Putin Intelligencer 2009 January 6

Culture & Socialist Economy
Putin has announced he will personally oversee initiatives to develop Russia’s domestic film industry (Holdsworth).

Economic Bailout
Putin has promised government aid to 1,500 companies effected by the economic downturn (Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid).

Presidency
Legislation that would extend the Russian presidential term has taken another step toward approval. Speculation continues that this could open the door for Putin to return to the presidency, possibly for 12 years (Levy).

Sources
Holdsworth, N. (2008 Dec. 15). Putin takes charge of local film industry. Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997388.html?categoryId=19&cs=1, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 22). Is Putin getting an opening to return as president? International Herald-Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/europe/russia.php, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid. (2008 Dec. 16). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1009/42/373182.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Russia Intelligencer 2009 January 6

Banking & Financial Crisis
State-controlled Sberbank will offer payment deferrals to individual borrowers who experience income disruption (Meeting with Putin).

Culture
Hundreds of items are missing from the Hermitage museum, apparently from theft, though the institution’s director says many of the artifacts were of little value or have been missing since World War II (100s items missing).

Military & Nuclear Weapons
Russian officials announced they will be commissioning 70 strategic nuclear missiles in addition to other military equipment (Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles).

Nationalism
Immigration into Russia has sparked activity by nationalist groups, with little opposition from the government, though members of a skinhead group were recently convicted of racially-motivated, violent crimes (Clark).

Opposition Parties, Trade and Censorship
Russian democratic parties met earlier this month in St. Petersburg. Loosely unified under the title of Solidarity, the organizations still differ in their opinions on participation in elections and opposition to nationalism (Chernov).

Though not a party, drivers in Primorye region took to the streets—in cars—to protest tariffs on foreign cars put in place by the Putin government. The protest did not sway the government. Riot police arrested over 100 people. In much of the world this would be news, but it wasn’t covered by the state-owned television stations (Abdullaev & Mereu; Malpas & Antonova).

Socialist Economy
Even though the government cleared mining company Uralkali in a mining accident that created a sinkhole, but caused now injuries, it may still levy heavy fines on the company and attempt to take it over (Levy).

Sources
100s items missing from Russia’s Hermitage. (2008 Dec. 8). Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2008482841_apeurussiamissingart.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Abdullaev, N., & Mereu, F. (2008 Dec. 16). Far east drivers get leaders to listen. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373168.htm, accessed 2008 Jan. 6.

Chernov, S. (2008 Dec. 9). Democrats meet to form joint program. St. Petersburg Times. http://www.times.spb.ru/index.php?action_id=2&story_id=27788, accessed 2008 Dec. 11.

Clark, T. (2008 Dec. 15). Russian skinheads get up to 20 years in jail for 19 murders. Bloomberg. http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601085&sid=aAyge8hOY0PE&refer=europe, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 8). Russia my use accident inquiry to take over mine. Austin American-Statesman. http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/world/12/08/1208russia.html, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Malpas, A., & Antonova, M. (2008 Dec. 22). Primorye protests don’t sway putin. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/373322.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Meeting with Putin, CEO says Sberbank to give a break on loans. (2008 Dec. 22). PRIME-TASS. http://www.prime-tass.com/news/show.asp?topicid=60&id=449592, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Russian to get 70 nuclear missiles in 3 years. (2008 Dec. 22). Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hE_-OiPRaNN8o4Pov7KcF87YZtgwD957TOS80, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 December 3

Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States, Venezuela
Russian and Venezuelan naval vessels will be participating in join war games the Caribbean Sea. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will also be visiting Brazil, Venezuela and Cuba. There is speculation that Russia may establish a naval base in Cuba as a response to U.S. support for a missile defense system in Europe (Halpin).

Energy and Foreign Affairs: India
India is approaching Russia on coordinated energy development (Deora aims to open door).

Sources
Deora aims to open doors to Russian oil. (2008 Nov. 25). Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Business/Deora_aims_to_open_doors_to_Russian_oil/articleshow/3752968.cms, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Halpin, T. (2008 Nov. 24). Russia challenges US dominance with Venezuelan wargames. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article5225275.ece, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 December 3

Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States
Putin hinted that Russian missiles in Kaliningrad could “disappear” if the U.S. dropped support for a missile shield in Europe. The subject could come into play in negotiations over a nuclear arms treated that will expire next year (Putin offers to end stand-off). Putin continues to express his opposition to NATO expansion (Putin voice 3 principles).

Energy
Putin order commencement of construction of a pipeline to the Baltic Sea (Russia’s Putin orders launch; Russian PM Putin signs order).

Financial Crisis
Putin blamed the weakness in stock prices of Russian companies on unfairness in foreign markets. He pledges to develop an investing class within Russia (Current quotes are abnormal; Putin labels markets “unfair”).

Foreign Affairs: Switzerland
Putin met with Swiss Defense Minister Samuel Schmid (Defence minister meets Putin).

Sources
Current quotes are abnormal, Putin said (2008 Dec. 1). Kommersant. http://www.kommersant.com/p-13664/Quote_abnormal/, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Defence minister meets Putin. (2008 Nov. 24). SwissInfo. http://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/news_digest/Putin_meets_Swiss_defence_minister.html?siteSect=104&sid=10009693&cKey=1227555455000&ty=nd, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin labels markets “unfair.” (2008 Dec. 2). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/372795.htm, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin offers to end stand-off over missiles in Eastern Europe. (2008 Nov. 24). Deutsche Welle. http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,3817848,00.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Putin voiced 3 principles of Europe’s security. (2008 Nov. 24). Kommersant. http://www.kommersant.com/p-13631/r_527/Putin_security/, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Russia’s Putin orders launch of Baltic oil pipeline project. (2008 Dec. 1). EasyBourse. http://www.easybourse.com/bourse-actualite/marches/russia-s-putin-orders-launch-of-baltic-oil-pipeline-project-571386, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Russian PM Putin signs order to build Baltic Pipeline System-2. (2008 Dec. 1). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081201/118633533.html, accessed 2008 Dec. 3.

Blogspeak 2008 December 3

Defense and Foreign Affairs: Europe, Russia
Russians Again Signal to Obama They Want to End Disagreement Over Missile Defense Shield (Tapper, J., Political Punch, ABC News, 2008 Nov. 24)

Vice President-Elect Joe Biden
A Low Profile Birthday for Joe Biden (Cook, D., The Vote Blog, Christian Science Monitor, 2008 Nov. 20)

Putin Intelligencer 2008 November 29

Defense and Foreign Affairs: United States
Putin called on the United States to abandon plans for a missile defense shield in Eastern Europe. The Bush administration has pushed or the project, but Russian President Dmitry Medvedev seems to thing Obama may be less attached to it (Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield). The Russians hope Obama will be more receptive to them on many issues (Levy).

Energy
Putin continues to say Russia is not interested in joining an OPEC-style cartel because it will retain its sovereignty. He says he is interest in coordination that would ensure continuous energy supplies (Putin denies plan), which seems to back off his previous statements of an interest in sustaining oil prices.

Possible Return to Presidency
There is speculation that Putin would like to return to the presidency, possibly for a 12 year stretch (Malpas, Nowak, Wingate-Hayes). Even as prime minister, Putin is very powerful in the Russian government and recognized as leader of the ruling clique.

Sources
Levy, C. (2008 Nov. 24). Putin and Medvedev hope for a brighter future with Obama. International Herald Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/24/europe/russia.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Malpas, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Duma backs 6-year presidential term. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/1010/42/372406.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Nowak, D. (2008 Nov. 14). Russian lawmakers back extending presidential term. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jPsRzMy3_geQb7l75K7KZ6iNTizQD94EUGQ80, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Putin denies plan for OPEC-style gas cartel. (2008 Nov.17). New Europe. http://www.neurope.eu/articles/90618.php, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Russian PM urges Obama to scrap missile shield. (2008 Nov. 24). Voice of America. http://www.voanews.com/english/2008-11-24-voa82.cfm, accessed 2008 Nov. 25.

Wingate-Hayes, R. (2008 Nov. 14). What is Putin’s game? BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7730179.stm, accessed 2008 Nov. 29.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 November 24

Assassination, Chechnya & Russian Criminal Justice
Some have called for Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov to testify in the trial of those accuse of killing journalist Anna Politovskaya. He has been implicated in trial documents. On the up side, Judge Yevgeny Zubov of the Moscow District Military Court has declared the trial will be public. There was some fear the trial would be secret because one of the accused is a former FSB agent (Halpin).

Foreign Affairs: Libya, United States
It appears Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi gave Russian leaders the slip, winning the forgiveness of Libyan debt held by Russia, but not promising anything solid in return. Consideration of a Russian naval base in Libya continues, but it’s not certain Russia has the ships to make use of it (Baev).

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is hoping to meet with Barack Obama when he takes office to establish a new tone in relations with the U.S. European Union leaders are also calling for a new approach with Russia, which has taken on a less friendly note because it is angered with U.S.-supported plans for NATO expansion and western aid to Georgia (Berry, Keleman, Medetsky).

Sources
Baev, P. (2008 Nov. 3). Qaddafi and Zyazikov: Reality checks for Russia’s petro-politics. Eurasia Daily Monitor. http://jamestown.org/edm/article.php?article_id=2373498, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Berry, L. (2008 Nov. 15). Russia’s Medvedev calls for talks with Obama. Associated Press. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfS6y-A7WF82KotI6KMN41IA3M4QD94FQCH81, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Halpin, T. (2008 Nov. 17). Chechen leader “should testify” at Politkovskaya trial. Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article5173093.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Keleman, M. (2008 Nov. 17). Analysts, EU leaders urge new approach to Russia. All Things Considered. NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97100969, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Foreign Affairs Intelligencer 2008 November 24

G20 Agrees to Hiatus on New Tariffs
The G20 nations, representing 90 percent of the world economy, agreed to impose no new trade restrictions over the next 12 months. This is a response to the global credit crunch (Medetsky).

Georgia
Vice-presidential candidate and Delaware Senator Joe Biden met with Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili in Milwaukee (Borowski). Russian leaders have not welcomed American assistance to their neighbor.

Sources
Borowoski, G. (2008 Sept. 26). Joe Biden to meet Georgian President Saakashvili at Phister Hotel. Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal. http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/32483519.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 1.

Medetsky, A. (2008 Nov. 17). Medvedev signs tariff deal in U.S. Moscow Times. http://www.moscowtimes.ru/article/600/42/372393.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 24.

Obama Intelligencer 2008 November 13

Environment and Foreign Affairs: Canada, Cuba, Iran, Israel, Russia
Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon announced that, with the coming of the Obama administration, his government will place a renewed emphasis on reaching a climate and emissions deal with the U.S. The agreement would focus on creating a common carbon market (Canada eyes climate deal with Obama). American environmentalists hope Obama will act as check against movements in Congress to ease the way for drilling in what are now protected areas (Rascoe).

Some have speculated that Obama’s promise to ease relations with Cuba could weaken the position of its Communist dictator, Raul Castro. Much of the Castro regime’s power and influence, beginning with Castro’s brother and predecessor, Fidel, has been fueled by its defiant stance toward the U.S. (Snow).

Israeli leaders have expressed concern over Obama’s suggestion that he will open relations with Iran. Israel was one of the few countries where McCain was viewed more favorably during the campaign (Defner).

Russia is carefully eyeing an Obama presidency. There aren’t signals of major policy changes toward Russia, but Obama’s worldwide popularity could signal a more sympathetic reception of America’s opinion on issues of interest to Russia (Cornwell).

Unusual
Fanciers of the Peruvian Hairless, Peru’s national dog, have offered a pup to the Obamas. One of the president-elect’s daughters is allergic to dogs, so the hairless (and sometimes toothless) dog, may be a good fit (Wade). The Obama’s have expressed an interest in adopting a shelter dog if they can find one that is suitable.

Sources
Canada eyes climate deal with Obama. (2008 Nov. 6). Associated Press on CBS. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/11/06/tech/livinggreen/main4577673.shtml?source=RSSattr=SciTech_4577673, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Cornwell, S. (2008 Nov. 10). Obama careful in response to mixed Kremlin signals. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/reutersEdge/idUSTRE4A97PN20081110, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Defner, L. (2008 Nov. 7). In Israel, some anxious about Obama. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/11/07/in-israel-some-anxieties-about-obama.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Rascoe, A. (2008 Nov. 10). Environmentalists look to Obama to limit drilling. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE4A97OB20081110, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Snow, A. (2008 Nov. 9). Analysis: Obama changes could test Castros' grip. Associated Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5j5E57Ht_Oz6aUvha4i_xGwM_HbDgD94ASGMO2, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Wade, T. (2008 Nov. 10). Peru offers bald dog of Incas to Obama family. Reuters UK. http://uk.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUKTRE4A97H820081110, accessed 2008 Nov. 13.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 November 12

Energy Policy
Putin has said he thinks Russia, a major oil exporter should develop strategies to manage oil prices. This could include cooperation with other oil producing nations, though Russia has traditionally been cool toward OPEC and is likely to want retain control of its production levels. He has begun to meet with heads of Russian oil companies (Putin says Russia should act; Putin urges greater Russian role; Russia must develop).

Financial Crisis
Putin says Russia has the cash reserves to weather the global financial crisis and continue its development. He claims they were not caught unawares as other nations were. He apparently did not share this wisdom with Russia’s oligarchs, who have taken heavy losses, at least on paper (Halpin; Shchedrov; Weir).

The oligarchs are not faring to badly under the bailout plan. One has received financing for his companies above the level set by rules for the program, though the deal isn’t finalized. The aluminum company is owned by a one-time allie of Putin, Oleg Deripaska, but President Medvedev has questioned the deal. The bailout may lead to the nationalization of some companies presently in the hands of oligarchs (Wall).

Foreign Affairs: China, Cuba, India
Putin and other Russian officials met with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao over the last few day of October (Chinese Premier).

Putin met with Indian Petroleum Minister Murli Deora to discuss energy cooperation in advance of a summit between Russia and India scheduled for next month (Deora to talk with Putin). Putin also recently met with Cuban Foreign Minister Filipe Perez Roque (Putin receives Cuban FM).

Unusual
Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov recently renamed the main street of the province’s capital, Grozny, Putin Avenue. Putin apparently does not encourage street names, statues and similar honors for himself (Bloomfield; No more streets in my name).

Putins beefcake photos have garnered him some possibly unwanted attention. Openly gay Italian TV host, Alfoso Signorini, has declared the Russian prime minister to be one of the sexiest men (Italian TV star).

Sources
Bloomfield, A. (2008 Oct. 6). Chechen capital's main street renamed Putin Avenue after man who bombarded the city. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/3147078/Chechen-capitals-main-street-renamed-Putin-Avenue-after-man-who-bombarded-the-city.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao arrives in Moscow. (2008 Oct. 27). China View. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-10/27/content_10262686.htm, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Deora to talk with Putin. (2008 Nov. 3). Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Deora_to_talk_energy_with_Putin/articleshow/3669000.cms, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Halpin, T. (2008 Oct. 20). Russia is well prepared to survive financial crisis says Putin. Times. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/russia/article4981200.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Italian TV star has gay crush on Vladimir Putin. (2008 Oct. 20). Gawker. http://gawker.com/5066016/italian-tv-star-has-gay-crush-on-vladimir-putin, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

No more street in my name, pleads Russia’s Putin. (2008 Oct. 6). Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE4955KV20081006, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Putin receives Cuban FM. (2008 Nov. 10). Prensa Latina. http://www.plenglish.com/Article.asp?ID=%7B6363AA3E-7E2E-42C8-A50A-6E99E6E59C45%7D&language=EN, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Putin says Russia should act to influence oil prices. (2008 Nov. 11). AFP. http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5hSQVeceh8JWPShe0-WZ6Oe1ZbamQ, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Putin urges greater Russian role in oil prices. (2008 Nov. 11). Associate Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hbwFTPWY5qEIHE37E65bYT576kzwD94C872O0, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Shchedrov, O. (2008 Oct. 20). Russia ready to withstand global crisis-Putin. Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/forexNews/idUSLK56756620081020, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Russian must develop ways to influence world oil prices—Putin. (2008 Nov. 11). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081110/118230972.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Wall, T. (2008 Nov. 2). Oleg Deripaska receives state bailout almost twice the size allowed in Russia. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/3368710/Oleg-Deripaska-receives-state-bailout-almost-twice-the-size-allowed-in-Russia.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 12.

Weir, F. (2008 Oct. 21). Crisis spares Russia’s “average Joe.” Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1021/p06s02-wogn.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 November 11

Financial Crisis & Censorship
Russian shares were clobbered in the London and Russian stock markets, losing some 70 percent of their value, in spite of the government’s interventions (Halpin; Vorobieva & Zhdannikov; Weir “Crisis spares”).

Russian media is prohibited from using the words “crisis” and “collapse” in relation to the…events in economy (Bloomfield).

Foreign Affairs: Libya
Colonel Muammar Qaddafi visited with Dimitri Medvedev to discuss the possible placement of a Russian naval base Libya, ostensibly as a shield against attack from the U.S. Russia recently wrote off about $4.6 billion in Libyan debt in exchange for lucrative contracts, including a major rail project (Libya “ready to host Russian naval base”).

Nationalization, especially Energy
The Russian government has been expanding its takeover of major industries and squeezing out foreign companies. Gazprom, the energy conglomerate in which the Russian government holds a majority share, is the appears to be the center of the program and has been awarded exclusive rights to export oil (Weir “Gazprom”).

Opposition Parties
Several opposition parties and figures, including Garry Kasparov, are working to form a group that would seek to protect the Russian constitution (Russian opposition figures).

Russian Justice
A trial of suspects in the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya was set to begin. The primary suspect, Chechen native Rustam Makhmudav, is on the lam in Western Europe. Those being tried a conspirators include Makhmudav’s brothers and FSB agent Pavel Ryaguzav. Because Ryaguzav is in the FSB, all the trials will be in secret military courts, though protestors have called for open trials. Politkovskaya was known for reporting on human rights violations in Chechnya (Murder of Russian journalist remembered).

On a related note, the lawyer who once represented Politkovskaya, Karina Moskalenko, found mercury in the car she and her family used after experiencing a sudden decline in health. She has represented several Russian opposition figures. It looks like political assassination is all to common in Russia (Schwirtz & Cowell; Stack; Zarakhovich).

Sources
Bloomfield, A. (2008 Oct. 27). Bans, tough talk can’t hide the trouble Russia is in. Sydney Morning Herald. http://www.smh.com.au/news/world/bans-tough-talk-cant-hide-the-trouble-russia-is-in/2008/10/26/1224955853364.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Halpin, T. (2008 Oct. 20). Russia is well prepared to survive financial crisis says Putin. Times. http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/markets/russia/article4981200.ece, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Libya “ready to host Russian naval base.” (2008 Oct. 31). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/world/20081031/118052964.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Murder of Russian journalist remembered. (2008 Oct. 7). Agence France-Presse in Inquirer. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/world/view/20081007-165159/Murder-of-Russian-journalist-remembered, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Russian opposition figures for movement to support constituion. (2008 Nov. 6). RIA Novosti. http://en.rian.ru/russia/20081106/118162025.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Schwirtz, M., & Cowell, A. (2008 Oct. 15). Toxins found in Russian rights lawyer’s car. New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/16/world/europe/16russia.html?_r=1&oref=slogin, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Stack, M. (2008 Oct. 16). Lawyer for Russian dissidents may have been poisened. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/asection/la-fg-poison16-2008oct16,0,5763910.story, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Vorbieva, P., & Zhdannikov, D. (2008 Oct. 13). Russian shares loose gain, await state money. Reuters. http://www.forbes.com/reuters/feeds/reuters/2008/10/13/2008-10-13T165251Z_01_LD209760_RTRIDST_0_RUSSIA-MARKETS-UPDATE-3.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Weir, F. (2008 Oct. 21). Crisis spares Russia’s “average Joe.” Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/1021/p06s02-wogn.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Weir, F. (2007 Jan. 23). Gazprom: Rising star in new Kremlin capitalism. Christian Science Monitor. http://www.csmonitor.com/2007/0123/p01s03-woeu.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 3.

Zarakhovich, Y. (2008 Oct. 19). Murder, Russian style: Political assassination. Time. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1851854,00.html, accessed 2008 Nov. 11.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 October 30

Censorship
Russian authorities considering pulling the license of 2x2, a cartoon network, for broadcasting the American cartoons The Simpsons, Family Guy and South Park. The action could be authorized under laws to prohibit extremism (Bloomfield). Action against opposition websites and blogs has also begun under the guise of opposing extremism (Gee).

Nuclear Development: Venezuela
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has stated his interest in working with Russia to develop nuclear power (Chavez interested). The two countries have been practicing joint military operations.

Sources
Bloomfield, A. (2008 Sept. 25). Russian to ban Simpsons and South Park. Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/3074454/Russia-to-ban-Simpsons-and-South-Park.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Chavez interested in nuclear help from Russia. (2008 Sept. 28). CNN. http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americas/09/28/venezuela.russia/, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Gee, A. (2008 Sept. 30). Russia’s dissident bloggers fear for their lives. U.S. News & World Report. http://www.usnews.com/articles/news/world/2008/09/30/russias-dissident-bloggers-fear-for-their-lives.html, accessed 2008 Oct. 7.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 Sepember 26

Kasparov Warns Against Investment in Russia
In a recent Wall Street Journal piece, Garry Kasparov warns in Russia, where the real law is Vladimir Putin, it’s a great risk for investors to put money into the faux democracy.

International Trade & Nuclear Materials
A committee of the Australian Parliament has recommended not proceeding with a planned sale of uranium to Russia (Aussie committee). (Previously mentioned on OI.)

Sources
Aussie committee opposes Russian uranium sales. (2008 Sept. 18). Star. http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/9/18/apworld/20080918141159&sec=apworld, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Kasparov, G. (2008 Sept. 19). Putin is ruining Russia’s economy. Wall Street Journal. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122178456456654879.html?mod=googlenews_wsj, accessed 2008 Sept. 26.

Blogspeak 2008 September 16

Financial Markets
Wall Street crisis: this should be Barack Obama's moment (Martin, I. Telegraph, Eagle Eye, 2008 Sept. 15)

Infrastructure
Homeland Security Secretary Draws Attention to State of Infrastructure (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 11)
New Orleans Still At Risk Post-Katrina Even as Public Concern Fades (Infrastructure Watch, 2008 Sept. 11)

John McCain
McCain playing it safe (The Presidential Election Blog 2008, 2008 Sept. 5)

Obama Campaign on the Attack
Obama Questions McCain’s ‘Honor’ (Timiraos, N., Wall Street Journal, Washington Wire, 2008 Sept. 15)

Russo-Georgian Conflict
Russia beaten by little Georgia (Bookman, J., Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 2008 Sept. 15)
Russians React to Putin’s ‘08 Remark (Shirwitz, M., New York Times, The Lede, 2008 Sept. 15)

Swing States
Turnaround in Virginia? SurveyUSA finds Obama lead (On Politics, USA Today, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden
Biden delivering major speech attacking McCain as “Bush 44” (You Decide 2008, 2008 Sept. 15)
Biden ramps up attack dog role in Obama campaign (Reuters, Tales from the Trail, 2008 Sept. 15)
Press Section of Biden's Plane Is 'Totally Deserted' (National Review Online, The Campaign Spot, 2008 Sept. 15)

Vice-Presidential Candidate: Sarah Palin
Palin Outlines Four-Point Focus In McCain Administration (Conroy, S., On the Road, CBS News, 2008 Sept. 15)
Vice Presidential Candidate Gov. Sarah Palin (AK) Full Speech at the RNC (Presidential Election 2008, 2008 Sept. 9)

Putin Intelligencer 2008 September 16

Aviation Industry
Putin recently approved a plan to integrate the Uzbekistan and Ukraine aviation enterprises into the Russian United Aircraft company and called for a focus on successful lines of aircraft. Russia will continue tariffs on western aircraft, providing relief only on small models (Karnozov).

Media, Russian Aggression in Georgia and Financial Markets
Putin called to task Russian journalists over their coverage of the Russo-Georgian Conflict, particularly the editor of one of the few national radio stations that airs opposition views. The station has apparently responded by pulling at least one guest and journalist off the air for their views and reporting that were critical of the government (Pan). Russian media are apparently so nervous that even a TV psychic can’t risk offending the prime minister (Krainova).

Putin continues to blame the U.S. for stirring the pot in Georgia (Radyuhin). He also said the dip in Russian financial markets were due to a reduction of liquidity (which the Russian government will cover if needed) partly affected slumps in the U.S. market, and clearly stated that it had nothing to do with action in Georgia (Wall).

The Thug Czar
The October 2008 issue of Vanity Fair contains a profile of Putin by Masha Gessen. Get it. Read it. Clip it (not from the library’s copy). Save it.

Unusual
Putin will be giving judo lessons to French President Nicolas Sarkozy (Vladimir Putin to teach Nicolas Sarkozy judo).

OI anticipates lots of unusual news about Putin. There is so little to mitigate the whims of dictators.

Sources
Gessen, M. (2008 Oct.). Dead soul. Vanity Fair, pp. 336-338, 380-386.

Karnozov, V. (2008 Sept. 9). Putin tells Russian industry to face reality. Flight International. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/09/15/315927/putin-tells-russian-industry-to-face-reality.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Krainova, N. (2008 Sept. 15). Knife, Munich, Putin on state TV. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370906.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Pan, P. (2008 Sept. 15). In wake of Georgian war, Russian media feel heat. Washington Post, p. A14. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/14/AR2008091402249.html?hpid=moreheadlines, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Radyuhin, V. (2008 Sept. 15). Putin: U.S. spurred on Georgian offensive. Hindu. http://www.hindu.com/2008/09/15/stories/2008091555661400.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Vladimir Putin to teach Nicolas Sarkozy judo. (2008 Sept. 15). Telegraph. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/2963460/Vladimir-Putin-to-teach-Nicolas-Sarkozy-judo.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 16

Wall, T. (2008 Sept. 15). Putin and Medvedev differ on market ills. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370909.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

Russia Intelligencer 2008 September 16

Chess Champ Calls for Economic Sanctions Against Russia for Aggression in Georgia, Medvedev Sees Injustices in Western Response
Garry Kasparov has called for economic sanctions to reign in Russian power, though some analysts think it is improbable given the economic links between the U.S. and Russia (US has few economic levers against Russia).

In a recent speech, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev called responses of NATO and western nations to Russia’s incursion into Georgia unfair. He sticks to the line that Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili had gone “nuts” (Abdullaev).

OI Comment: The Russian line has been that it is protecting its citizens in South Ossetia from Georgian aggression. Russia previously offered citizenship to South Ossetians which was widely accepted. Nationalist movements in the region have been agitating to break from Georgia, and Georgian officials say their military moves in the region—still officially part of the country—has been to quell the rebellion and reestablish stability there. Somehow the Russian leaders see no similarity between this and their actions in Chechnya.

One of Medvedevs comments was that the west should stop seeing the Russian government as the successor of the Soviet Union. This is partly true. The Communists of the Soviet era felt the need to maintain the pretense of a republic serving its people. The currently Russian government is simply a dictatorship, nearly a Putin dictatorship, and saves its pretensions for foreign affairs.

Recent posts and articles related to Russia:
Khodorkovsky's [former oil magnate] Parole Request Denied (Popova, N., Moscow Times, 2008 Aug. 28)
In Lieu of Public Debate, Opposition Disagrees Over War (Chernov, S., St. Petersburg Times, 2008 Sept. 2)
Russian hackers continue attacks on Georgian sites (Svensson, P., Associated Press, 2008 Aug. 12)

Sources
Ablullaev, N. (2008 Sept. 15). Medvedev guests take tough message home. Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/600/42/370908.htm, accessed 2008 Sept. 16.

US has few economic levers against Russia. (2008 Aug. 16). Economic Times. http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/PoliticsNation/US_has_few_economic_levers_against_Russia/articleshow/3370126.cms, accessed 2008 Sept. 11.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 September 4

International Trade & Nuclear Materials
Putin has announced that Russia will be withdrawing from some agreements it made during negotiations to join the World Trade Organization, saying they are no longer in Russia’s interest. This could signal an intent to reverse some reforms made when Putin handed the presidency to Medvedev (Shuster).

Australia has balked at ratifying a deal to sell uranium to Russia after its recent aggressions in Georgia. Russian officials have pushed back, saying the uranium deal and the Russo-Georgian war are unrelated and that backing out of the deal could be harmful to Australia’s economy (Flitton & Nicholson).

Unusual: Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Putin visited a wildlife reserve to view a rare tiger that had been captured. The tiger escaped and the Russion Prime Minister snatched up a rifle and shot the beast with a tranquilizer dart, saving a television crew. (Putin wields tranquilizer gun).

OI isn’t generally cynical, but we wouldn’t put anything past Putin. What tiger is he planning to tame next? I can almost see already the mural of triumphant Putin, lovingly kissing the vanquished tiger the way he lovingly watches over the nations he has brought under Russian protection, 50 feet high on the side of some new public building in the USSR—um, Russian Federation.

Sources
Flitton, D., & Nicholson, B. (2008 Sept. 2). Putin’s ultimatum to Rudd over uranium deal. The Age. http://www.theage.com.au/national/putins-ultimatum-to-rudd-over-uranium-deal-20080901-4770.html, accessed 2008 Sept. 4.

Putin wields tranquilizer gun at escaped tiger. (2008 Sept. 3). NPR. http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94223446, accessed 2008 Sept. 4.

Shuster, S. (2008 Aug. 25). Putin says no advantages for Russia from WTO. Guardian. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/feedarticle/7750592, accessed 2008 Aug. 25.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 August 20

War in Georgia
Georgians fleeing the South Ossetia region claim Russian soldiers told them to flee or be killed, indicating Putin had given orders to clear the region of Georgians (Halpin).

Real Power in Russia
Though Putin is now premier, he still acts like president. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has been relatively quiet on the action in Georgia and diplomacy with the west. In contrast, Putin has been to visit refugees who fled to Russian, leaving the Olympic games (where he spoke to U.S. President George Bush) to do so, and sat in on Medvedev’s negotiations with the French-led coalition to end the Russo-Georgian conflict (Kolesnichenko).

Sources
Halpin, T. (2008 August 18). Putin has given us an order that everyone must leave or be shot. London Times. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4553499.ece, accessed 2008 August 19.

Kolesnichenko, A. (2008 August 18). Best supporting actor in a lead role. Transitions Online. http://www.tol.cz/look/TOL/article.tpl?IdLanguage=1&IdPublication=4&NrIssue=282&NrSection=4&NrArticle=19864, accessed 2008 August 20.

Putin Intelligencer 2008 August 13

War in Georgia
America has begun to airlift Georgian troops, returning them home where they have been recalled. Putin said this move would hamper efforts to solve the Russo-Georgian conflict over South Ossetia (Putin assails US). Speaking on state television, the Russian Prime Minister, and former President, claimed that Russian actions in Georgia were a logical extension of the peace-keeping mission in South Ossetia and accused western nations of cynicism and having a cold war mentality (Russian PM criticizes US, Putin criticizes US).

Some have reported that Russia is calling for the democratically-elected president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili, to step down (Abromowitz & Lynch). Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov dismissed this claim, but in the same speech accused Saakashvili of war crimes (Champion, Osborn & McKinnon).

Georgia is situated between Russia and the Black Sea. It has an oil pipeline and is the only serious competition to Russian control of oil in the Caspian Sea region.

Resources
Abramowitz, M., & Lynch, C. (2008 August 11). Bush, Cheney increasingly critical of Russia over aggression in Georgia. Washington Post. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/10/AR2008081002311.html, accessed 2008 August 12.

Champion, M., Osborn, A., & McKinnon, J.D. (2008 August 11). Russia widens attack on Georgia. Wall Street Journal, p. A1. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121834170757727521.html?mod=hps_us_whats_news, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin assails US over conflict with Georgia. (2008 August 11). Associate Press. http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hV2N6fVKS5slf10A13Dj_uIdaZ4QD92G1R5O0, accessed 2008 August 12.

Putin criticizes US over South Ossetia. (2008 August 11). Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSLB34651, accessed 2008 August 12.

Russian PM criticizes US, West. (2008 August 11). TVNZ. http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/536641/1996622, accessed 2008 August 12.

Presidential Intelligencer 2008 August 13

War in Georgia
President Bush has condemned Russian military action in Georgia, calling it unacceptable and disproportionate (Putin: US impedes Georgian military ops).

Links to various articles and posts covering recent Presidential activity:
Bill Action: At the President's Desk: H.R. 3221: Foreclosure Prevention Act of 2008

Resources
Putin: US impedes Georgian military ops. (2008 August 11). Press TV. http://www.presstv.ir/detail.aspx?id=66262&sectionid=351020602, accessed 2008 August 12.