Putin moves 'towards tyranny'
Robert Kagan, of Europeans are from one planet and Americans an other fame, has this to say about Putin's constitutional measures announced yesterday.Vladimir Putin, the aspiring dictator of Russia, has forced President Bush to reveal how committed he really is to the cause of democracy around the world.These are strong words which won't go down well with some people. Some people will say that 'Islamofascism' is a greater evil than Russian demagoguery and we have to make a choice between them, therefore we must choose Russian demagoguery. Some people will say that this is more liberal nonsense, and that opposing Putin's reforms puts you on the side of the murderers of Beslan.
Putin's decision on Monday to end the system of direct popular election of Russia's governors, and to have the Russian parliament elected on the basis of slates chosen by national party leaders he mostly controls, is an unambiguous step toward tyranny in Russia. It cannot be justified as part of the war on terrorism. Putin has had these plans ready for months. He is cynically using the horrific terrorist attack in Beslan as his excuse.
Ah well Some people will say anything.
posted by Matthew @ 9/15/2004 03:02:00 PM
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