OT political: Here's an interesting twist...

From Reuters today: Its short enough to post in full here.

Powell Concerned by Putin Political Changes

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Tuesday he
had concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin's sweeping political
changes.

"In effect this is pulling back (on) some of the democratic reforms, as seen
by the international community, that have occurred in the past," Powell told
Reuters in an interview.

Putin ordered sweeping changes to Russia's political system on Monday to
help combat terrorism but drew quick accusations of exploiting this month's
bloody school siege in Beslan to increase his power.

The Kremlin leader told top Russian officials he wanted a new election law
to limit the number of political parties and to have full control over
nominating regional leaders.

"We understand the need to fight against terrorism ... but in an attempt to
go after terrorists I think one has to strike a proper balance to make sure
that you don't move in a direction that takes you away from the democratic
reforms or the democratic process," Powell said, adding Washington would
raise the issue with Moscow "in the days ahead."







--riverman