Registan sans Nathan has a great post (by CXW) on a possible showdown in Russia in 2007 between current President Putin and former President Yeltsin. Although the former was in many ways said to be chosen by the later, Yeltsin was the darling of the oligarchs while Putin has cracked down hard on those who dare oppose his authoritarian rule. Kudos also for noting that Putin is calling for Belarus and Russia to merge.

Comments to this entry
Albert
July 29, 2005
7:04 am
But what you say above about a showdown is not going to happen. It is more likely that the governors of regions and their regional elite will take action along with other powerful people to influence whom will be the next president. There will most likely be a candidate that will suit them and Putins camp.