For those of you wanting excellent insight in to how and why the Kremlin and Putin are acting like this seriously download and listen to this four part documentary podcast by the BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/02/080204_kremlin_part_one.shtml
Its gives an excellent and informative background dialog as well as up to date current affairs on the matter.
Skeptik I really really suggest you listen to this. Cara, might also make interesting listening to you to give you more perspective on that discussion we had about him
This podcast, "After the cold wars" is also very good.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/02/080221_after_the_kgb.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/02/080204_kremlin_part_one.shtml
Its gives an excellent and informative background dialog as well as up to date current affairs on the matter.
Skeptik I really really suggest you listen to this. Cara, might also make interesting listening to you to give you more perspective on that discussion we had about him
This podcast, "After the cold wars" is also very good.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/documentaries/2008/02/080221_after_the_kgb.shtml