Now that he has passed away many people are discussing his legacy.
What did he leave behind? Democracy in Russia or poverty and death?
He was a big player in the fall of communism in the old USSR.
He was the first democratically elected President.
He reformed Russia's economy (for the better or worse is debatable)
He went to war with chechnya (sp?) and the end result was horrific.
The question is, is he a hero or a villian?
Was his economic shock therapy worth the poverty?
Was going to war with chechnya worth it? Just to keep them from becoming independent.
Was it all worth it in the name of democracy?
How does that compare to today's view's of the Iraq war and bringing democracy to the middle east?
Here is a link to different news articles on Yeltsin from different parts of the world.
http://www.npr.org/worldopinion/20070424_worldopinion_yeltsin.html
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I think his intentions were good at the beginning and democracy was the better choice. His approach to the economy and chechnya were a great mistake. He was also overwhelmed with the duties that came with the job and rebuilding Russia. Corruption seemed to be ensuing in his government as well which is not surprising. They were switching t capitalism and there was a lot of money involved and everyone wanted a piece of the cake and the portions were distributed unfairly.
How does this reflect in Iraq tho? If you look at it closely you can see that it's been 16 years that Russia is a "democratic state" but still struggles with the basic aspects of democracy. If a giant such as Russia struggles after 16 years what does that say about Iraq who were practically forced into democracy by and outside force?
What did he leave behind? Democracy in Russia or poverty and death?
He was a big player in the fall of communism in the old USSR.
He was the first democratically elected President.
He reformed Russia's economy (for the better or worse is debatable)
He went to war with chechnya (sp?) and the end result was horrific.
The question is, is he a hero or a villian?
Was his economic shock therapy worth the poverty?
Was going to war with chechnya worth it? Just to keep them from becoming independent.
Was it all worth it in the name of democracy?
How does that compare to today's view's of the Iraq war and bringing democracy to the middle east?
Here is a link to different news articles on Yeltsin from different parts of the world.
http://www.npr.org/worldopinion/20070424_worldopinion_yeltsin.html
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think his intentions were good at the beginning and democracy was the better choice. His approach to the economy and chechnya were a great mistake. He was also overwhelmed with the duties that came with the job and rebuilding Russia. Corruption seemed to be ensuing in his government as well which is not surprising. They were switching t capitalism and there was a lot of money involved and everyone wanted a piece of the cake and the portions were distributed unfairly.
How does this reflect in Iraq tho? If you look at it closely you can see that it's been 16 years that Russia is a "democratic state" but still struggles with the basic aspects of democracy. If a giant such as Russia struggles after 16 years what does that say about Iraq who were practically forced into democracy by and outside force?
