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    Back to To the Point

    To the Point

    Russian Democracy and Power Politics

    Vladimir Putin has restored authoritarian rule, but growth and stability have made him wildly popular with most Russians. This weekend's parliamentary elections are expected to increase Putin's strength, even as his presidency will soon come to an end. Will he hold on to political power? Are America's frayed relations with Russia in for further deterioration? Also, citizen Musharraf is sworn in as Pakistan's president, and fireworks from last night's Republican debate in Florida.

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    By Warren Olney • Nov 29, 2007 • 1h 0m Listen

    Vladimir Putin has restored authoritarian rule, but growth and stability have made him wildly popular with most Russians. This weekend's parliamentary elections are expected to increase Putin's strength, even as his presidency will soon come to an end. Will he hold on to political power? Are America's frayed relations with Russia in for further deterioration? Also, citizen Musharraf is sworn in as Pakistan's president, and fireworks as Republican presidential candidates turn on each other during their latest debate in Florida.

    Photo: Russian Presidential Press and Information Office

    In this episode

    3 stories
    1. 1:40

      Citizen Musharraf Sworn in as Pakistan's President

      Pervez Musharraf was sworn in today for his third term as Pakistan's President, but his first as a civilian . In a televised speech, he said he'll end the state of emergency by December 16 and declared that parliamentary elections will be held in January, whether two former prime ministers boycott them or not.

      Read the story
      6 min
    2. 7:39

      Russian Democracy and Putin's Power Politics

      He's seen in the West as a throwback to the days of the Soviet Union: centralized power, control of the media, stifling of political opposition. But since Vladimir Putin was elected  President , the economy has been booming and his combative behavior has persuaded Russians they're back as a world power.

      Read the story
      34 min
    3. 42:04

      Candidates Spar in GOP Debate

      In prior debates, the main target for Republican presidential candidates has been Hillary Clinton . Last night in Florida where all the questions came from voters via the Internet website YouTube, they turned on each other.

      Read the story
      9 min
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Carina Miller

      Assistant Producer, To the Point

    • KCRW placeholder

      Dan Konecky

      Producer, To the Point

    • KCRW placeholder

      Katie Cooper

      Producer, 'One year Later'

      NewsNationalPolitics

    In this episode

    3 stories
    1. 1:406 min

      Citizen Musharraf Sworn in as Pakistan's President

    2. 7:3934 min

      Russian Democracy and Putin's Power Politics

    3. 42:049 min

      Candidates Spar in GOP Debate

    Back to To the Point