Quote:
Originally Posted by Boreas
Precisely. You gotta admit though that it was a stunt reminiscent of the Politburo at it's most cynical.
And Putin didn't return the favor by letting Medvedev term limit out. It was one term and out for old Dmitry, just long enough for Vladi to "reset".
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My thinking:
Dmitry was too western in his outlook, too western trusting.
Putin is still embittered that the west took advantage of Gorbachev and Yeltsin.
Vlad believes that the west ultimate aim is to balkanize Russia. To assist in countering that he is re-introducing religion as a unifying force. Not just any religion, but religion which is tied to Russian history and culture.
The latest is the erection, near the Kremlin, of the huge statue of Prince Vladimir with his
cross and sword.
Note also the building of new Orthodox churhes (200 in Moscow), prominence of Patriach Kirill and the officialdom given to Easter celebration.