Russia Profile is carrying the following opinion article by Alexander Arkhangelsky.

December 22, 2008
Mercy for the Fallen
Comment by Alexander Arkhangelsky
Special to RIA Novosti

Acts of compassion should be the rule, not the exception

In the past month small, unconnected and apparently spontaneous steps forward have been made on several humanitarian issues. Alexander Arkhangelsky argues that these could be a reason for optimism, if the state allows these small steps of compassion to become the rule, rather than the exception. The alternative – continuing to resist opening up the political system – means denying any outlet for popular sentiment to let off steam. The results of that could be disastrous.