Putin set to return?

[Rhyfelwyr]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081106/...esident_s_term

To be honest I always thought it was only going to be a matter of time. Considering the levels of nationalism and the tradition of strong leaders that Russia has, the idea of checks and balances was never going to be taken seriously.

If we consider Putin's return to be inevitable, what does this mean for Russia. Will it make that short leap from communism to fascism, taking us back to the days of expansionism and ultra-nationalism?

In any case, I don't feel overly optimistic for Russia right now - or its neighbours...

[Sarmatian]

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081106/...esident_s_term

To be honest I always thought it was only going to be a matter of time. Considering the levels of nationalism and the tradition of strong leaders that Russia has, the idea of checks and balances was never going to be taken seriously.

If we consider Putin's return to be inevitable, what does this mean for Russia. Will it make that short leap from communism to fascism, taking us back to the days of expansionism and ultra-nationalism?

In any case, I don't feel overly optimistic for Russia right now - or its neighbours...

Nah. People may like or dislike Putin, be everyone will agree he's no fool. Taking up the presidential position again, he'd gain nothing but bad rep, both at home and abroad. If he truly wants more power, it would be easier and far more subtle to transfer some of presidential power to the government, which he's going to be a head of for the next several years...

BTW, article says changing the length of presidential term from 4 to 6 years. I'm pretty sure Medvedev said from 4 to 5 years.

[Marshal Murat]

Just as long as he promises "change we can believe in" and shouts "Yes we Can!" he'll win easy.

[Lemur]

Hmm, and here I would have sworn Putin was putting country first.

[CountArach]

Soviet Union II: Putin's Revenge

[Conqueror]

Putin is way too smart to get back so early. He'll let Medvedev have a full term at least, probably two terms, before going for the office again. In the mean time he'll just continue as PM, calling the shots behind the scenes.