photo credit: BH-one

Russia had a hard time after the collapse of its Communist government in 1991, and the Yeltsin Presidency that followed is widely regarded as a time of chaos by the Russian people.  But today, the Russian Bear is back, and snarling at all and sundry.   It's economy is on an upward trend (although this has been interrupted by the recent global downturn), and it's commands a massive chunk of the world's oil and gas reserves.

All these petro-roubles pouring into the Kremlin's deep pockets, have boosted the confidence of both the Russian people and it's government, and they once again feel like Russia is a major power on the world stage.  Not a superpower perhaps, but still a significant player, and one with growing influence.  This confidence has manifested itself in Russia's dealings with the near abroad, particularly in Georgia, whose military adventure last summer was brutally slapped down by the Russian army's invasion.

Today, there really is no excuse not to be keeping up to date with Russian news if you are a serious follower of world affairs.