Putin strengthens his crypto-dictatorship in Russia.

I've said it before, I'll say it again. If Putin wants to help fight a global war on Islamic terror, great. We need all the help we can get. But Putin turning Russia into a dictatorship (again!) simply sets them up as our next Big Bad a generation down the road.

Provided of course that 11.2 doesn't start a Second American Civil War. I'm already dusting off my grey VMI uniform in case the Old Dominion calls me.

Oh, wait. I just confused myself with Stonewall Jackson.