RUSSIAN ROULETTE
We tend to get caught up in the political crisis of the moment, but that doesn't mean things aren't happening elsewhere in the globe that are worth a moment or two of your time. In keeping with a founding principle of this blog that it never pays to take your eyes of Russia for too long, I direct your attention to a recent sit down that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin had with foreign correspondents and academics.
Mr. Putin stated that he would not accept a climate change deal that did not include America and other big polluters, thereby positioning Russia solidly with India and China and other developing nations. Of course the fact that Russia makes a lot of money selling oil I'm sure played no part in his setting up Copenhagen for failure. Ah, how this brings back such warm memories of the Cold War. Where are today's John Le Carre when you need them?
But that wasn't even the breaking news. Putin allowed as how could be thinking about taking another run at being president. The Times of London summed up the potential political map of Russia thusly: "In 2012 President Medvedev and he would decide whether he should stand for a third term, he [Mr. Putin] said. If he did (guaranteeing victory), he would stay in office for six years and could then run for a further six. The world could still be dealing with President Putin in 2024."
And that, my gentle readers, would not be a good thing. Vladimir Putin longs for the good old days when Russia got some respect, you know what I'm saying. He reminds me of the character in Sin City who remarked that he had no plan, he just looked for opportunities. Just remember that his agenda is hidden in plain sight: the restoration of Russian greatness.
He is just what the world doesn't need right now, another little man with a big chip on his shoulder.
September 13, 2009
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Tags:
Vladimir Putin
Climate Change
