…to how we judge Russia.

In this op-ed in USA Today, Leon Aron puts the Putin presidency, pluses and minuses, in perspective. Aron’s conclusion: The 2008 presidential election in Russia will be key: “Any underhanded efforts to secure the outcome contrary to the will of the people — such as the actions taken in neighboring Ukraine — will not only mean the end of U.S. partnership, but will also turn Russia into an international pariah.”