Russia - Is the Era of Glasnost Over?

Mikhail Khodorkovsky was a businessman who paid a lot of taxes. Now he is a convicted criminal. He didn't flee his country, but tried to defend himself against the allegations made against him, trusting the system would, in the end, validify his actions.

Now, many feel he is being sacrificed because he dared question the system. He dared criticize a system that ended up destroying his business.

Regardless of all the hype that journalists may report, there are - obviously - many judicial details that we can't yet know all about. But nonetheless it is high time to ask the question: "Is the era of Glasnost over?"

Mikhail S. Gorbachev started a difficult process of reform, but now it does seem like much is lost due to pride and power struggles. Much like we see power struggles in the West, but still with a somewhat surprising turn in the sense of Khodorkovsky being sentenced to a work camp. Not worthy treatment of a former Deputy Minister of Fuel and Energy...

What are your thoughts on all of this? You are welcome to leave a comment.

Happy New Year everyone. :-)

Putin as Person of the Year in Time?

I was somewhat surprised to see that Time had selected Russian President Putin as "Person of the Year." Though I sent them a Letter to the Editor it wasn't accepted, and therefore I release my comment on this blog for anyone subsequently interested:

Choosing Putin as POY was somewhat a surprise. Noone can blame him for following the political ideals that he has, but it has to be said that his steel hand has been behind much suffering in many states. Many conspiracies have been weaved and much has been done to twist events to fit the "brand" that the Putin regime has tried to build.
Condoleeza Rice would have been my choice for POY any time. She is so darn popular and has still withstood the temptation to run for President. So truly a special lady that would have been much more worthy of the attention of your magazine.

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Hillary won Florida, and congratulations with that. Looking forward to Super-Tuesday and hope Sen. Obama will get a fair chance - despite the mudthrowing from some.