>Putin is popular because of the economy, i.e., incomes
>in Russia are rising. State-service employees have
>seen their salaries double under Putin. Initially the
>tough-talking bit was true. He doesn't talk tough at
>all now -- he emphasizes moderation and ethnic
>harmony. His approval ratings are at an all-time low
>of 64%.
Isn't there some nostalgia in Russia for the days when the USSR was a great power?
Doug