It seems that the force for positive change that had been growing in Russia (the awakening for many people of a sense of self respect, and as a consequence the emergence of a mass protest movement in Russia) is now on the wane. This is happening for a number of reasons. The main one is the lack of an opposition per se. Criticism of the authorities does not make an opposition. And somehow one can't see anyone trying to get themselves into power since Putin's enthronement - after all it is a pretty frightening prospect... [Read more]