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Russia doesn't give a shit about Snowden, of course, but Putin cares a lot about his own image of power. Such event would be a huge slap in the face for both th
by ivanhoe 7y ago
Russia doesn't give a shit about Snowden, of course, but Putin cares a lot about his own image of power. Such event would be a huge slap in the face for both the country and him personally - it would make Russia look weak and that's of great importance for their internal politics and Putin's ability to keep the public support and stay in power. So it wouldn't go unpunished, you can bet on that, he would be forced to demonstrate the power somehow... not for Snowden, but because of his voters...
- fabrika 7y agoPutin is free not to tell anything to his voters, as always. See Smolenkov, a high profile spy who safely left Russia. Voters don’t care much.
- jdsully 7y agoSomeone voluntarily leaving (even illegally) is not in the same class as public figures being kidnapped off the street. One is an individual matter and the other makes everyone feel unsafe.
- emilsedgh 7y agoAgain, the biggest problem for Ed Snowden is when Putin decides to hand over Snowden. Snowden is a card with an expiration date. Sooner or later Russia will try to use it to get something back.