April 25, 2007

While most Russians appreciate the decline in crime and corruption over
the past few years, older people are noting that the methods used are
similar to those employed during the Soviet period. For example,
political demonstrations, both indoors and out, are strictly regulated.
In effect, they are discouraged. The government now controls most of the
radio and television stations, and has issued restrictive rules on what
can be reported, and how. Many younger Russians believe this is the way
things operate in the West, or at least in Western Europe. That's a bit
cynical, but not far off the mark for many countries. What does bring
the youngsters up short are the government attempts to regulate what is
said on the Internet. That does hit a little close to home for the kids.


April 23, 2007: The U.S. offered to cooperate with Russia on ballistic
missile defense, in order to overcome Russian objections to American
missile defenses being built in eastern Europe (to defend against
Iranian and North Korean missiles.) Russia refused, but the U.S. is
coming back with more goodies (technology, shared communications and
data). Russia is uptight about the East European efforts because many
Russians still resent losing the Cold War, and no longer being
considered a superpower. That's a wound that is difficult to heal.



April 21, 2007: After reaching $6.5 billion last year, Russian arms
exports look like they will be up fifteen percent, to $7.5 billion for
this year. Russia is becoming the arms seller of choice for those
looking for the best price, or a source that is not bothered by bad
press.



April 19, 2007: Russia and Georgia are still at odds over Russian
support for Georgian separatists. Georgia believes Russia is doing this
to maintain some control over the Georgian government. Most Russians, at
least unofficially, are inclined to agree. Russia is using this approach
with many of its neighbors, in a continuation of practices that are
centuries old.



April 12, 2007: Police in Azerbaijan arrested eleven men suspected of
being Islamic terrorists. The men had ties to Islamic terrorists in
Chechnya. The eleven men were followers of the extremist Wahhabi sect of
Islam. Wahhabis are showing up all over the region, thanks to decades of
missionary efforts paid for by Saudi Arabia (where Wahhabism originated
in the 18th century.)April 10, 2007: The government controls who gets
appointed to be the paid imam (prayer leader and administrator) of
mosques throughout the country. Taking these jobs is becoming dangerous,
for there are a growing number of more radical Moslems, who resent
moderates running all the mosques.

so,,,,,maybe we should just kick the shot out of saudi and be done with
the terrorist mess.

my nickle


doc