Economic growth and political stability: those were the two proudest achievements of Vladimir Putin and his ex-KGB associates in the eight years since they gained control of Russia. Now the economy is looking wobbly—industrial output in November slumped by 8.7% compared with a year earlier, according to figures published on Tuesday December 16th—the big question is whether the regime’s political control will crack too.
From Economist.com, Dec 16th 2008
Edward Lucas’ article can be found in full at:
http://www.edwardlucas.blogspo...