[camacazio]

Didn't somebody already say that?

Either way, yeah, that's how I see it. As with all things, the bigger the task, the more gradual the change needs to be. The massive blob that was the soviet union needed much more than a quick military pull-out and a collapse of it's bureaucratic mess. Unfortunately, the process of change has already been initiated--the immediate shift--so going back and trying to suggest alternatives is entirely unhelpful. There needs to be a good solid year of political reform dismantling some parts of the bureaucracy and structuring other parts--in an attempt to reduce the maze-like red tape set up reminiscent of the SU but also to try to build up a system of government that is new-deal like, but better suited to the Russian people's needs.

Reform is difficult because of scandal, mafia, and difficult government function. I don't know how to get around these things, though, and right now no one can garner the kind of necessary power for the kind of necessary swift action that is needed by still remaining within the bounds of the quicky-government they have.