Russia deserves criticism for the re-centralization of power in Putin’s hands, that much is obvious. What is also obvious is that such criticism should be delivered by people that actually have a leg to stand on:
Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, speaking before a visit to Moscow, said on Thursday she was troubled by the concentration of power in the Kremlin and said U.S.-Russia relations were in a “difficult period.”
“As with any relationship it is complicated, as with any big relationship,” Rice, who leaves for her trip on Sunday, told the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on foreign operations.
The United States is at loggerheads with Russia over a host of issues, including U.S. plans for a European-based missile defense system, which Moscow says is a return to the Cold War period, the future of Kosovo and human rights. [...]
Rice did not mention tensions over the missile shield, which will likely be raised in her meetings with Moscow next week, but she criticized Russia for a backsliding in reforms.
“Everybody around the world, in Europe and the United States, is very concerned about the internal course that Russia has taken in recent years,” said Rice, referring to an erosion of press and other freedoms.
“The concentration of power in the Kremlin has been troubling,” she added. (emphasis mine)
“Psst…kettle. You know you’re black, right?” “Eh, shut up, pot…”
