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He is clear about Russia's role in the world. He is passionate in his belief that the dissolution of the Soviet Union was a tragedy, particularly since overnight it stranded 25 million ethnic Russians in "foreign" lands. But he says he has no intention of trying to rebuild the U.S.S.R. or re-establish military or political blocs. And he praises his predecessors Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev for destroying a system that had lost the people's support. "I'm not sure I could have had the guts to do that myself," he tells us. Putin is, above all, a pragmatist, and has cobbled together a system—not unlike China's—that embraces the free market (albeit with a heavy dose of corruption) but relies on a strong state hand to keep order.
What gets Putin agitated—and he was frequently agitated during our talk—is his perception that Americans are out to interfere in Russia's affairs. He says he wants Russia and America to be partners but feels the U.S. treats Russia like the uninvited guest at a party. "We want to be a friend of America," he says. "Sometimes we get the impression that America does not need friends" but only "auxiliary subjects to command." Asked if he'd like to correct any American misconceptions about Russia, Putin leans forward and says, "I don't believe these are misconceptions. I think this is a purposeful attempt by some to create an image of Russia based on which one could influence our internal and foreign policies. This is the reason why everybody is made to believe...[Russians] are a little bit savage still or they just climbed down from the trees, you know, and probably need to have...the dirt washed out of their beards and hair." The veins on his forehead seem ready to pop.
Originally posted by Rockpuck
I can't believe that there has been so little intelligent conversation on this topic.
Originally posted by Rockpuck
What? .. Illuminati "praising one of its own" ..
Incase you did not know, Russia is at odds with most of the Western world.. Ohhh thats right.. just another lie told to us to make us believe that in reality all the differences are fake? ..
I can't believe that there has been so little intelligent conversation on this topic.
Originally posted by runetang
I thihk Putin has exerted more control over people AND money combined than any other man on the face of the Earth this year. He is basically getting away with a Carebear-style "under the rug" dictatorship in the footsteps of people like Stalin, though much more Carebear-style at the present.
Originally posted by Skyfloating
And also...not many people seem willing to look into foreign countries. To make the whole world "easier to grasp", lets just label it all "Illuminati"