Is Putin an Iron Man?

Phil Sheldon · 17-09-2007, 02:45 PM

Lady Thatcher is recognised for having the courage of her convictions.
Is Putin from the same mould? I hold no brief for him but he does appear to have got a grip on his country and reduced the in-fighting between various factions.
I accept Putin is ex KGB and may have used 'Strong Arm' tactics to silence his opponents-including apparently Litvenenko- but the Russian Federation appears stronger internationally and wealthier than before he came to power. Yes, corruption is a way of life in Russia and state assets were sold for a pittance to former cronies but the question remains: Will Putin be recognised as a 'Good' president or a failure ?

I would appreciate your comments.

TIA

Aardvark · 17-09-2007, 03:16 PM

In my work I meet many Russians, albeit government employees, and they seem to like the man. I think the Russians like to be respected on the international scene - biggest country, massive resources, massive military, brilliant engineers and scientists, fantastic history and culture (despite the damage done by the Soviets),widely spoken language etc. The result is that Putin's government will be seen as a good thing for Russia in the long run, IMHO.

I worked briefly in Russia in 2004 and am hopeful that I might get work there later this year if things pan out for me. The country has a lot going for it and the UK should make real efforts to remain good friends and trading partners. Our oil, gas and oil and gas construction industries have prospered through strong links with Putin's government. Russia should be a natural ally and act as a counterbalance to our recent flawed relationship (as in Bush's poodle) with the USA.

Westcountryman · 20-09-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aardvark

In my work I meet many Russians, albeit government employees, and they seem to like the man. I think the Russians like to be respected on the international scene - biggest country, massive resources, massive military, brilliant engineers and scientists, fantastic history and culture (despite the damage done by the Soviets),widely spoken language etc. The result is that Putin's government will be seen as a good thing for Russia in the long run, IMHO.

I worked briefly in Russia in 2004 and am hopeful that I might get work there later this year if things pan out for me. The country has a lot going for it and the UK should make real efforts to remain good friends and trading partners. Our oil, gas and oil and gas construction industries have prospered through strong links with Putin's government. Russia should be a natural ally and act as a counterbalance to our recent flawed relationship (as in Bush's poodle) with the USA.

We're not the ones antagonising the other's airspace. I agree that we should make the effort to be 'friends' with Russia, but at the same time we shouldn't allow any funny business just to maintain amicable relations. I'd rather be cold in the winter, glad that the UK stood up to Russia (if needs be), than nice and warm thanks to Russian oil/gas but then seeing the UK's political clout being about the same as the Canary Islands.

rjt · 20-09-2007, 02:15 PM

If I could sum up Putin it would be as this.

A vile Human Rights Abuser.

Westcountryman · 20-09-2007, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjt

If I could sum up Putin it would be as this.

A vile Human Rights Abuser.

Indeed, Russia has major civil liberties issues. I made sure I knew where the British embassy and consulates were when over there, just in case.

John Carter · 20-09-2007, 02:34 PM

Putin? An iron man?

Gay icon more like.

Shirtless Putin emerges as an unlikely gay icon | NEWS.com.au

Westcountryman · 20-09-2007, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Carter

Putin? An iron man?

Gay icon more like.

Shirtless Putin emerges as an unlikely gay icon | NEWS.com.au

Unlikely is an understatement!

For_England · 20-09-2007, 04:01 PM

Putin - defender of Russia against the West. He has my support.

Westcountryman · 20-09-2007, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnpforme

Putin - defender of Russia against the West. He has my support.

So, you're moving out of the UK when?

For_England · 20-09-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ModernUKIP

So, you're moving out of the UK when?

I moved out years ago. I saw the writing on the wall a long time ago. I knew there are too many people like you who won't wake up till it's too late. But since there is a party representing my views now, I might move back. Then again I'm also thinking of eastern europe and russia so you might get your wish either way. and i always have an american passport to fall back on if i need to (and fyi I will try to stand as a state delegate this year in the hope of getting Ron Paul nominated - my, my what a mixed up man I am

- no you don't understand what is really going on in Russia and why Putin is actually the best thing that has happened to them in a long time).

17-09-2007, 02:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
Phil Sheldon Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 587	Is Putin an Iron Man? Lady Thatcher is recognised for having the courage of her convictions. Is Putin from the same mould? I hold no brief for him but he does appear to have got a grip on his country and reduced the in-fighting between various factions. I accept Putin is ex KGB and may have used 'Strong Arm' tactics to silence his opponents-including apparently Litvenenko- but the Russian Federation appears stronger internationally and wealthier than before he came to power. Yes, corruption is a way of life in Russia and state assets were sold for a pittance to former cronies but the question remains: Will Putin be recognised as a 'Good' president or a failure ? I would appreciate your comments. TIA

17-09-2007, 03:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
Aardvark Moderator Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Oxonia Posts: 3,987	In my work I meet many Russians, albeit government employees, and they seem to like the man. I think the Russians like to be respected on the international scene - biggest country, massive resources, massive military, brilliant engineers and scientists, fantastic history and culture (despite the damage done by the Soviets),widely spoken language etc. The result is that Putin's government will be seen as a good thing for Russia in the long run, IMHO. I worked briefly in Russia in 2004 and am hopeful that I might get work there later this year if things pan out for me. The country has a lot going for it and the UK should make real efforts to remain good friends and trading partners. Our oil, gas and oil and gas construction industries have prospered through strong links with Putin's government. Russia should be a natural ally and act as a counterbalance to our recent flawed relationship (as in Bush's poodle) with the USA. __________________ When in Woking do as the Wokes do. "I do not wish to form my opinions by thoughtlessly quoting others; I wish others to support their opinions by sensibly quoting me." Paul Wesson (Aardvark) 13th April 2008

20-09-2007, 02:15 PM	#4 (permalink)
rjt Uber Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Aldershot Posts: 5,481	If I could sum up Putin it would be as this. A vile Human Rights Abuser. __________________ Mr Delors said that he wanted the European Parliament to be the democratic body of the community, The Commission to be The Executive and The Council Of Ministers The Senate. NO! NO! NO! (Margaret Thatcher 30 Oct 1990) Ignore List: The Prophets of ST Al the Unelectable.

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20-09-2007, 02:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
John Carter Uber Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On Sabbatical Posts: 5,110	Putin? An iron man? Gay icon more like. Shirtless Putin emerges as an unlikely gay icon \| NEWS.com.au

20-09-2007, 04:01 PM	#8 (permalink)
For_England Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 1,869	Putin - defender of Russia against the West. He has my support.