GVChamp,
how many people knew about and remembered Kosovo or Grozny? how many people cared?
when Americans usually care about Russia it's because Russia has said or done something to the US-- for instance, the huge spike up in popularity after 9-11 and correspondingly a large decline after Russia opposed the Iraq War. there's been a general long-term downward popularity trend as Putin has gotten more and more antagonistic towards the US and his own neighbors, especially as he rebuilt the Russian military on oil money.
but what exactly has Putin done recently to increase his popularity...especially among Republicans? i'll give you three guesses.
I mean and only mean Russia was a popular country 8 years ago. I think it was pretty stupid to have a fond opinion of Russia 8 years ago. I think it was pretty stupid to have a fond opinion of Russia 16 years ago. Why would we assume Russia is an ally after Kosovo and Grozny 2.0?
when Americans usually care about Russia it's because Russia has said or done something to the US-- for instance, the huge spike up in popularity after 9-11 and correspondingly a large decline after Russia opposed the Iraq War. there's been a general long-term downward popularity trend as Putin has gotten more and more antagonistic towards the US and his own neighbors, especially as he rebuilt the Russian military on oil money.
but what exactly has Putin done recently to increase his popularity...especially among Republicans? i'll give you three guesses.
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