From a young Russian journalist: "Why We Russians find Putin so great." Worth reading.

[DFW]

14. I give many hoots about Russia. Have been there, speak the language, have friends there

Plus, it's right down the road from me (globally speaking), and is (or should be) an important trading partner. Plus, environmentally, they're a wreck, and need help to preserve their vast wilderness and resources. Lake Baikal has 20% of the world's surface fresh water plus some unique (to the area) animals and plants found nowhere else.

Putin knows full well he has no military invasion to fear from the west. He surrounds himself with loyal money men, destroys non-loyal money men, and make uncomfortable journalists disappear.

A westernized Ukraine had an economic potential for Russia, but also a political liability. As a newly westernized trading partner, he could have gotten Russia richer by letting it happen. He could also have a westernized basket case slowly turn prosperous on his doorstep, though given the corruption in place, it probably would take the Ukraine longer than Bulgaria to get there.

I think the young woman is exactly right--it's for the glory, and making Russians feel proud to be Russians again. A good friend of mine was chief correspondent for West German radio news in Russia for 5 years. It was during the end of the Yeltsin years, when a comparatively young Putin was setting up his power play. He has a Russian girlfriend who visits here, but continues to live in Russia, where he spends his summers. He says the country is essentially a wealthy basket case desperately trying to convince itself of glory days that aren't--sort of what would probably happen to us if the Republicans had complete power for thirty years straight. Brandish a gun, wave the flag, I'm so proud to be (an American/a Russian--take yer pick).