Daniel 8:23 “In the latter part of their reign, when rebels have become completely wicked, a fierce-looking king, a master of intrigue, will arise. 24 He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people.
Putin is 'Playing the Madman' to Trick the West
Newsweek-Apr 1, 2015
Policymakers around Europe are debating if Putin's unpredictable tactics make him a great strategist or plain mad. Sean Gallup/Getty.
Putin threat of nuclear showdown over Baltics
Putin and the Neoconservatives Posted on Apr 1, 2015 By William Pfaff
The resemblance of President Putin’s ambitions for his Russia to those of the neoconservatives in the contemporary United States bear a striking formal resemblance in the wish of both to recall a romanticized past. The means they are willing to use resemble one another as well. That is a troubling conclusion.
Inside the Confused Mind of Vladimir Putin
The Moscow Times - Apr 1, 2015
At this point, all that is clear is that this crisis between the West and Russia over Ukraine and beyond will not end until there is a realization in Moscow that the West is not trying to overthrow Putin, and that Russian expansion into Ukraine (and perhaps elsewhere) does not serve to strengthen Moscow. But since Putin is not likely to experience any such epiphany, any such realization may not occur until after his long reign finally comes to an end.
Why Putin Doesn't Need To Pander To The West
OilPrice.com - Apr 1, 2015
It’s quiet on the eastern front – as quiet as a conflict between world superpowers can be. Since February’s cease-fire agreement, relative calm has prevailed in Ukraine and world events elsewhere – Iran and Yemen – have shifted the global focus. Still, the West’s frigid relationship with Russia is no less chilly and antagonism, not cooperation, remains the modus operandi.
Long-term, the stalemate looks to continue, but can either side afford such a result? And if not, who cracks first?
15 Years Later, Putin Is Still In Power And Popular At Home
Here And Now - Mar 31, 2015?
This week marked 15 years since Vladimir Putin first came to power. He won over 50 percent of the vote and took the reins from Russia's first President, Boris Yeltsin. Today, Russia's main polling agency recently recorded his support at around 85 percent.
Putin Creates State Agency To Oversee Ethnic Issues
Radio Free Europe
April 01, 2015
Russian President Vladimir Putin has decreed the creation of a federal agency to oversee ethnic issues in the huge, multiracial country. According to the decree signed on March 31, the new agency's major goal will be to prevent ethnic or religious discrimination and thwart attempts to "incite hatred."
The agency will also regulate the government's cooperation with Cossacks, semi-militarized groups the Kremlin has been using to promote conservative values and enforce order.
Russia has over 100 ethnic groups, including many non-Slavic indigenous groups in the Volga River region, Siberia, the North Caucasus, and the Far East.
(Iron mixed with clay)