The signs are not good for Russia. Now even if Putin suddenly goes away from the scene, he would be leaving behind a culture which he inherited from the Soviet days. Dmitri Medvedev is the man to really watch for now. In my view, how he plays his cards...

"Russia is a nation with yearly medical doctor salaries that average $5,160 to $6,120" This according to you is AVERAGE. Don't tell us that there are no Russians doctors who earn more than the national average.

Putin is setting a dangerous precedent with the new formula that he has devised for power sharing between the President and the Prime Minister in Russia after he relinquishes office as the Russian constitution mandates. With him running for the PM's...

It would take much time because European regulators would won't favor such deal. I think...