Will the Meek Inherit Russia?
In his decade in power, Vladimir Putin has consolidated and strengthened the security forces, intimidated and jailed opponents, and muzzled the media and courts. But if he doesn’t step down or aside so that Russia can move forward, the system he has created may turn his own methods against him.
MOSCOW – In a recent interview, Russia’s President Dmitri Medvedev proclaimed that he wants a second term in office following the 2012 election, but that he would not run against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who put him in power in the first place. Such a rivalry, Medvedev implied, would damage the country’s well-being and image.