SPIEGELONLINE INTERNATIONAL: A quick war is the best propaganda: The conflict in the Caucasus has further strengthened the Putin-Medvedev leadership duo, according to new polls. Many Russians are hoping the pair will continue leading the country back toward's super-power status and that they will pursue that aim more energetically.
"Alexander" is the first caller on the "Curve" morning show at Echo of Moscow, a radio station critical of the government. The young listener is the first to be given the opportunity to answer the host's question about the Caucasus conflict: "Did this war make Russia stronger?"
The connection isn't great and there's fuzz in the background as he declares: "The stronger person is always more respected, and Russia has become stronger." His country may be finding itself in an increasingly isolated position internationally, but you can still hear the pride in his voice. And this young Moscow resident is far from alone in his opinion. The strong state is enjoying tremendous popularity.
For many Russians, the economic crisis of the 1990s remains a painful memory. The economic upswing that happened under Vladimir Putin's terms as the Kremlin chief not only improved the country's material situation, but also helped promote a new sense of self-confidence. That has also been evident in the days following the war in the Caucasus. In direct contrast to the Western view, Russians have emphasized the fact that the Georgians started the offensive and the war.
Indeed, most Russians are backing their government. The latest poll taken by Moscow's renowned Levada Center delivered clear results: 70 percent of the Russians surveyed said they were "in full and complete agreement" with the statement that the Russian leadership had "done everything it could to prevent an escalation of the conflict and to prevent the bloodshed." Only 4 percent claimed that the government had stoked the Georgian-Ossetian conflict in order to promote its own geopolitical interests. 'We Should Have Trampled on Georgia' >>> By Carmen Eller in Moscow | August 22, 2008
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