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Putin Returns to Russian Presidency

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By William Tucker

International media is reporting that Vladimir Putin has won the Russian presidential election. Despite the numerous anti-Putin protests there wasn’t any doubt about the outcome of the race. The media had been covering the many protests in Russia, particularly in Moscow, from the perspective that these demonstrations would undermine Putin’s power base. Such a grandiose belief is pure nonsense. Since Putin rose to power he has managed to consolidate his hold on the reigns by playing different political factions off one another. This balancing act isn’t always static and requires constant attention, however. Some of this is evidenced by the number of times Putin has changed his Prime Minister, but this time around he is simply switching positions with Medvedev.

At this point in time Medvedev represents a weaker political faction, so it makes sense that Putin would empower that faction by keeping Medvedev around. This will likely be a temporary arrangement as political winds tend to shift, though. What is certain is there isn’t a political power capable of challenging Putin’s primacy. While there is an opposition in Russia, it is fragmented and without leadership. Because of this Putin will be around for quite some time, but when he decides to retire it will be on his terms and he will likely choose his successor.

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In Tunisia, a Challenge to Russia and China

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By William Tucker

A few days ago a commenter on the IHS post UN General Assembly Calls for Assad to Step Down asked if supporting the Syrian opposition would be a wise move to counter Iranian influence. My response was that, “Some commentators have suggested that removing Assad would disrupt Iranian designs. I agree that it would; however nothing good would come of it.

UN General Assembly Calls for Assad to Step Down

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By William Tucker

Coming on the heels of the Russian and Chinese veto of a Security Council resolution, the UN General Assembly took up the issue of Syria. The resolution in question, which passed the General Assembly by a vote of 137-12, called for Syrian President Bashir Assad to resign his post. Unlike the Security Council, the resolutions passed in the General Assembly are not legally binding.

Violence Escalates in Syria

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By William Tucker

Syrian forces have engaged lightly armed opposition forces in the western city of Homs with heavier weaponry such as artillery and tanks. The Syrian military has been hitting several areas of the city over the last few days. According to what little independent news media is in Syria, the military is continuing to strike areas that opposition forces have withdrawn from.

Understanding the Russian Position on Syria

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By William Tucker

Syria will once again be on the agenda for the UN Security Council as the violence between al-Assad loyalists and opposition parties continues. The UN estimates that nearly 5,400 people have been killed since the uprising began a year ago and a frustrated Arab League monitoring mission has left Syria without any accomplishment. There is a growing chorus of nations that want Bashir al-Assad to leave power.