Russia’s recent turbulent politics has been handled poorly by Putin. Russia, now, is a country that is desperately trying to hold on to it’s position as a regional power. The conflict in Georgia and the looming American interest in the area would make both Putin and Medvedev think twice before attempting to make their personal powers felt.

The hanging of both their portraits at government offices is an amusing situation for outsiders but it only shows the nation’s dilemma.. Towards a capitalist future and a communist past. The bridge between these two eras was Putin, and maybe, just maybe, his presence is still required. Medvedev might not understand the relations between Russia and former soviet states like Putin would, for Putin has the KGB past.

For better or for worse, Putin’s presence may still be required. A country cannot jump into an uncertain future after decades of communist rule. Power changing is easy only in countries where the system has not changed. When the system changes, a person who understands both the situations well, may be required to be present.

I don’t think the two men would clash on matters of economy, for it was Putin who spear headed the capitalist ventures of Russia.

Putin has failed in situations such as Georgia and the internal Chechnya conflict. There have been grave terrorist attacks inside the Russian land and most were not dealt with efficiently. The desire to please or at least seem acceptable to the West is another factor. Considering these factors, and considering the fact that Putin is an extra ordinarily intelligent man, I don’t see why he would fight for power or prove his superiority. Probably he is trying to make sure things don’t go really out of hand?

The nascent capitalistic ventures of the nation (which made the rich richer and the poor the poorer) did help Russia stabilize it’s economy in general. Russia has too many on its hands now. From economy, internal security and conflicts, external aggression, and the ’duties’ the former soviet union has, towards countries like Serbia, Cuba.

It’s interesting to see what the future hold for Russia. I think it is an enigmatic situation where one can’t say who is wrong and who is right... Sometimes, I contradict my own opinions when it comes to Rusiia and it’s politics