Re: Russians Outfox U.S. in Latest Great Game
Yes Putin is a strong and capable guy with a focus and Russian pride at heart but I think the reasons he was able to make any progress was due to 2 providential gifts 1) G.W.Bush and his global incompetence in internationall relations and 2) Russian oil.
Yes, Musharraf did show signs of such strength and focus in the beginning (which worried me quite a bit as an Indian considering the vegetarian sadhus we were fielding) but then for whatever reason Musharraf suddenly became like anyother dictator intent upon self destruction at all costs. I still haven't figured out why, but thank goodness for it.
There are signs of same thing happening to Putin as well, may be not that dramatically.