The end of the Soviet Union 20 years later

[Shortline Bus]

In another world changing anniversary, this weekend marks the 20th anniversary of the end of the Soviet Union. Two decades ago in 1991, an attempted 'final' coup against then Soviet Leader Mikhail Gorbachev occured. The Reason was that there as plans was in place to end the USSR and appoint Boris Yeltsin the first President of post Soviet Russia. The Coup failed and the USSR and Gorbachev were gone on Christmas Day. (12/25/11)

 

Despite it's run into democracy, Russia has had being kind a mixed bag of results. A few businessmen have become Billionaries like Mikhail Prokhorovo now the Owner of the soon to be NBA Brooklyn Nets. In addition Russian sports stars particuarly in soccer, basketball and hockey now playing overseas especially in the United States is now a regular occurance.

 

While at same time, there been rampant crime/dispute between ethnic groups including several terrorist incidents that have killed at least hundreds.

 

So guys has Russia been a success or failure, 20 years after the fall of communism? For those of you too young to remember there a link below on the bio of Gorbachev below, the key man that ended the Soviet empire.

 

 

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Gorbachev

[lilbluefoxie]

Putin's Russia is basically the Soviet Union in a capitalist disguise. Its the same formidable rival its always been and even more dangerous now because our leaders like to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to Russia, China, and Iran and hope they'll just play nice with us.

[Shortline Bus]

Putin's Russia is basically the Soviet Union in a capitalist disguise. Its the same formidable rival its always been and even more dangerous now because our leaders like to bury their heads in the sand when it comes to Russia, China, and Iran and hope they'll just play nice with us.

 

You make a good point Foxie. Russia just joined in 'last minute' in a socialist style captialism. They also been hit hard with the ongoing global recession as well. And speaking of Putin, he expected to win another term as the country's so called "President' shortly.