Poisonous politics in Russia

Yuri Zarakhovich:

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Coming in the wake of the recent killings of former KGB man Alexander Litvinenko in London and of journalist Ana Politkovskaya in Moscow, Gaidar's episode suggests that Russian political life may be reacquiring some traditional dark patterns. All of the incidents, after all, are taking place against the backdrop of the start of a fierce struggle over who will succeed Putin, whose second (and constitutionally-mandated last) term as president will end in 17 months.

Russia's electoral system has, of course, been turned into a sham: Independent candidates are not allowed, only those on party lists can compete for seats in the Duma. And all the parties that have not been squeezed out of existence are rigidly controlled by the Kremlin. Not surprisingly, perhaps, the Kremlin has also scrapped the minimum turnout requirement to validate the election, to eliminate staying away as a means of sabotaging the stage-managed poll. Everything would seem to be under control. But, the big intrigue remains: Who will be Putin's heir, appointed if not anointed, just as Putin was when he succeeded Boris Yeltsin in 1999.

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Gaidar's poisoning after the Politkovskaya-Litvinenko murders adds to gloomy apprehensions. The political atmosphere in Moscow is becoming increasingly fraught with tension as the next round of elections draws near. Until the country has resolved its political succession, few are expecting a respite from such strange and ugly events....

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Russian politicians will have to go back to the czar's method of avoiding poisoning until the succession battle is settled. Eat only hard boiled eggs that they peel themselves. This explanation for the series of murders and attempted murders does put some context in the unusual events. Putin would be wise to cooperate and find out who is behind these plots. Once out of office they may be aimed at him.