April 16, 2007 at 12:20 am (Uncategorized)
Hundreds of anti-Kremlin demonstrators have held a rally in St Petersburg, a day after a protest in Moscow ended in scuffles and arrests. The question to ask if the opposition rallies will have tangible effect in this freshly liberal country. It will take time for Russia to become a full-fledged democracy as the spectre of communist mentality still exists. The Kremlin still needs an iron fist to control everything in Russia. The opposition, despite all this, can be easily cornered as Vladimir is still very popular despite cases of human right abuses. The Russians need just to have a good share of their country’s current economic boom. They aren’t seeking a change of president. This will make the opposition look weak in the face of such an attitude. Opposition in Russia doesn’t have enough teeth to rally nationwide public protest against the current government despite the social ills like corruption and a rise in crime. Russia is witnessing a soaring economic status never enjoyed since the fall of communism. The opposition can be an embarrassment only if it shows Putin to be undemocratic by stifling any kind of legitimate public protest.
Leave a Comment
April 16, 2007 at 12:15 am (Uncategorized)
The World Bank is coming under criticism because of what some see as its shortcoming in fostering the desired development in poor countries. but it seems that its job is principally to grant loans based on criteria in favor of economic and social projects. The World Bank shouldn’t be the sole to blame for projects failing to see the light of the day.
The real development works are the responsibility of the governments that get loans from it. Many have failed to reach their development targets due to mismanagement and corruption. But many governments misuse loans from it because of mismanagement and corruption. Its loans should be linked to governments records on achievements in economic policies aimed at narrowing the gaps between the rich and the poor. Many loans remain just a burden on state budget for years, just aggravating the economic situations which they are meant to mend
The World Bank remains influenced by politics. This also can contribute to its double standards regarding the loans it offers, some seen as preferential others as more exigent. Radical reform is needed.
Leave a Comment
Hundreds of anti-Kremlin demonstrators have held a rally in St Petersburg, a day after a protest in Moscow ended in scuffles and arrests. The question to ask if the opposition rallies will have tangible effect in this freshly liberal country. It will take time for Russia to become a full-fledged democracy as the spectre of communist mentality still exists. The Kremlin still needs an iron fist to control everything in Russia. The opposition, despite all this, can be easily cornered as Vladimir is still very popular despite cases of human right abuses. The Russians need just to have a good share of their country’s current economic boom. They aren’t seeking a change of president. This will make the opposition look weak in the face of such an attitude. 
