There is a great need of fresh outside view on Russia, but when a foreign reporter arrives in Russia, usually he soon finds himself deep in one of the political camps. Thus, Lavelle is a more putinist than Putin, while most of the MSM reporters are more yablochniks than Yavlinski. The same, albeit to a lesser extent, is with think-tank analysts. Somehow bloggers (and you as a blogger-in-chief in Russia category) manage to evade such a fate.

I try to remain balanced, but I’d have to say that I’m moving pretty firmly into the anti-Putin camp. Although he’s done some good things for Russia, I think that, on balance, he is doing more damage than good right now.

I’ve just noticed you have a new blog. I’ve added it to the blogroll & I’ll put up a quick post linking to it over the next couple of days.