Vladimir Putin is described as a, "ruthless dictator trampling on democracy," by other people around the world while being the current president of Russia. He became president in 1999 and his, "increasingly authoritarian rule has some calling him Czar Putin." In, "Czar Putin?", written by Patricia Smith, it says that most Russians, (87%), support and remain on Putin's side, seeing him as a man who brought Russia to, "its former glory as a world power." There have been rising problems with the U.S.A. and Russia though, since relations have dropped extremely low and it is now difficult for both countries to cooperate. Citizens and others around in other nations also want to see how Putin deals with the economic crisis in Russia, and his supporters still stand by his side.
The author is trying to show that the president might be a bit power-hungry, as she explained how long he might be in office for and how he set up some more years in office for himself. She also explains how much power Putin really has, and how he might even start another war similar to the Cold War. She explains what the Cold War was and how Putin might have the power to cause even bigger problems. She also explains, however, how the citizens look up to Putin, "…relieved to have a strong leader." There are some economic issues right now in Russia because, "…Putin has become more aggressive on the world stage, bringing to mind Soviet tactics during the Cold War." Everybody would want to know how he handles these issues, and the author adds in Vladimir Ryzhkov's prediction, an opposition politician in Russia, that, "If [Putin] prolongs the policy of greatness, of expansion, of confrontation with the West, he will be popular and supported by the people despite any economic crisis."
This article makes me wonder about the people living in the neighboring countries, and how they will act if Russia attacks and/or threatens them. These countries all have long histories with each other, so it's interesting to think about what Putin finally decides to do with his never-ending power. How many people are affected by his actions, negatively and positively? I would also like to know how he will act upon the economic crisis in his country right now. He has too much power, and he has had it for too long, and nothing is known when he is involved.
