A lot of Russians moved to Serbia after the invasion (one of the European countries with a remaining direct flight to Russia plus overall friendly relations between the two countries). Pro-Russia, pro-Putin sentiment is widespread in Serbia, and so it is a funny situation that the actual Russians that have come here, are generally very much not Putin fans. The day Navalny died, they held a little vigil downtown. Our government is not as bad as Russia's (yet) but it was still a personally risky thing to do given that some anti-Putin Russians here have had their Serbian visas cancelled for being a bit too outspoken.
John, surely this would just be speculation, but I wonder if you have any thoughts on the ideology or motivations of individuals like Max Blumenthal or Aaron Mate, who predictably are excusing, denying or minimizing Navalny’s death and the obvious crimes of Russia. Is there any historical parallel for someone nominally “left” coming around to far right fascists in this fashion?
I appreciate the attention here to the noble qualities Navalny demonstrated that we so sorely need in our leadership and citizens today in the face of autocratic threats. His courage truly inspires. But so does his seriousness and clarity.
Hopefully the example of his life and not fear from his murder will carry the day. As the Greeks like to say, May his memory be eternal.
Putin, like any unelected leader, looks smart because he doesn’t have to do or say stupid things and run scared for electoral needs. He also doesn’t have a media that loves to shit on one party while protecting the other from accountability.
He also looks smart because he’s had successes from small efforts: Facebook ads getting some votes for Trump, finally getting Russia a foothold in the Mediterranean by giving Assad a modicum of support.
But then there’s the big thing where he’s failing and has already lost: turning Ukraine into a satellite. He’s pushed Ukraine into the arms of NATO and the EU. If far more knowledgeable people than I are correct, the 2022 was primarily economic in aim. Again, that doesn’t look like it’s happening to say the least.
Of course, he’s also seen in comparison with fPOTUS and anyone looks better in that comparison.
The tragedies of Navalvy’s death is that it will do nothing in Russia nor here vis a vis the GOP’s recent Trump-pushed support for Putin.
A lot of Russians moved to Serbia after the invasion (one of the European countries with a remaining direct flight to Russia plus overall friendly relations between the two countries). Pro-Russia, pro-Putin sentiment is widespread in Serbia, and so it is a funny situation that the actual Russians that have come here, are generally very much not Putin fans. The day Navalny died, they held a little vigil downtown. Our government is not as bad as Russia's (yet) but it was still a personally risky thing to do given that some anti-Putin Russians here have had their Serbian visas cancelled for being a bit too outspoken.
John, surely this would just be speculation, but I wonder if you have any thoughts on the ideology or motivations of individuals like Max Blumenthal or Aaron Mate, who predictably are excusing, denying or minimizing Navalny’s death and the obvious crimes of Russia. Is there any historical parallel for someone nominally “left” coming around to far right fascists in this fashion?
Moving piece, thank you.
I appreciate the attention here to the noble qualities Navalny demonstrated that we so sorely need in our leadership and citizens today in the face of autocratic threats. His courage truly inspires. But so does his seriousness and clarity.
Hopefully the example of his life and not fear from his murder will carry the day. As the Greeks like to say, May his memory be eternal.
Putin, like any unelected leader, looks smart because he doesn’t have to do or say stupid things and run scared for electoral needs. He also doesn’t have a media that loves to shit on one party while protecting the other from accountability.
He also looks smart because he’s had successes from small efforts: Facebook ads getting some votes for Trump, finally getting Russia a foothold in the Mediterranean by giving Assad a modicum of support.
But then there’s the big thing where he’s failing and has already lost: turning Ukraine into a satellite. He’s pushed Ukraine into the arms of NATO and the EU. If far more knowledgeable people than I are correct, the 2022 was primarily economic in aim. Again, that doesn’t look like it’s happening to say the least.
Of course, he’s also seen in comparison with fPOTUS and anyone looks better in that comparison.
The tragedies of Navalvy’s death is that it will do nothing in Russia nor here vis a vis the GOP’s recent Trump-pushed support for Putin.
From afar I read of Navalny's death and his mother seeking his body for a decent and evem public burial. And think of Antigone.