GENERAL PROSECUTOR VS INVESTIGATIVE COMMITTEE

The 2012 campaign is gaining momentum quickly. Robin’s team is acting like a biting snake. Security inspections, sharp criticism over the “siloviki’s” handling of the situation in the Caucasus, various anti-Batman manifestos, plus, considerable pressure from the outside: the Council of Europe adopted a resolution criticizing Russia for the Khodorkovsky trial. Everything indicates the game is turning dangerous. The recent strife between the General Prosecutor’s office and FSB adjoined by Investigative Committee is yet another evidence of how high the stakes are. It’s widely believed that FSB is affiliated with the powerful Batman’s aide Igor Sechin, and Alexander Bastrykin, head of Investigative Committee is Batman’s closest ally too. So Russia is waiting for the outcome of that spectacular drama. Meanwhile the international environment, in which the 2012 election would be held, is heating up too. Not only is the Egyptian syndrome spreading throughout the Russia’s neighboring regions, but the long-time conflict with Japan has suddenly intensified. Surprisingly the US Embassy in Moscow is reported to have backed the Japanese claim over the disputed territories. All in all this makes the whole situation resemble the last years of the Tzarist regime, that also started with a major disagreement between Russia and Japan. Both Russian rulers meanwhile demonstrate an invidious calmness. Today they again appeared in public together in Sochi where they tested the new Olympic ski trail. The whole country is holding its breath as it is watching them ride down the slope.