Quote:
Originally Posted by tabs
As stated Putin's goal is the reconstitution of the Russian Empire as originally constituted by Peter the Great...and regaining the world stage as a world power. That he rightfully thinks Russia should be.
Putin would like to think of himself as a strongman like Stalin, but he does not have the same malevolent temperament as Stalin.
Putin is a Machiavellian Great White who seizes opportunity when he sees it.
Putin needs to be kept in his place and not be allowed to expand his power base and thus be able to play a stronger and more demanding hand.
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Tabs,
Perhaps I am mis-interpreting your statements, but you seem to be contradicting your self from the beginning to the end of your post.
Did you mean to say "that he thinks Russia rightfully should be"?
Also, I suspect Putin is every bit as dangerous as Stalin. He has adapted to the media age and knows he must dispose of his enemies with more discression than Joseph.
The timing of the intervention after the wave of bonhomie of the Olympics was probably worth every ruble spent on the games.
I think we are seeing Hungary ('56) replayed.
Best
Les