Helen from Vancouver
Your statements are absolutely right as we view the situation from Russia.
Kasparov, being the opponent to Karpov for the world championship (Karpov was sympathized by the Soviet officials rather Kasparov), simply hates Russia and everything Russian. That`s the point.

Victor, Moscow,

If Putin returns it will make the Russians happy and enthusiastic, not Berezovsky, kasparov and Co.

Victor, Moscow,

Sure if you could have a ruler the has the people's genuine well being at heart and leads with compassion, understanding and knowledge then yes it would be great to keep that leader in place. There are reasons why 8 years is set as the limit. Leaders who become drunk on power change sooner or later.

Drew, Phoenix, USA

Democracy is not all its cracked up to be!

If someone is successful at running a Country ~ isn't it better to leave it in continuity rather all this chopping and changing?

It is the very model that is responsible for the breakdown of relationships.

Not to mention voting is exhausting!

Anne Kent, Dorset,

The one really good thing regarding the USA Constitution is the 8 years then you go. I can't think of an instant in history whereby it would not stand a county in good stead. That is assuming they have a democracy - and you believe it is the right thing to have!

steven wood, Christchurch, UK

ha! Gary Kasparov should go play some chess!!! :) What the heck does he know about politics! Nada! I am not saying that I agree with this, so called, Putin's plan, but he did do a lot of good things for people during his term! Russia is different from other countries - it needs a leader like Putin!

Helen, Vancouver, BC, Canada

I think that the D.Medvedev will be an independent leader. Now he is trying to do anything that could help him to be perceived like that. He is already started his own reforms to show to all his personality and some key differences from V.Putin. IMO.

Viatcheslav, Kaluga, Russia

It baffles me when politicians play these funning tricks and believe people are stupid to see through their dirty tricks. People are not stupid! People know what is happening. So Putin might as well carry on as President and forget about these pretence.

Jeff Uka, Plymouth, UK

If Russia was not a dictatorship Gary Kasparov (Russia's Obama) would be allowed to compete for the presidency. But without access to the State-controlled television Kasparov's candidacy is unlikely. Putin and Medvedev have shored up their power base, any effective opposition is brutally crushed.

shay, boston, usa

Just like they have done in the US for decades... no difference. Democrat - Republic - same people are running the country behind the Presidential facade.Obama looks like a wild card though. Will be interesting. Will he comply to the people in power or... face consequences?

Janne, MK, UK

You mean to say Putin's not President now? Oh!

What's in a name anyway - President - Prime Minister? He surely still runs the country whatever title he uses.

John, Swindon, UK

The Russians seem to be going out of their way to maintain a facade of relative democracy. The question is why? Why not simply stay on as 'president' as many dictators around the world do? Why is Russia seemingly intimidated by Western values?

Daquan Quartermaine, Middelburg, Netherlands