By Fareed Zakaria
A bold proposal recently caught my eye: One of Moscow's top academics says Russia should build a new capital city. This city would be far, far away from Moscow, 4,000 miles to be exact — in Vladivostok.
Why?
Well, the person who proposed the idea, Sergei Karaganov of Moscow's Higher School of Economics, wrote in a state-run newspaper that a capital in the far east would make Russia part of what he calls "the rising world" — closer to dynamic Asian economies and further away from an aging Europe.
The idea of moving a capital is not without precedent.
British India moved its capital from the coastal city of Calcutta to the more centrally located Delhi in 1911, and then created the city of New Delhi.
In the 1920s, Turkish nationalists moved their capital from Istanbul to Ankara, kick-starting rapid growth in central Turkey.
More recently, Brazil moved its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia, in the center of the country; and Kazakhstan moved its seat of government from Almaty to Astana to be closer to Russia.
It's unlikely President Vladimir Putin will want to follow suit. But he would do well to think about the underlying thrust behind the argument: Moscow needs urgent reform. Russia is not really a booming emerging market economy. It is an oil-rich kleptocracy where mostly everything else in the country — including the once-vaunted military — is in a shambles.
Putin often cites figures to show he has presided over a boom. The average Russian's income has risen more than seven-fold in the last decade, from 2,000 to 14,000 dollars a year.
Yet that statistic tells an incomplete story. Russia's growth has been uneven.
Moscow has 78 billionaires — more than any other city in the world. Those billionaires, along with others in the rest of the country, account for 20% of Russia's GDP. Far higher than any country.
That doesn't leave much of Russia's economy for businesses and the other 141 million people in the country.
The second problem is that Moscow's fate has for years been linked to crude oil prices. Data shows how Russian stocks have risen and fallen in step with oil prices.
According to Reuters, Russia now needs crude to trade at $117 a barrel simply to balance its budget. That number used to be $50 as recently as 2008, and $27 at the start of Putin's first presidency. Talk about a bloated state.
In part, Moscow's escalating expenses are a result of Putin's largesse, a policy designed to keep his electorate happy and keep him in power.
Rising crude prices have allowed Putin to maintain that system of bribery. But with global growth now slowing, he can no longer count on the same set of conditions for the rest of his presidency.
Instead, he needs to reform the economy. Private companies need the freedom and confidence to actually develop.
Russia has only one main bank — its people need a financial system they can trust.
Russia ranks 143rd in the world on Transparency International's corruption index.
To his credit, Putin acknowledges these problems. Shortly after his re-election, he spoke of improving Russia's rank in the World Bank's "Ease of Doing Business" list, from 120th in the world to a place in the top 20.
He also targeted raising investment from 20% of GDP to 27%.
But if those targets sound somewhat familiar, it's because he's set similar ones before — during his first presidency. And didn’t meet them.
This time, he not only has the economy to fix: he's also faced with an opposition movement with growing courage.
The Kremlin this week welcomed a new cabinet, but it's mostly full of mostly the same old faces. If Putin keeps the same old policies, his problems may only just be starting.
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Great idea. Let go of the past.
Moscow was made capital by Ivan III. Wassiljewitsch (1462-1505), In 1712 Peter the Great movd the capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg. In 1918 Moscow became once again the capital when the Soviet Union was founded. After the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989, it remains the centre of power.
Russia needs to diversify its economy and open up for skilled labour. Hence it has to convince foreign investors that the rule of law is respected and investments will be protected.
According to Russian News, Prevada, Siberia will be a new Capital. The reason are: more natural resources found in that place, it is places are well connected with the World. For near future, Russian born U.S Citizen, he planned to build Railway that will connect Three Continents: Alaska-Siberia-London. It could happened during President Putin era.
Intelligent to at least consider a move further away from the Eurozone and more towards emerging markets.
Moron. LIke geographic proximity of capital means anything important.
Did you pay attention to what Fareed was saying? Stay in school.
What on earth has Moscow to do with the Eurozone?
Sorry, Matt, but you appear to be just plain ignorant, or something worse. With energy prices rising to historically high levels, geographic location for all things is increasingly important.
Jimmy Joe Jim Bob
"That's right, I have four first names; one for each of my four fathers. Oh, and two of them were named Jimmy."
Sergey Karaganov made a point about the dynamism in the Asian North Pacific. For nearly a century Vladivostok has been known for its destination of the Trans-Siberian railway. Tourists either continue from here to China or take a boat over to Nippon. Now it is seen as the capital of the Russian Far East and always has a sense of myth for European Russians. In Soviet times the port was home to the country's Pacific Fleet and closed for visitors. The collapse of the USSR hit the city hard, but now Vladivostok – which is only 160km from North Korea – is experiencing a makeover ahead of the 24th summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (Apec) in 2012. Indeed Russians drive to China to shop, as it's cheaper there. Many women – approx. 60% of the population – learn Chinese and hope to find a husband in China or Korea. With a shortage of women in China, Chinese men come over to Russia to look for a wife. THE hotel there is called Hyundai, named after the South Korean car maker, a big business in the region.
I have strong doubt that Russian women in Vladivistok learn Chinese and want to marry Chinese or Koreans, however, everything else you have said has some merit.
That said, it should be clarified that, at first, despite the visible economic revival in Russian Far East, there is still net flux of population toward European part of the country. There is also a noticeable (in fact, pretty bald) influx of Chinese and Korean workers there, however, they come mostly as workers, mostly construction workers, also traders, but not as investors or businessmen.
The whole region (not just Vladivostok, but also Khabarovsk area) is officially set to be a priority development region, which means that it is in focus of attention of the federal government (i.e. Putin et. al.). In practice this means appointment of a special minister in the federal government (position created anew just now) to supervise Far East, and influx of funds. It is yet to be seen whether these policies bring some positive change.
I'm from Vladivostok.
It's very funny about 60% of women learning chinise in hope to find husband in china.
Things not that bad here )
AlexShch,
I seriously doubt that there are any South Koreans coming to work in Moscow in the construction. You might be thinking of Uzbeks or Mongolians.
AlexShch,I seriously doubt that there are any South Koreans coming to work in Moscow in the construction. You might be thinking of Uzbeks or Mongolians.
Maybe move Washington to Anchorage.
I agree with one telephone line.
Great idea move Washington to Anchorage. We will be able to see Russia from the House and Senate, and every politician will claim foreign policy experience.
What's been true about Moscow for centuries is still true: if you're not there, then you might as well not be anywhere. Which is why Putin would never for a second consider moving the capital one inch. And despite his attempts to make everyone believe his grip on power is absolute, his success is only a result of the power base he's built in Moscow. Hard to think they would still bow to him from 4000 miles away. No, I think Moscow will stay the center of power for a long, long time to come.
Just something that Fareed doesn't know:
Saint Petersburg was the capital of Russia for a long long time until 1918. So moving it again will not be a big deal.
Pretty sure a Harvard Grad. / anchor of an international policy show / editor-in-chief of an internationally acclaimed magazine knows that.
Don't mean to be condescending or start an argument, just have a great respect for Mr. Zakaria and his career.
Moving it back to St. Petersburg would not be a big deal, however, it is moving to the west and away from the center, contrary to what the article argues.
A big city closest to the geographic center of Russia is Novosibirsk. However, if you look at the map and weight Russian territory by population density, you will find that the center of gravity of Russia population is nearly perfectly aligned in Moscow.
Geographically and historically speaking, the western half of Russia (from its Western borders to Ekaterinburg) has radial structure with Moscow in the middle: all roads converge to Moscow; conversely, east from Ekaterinburg it becomes a one-dimensional: just a chain of major cities along the Trans-Sibirian railroad.
Then, what is the point of moving capital? Time differences? Russia a very large territory, so moving capital to Novosibirsk would be optimal from this point of view, but from the point of view of international relationship it is an inconvenience: imagine hosting a European meeting of some sort in Novorsibirsk? Let's see... Berlin is kind of center of Europe. The distance between Moscow and Berlin is exactly 1000 miles (or 1600 km). Berlin to Novisibirsk is 2700 mils (or 4400 km). So instead of two hour flight we are talking 5.5 hours. Same applies to London and any other Capital in Europe. In fact, this is the reason why Peter the Great decided to move Russian Capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg (with simultaneously expanding Russia to the west by taking a little bit of Sweden territory - proximity to Europe; No complains from Sweden are acceptable they behaving badly at that time any way).
Robert:
Sure, while no one doubts the credentials of Harvard & Yale are top notch schools, it's also a widely known secret that affluent &/or influential people do almost always manage to get in.
What I knwo for sure Mr. Zakaria does come from a highly influential & affluent Indian family with his highly educated BUT "Polygamist Islamic scholar" father.
I have read most of his articles over the past few years, and it's amazing to see how uninformed, baised Mr. Zakaria is on many issues.
I have written extensively on my former countryman highlighting several of them.
Here are just a few such statements:
In an article coincing with the 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, Mr. Zakaria laid the blame on Islamic terror INCLUDING that from Al-Qaeda as a direct result of US actions. He famously concluded in that article "THE DANGER IS FROM US AND NOT FROM THEM!".
More recently he said the troubles in ME (Iran and Syria) were BECAUSE oil was trading at $115 a barrel, suggesting that the US & West had a role in casuing trouble.
In an article last year on Egypt's democracy he MISHEVOUSLY suggested to the Egyptians to abrogate the Egypt-Israle peace treaty shamlessly calling it a treaty between TWO REGIMES,a nd NOT Two Peoples!
In a ceremony honoring him with one of India's top civilian honors he condemned India for its high handedness in Kashmir terming it MARTIAL RULE. Also, just as his father, he has many times said that free, secular, India treated its Muslims as second class citizens, just as he often says about Muslims right here in American too.
He has also praised the father of the Nigerian underwear bomber, and the parents of the VA 5 who went to Pakistan to train with Al-qaeda, when they informed the FBI about their childrens' activities. What he did not say however was that those kids had alreday made farewell videos, and the ONLY alternative the parents had to see their children alive was to inform the FBI!. In the process Mr. Zakaria ridiculed Americans for not giving credit to "so-called"moderates in the Muslim community.
There are just far too many such ignorant, biased, mischevous statements from Mr. Zakaria literally in EVERY SINGLE article of his. Quite often Mr. Zakaria says seemingly obvious things to capture the GULLIBLE MIND befoer going ahead with his agenda.
So, you need to read his articles carefully, often times paying attention to NOT merely what he says, but what he does NOT say at all.
Atlanta:
You obviously have some deep-rooted biases yourself concerning Islam and its treatment by the media. Having said that, and not wanting to create a futile argument concerning the contradictions and confusing methods of your argument, I respect that you have taken the time to lay out an argument towards Mr. Zakaria's apparent bias. However, if you yourself input your own bias opinion, not to mention 'gimmie' grammar (all caps, exclamation marks, etc.), then that makes you a hypocrite and flaws your argument completely.
I have read your rebuttal and my opinion of Mr. Zakaria, whom I have considered my hero since I was 14, has not faltered.
Amit, most of your arguments regarding Zakaria are self defeating. As all of Zakaria's assumption were based on logic something that someone blinded by national fervor against someone who crticized India for its high handedness in Kashmir would fail to understand. And rather than arguments you invoke anti-muslim sentiments you presume dominate the western culture and would grant credence to your arguments. But Sir no one cares of the racist ramblings you shower on this established scholar. Try to look beyond ideological denomination alone to make your arguments. It tends to make one appear as if an imbecile.
Considerable growth occurred from St Petersburg under Catherine the Great. and was called teh Age of Enlightenment.
St Petersburg where I have lived for 5 years and Moscow the current capital where I also lived do not need to be in any geographical proximity to any market whether is it regarded as emerging or already developed.
China is not the golden goose.
Remove all Western and European business from China and look at what is is fact.
I often read opinions about Russia in such forums, yet doubt any contributor has spent any time in any Russian geographical location; but these seem to prefer intellectual ascent over diverse robust experience.
Likewise I have never read positive opinion about Russia or any of the previous Soviet satellite countries and now read popular negative opinion of Europe- penned by obviously envious misinformed American armchair intellectuals.
Russian intellectuals are actually more concerned about their own lack of intellectual progress over the last 15 years, closely aligned to the fall of the Soviet Union, devaluation of their own unconvertible currency and their embrace of wanton consumerism.
Aside- consumerism is a great way to subjugate a country.
The idea to move the capital was achieved in Kazakhstan from Almaty to Astana somewhere around the turn of the century.
Muscovites will resist such a relocation in Russia and there will unlikely be any real support amongst the Russian people themselves.
Robert & friends:
Check out my resp. posted at 11:14 am at the bottom
Fareed seems to remain an old good anti-Putinist. Fareed’s strong obsession with this topic always charms me. This time his tone is much less aggressive than usually, but the repertoire is just the same
What makes you think Fareed doesn't know that? And what does that have to do with his arguement? Nothing.
Alex,
I think the point Fareed and his scholarly reference are trying to make is that in the grand scheme of things, Europe doesn't matter nearly as much as it did even a century ago. The far east is the driving economic force in that part of the world. If Russia wants to pull itself out of the economic funk it's been in for the last 20 years their Asian neighbors will be more able to spur growth than a stagnant and contracting Eurozone.
St Petersberg was not 4000 miles east toward the wastelands of Siberia, it was a couple hundred miles.
never gonna happen
To be honest, Russia is winning on US, when it comes to Solely created high-Tech. Look at their Scientists, they are Young and worry-free, comparing with US. We also use their Technologies that has been stolen by Jews and brought to US. They even don't dare about having Allies, while our Allies are more than 75% of the World.
However, there are still more future troubles hanging with US:
1) The Arctic issue,
2) The Missile issue,
3) The sophisticated and Mind bugler Space issues, that gave US unrest, not knowing, yet what Russia will invent,
4) The daily Worldwide games without Referee, Spy vs Spy hidden games,
5) The current new thought Russian Capital City, might force Russia to flex its muscle, whether its possible to get back Alaska,
6) Unknown future peace or trouble.
ethio: "We also use their Technologies that has been stolen by Jews and brought to US."
Oh look, a racist.
To be honest, I wouldn't describe the creators of the Sukhoi Superjet as "winning".
INo need to move the capital. Russia exists mostly in Asia after all.
Russians are Asians.
are you sure about that roundeye????????
Ukrainians, Tatars and Cossacks may disagree
))
There are many people groups in Russia who speak their own language although they do hold Russian citizenship.
During the time when the horde from the east pillaged European Russia- but of course it wasn't 'Russia' then, and the eastern Hun were eventually defeated.
That history itself is quite convoluted.
Europe and Asia are geographically divided at the Ural Mountains.
"russia is mostly in asia" – only the land. most of the people are in europe, and they are surely more european than anything like asian.
A state run newspaper? Well I guess we have party run news agencies such as democratically rum MSNBC and republican run Fox News. These to are probably just as fair and balanced as a state run newspaper.
I realize that Fareed is a part of huge propaganda machine of the Western media. He may personally dislike Mr. Putin or all the Russians in general. But regardless of personal likes and dislikes any serious observer and analyst, who claims to be professional, MUST respect balance and essential objectivity in any evaluation or description.
Interesting idea. Like a reboot for their entire country.
Here goes another nonsense article about Russia!
...yea, but note that the source is a Russian expert (not to be confused with a western expert on Russia).
I would be more specific: Another nonsense article from Sergey Karaganov. Yes, he did appear before on Fareed Zakharia suite and his previous article article was nonsense as well.
"...Moscow's escalating expenses are a result of Putin's largesse, a policy designed to keep his electorate happy and keep him in power." He has learned well from American and European politicians.
Russia appears to be more like a Chinese authoritarian state already, so I do not think moving the capital is necessary to obtain that designation. Asian economies are susceptible to the same rules as Western ones, and will eventually hit a wall, as well. China may be in revolution by 2050 or earlier if it does not drastically change its politcial system. Russia needs to end massive corruption and reliance on selling fossil fuels only to run its economy; not change its capital. If you are filthy in general, you can make even the newest city dirty.
How silly. Just because you move your capital to Asia doesn't automatically make you go through the same thing. The reasons for the economic improvements in Asia has far more to do with their history than where they are located. Most of Russia has developed well past the point many of these countries are striving for.
Actually it has far more to do with the U.S.
Unless of course you are counting that as ‘their’ history.
It's not going to happen.
I was thinking that it'd be a good idea if we did something similar in this country, though. The reason the capital was originally built in Washington, was because it was the center of the country at that time. 200 years later, Kansas is. I don't see that happening either though - too much history in D.C., and too many monuments.
Actually they should move the US capital from Washington to Los Angeles, after all the big media corporations, the film industry and the recording industry seem to have been exerting very heavy control over the government, look at all the bills concerning copyright infringement that take precedence over more important issues these days
From that way of thinking it could easily also be New York, Boston, Atlanta, or Dallas. All of them are big money either in media or investments.
Nice.
For psycologycal reasons, the Russians wont move the capital but that does not hinder them investing in vladivostok, making it a rising city. It´s very well suited geographically.
Moscow is the "heart" of Mother Russia.... St. Petersburg was the capital for a while (Peter the Great) but in 1918 Moscow became the capital again.... Russia may invigorate Vladivostok but Moscow remains Moscow –
H2O
The idea of moving a capital is not even without precedent in RUSSIA. Why use all those other countries as examples?
Vladivostok would make huge sense for Russia, although it would move them much further away from the United States, but much closer to China and Australia, who are almost becoming their new economic partners this century.
Maybe you should take a look at a map.
Martin made my day. Please look at a world map.
Maybe Vladivostok could become a sort of "Second capital", or an economic center? In Canada, Ottawa is our capital city, but most business runs through Toronto. Even here in BC, the provincial capital is Victoria but Vancouver is by far a much bigger economic and cultural center.
Look at the USA – Washington DC is the Capital but New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are really where it's at for business.
Good idea, but unfortunately, there is the constant Putin-Problem. If he isn't willing to cooperate with the majority of his population for reasonable democratic reform or diplomatically recognize that Syria is slaughtering their own people, I doubt that he would run with this bold idea, though economically reasonable.
Also, there is the culture aspect. The center of Russia has been in the Western Urals since the Golden Horde was overrun by the linguistic and culturally unified Russians, and even before with the river-rat Kievans. Such a bold idea could be respected, in theory, just as another famous Russian ideology (though rooted in Germany) was a good theory though not necessarily viable in practice.
Kleptocracy, where the government exists to increase the personal wealth and political power of its officials and the ruling class at the expense of the wider population, often without pretense of honest service.
How is this not Washington DC? I feel like the pot calling the kettle black.
It is, but do you think the media's masters would be very happy if they started using this word to describe America. I mean they've been calling it a "democracy" for how many years now when in truth the government is supposed to be a "republic". They did this so the people think that the majority can do whatever they want like in a democracy and that the rule of law "republic" takes a back seat. This is why America is the way it is today.
This sounds a bit like propaganda to me. All negative against Russia. I'd like to see a more 'balanced' approach.
It doesn't work, and it has been tried recently in the goold'ol US of A. Obama has moved the Center of Gov't to George Cloney's Residence in California, and it certainly has not helped the United States.
Al Capone moved from Brooklyn to Chicago, but he was still a criminal.
Strange that in retelling the movement of Capitals, Russia's other capital, St. Petersburg got no mention.
A poor History lession but an interesting economic tidbit on the manner in with too much concentration in wealth leads to a decrease in economic opportunities. True in Russia and true in America where we see an increasing concentration of the Nation's weath in fewer and fewer hands. Could this have anything to due with our high unemployment rate and a continuing lackluster economy?
He didnt mention St Petersburg
so i know more than him......
wha wha wha......
No one likes you.
His momma don't like him.
Hmm, interesting idea. Perhaps the US should shut down Washington DC and open a new capital in the central part of the country – maybe Dumas, TX
Sorry, we are in negotiations with Mexico to take Texas back.
It wont be cheap, those Mexicans drive a hard bargain.
NAH! It should be moved to Crawford where it was for 8 years.
What a silly article. It must be a slow news day.
Kiev was Russia's first captial, then Moscow, Saint Petersberg, and back to Moscow in 1918.
Thank you for that history lesson.
Here is a gold star to put on your...................
Why the obnoxious sarcasm you feral minded sack of troll filth. He is correct. Kyiv was in fact the first capital of Russia. The empire was called Kyiv Rus. Ukranians are the mother of all Russians.
Open a book, maybe you will learn something you prime candidate for suicide.
You are just a bag of douch. A USED bag of douch,
There was never a country called Kievan Rus and Kiev has never been the OFFICIAL capital of Russia, at any time. Russia has always been called Russia, Ruthenia, and other regional variations, all of which mean "Land of the Rus". Historians have SINCE referred to the first era in Russian History, which lasted from about 950AD to the mid-13th century, as Kievan Rus. Kiev was the most prominent city in Russia for most of the Kievan Era, but Veliky Novgorod, was more prominent at times, particularly early on. Neither was ever the OFFICIAL capital of Russia. Other cities such as Vladimir and Chernikov were also the most prominent for short periods, but again never officla capital. If one really wants to be a fancy-pants, one would claim Tmutarakan as the first Capital of Russia, as it was the seat of the Russian Kagan (Kagan is a form of the word "Khan" and is pronounced the same). The Kagan of Tmutarakan was the first leader recognized as the overlord of all Russians.
close
first capital was Novogorod
next moved to moscow.
The a frontier town outside moscow by Ivan the terrible.
then back to moscow.
(the czars moved the capital a lot)
then st.petersburg was built.
then back to moscow.
(but the summer palace in st,ptersburg remained a second capital.
then offically moscow under the soviets.
Probably happen about the same time we move our capitol to San Francisco.
That is a great choice and all for the right reason I guess!
Hilarious comments....
Breaking up Russia into other nations–forgetting for a moment the Vladivostok question– would make some sense from at least a managerial and economic standpoint.
We're talking about a corrupt and stodgy Russia. Putin is worth about $50 billion. Who would give up that wealth and control?
Russia is a cancer of inept rot, corroding the soul from any semblance of humanity. They should snuff out their own lights, such pathetic little creatures with animal teeth and beady inbred eyes.
Hello Farid! I must say I have never liked your articles about Russia anyway...I just wandered why you keep writing them. Now I see you have got some unhealthy fixation on the issue. That's a shame!
You probably thought that comment was biting and well written.
You've obviously never been to Russia. Russian women are the most beautiful women in the world, bar none. They are absolutely gorgeous and of all different types. The culture and the governments may be brutal, but there are many many thoughtful and caring people in Russia.
st. peterburg is a beatiful city.
And the Russian women get there looks from tehir viking heritage, combined with the people of the steppes when the viking (the Rus) conquered the land.
@ Potrzebie
What do you mean by 'brutality’ of Russian culture? The country had contributed and still is contributing a lot to the world culture. I don’t make an emphasis on some certain names, such as Poushkin, Tchaikovsky, Borodin, Prokofiev, Chekhov, Bulgakov, Aivazovsky, Tolstoy, Shostakovich, Pasternak, Stanislavsky, etc. I’m talking ‘bout Russian contribution by entire spheres of culture, like classical music, ballet, literature, theater, serious cinema. According to 2009 research conducted by UNESCO the leading nations who gave most of genius people to the global culture were: 1 – Italy, 2 – Germany, 3 – Russia, 4 – France/UK, 5 – China…………………
Moving the capital is a risky proposition... paying 1000 ducats and losing 4 stability? No thanks!
Pfft... the reason is obvious. Russia is afraid it might lose its' far east territories to China, a perenial fear. Now that China is gaining more economic and military power. Russia's grasp on the far east is even more tenuous. With the opening of arctic due to global warming, far east territories represent an ever more significant strategic significance. By moving the capital to the far east Russia can eliminate any possibility of the territory slipping from its' grasp.
This seems like a very shortsighted idea. So because one area of the globe has a slightly better ecomonic standing any a given time you're going to uproot an entire capital city? Following this logic, The United States would have had about 20 capital cities. Should we have moved our capital to San Fran in the 1800's during the gold rush? Would it have moved down the road to Silicon Valley now?
Impractical idea. There is no infrastructure to support it and no population there. Who are all the businesses going to hire? I doubt people will just relocate to Vladivostok. And what about all the colleges, theaters? It could be a business center like Tumen (for oil business) but it is too remote and lacks population to be anything else.
I heard the nature there is beautiful, though. Would love to visit.
Well, Saint Petersburg was a swamp before Peter the Great came in and put in the infrastructure and government facilities, which in turn led to population growth and church, temple, and museum construction (despite the hundreds of thousands of people perishing while constructing it). Peter wanted to set up a Northern seaport that wouldn't be iced over most of the year as well as a connection to the then booming European markets through the Baltic Sea. This idea parallels to the booming Eastern markets in China and S.E Asia. Though, I believe that this idea would never gain any traction in the current Russian political landscape.
Bringing up the point that Russia had other capitals in the past is neither nit-picking or showing off. It's a glaring omission given the discussion about other countries moving their capitals and the whole point of the article.
While until now I had not read anything about this Russian move to shift their capital, I am kind of skeptical of the reason provided by Mr. Zakaria given that the Russians have always been vociferoulsy demanding that they be called a European nation, eventhough over 2/3rds of the country is in Asia.
Having said that YET AGAIN the effort seems to be run down ther Russian people, its economy, and most importantly ridiculing Putin all iof whiich Mr. Zakaria rabidly hates.
Having said that 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.
c) 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.
Having said that:
d) 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 camouflaged 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!
Wow, so you just sound like a racists moron here, or do you post like this elsewhere too?
He posts racist hateful rants against everything Muslim and Pakistani. It is funny that I have noticed this person on any site that allows comments on stories and includes two words Islam and Paksitan.
Turkey is a secular nation in which the government does not have a religion. The percentage of religious Muslims in Turkey are about same when compared to the United States and Europe, majority of Turks live like Eastern Europeans and either non-practicing Muslims, or agnostic/atheist which is more of a trend with the new generation.
One simple example always explains Turkey. You can go toppless in a Turkish public beach while you would get arrested in the United States and many other countries for doing it. Rest is a joke. If you don't know Turkey and the Turkish reality, don't post biased opinions with prejudice, either visit or read to find out. Turks are among the first nations in the world to become secular, give women the rights to vote and get elected, far before majority of European nations even. Turks hardly ever produce extremists, you should learn to distinguish between Turkey and the middle eastern crowd to its east.
Diane:
Have you heard of the Armenian massacre or was that a lie propogated by the west?
Are you aware of the favorability ratings for America in Turkey? It's the lowest in the entire Muslim world even lower than in Pakistan! That's inspite of all the aid they recieve from the US!
Are you aware of this statement by SECULAR Turkey's Muslim leader Tayyip Erdogan "The mosques are our barracks, the domes our helmets, the minarets our bayonets and the faithful our soldiers..."
And, Yes you are right! Islamists flaunt Turkey, Indonesia, Pakistan as democracies and even as secular nations (even though Pakistan is nowhere being secular but PROUDLY ISLAMIC!). If we subject them to the standards of democarcy as we know in the west or India, none of these Islamic nations seem even remotely democratic. So merely having elections, or having political parties don't make you democratic, it has to go much deeper into minority rights etc. which the Islamists don't understand....... NOT even so-called moderate Muslims like Mr. FAREED ZAKARIA living right here in America.
There he goes ranting again. No post of this right wing Indian Amit from aTlanta is complete without mentioning Islam and Pakistan.
Fareed Zakaria is being too heavy handed on Russia for no reason. Russia had her own demonstrations and we in the West jumped into the conclusion that Putin is in trouble. However, when occupy wall street hit the US, no one said Obama or America is in trouble. I think we have the tendency to jubilate on any thing we perceive as negative occuring in Russia. For your information Zakaria, there is nothing happening in Russia that has not been seen or experienced in America. There is no difference between the way Bush won his elections and how putin won his elections. What you call bribery in Russia is referred to as 'bringing home the bacon' in America. Meanwhile, the so-called Transparency International, whose report you are gleefully using as a barometer for measuring a country"s fiscal morality, is nothing but Western dominated organization that will never ever publsh anything positive on Russia.. And lastly, if you think Putin is keeping his old guards and hence is going to see the "begining of his problems," then please forward that advice to American politicians. From the Clintons, to the Bushes, and Cheneys, this country is more adept at regurgitating politicians than the Russians. I know many people in the West have problem with Putin assuming the Russian Presidency again. But let us not forget that even countries operating under the cloak of Wesminter type democracies do not have an end to the numer of times a person can assume the mantle as the primus inter pares. If you have seen a speck in the eyes of Russia, please start by helping America to remove the log in its eyes before commenting on the Russians: You will certainly do this country a great favor. Finally, Russia moving its Capital will be no big deal for that country. Just check its history and you will realize its been done before.
I'm hoping Russia will move its capitol to the U.S. to kick start some economic growth there.
Gee, what a wonderful idea! Since Europe has nowhere to go but down, let's all move our capitals as close to Asia as possible! Who's for moving the capital of the USA to San Francisco? Hey, Canadians, dump Ottawa and set up in Vancouver! And Mexico, move Mexico D.F. to Cabo San Lucas! Poor Brazil and Argentina, they'll have to rent or buy space fron Chile...
I think if Russia changed capital it would give a new aura and growth to it. It sounds exciting and I think people would be more motivated to be part of a new beginning
The far east rising ? Besides china and India whom are really in no way innovators or contribute much at all in science and tech in compared to the west, in fact both are still very dependent on western markets… the east is handicapped and looks to be forever stunted and infected by islam, it is reasonable to except this part of the world to never have the mentality to evolve as societies and cultures. The advancement in this part of this world has solely been in partnership and adapting western models.
Yeah and USA is doing well? Loo kat the economy this is the outcome of Jewish parasitism and what they 'contribute" to west. At least China and Russia are not gagging b@lls deep just to appease a Jew leech, their economies are stable and their govt and media is not Jew infested drivel
.WASHINGTON, GEORGE, in Maxims of George Washington by A. A. Appleton& Co.
"They (the Jews) work more effectively against us, than the enemy's armies. They are a hundred times more dangerous to our liberties and the great cause we are engaged in... It is much to be lamented that each state, long ago, has not hunted them down as pest to society and the greatest enemies we have to the happiness of America."
BEAMISH, HENRY H. 20th century British publisher.
"There is no need to be delicate on this Jewish question. You must face them in this country. The Jew should be satisfied here. I was here forty-seven years ago; your doors were thrown open and you were then free. Now he has got you absolutely by the throat – that is their reward. " (New York speech, October 30, 1937)
HARRINGTON, LORD. 19th century British statesman. Opposed admissionof Jewish immigrants to England because:
"They are the great moneylenders and loan contractors of the world... The consequence is that the nations of the world are groaning under heavy systems of taxation and national debt. They have ever been the greatest enemies of freedom. (Speech in the House of Lords, July 12, 1858)
beat it
Anyone could dig up quotes to support anything… Zionist, joos lol look at the conniving that Saudi Arabia $ across the globe – makes Zionist look quite amateurish, the mid east living off the backs off the west off the oil buss the west built for them like glutinous swine that would make the Romans ashamed, a region of the world that make the Nazis look enlightened.. – kook
My quotes are easily verified, they are not unheard of just because they are censored by Jew maggot media. why complain about Saudis? they aren't thieving american peoples money by trillions they aren't manipulating US media for jew interests, so what if they have oil its their natural resource and nobody forces anyone to buy it and apart from that, they aren't using holohoax nonsense to extort billions and whitewash Jew crimes. why would Romans be ashamed they achieved everything on their own, its jew who is known as eternal parasite not anyone else.
WALTER CRICK, British Manufacturer, in the NORTHAMPTON DAILY ECHO, March19. 1925)
"Jews can destroy by means of finance. Jews are International. Control of credits in this country is not in the hands of the English, but of Jews. It has become the biggest danger the British Empire ever had to face."
WILHELM II. German Kaiser.
"A Jew cannot be a true patriot. He is something different, like a bad insect. He must be kept apart, out of a place where he can do mischief – even by pogroms, if necessary.The Jews are responsible for Bolshevism in Russia, and Germany too. I was far too indulgent with them during my reign, and I bitterly regret the favors I showed the prominent Jewish bankers." (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, July 2, 1922)
CARDINAL MINDSZENTY, of Hungary quoted in B'nai B'rith Messenger, January28, 1949
"The troblemakers in Hungary are the Jews... they demoralize our country and they are the leaders of the revolutionary gang that is torturing Hungary."
HILAIRE BELLOC, renown historian in G. K.'s WEEKLY, February 4, 1937
"The propaganda of Communism throughout the world, in organization and direction is in the hands of Jewish agents. As for anyone who does not know that the Bolshevist movement in Russia is Jewish, I can only say that he must be a man who is taken in by the suppression of our deplorable press."
HENRY FORD in (The Dearborn Independent, 12-19 February 1921
"Jews have always controlled the business... The motion picture influence of the United States and Canada... is exclusively under the control, moral and financial, of the Jewish manipulators of the public mind."
beat it, jew
Steven:
Everyone knows that the Jews are among the smartest, most capable people on the face of this earth........diametrically opposite to their leading adversaries the Muslims (12 million Vs. 1.8 Billion).
No wonder they control a lot of the sectors, Hollywood, Banking & Financial, Wall Street, and Washington.
No point being jealous my friend!.
And coming to the right of Saudis and the rich Sheikdoms to price gouge us into charging $115 a barrel for their oil, does it NOT make sense that we also charge them $50 a bushell for the wheat we sell them as opposed to $7.48 now? The Russians can't fill that gap given their own problems.
Also there are our flashy cars and a zillion other things that everyone in the ME wants!
Yes. it will definitely be a reboot for Russia's economy and probably a boot in Putin's butt, so that reform, rejuvenation, reboot, whatever can be a successl.
Putin still has an old cold war mentality and hints of Soviet autocracy. He is trying to climb back into the 21st century, but unfortunately, I think young Russians are not waiting for his mental rejuvenation. It has taken too long and showing no real results.
Nothing is happening in Russia's economy. They used to make money from crash prone airplanes and fighters and guns that explode in your face . That old trade is disappearing as fast as dictatorships around the world are collapsiing.
Putin has only oil in his backyard to keep Russians at large happy and dancing to the Vodka.
This idea seems quite retrograde to me... moving the capital city, and hence, the center of decision, was a good idea up to a century ago, because of time travel of men and news (english and french kings had news from the new world with months delay for example). But nowaday, I don"t see much the point of doing this.
One the other hand, creating new industrial and innovative center in Kamtchaka makes complete sense, because of short distance logistic with asia. But no need to move the governmental offices for that.
OOOkay pootin let's compare your billionaires to the United States BIllionair. I do believe the number for russia was 78 give or take, so this is what I'm sayin 1 Billionair in the United States is equivalant to the 78 Billionaires combined in russia give or take. You know what I'm sayinnnnnn pootin. I can't put myself in the count you know I'm a MULTI zillionair.
buuuiough.. boooigh booogh bloooeee bleee bla bla bla. really most of russia is asian territory stolen from those poor locals who once lived on the land . so then the thieves are just some ROMANIAN JYPSEY.... THAT CAN'T CLEAR THE VOMIT FROM THEIR MOUTH.... SO THEY WASH IT DOWN WITH vodka .. who cares where your capital was , is, or will be... all your stuff looks like the OTTOMAN TURKS BUILT THERE IN THE FIRST PLACE.
The Russians should look at the history of their own civil war. The White Russians controlled the east, while
the Bolsheviks controlled the heart of Russia. Guess who won? Vladivostok may be close to rising Asian markets, but it's very far from the heart of Russia.
GO RUSSIA GO IS IT REALLY A VERY GENIUS IDEAS MAN , AMEN .
IT CALLED THE BADDEST FENSHUI WIND AND WATER THE BEST THE GREATEST LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION EVER LET DO IT AND DO IT AND DO IT , AMEN
AND THAN NORTH KOREA WILL SOON BE YOUR OWN THAN NO PROBLEM LET DO IT MOVING ARE GREAT ALWAYS , BECAUSE IT IS CHANGING THE HUMAN WASTE AIR AND THE HUMAN URINE AIR A LOTS TO IT TO TRANSFORMATION ON THE CLEANER FRESH AIR , AMEN .
Wouldn't it make much more sense to have the capital be in Central Russia? Like one of the cities in Krasnoyarsk Krai?
Part 1 of 2 ( I need to split up my response as I see that my long comments automatically go in for moderation!)
Robert & Friends:
Firstly, I don't want to disrespect your opinion on Mr.Zakaria whom you see as your "HERO"!
But, may be b’coz, I don't have any such heroes, and am aware of my own biases (which BTW, is NEVER far from logic!) I can see through peoples' opinions MORE objectively.
And, on your comments about my grammar, and use of caps and exclamatory marks, I must say that even though I am from India (just as Mr. Zakaria is) and English is NOT my primary language and happens to be just one of the 7 languages that I can speak (fluently-5, Read/write-3) I am quite capable of writing some good English. May be I don't care to do it here, only b'coz I have limited time and oftentimes do not proof read/spell check, as nobody pays me to blog!
Also, I believe, given that most readers just visually scan through the hundreds of responses, it makes sense to use caps and exclamations when you need to emphasize something. I believe you know a bit about speed reading yourself!
On your and other reader’s comments that I am biased against Muslims in general, I must say that may indeed be somewhat true. But being a Hindu myself, I should be biased against everyone who's NOT my type, right? On the contrary like MOST Hindus I respect all other religions (with the exception of Islam) – Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, Bahai, Zorastrianism, Sikhism etc. nearly as much as my own.
On several issues between my religion and others (including on Casteism in Hinduism) I support the others! Likewise, being thoroughly independent & objective minded I support causes that are not my own. That includes my principled opposition to the Iraq war on totally false pretences, the ongoing war in Afghanistan (made worse by the Pakistanis!) etc. But, going by your logic, I must be rejoicing given that 100’s of thousands of innocent Muslims have been killed (NOT to talk of the 10’s of thousands of our own brave soldiers either killed or maimed for life), right? Rather I deeply sympathize with their families!
....to be contd
Robert Cole and Others:
Those of you who believe anything that comes from a Harvard & Yale grad must make a lot of sense.....read this book from a Pultizer Prize winning author.
"The Price of Admission" by Daniel Golden.
Here's an intro:
"Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter Daniel Golden argues that America, the so-called land of opportunity, is rapidly becoming an aristocracy in which America’s (and also the world's) richest families receive special access to elite higher education—enabling them to give their children even more of a head start. "
"Based on two years of investigative reporting and hundreds of interviews with students, parents, school administrators, and admissions personnel—some of whom risked their jobs to speak to the author—The Price of Admission exposes the corrupt admissions practices that favor the wealthy, the powerful, and the famous."
Robert Cole and Some other Friends!
Talking about career/followers.....the all-knowledgeable (ask Katie Couric!) Sarah Palin has millions of (blind) followers and a great career as a Governor too!
Islame is lame. Oops. Sorry wrong thread.
Robert-Cole:
Here's another thing Mr. Zakaria said on John King USA around Feb 17th.
"Syria is a landlocked country”!!!!!!!!
Mr. Zakaria is very busy man. He has no time for facts. It is OK. Just do not let facts get in the way of your beliefs!
Justus Ndiritu Posted on I am a Kenyan graduate in BSc. Physics and Mathematics and have been wnitiag for such an opportunity since I am financially incapacitated and cannot afford my master degree. Is it possible for me to apply for this particular scholarship? Kindly reply.warmest regardsJustus
Part 2
Dear Friend Robert Cole:
I must also tell you that some of the journalists/columnists I admire most are NOT from my native India, or adapted homeland America, but a country I have least respect for – Pakistan!
Just FYI – most of these Pakistanis GEMS are Muslims! Please go to Pakistan's #1 newspaper Dawn and read ANY ARTICLE by Irfan Husain, Nadeem Paracha, I A Rehman, Kamran Shafi, Pervez Hoodbhoy, Cyril Almeida, Ardehsir Cowasjee (all Pakistanis) and NOT from my own Indian contributor Jawed Naqvi.
Again I need to split up my responses as the site has some restrictions (most likely designed for critics like me!).
....to be contd.
if Russia is going to do this them some one needs to call the ruskys Putin boss man and tell him to call chinas boss man an tell him that yes the china wall can make a good new city 4 a new cappital 4russia an ruskys r going to by it this way CHEN CAN GET RENT ON HIS OLD HOUSE SO THAT THERE IS NO MISS UNDERSTAND china pay up CHEN IS WATEING FOR HIS RENT.PNM.
what language are you speaking, pal?
Now Russia remember china lost its spak of decency apond it's 1st. Gov. An has had none sinces I no I was thare look china it may not of blowe to fare it most likely could be under the china wall RIGHT RIGHT.PNM.
Now Russia remember china lost its spak of decency apond it's 1st. Gov. An has had none sinces I no I was thare look china it may not of blowe to fare it most likely could be under the china wall.pnm.
If u do this Russia u should put the London berg a one berg going out n COMEING in ticket eny life4ms COMEING in.pnm.
They consider themselves Europeans, not Asians. It's like 9 timezones away.
It would be like moving DC to Guam.
Ykaterinberg is nice, though.
Attenborough:
You are absolutely right on Mr. Zakaria's utter dislike of Putin........BUT it goes a lot further!!!!.
Check my resp. of May 29th above posted at 6:26 pm.
Central location makes sense for a national capital, perhaps they'll move it.
The US should consider doing something similar, perhaps abolishing Washington D.C. altogether, (or keep it as a historical site) and move the capital somewhere more central, like perhaps near Lebanon, KS... (which is 2 miles away from the geographical center of the continental US) would make more sense than having it right on the coast. It hasn't made sense to have the national capital where it is now since the Louisiana Purchase, and it DEFINITELY has not made sense since the Civil War. The whole reason it was put there was as a concession to those inbr... to the South. When they left, there was no longer a need to have it there, and now it's just such a heap of trash in so many ways... leave it, I say, and move the capital closer to the rest of the country, that'll give us a chance to rebuild our government physically, and maybe inspire more people to participate and care about what's going on in our central government.
Zakaria, Its " maskau", not " moskau". I have been to Russia a few months ago ( in a central part). People are doing better there then in US now. So stop lying. Talk about problems in your country. In US they dont even fix roads anymore , since theres no money.
Russia? Or just Moscow. Have you been to DC? Lots of money there too.
Babylon maybe???
Far east is a house of cards. Its life depends upon western consumers.
Zakaria – finally the article that makes some sense, although as usual you are so clueless about the Russian history and culture to support the idea of moving the capital from Moscow to Far East.
They should just rename Moscow to Putingrad and get it over with.
samuel c samuel Posted on I am a nieirgan that has just completed my secondary school level and would like to study Computer Engineering/Electronics Engineering in Korea through scholarship.this is because korea is the largest producing electronics and my parents are poor and can not afford the morney to sponsor my academic carrer so,how can i accomplish my dream? kindly reply.
kleptocracy? Does that mean everyone in power in Russia is a kleptomaniac?
Considering that this country is governed by corporate plutocrats one after another...so, what is the real difference?
Seriously another capital? You can't be kidding me brotha.
Sorry I meant brother
Zakaria, Putins targets didnt work out just cause US greedy Wall Street gangsters ruined world economy in 2008, not cause Putin failed. Its amazing how unprofessional your articles are.
The Russian economy has been in shambles for decades.
The writer neglected to mention that Vladivostok is every bit as corrupt as Moscow.
You all suck – the capital of Russia should be Washington DC
Even with the history of success with this particular strategy, Russia is going to need to do a whole lot more to even begin fixing their problems.
CapitOL, not capitAL. Fareed, how did you manage a Ph.D. in Political Science at Harvard??
hmm...upon searching, it seems that I was wrong on this one...capitAL can be used to refer to the city, even if capitOL refers to the government buildings...my apologies
Someone has been watching the fall of the European empire and knows how to put Russia on a winning track. The rest of Asia would help the Russians become a more independent economic power and visa verse. With all the mineral resources in the Russian landscape and the abundance of labor in China, Tibet, Indonesia, it is a global game changer for all concerned. Both the Russians and Asia have vast tech know how and can use that resource to serve notice to the rest of the industrialized world. Asia could in a short time become the economic engine of the entire planet. But so much for prognosticating.... Time will tell if the Russian hierarchy will cut its ties to the west and favor the promises of the east.
Mathhew:
I admire your honesty!
Having said that you are still not way off!
Some of the readers here believe I am here just to criticize my former countryman from India. That’s not so, one has to just read his articles carefully to see how far off the mark he really is on many issues.......often times deliberately (especially when it comes to any issue that REMOTELY impacts his Islamic faith), and many other times b'coz of what can ONLY be termed as a genuine gap in his knowledge & understanding.
I have also shown instances where he has straight away lifted material from others, added his own spin and republished....even if he has acknowledged the source of his inspiration.
....to be contd.
On a previous post, someone said Russians were Asian. That is incorrect, the word Rus means Viking. Hence Russian, albeit with 1000 years of breeding included.
"coastal city of Calcutta to the more centrally located Delhi" When did Delhi become central location to India ?
Russians see themselves as European and this idea would never be accepted. Saint Pete's maybe.
Asia is more dynamic because they pay people little and offer little in human rights. With the exceptin of a couple of democracies in Asia, who would choose to live there? I am betting on the West.
Maybe we should move DC to Alaska.... That way it's location would at least reflect on how out-of-touch Washington is with the rest of the country...
Confucius must ask, " Why, if Russia kleptocracy and all in shambles including military, US always kowtow to them?"
I think that we should do the same here, move the capital to the centre of England........ Further away from the euro-zone and no more north, south divide.
In Soviet Russia, capital come to you.
"Russia has only one main bank — its people need a financial system they can trust."
Hey! So does the US!
alot of vacant land around the Prypiat area... wouldn't even have to install streetlights...
Other than having to move the embassy, why would this matter to the US?
LOL. Fareed is such a non-journalist.
Russian history is based in Moscow, moving the capital is a lame idea..learn something first about the topic you write on Fareed...I know its CNN but this is just lame.
Move it to St. Petersburg
it depends to the Russians . they agree or not ,
Move it .....and loose Putin in the move ........ Charles Bowen Solomon Stone
After he is done in office,they can rename the capital "Putingrad"
Pat, I want to know why you are not at the Bilderberg Meeting or even reporting on it? Why as a Christian, are you not standing up to this evil in this world with Prayers & Leadership, shining Gods light on their Darkness being executed in secret right now as the Global Agenda?
You should be rallying people peacefully to be there with the protesters and leading them in prayers for this world and Country, and binding up the Principalities and Powers of Darkness as they discuss our demise right in your own backyard. Why is there not even a whisper of this event coming from CNN and who do you really stand up for, the Globalists or God? Shame on you!
Do the U.S. and Canada need to move their capitals to L.A. and Vancouver to participate in trade with the Pacific nations? No. The location of the capital city should not matter in a modern, well-governed nation. It only matters in countries where the economy is controlled by political patronage. That's Russia's real problem.
We had a Governer who said I can see Mr Putin in my backyard, but actually what happend was once she heared her Daughter screaming PUTIN PUTIN she thought its Mr Putin but after her daughter got pregnant and she realized it was her daughter telling her boyfriend to PUT IN, and rest is history.
the people of the russian far east for decades have been trying to convince moscow to put more development into vladivostok and the surrounding regions. so far, it has not come to pass.
This is actually the smartest thing I've heard come out of Russia since Tetris.
Russia is large enough to have 4 or 5 capitals, or main cities, or economic zones.
Putin's days are limited. The murmur against his dictatorship is growing louder than before. Many potential techocratic entreprueners have been unfairly sidelines so that Putin can continue his ridiculously poor handling of Russia's once opulent wealth.
Russia is now relying mainly on the sale of oil, which Putin got special concessions from former Arabian dictators. In exchange for that, Putin supplies these murderous dictators guns and planes to kill innocent citizens or to keep them in check.
Signs of a fast declining Russian economy -
1 – Russia's top central banker, Sergei Ignatyev, warned on Wednesday that capital flight is a "serious problem," as newly released figures showed $42 billion has left the country in the first four months of the year. (wsj 4 Jun).
2 – Oil production in Saudi Arabia rose to 9.923 million barrels a day in March, from 9.853 million barrels a day in February, overtaking Russia as the world's largest producer for the first time in six years.
3 – BP maneuvers for a tricky Russian Exit. The oil major's sudden decision to put its 50% stake in TNK-BP up for sale could herald its exit from Russia, and end its fraught relationship with its partners.
Signs of Putin getting a boot to his butt, before 2015 -
Popular support for Vladimir Putin's government continues to erode and Russia could see a full-blown political crisis before he finishes his six-year presidential term, according to a new report from an influential Moscow think tank.
"The erosion of confidence can't be stopped," Mikhail Dmitriev, director of the Center for Strategic Studies, said in an interview on the eve of the report's public release on Thursday. The study is being closely watched because Mr. Dmitriev's center was the only major one to accurately predict early last year that support for the regime was plunging and that it would face a crisis as early as December's parliamentary elections....."
(Gregory L White)
Move the capital to Vladivostok? Maybe that's why the US is moving its naval carriers to Asia and the Pacific Ocean.
Perhaps a trade and business capital in in Vladivostok and Moscow will remain governing capital, Fareed ?
All things are possible in this age of speed-of-light information technology transactions. I also think humanity could use a whole bunch of new cities not just in Russia, but all over the globe. Don't ask who will pay for it all, though !
Move the USA ca[ital to Kansas while they are at it.
It would be a huge improvement over the corrupt NY DC corridor.
Seven billionaires control 20% of the economy? This means that Putin needs to ax a few more billionaires. It's been a long time since he got the last one. Putin must be getting itchy anyway. Eenie meenie minie moe.
Putin probably wants to one of those billionaires.
The name of the new capitol will be ( Syria )
maybe the us should move its capital from Washington D C to somewhere in Iowa to be closer to the corn
Great list, very interesting especially the one on the Manifesto which sparked something. Thanks for the good advices.nike air jordan 1 dmp pack
Hmmm interesting, moving their capital in east asia. Maybe we should move our capital closer to Asia to Los Angeles......haha no maybe not
farid zakaria, how can you prove that putin is providing shelter to a bribing system, this article is full of shameful hate, what do you want a casino economy and riches made in stock exchange, this is utterly discusting and shameful article by a very very biased person
first worry about your own system which is on the brink of disaster, people like you are dragging usa to near disaster situation by distracting people attention and focus on weakness of others. americans should be aware of people like him who do not speak of americas problems.
he will never talk about russia`s good things, like stability, public systems, just they want denationazation of russia natural resources.
Another foolish article by the author. Moscow is the most convinent place for capital of Russia. It has moderate climate compared to Vladivostok, has the author been to Vladivostok in winter??? Moscow is very well connected (especially with Saint Petersburg) & is easy to access from most countries. It already has very good infrastructure in place.Moscow defines Russia.It is near Ukraine and Belarus which helps Putin to keep an eye on these places (remeber his motor bike trip to Ukraine or his visits to black sea resorts). Imagine travelling from Delhi, Berlin , London or Kiev to Vladivostok??
What about the time zone gap between Moscow and Vladivostok?? Would you hear a morning news from Vladivostok during dineer in Moscow???
Infact it makes sense to economically develop places like Sochi, which is what Putin is doing (Winter Olympics) as they have excellant weather & reduced start up costs for running business (lot of saving on heating & electricity & good roads and transport in winter due to lack of snow).
Putin seems to know what the cure is – arrest the Jews who've come in to ruin the country and return Russian wealth to the people and the state.
Putin seems to have the answer already – arrest the Ashkenazi Jews who've come in to ruin the country and return Russian wealth to the people and the state.
Helpful info. Fortunate me I found your website by chance, and I am shocked why this coincidence did not happened earlier! I bookmarked it.
Cuidado com a propaganda ocidental anti-Putin. O homem devolveu o orgulho aos russos.
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