Month: July 2011

July 22, 2011

Fancy a Pint?

Much attention this week has been focused on President Medvedev’s new law on beer. Prior to its previous incarnation as a foodstuff, beer has now officially become alcohol.  As a result it will disappear from kiosks, airports and railways st...
July 22, 2011

Fancy a Pint?

Much attention this week has been focused on President Medvedev’s new law on beer. Prior to its previous incarnation as a foodstuff, beer has now officially become alcohol.  As a result it will disappear from kiosks, airports and railways st...
July 22, 2011

The Berlusconi-zation of Vladimir Putin

There’s a strange thing that happens to some autocratic leaders after spending a decade or so in power … Things start getting pervy. The brutal Nigerian military dictator Sani Abachi had to leave office in a body bag when his heart fin...
July 22, 2011

The Berlusconi-zation of Vladimir Putin

There’s a strange thing that happens to some autocratic leaders after spending a decade or so in power … Things start getting pervy. The brutal Nigerian military dictator Sani Abachi had to leave office in a body bag when his heart fin...
July 22, 2011

Putin’s New Position?

Whether or not Vladimir Putin returns to the Presidency next year, it seems to be widely accepted that the debate surrounding the election ‘race’ is, in reality, a series of well-timed gestures, designed to create the illusion of polit...
July 22, 2011

Putin’s New Position?

Whether or not Vladimir Putin returns to the Presidency next year, it seems to be widely accepted that the debate surrounding the election ‘race’ is, in reality, a series of well-timed gestures, designed to create the illusion of polit...
July 22, 2011

Energy Blast – July 22, 2011

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad apparently appreciates Russia’s proposals for recommencing dialogue with Tehran over its nuclear program.  The International Energy Agency will stop selling oil from its emergency reserves because its ob...
July 22, 2011

Energy Blast – July 22, 2011

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad apparently appreciates Russia’s proposals for recommencing dialogue with Tehran over its nuclear program.  The International Energy Agency will stop selling oil from its emergency reserves because its ob...
July 22, 2011

Today in Russian Business – July 22, 2011

As the prognosis for Russia’s car market looks remarkably healthy, Renault is apparently considering a plan to launch vehicle production at a third site in partnership with its Japanese ally Nissan and its local affiliate Avtovaz.  A vindica...
July 22, 2011

RA’s Daily Russian News Blast – July 22, 2011

TODAY: NGO sees holes in Magnitsky documentation; Voina artist placed on international wanted list; four detained over migalki protest.  Medvedev tells police to ease up on trade union protests; policeman quits after urinating video; soldier on so...