foreign language comments"...
And how much are you paid, buddy, by the Heritage Foundation or George Scoros? More than USD equivalent of RUR 85 per post? Good for you!
"If Putin wins the next election, which he is allowed to run for, he will have been in charge of Russia for over twenty years, maybe twenty five years. This is longer than Stalin."
CORRECTION: Stalin ruled for over 30 years (1922 to 1953)
Yes and no. Lenin survived until 1924, and after that there was something a power struggle before Stalin consolidaed his position as an autocrat.
How come is this guy (Zakaria) so influent? He writes like an average undergrad PoliSci student, has a very limited depth of analysis and constantly contradicts himself.
"Siberian Saudi Arabia"???
Yes, Siberian Saudi Arabia.
Think about it, realise what he is saying, and the apologize.
How come is this guy John Smith not back at the schooling to learn the English? Russian not enough?
Geeez, somebody needs to learn to speak and spell Z English ! L M A O! Go find that in ur enlish translation book! ROTF!
As a side note,the best Russian exports are: R P G's, F I g h t e r planes and vodka!
Polish and Ukranian Vodka is far superior, Russian fighters have a bad habit of falling apart and several nations have actually returned their military aircraft purchases citing terrible quality.
So, RPGs. yeah.
Polish and Ukranian vodka are often made from potatoes or even from sugar beets. They even advertize it is made from potatoes. In Russia we leave that nasty stuff to Poles and Ukranians. Only one made from rye is decent vodka.
Gaunt, obviously, you don't know s**t about vodka:) That's the same as saying that mexico makes better rum. Ukranian vodka may rival Russian, but it's not superior. Polish vodka cannot even be placed in the same spirit category (potato stuff). Swedes and Finns make great vodka too, but even they go to Russia to enhance their drinking experience. Travel to Russia and then judge.
Man, Vodka is a matter of national pride! Don't mess with it.
@ ddblah: yeah, don't mess with vodka. In the same way Russians don't mess with hamburgers – this sacred icon of Americans
Polish vodka is mostly garbage. Sorry – even with the fact that vodka as a drink was invented in Poland it is still far inferior in comparison with Russian brands.
Ukrainians do not make vodka's – they make flavored drinks called Gorillka.
gbsamara – you are wrong. Best Russian vodka is made from wheat, not rye.
It's hilarious that one of the longer threads on this board is over vodka
Let me end this debate once and for all. Every intelligent person knows that vodka comes from Russian cows. End of story.
@ bud in NC: nice joke, buddy! Is it yours? Have you ever tried to send it to Pulitzer Prize committee? No? Bit ashamed of a level of your wit? Don't worry. Pulitzer prizes were given even for less witty things...
See what happens when you don't have functioning term limits for your "leadership"? Two terms should be the max for ANY person in elected office, ANYWHERE, including for related/similar offices. (Note, I'm not suggesting US rules should apply there, I'm suggesting that term limits are, to the health of a democracy, what fruits and vegetables are to the health of a person.)
It would be fine for a State Governor, for example, to run for President or any legislative position, but members of one house of a legislature should not be permitted more than two terms, including terms in the other house of the same legislature.
The thing they have going on with Putin in Russia is a perfect example of why this is important. As for economic diversification, Russia may well produce many products for domestic consumption, but when was the last time you saw a Russian car in any western nation? A Russian built saber saw? A Russian tablet computer? How about a silk shirt tailored in Russia?
They clearly have manufacturing, but they are dependent for the bulk of their economy on a relatively few things. Imagine for a moment what would happen to the Russian economy if the world kicked its oil addiction, and say... someone figured out how to manufacture diamonds that are indistinguishable from natural ones of the highest quality, even to the most highly trained experts, and most sophisticated analytical equipment? I believe that's what Zakaria meant when he wrote that the Russian economy is not diversified.
Two terms you say... How about France until recently (Sarkozy)? How about Mr Rusvelt? Do you know history at all?
Well, Vsevolod, I don't think your grasp of history is any better. Roosevelt is the main reason why the 2-term limit on President was enacted in the first place. Now, if we can only get that rule into place for our Congress as well. And as for France.....geez, it's France.
Just for you, I have to repeat it again:
Really? Are you an expert in World economy or something? Well here is an example for you.The Republic of Singapore – country with the third GDP per capita in the world, one of the least corrupt countries by Transparency International. Since Singapore attained independence in 1965 there were only 3 (yes THREE) prime ministers. So, dear, friends, shove your stereotypes you know where. There are other ways of political organization besides "shining beacons on the hill" that are as effective. It is not about how long a ruler stays, it is about flexibility of the system that limit his power – this is the main Russian problem, not how long Putin (or whomever) rules.
Russia has as much technology as the US if not more. It occupies 65% of Europe. Putin is back no more proxy invasion and western Arab springs.
Funny that someone using the handle "xerxes" talks about no more invasions and Arab Spring movements, considering the Persian (Iranian) ruler Xerxes was a major invader of other people's countries and caused a few ancient-world "Arab Spring" movements himself. Too bad his own royal guard commander killed him so Xerxe's brother could ascend the throne.
And also, the only reason you won't hear of "Arab Spring" movements now that Putin's back (isn't that a Backstreet Boys' song?), is because Putin doesn't want anyone to see what his reply to those kind of uprisings would bring from his authority. Yeah, there have been killings and beatings already, but we're talking more of a Syrian-response that a former KGB officer wouldn't hesitate to use if he felt pressed to the wall.
Who's gonna prfess Putin to the wall? You?...
Lekhaim!...
Shut up.
Zakaria is such a know-it-all. He should stick to Middle East reporting and not comment outside of that zone. When he writes about Russia, he merely states the obvious and gets paid big bucks for it. I am a scholar of Russian politics and have dedicated my life to it. If Zakaria wants to learn something about Russia he should contact me. He doesn't even mention that in the Northern Caucasus, Putin supposedly got 99.9% of the vote while on the webcams you clearly see a dark shadow stuffing the ballot boxes (urnas in Russian).
Sometimes it's necessary to state the obvious to an uninformed American audience. I, too, have studied Soviet and Russian politics for the past 40 years, but I have other things to which I prefer to dedicate my life; and, I prefer to describe myself as a student rather than scholar of Russian poilitics, because we are always learning. If you believe yourself to be a life-long scholar whom Fareed should contact, perhaps you should identify yourself.
hand from, liar
while i agree he is a dictator now, officially, we have it the same way. We just don't see it as clearly. We had the same family run this country since the beginning. I know Obama doesn't look much like Bush, but he sure acts like him. And his mother is Bush's direct blood relative. As is Clinton and all of the other US Presidents. We don't even vote for president in this country. If we did, Al Gore would have won in 2000 election. He had more votes.
Yes, and you are related to Bush as well if you look long and hard enough. What's the matter? Didn't George invite you to sleep in the White House? If you had enough money, Clinton would've let you. And people like you are exactly why we don't have direct-vote elections of the President. There are rationale arguements to make on removing the Electoral College model, but I don't think you are the person to make that arguement.
Putin has gone mad. Once an intelligent and capabable leader, Russia's Augustus is now willingly paving the way for Russia's Caligula.
That, unfortunately, may be true
Yes, the power consumed him. Eventually it happens to everyone , this is why there should be term limits.
What symptoms of Putin's madness do you see? To see someone else's maddness is also a certain symptom. Do you want me to recommend an excellent expert in symptoms to you? His charge is quite reasonable...
As someone who lives in NYC, I know what Russia's number 1 export is: people who leave Russia to come to America. You don't hear of much of the opposite. Wonder why?
Because if you become too successful and make too much money in Russia, you're considered a threat to the political kleptocracy that runs the country. You are then arrested, killed mysteriously, or just have your entire business confiscated by the state and you are run out of the country under threat of arrest. Some pretty good reasons why it doesn't pay to do business in Russia these days, though you always have fools who think they can beat the system and find out differently in the end.
...or may be it is the other way around: if you successfully grab too much state property being privatized during 199x then it is natural to get out to enjoy a more comfortable life.
Yes, most capable people immigrate. I am one example. They don't want to deal with corruption and constant threats of retaliation if you don't follow the official line. It is now almost to the point where it "shark eats the shark" situation when all the oridnary fish eacaped the mafiosi, the government and the thieves (oligarchs) fight each other. Most of the time you can't even tell who is who. Putin is now the biggest oligarch of them all. And he also controls the polcie (the mafia).
Yeah, ES! And you forgot to add that Putin likes to eat just born babies as his breakfast. Without this addition your story isn't full enough
@ Guest:
Those newcomers from Russia that I could see in Brighton Beach area in NYC can hardly be called "people". I think guys in Russia are extremely happy that they could get rid of such garbage!
so why would Obama want to duplicate the Putin model here in America? We don't want to continue down that road. We need to make a u-turn at the next exit.
As ususal the brush stroke is just a little too wide. You are arguing politics. The people of Russia are solid, good people at least the ones I had the opportunity to meet. Want the same things you do, work hard, and try to make it happen. Very generous people too. We had acorn, hanging chad, etc. and it makes me laugh. So let them be and argue the central point without personalizing silly attacks about their spelling etc. IDo you not find it interesting to hear their point of view. No different the barbar shop of the old days...people arguing different points of view. But don't personalize it.
Comes from the person, who never lived in Russia in the 80s or 90s when chaos ruled the country.
Somewhat confusing , somewhat critical, and inaccurate article. Putin was described as intelligent, analytical -so who would be better ? Democracy that we so often claim to have is a joke-we do not have freedom of the press, laws are being passed behind our backs, we are losing basic freedoms, we are bankrupt. Putin's Russia has a balanced budget as far as I know, spends only a fraction of what we spend on the military. Russia was devastated by war and 70 years of Communist slavery . In post -Communist area many new structures of doing business need to be developed-the incentives have been destroyed by years of Communist brainwashing, property laws are difficult to establish. What any post -Communist country needs is a steady hand that keeps the crooks away from national treasures, industries, that does not allow Wall Street or other foreign power like IMF to steal their wealth. The East European nations have been robbed and will pay the piper when their debts come due- I wish that they had their Putin. Unfortunately Soros and other money grabbers got an upper hand and killed their industries.Now, with the influx of foreign products the East European unemployment will grow and eventually will lead to social unrest like in Greece.
Maybe if we had Putin in the U.S. the Wall Street crooks would have gone to jail, the importation of slave labor products that killed American jobs would stop and borders would close so that we are not overrun by immigration. Since we are in a mess, borrowing money from Communist China to run our government who are we, or the author of this article , to say that Putin is not best choice to run his country ? Personally , I think he is just the kind of a strong individual that Russia needed and needs to develop . Russians are lucky in this moment of history and we, I am sad to say, are not lucky.
Somewhat confusing , somewhat critical, and inaccurate article. Putin was described as intelligent, analytical -so who would be better ? Democracy that we so often claim to have is a joke-we do not have freedom of the press, laws are being passed behind our backs, we are losing basic freedoms, we are bankrupt. Putin's Russia has a balanced budget as far as I know, spends only a fraction of what we spend on the military. Russia was devastated by war and 70 years of Communist slavery . In post -Communist area many new structures of doing business need to be developed-the incentives have been destroyed by years of Communist brainwashing, property laws are difficult to establish. What any post -Communist country needs is a steady hand that keeps the crooks away from national treasures, industries, that does not allow Wall Street or other foreign power like IMF to steal their wealth. The East European nations have been robbed and will pay the piper when their debts come due- I wish that they had their Putin. Unfortunately Soros and other money grabbers got an upper hand and killed their industries.Now, with the influx of foreign products the East European unemployment will grow and eventually will lead to social unrest like in Greece.
Maybe if we had Putin in the U.S. the Wall Street crooks would have gone to jail, the importation of slave labor products that killed American jobs would stop and borders would close so that we are not overrun by immigration. Since we are in a mess, borrowing money from Communist China to run our government who are we, or the author of this article , to say that Putin is not best choice to run his country ? Personally , I think he is just the kind of a strong individual that Russia needed and needs to develop . Russians are lucky in this moment of history and we, I am sad to say, are not lucky.
I have a difficulty posting this comment, why ? I pressed post-it blinked and was not posted. I pressed again and it said duplicate comment ,but this comment did not leave.I will keep punching till it gets through.
Whatever, who cares anyway.
Somewhat confusing , somewhat critical, and inaccurate article. Putin was described as intelligent, analytical -so who would be better ? Democracy that we so often claim to have is a joke-we do not have freedom of the press, laws are being passed behind our backs, we are losing basic freedoms, we are bankrupt. Putin's Russia has a balanced budget as far as I know, spends only a fraction of what we spend on the military. Russia was devastated by war and 70 years of Communist slavery . In post -Communist area many new structures of doing business need to be developed-the incentives have been destroyed by years of Communist brainwashing, property laws are difficult to establish. What any post -Communist country needs is a steady hand that keeps the crooks away from national treasures, industries, that does not allow Wall Street or other foreign power like IMF to steal their wealth. The East European nations have been robbed and will pay the piper when their debts come due- I wish that they had their Putin. Unfortunately Soros and other money grabbers got an upper hand and killed their industries.Now, with the influx of foreign products the East European unemployment will grow and eventually will lead to social unrest like in Greece.
Maybe if we had Putin in the U.S. the Wall Street crooks would have gone to jail, the importation of slave labor products that killed American jobs would stop and borders would close so that we are not overrun by immigration. Since we are in a mess, borrowing money from Communist China to run our government who are we, or the author of this article , to say that Putin is not best choice to run his country ? Personally , I think he is just the kind of a strong individual that Russia needed and needs to develop . Russians are lucky in this moment of history and we, I am sad to say, are not lucky.
I have a difficulty posting this comment, why ? I pressed post-it blinked and was not posted. I pressed again and it said duplicate comment ,but this comment did not leave.I will keep punching till it gets through.Back again , same problem of posting-will try to hit post again.
Why would anyone want to rule that long?
Does he think he is the only one qualified?
He has to stay in power to preserve his ill-gotten wealth. He is worht billions.
I smell A RUSSIAN Spring!
Here are some facts:
a) While Putin may have some excesses, it requires a strongman like him to govern that nation.
b) While oil & gas revenues have helped, nobody can take away credit from Putin & his astute policies for Russia’s economic revival.
Having said that:
c) Mr. Zakaria’s criticism of Putin, is NOT a reflection of any genuine concern for the Russian people, but is just a camouflage for his utter HATREDNESS for all things Russian given their stance on the Chechyan Islamic terrorist issue.
The same holds good for Mr.Zakaria’s disapproval (albeit cleverly camoflaged hatredness!) of the US (for support to Israel, FBI monitoring etc.), Europe (for not admitting Muslim Turkey into the EU, and opposition to Islamic radicalism), India (for its suppression of Kashmiri Islamic militants) and literally all over the globe wherever Muslim issues are involved……in line with his Muslim Ummah!
Also,
While Russians do have enormous expertise in several frontiers of technology often times rivaling the west– incl. in Space exploration, Defense industry, Nuclear energy, Ship building (ships, submarines, ice breakers) etc. nobody can deny our own interest in not only downplaying those achievements, but also preventing them from succeeding.
But Russia does lack economic diversity. In the long run, I think diversity pays. Without diversity, all those things that you said Russia is good at will vanish because they all need the support of a lot of other industry.
And your stance is spreading hatred against muslims. Why don't you change your screen name to Amit-Hindu-Indian nationalist. Why hide behing u.s
Who cares about all that claptrap? If the individual has knowledge and uses it for the common good, both in America AND in Russia, you are a good little citizen. What's wrong with helping the common good? What's wrong with helping the common man? .. There is nothing wrong with that. Only the malcontents, who are too stupid to take advantage of the assets of their surroundings will fail. Sailors at sea for decades have revelled in their independance from the worldly problems of the United States and the Soviet Union. If you work hard and smart, then you will prevail and you will be happy. If enough of us pull together, the governments, and their petty leaders: (Putin, Obama, et cetera...) are of no consequence other than a face in the history books. Leaders are human too.... provide them with what makes them happy and they will be happy too. Drinks at five! Join the international association of romantic couple swaps and the women will be happy too...
Russia = election w/o free press.
Guess, this is true in US too?
I was hoping to see Amit here. He is compelled to comment on every single Fareed Zakaria article, typically spewing hate against Fareed, his ex fellow countryman and Muslims in general.
Growing up in Russia in the 90s, I'll tell you one thing. It is Putin who brought the sense of stability to the country. Call it coincidental (i.e. oil prices sky rocketing) – but it happened. If you think the guys before him were 'democratic' – think again – nothing but corruption, wars, obscene behavior, and running country dry. Again, not to say that Putin is great, but he is definitely a lesser evil. Much lesser! Look around him – a communist leader, a truly crazy liberal democratic leader, an oligarch, etc.
One interesting observation – I've been watching Russian election coverage over the last few days and can't help but notice how skewed it is! It is almost as though it is fashionable to critic Putin and call him an monster, even compare him to Hussein or Chavez. Not a single positive remark. Monster, monster, monster. Did anyone for a second think of all the opportunists who give interviews to the western media? I haven't seen a single interview or an average Russian, say from Kostroma. Ask them how they feel! In true democracy a president will represent the people and not the 2% elite (intellectual or financial).
in a true democracy u dont tell Medvedev to take the lead for 4 years and appoint u PM and do as your told for 4 years then tell them to step down so u can come back for 8... that isnt democracy that is a dictator.... injecting fake candidates to into the race to diminish real opponents also....
Russia has an elected dictator.
I wonder what will happen if Putin dies (sorry, I am imagining the unimaginable). Are Russians going to act like North Koreans and crying their hearts out and thinking the world would end in a second?
I do agree.
Russia's situation can be compared with the Arab Spring with the ONLY CRUCIAL difference that after decades of communist rule, it will take a while for Russia to see genuine democracy, while that remains almost an unachievable task in most Islamic countries.
Until then, Russia surely needs a strongman like Putin to once again become an economically strong power, and stop it from further withering away as it did after the collapse of the USSR under weaker regimes.
And, also plz. check out my above response.
I honestly don't think Putin in power is necessarily a bad thing in the short term for the U.S. or the West in general, and not even for his own people, but his almost paranoid need to blame everything that is wrong in Russia on "outside influences" brings to mind the U.S.'s own McCarthy-era Red-baiting past more than 50 years ago. A strong Russia can help counteract the West's sometimes heavyhanded approach to nation-building, but that doesn't mean we have to be actual enemies instead of cooperating countries with sometimes different viewpoints. Unfortunately, Putin's own heavyhandedness towards internal dissent and blind-eye towards the slaughter in Syria are contributing to the West's distrust of him and his approach. I know, I know...the West also has a history of ignoring allies atrocities, but that doesn't mean Putin has to follow the same course. I actually agree with his idea of staying out of other countries business, but there are some times when governments and individuals have to stand-up to tyranny and violence against civilians. Negotiation and restraint is what Putin tells everyone to exercise in international relations, but doesn't seem to want to do internally. And as to your point about the average person vs the 2% elite intelligensia, isn't that the same argument that was made in 1917? I see that same argument being waged among the politically vocal left and right here in the U.S., and it does nothing but polarize people and stall any kind of forward momentum towards a more stable future for all of us. I'm not saying Putin is a monster, only someone that is all too human and needs to be watched like anyone that has that much power in their hands, like we should watch our own Western leaders and call them to task when needed. Of course, people here don't tend to disappear when they write bad things about their beloved leader...they just get blackballed from the mainstream press
I love all the posters not taking the issue at hand... Putin is a dictator by definition.....
He never left power and why did Medvedev not run again when he had another 4 years coming? Oh yeah dictator Putin told him not too OR ELSE....
where is all the uproar that Medvedev was a bad president??? well cuz he never was president Putin was for the last 4 years and the previous 8 and the next 8 eh...
Dear Russian Posters:
It is obvious that you think Putin is Russia and Russia is Putin. While this might be true in your twisted minds, in reality, Putin is just one person. When people start to think the leader is the country, the country is moving decisively towards dictatorship.
Enjoy!
honey, for how long did you think over this wisdom of yours? Is this the maximum level of your ironical potential? Pls try a bit more!
It's very clear that the name Fareed Zakaria is synonymous with "amateur arm-chair analyst"
Fareed, try making a statement without you ad-hominem attacks and straw-man arguments, I understand that is not what CNN wants but for the sake of journalistic integrity, come on.
Heh heh. Looked at all the ticked off Russian Putin fanboys posting. Gorby's the guy who set the USSR on the path to the 21st century. Putin is an ass.
Gorby is the man who doesn't dare now to appear in Russia. He celebrates his 80th anniversary in London. He knows perfectly well that his countryfellows will beat him up if he walks alone without bodyguard somewhere on the territory limited by Kaliningrad and Sakhalin island
Whether Medvedev or Putin is in charge I believe that Russia is in good hands both internally and diplomaticly. Russia may not be the industrial might as the US, but as Fareed pointed out, it is rich in natural resources and seems to be doing just fine economically. And as far as dimplomatic affairs are concerned, I believe the last time Russia meddled in another country militarily was in Afghanistan in the 1970's. Its just amazing that for a country that's as big and militarily advance as Russia, it doesn't go around the world flexing its military muscles and bullying little guys with its military hardware like the US and Israel. Well, kudos to Putin and Russia!
Fareed,
Your article has one giant hole in it: towards the end, you assert that "[Putin] doesn’t seem to understand that he is the source of many of those problems," then you go on to analyze the issues based on that assertion-premise.
Have you considered that Putin does, in fact, know PERFECTLY well that he is the source of those problems, but is willing to do or say whatever it takes to keep his stranglehold on power? Have you forgotten that his entire pre-political career was in the KGB when it was still the Soviet Union?
Come on, Fareed. Wake up. Putin is playing the system like a harp from hell, all the while (as the shrewd politician that he truly is) stepping back and "objectively and impartially" analyzing the issues that Russia faces.
To you, it may be obvious that he is the problem, but you are a sophisticated analyst of geopolitics. To the average, relatively uneducated member of the Russian proletariat, Putin is a type of savior working alongside the common man to repair the systemic corruption and issues of a nation held captive by invisible evil forces bent on destroying it.
It's the ultimate sleight of hand, Fareed. It's a chess match with no rules and limitless deception. And no one was better trained to do those things effectively than the KGB.
Putin could care less if the rest of the world sees his game; all that matters is that enough common Russians are deceived to keep him in absolute power. With that accomplished, the rest of the world can kiss his derriere, as far as he's concerned, because they'll be forced to negotiate with him anyway.
So perhaps you should rethink your assertion-premise, and utilize your appreciable analytical skills to take this angle into account. I think it's pretty close to unquestionable reality. And it's sad and tragic, both for Russia and for the rest of the world.
Well, perhaps the people of Russia are satisfied with Medvedev or Putin as their leader because they keep re-electing them to office. Moreover, that also seems to be the case with the other political figures in Russia who seem reluctant to present themselves as an alternative to the status quo.
Of course, no one with any idea on what's going on in Russia ever believed for a second that Putin gave up any of his real power behind the scenes. This is simply his fourth term, the one where he was Prime Minister, he was defiinitely still in charge.
With widespread election rigging charges, Russia is slowly slipping back away from Democracy.
I'm glad Putin is back, the west has someone that can put them in their place; there were no widespread election rigging in Russia, and there's not going to be a Russian spring either....
Mr. Putin doesn't seem to have any opponents of stature, intelligence or fame, that are able to mount any serious threat to his return. Control seems pre-determined and leadership a formality. It would seem many Russians feel he isn't that bad a leader.
I personally like how Zakaria says "he just doesnt understand that he is the problem". First he says how analytical Putin is, and how intelligent he is, and then declares he doesnt understand Russia's problem. It seems that after reading this article it only says "Im smarter than Putin".
If Putin really is that intelligent, we would be wise to pay heed to what Putin desires. Be wary and cautious, he probably playing us. Especially our current administration who thinks they are the most intelligent group on the planet.
I used to have a comment on this story, then I took an arrow to the knee...
Which brings me to this one, In America you can take an arrow to the knee and have the knee replaced with one twice as good. In Russia, they leave you kneecapped also replace your voting finger 10 times as good!
"very shrewd analyst" or "doesn’t seem to understand that he is the source of many of those problems", make up your mind, Fareed. Btw, even very shrewd analysts need some info for their analysis. It's widely known that Putin doesn't know how to open a web browser. We're talking about a country where internet is almost the only source of what's really going on in Russia.
i see people have diverse ideas about what is happenin this days. the onlyy reason why the people chose Putin is becoz there is no one else to choose. people of russia wouldn't believe other candidates and are scared. scared that they wouldn't repeat the history again(which lasted in default and chaos in 1990s) thats why. Russia has to do a lot in politics, economics, social ( specialy in respecting other nations and nationalities) aspects.
http://www.Hear-The-Truth.com
PARANOIA AND HATE, TOTALLY, FULLY ENRICHED BY THE DIABOLIC KGB.
THIS MAN IS A POWERFUL SATAN. HIS FACE EXPRESSION TELL US ALL.
POOR EARTH OF US.
How do elections in Russia affect you? you seem to be getting all feathered up, do tell, maybe your worry is legitimate. no worry, Russia will put you under its wing soon, Monroe doctrine shaking a bit.
A perfect answer to western hinduism, criminality around the globe to make every one their gentile, slave,
I guess it is over now. At least for now. Tomorrow, March 6, Alexey Navalny, Sergey Udaltsov, Ilya Yashin, Ilya Ponomarev and others will start serving their 15-day sentences for "making public nuisance" (or whatever it is called) and
in 15 days they will be out and back into the business of updating their Livejournal web pages. Business as usual.
This becomes now truly boring: all of them were let go and are already out after spending just a couple hours in monkey cage while policemen were processing paperwork. The opposition is left without opportunity to show their courage and even without opportunity to complain about the brutal non-democratic regime.
America is the root of all terror. America has invaded sixty countries since world war 2. In 1953, America overthrow Iran's democratic government and installed a brutal dictator. During Iran-Iraq war, America supported Saddam, which killed over million Iranian people. In 2003, America invaded Iraq and killed 1,000,000+ Iraqi people and displaced 4,000,000+ Iraqi people.
Now America is a failed state with huge debt. Its debt will be 24 trillion dollar by 2015.
Fareed is an american ass kisser , and by the way fareed sure needs a BUTTPLUG
The man isnt stupid. He won't let the west just come in and take over russia and turn it into a corporation. When your opponent is always trying to influence your nation and change your standards(lol, what they do to each other) no real business trust can be instilled long term. History shows dont try to take the russians down, you will lose. Putin I dont think wants world domination like some corporations, just wants Russia to be distinctive and respected.But what do I know.
At least the protesters in Moscow weren't sprayed with tear gas like American kids at the US Davie campus. They were given time for their free and lawful assembly, but then several leaders decided that leaving peacefully would not give them any publicity whatsoever. Have you read anything about their speeches BEFORE the 200 young "Spartans at Thermopylae" decided to take a stand?
You didn't follow these happy Spartans on the Twitters, did you? Well, I did. They were jubilant, they got exactly what they craved for – publicity. Mr. Analny, for example, twitted, "I am in a bus #2022. I wouldn't recommend to burn it, but slashing tires would be nice!"
Thats it? topic forgotten by ADHD
Who won?
Fortunately, majority of Russian people don't support Putin as North Koreans support their leader. They also see corruption, oil dependency and everything other that is propagandized in western media with such an euphoric onanism. But they have already been intoxicated with 1990s chaos as well as with soviet stuffiness. They want nothing of that. But they see what happens worldwide. They see Yugoslavia bombings with no reaction by reporters without borders (well-known for their "love" of russian press freedom) on journalists casualties during these attacks. They see Chechen separatists unleashing terror while OSCE hails democratization of Russia, and restoring peace in Chechnya while OSCE criticizes "russian terror". They see marijuana-democratic Afghanistan and bomb-democratic Iraq, They see happy free anarchy in Libya and nothing changed in orange Ukraine... At least Russian "pro-putin" TV don't show the whole spectrum of western cold war idee-fixes, as well as western media doesn't introduce the favorite Russian "opposition leaders" which are hardly kind democratic agni Dei. What can be Russian reaction? At least we can sleep peacefully under this "autocratic thief" Putin.
Yup, you are right Google is the finest in support of blogging, Googleis website as well come up to fast in search engines too.