Officials could see how the tough rhetoric resonated in society during the gas war with Ukraine last week. |
The central power may be using this 'brown' threat as a means to transfer power in 2007-8 in much the same way they used it in 1996. At that time, they made the case that the Communists were threatening a comeback, making former President Yeltsin's team look so much better in comparison. |
The essence of the methods (used by the Kremlin) is to remove from power those leaders that are too independent from its point of view. |
The fact that the appointments were made together shows a complex balance of power in the government. |
There are groups in the Kremlin who believe that (the old) methods are not necessary any more. |