Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD)

EUROPE

RUSSIA: "Nobody Is Untouchable"

Official parliamentary Parlamentskaya Gazeta (5/18) stressed in a report by Aleksandr Linkov and Sergei Trusevich: "The Russian parliament has for the first time shown that there are no untouchables in this country. Those in high office should always be aware of their responsibility and answer for what they do."

"Communists Demoralized"

Igor Vandenko commented on page one of reformist Noviye Izvestiya (5/18): "No matter what the Communists are saying about a 'popular impeachment' or their 'moral victory' over Boris Yeltsin, they can't hide that last Saturday's vote hurt them badly. After that fiasco, their small victories, such as defeating the President's proposed candidate to the premiership, would not matter very much."

"Russia Is Tired Of Yeltsin"

Leonid Radzikhovsky observed in reformist Segodnya (5/18): "The Duma's flop has not made Yeltsin look any better. He has not won by the Duma losing. The Communists have demonstrated their impotence and the president has demonstrated what remains of his old vigor. But that can't change anything--Russia is sick and tired of Yeltsin and his fighting spirit."

"What Good Is The Constitution?"

Ivan Rodin remarked on page one of centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (5/18): "The impeachment procedure is more evidence that there is little use for 'the Yeltsin Constitution.' It, obviously, was written never to be used."

"Bleak Prospects For Communists"

Vasily Ustyuzhanin opined in reformist, youth-oriented Komsomolskaya Pravda (5/18): "The outcome of the vote last Saturday must worry the Communists as far as their chances in the coming general elections are concerned. Evidently, they have to work out a new program of action. That goes for all political parties. The aborted impeachment is a kind of dividing line between what they could do before it and what they can do now."

"Drama Turns Into Farce"

Reformist Segodnya noted in a page-one report by Natalia Kalashnikova and Yevgeny Yuryev (5/17): "A drama has proved to be a farce. Yeltsin has popularly been approved (for a fourth time) and the Duma pilloried again. There is hardly anyone of Yeltsin's caliber among politicians. No one of the current presidential candidates could endure such a humiliating 'talk show' and let his opponents see 'the democratic procedure' through. The opposition did its best to revile the 'regime,' neglecting to point out that it could only do so thanks to the 'regime' itself."

"Impotent Trouble-Makers"

Reformist Vremya-MN (5/17) remarked in a piece by Darya Korsunskaya, Svetlana Lolayeva and Gleb Cherkasov: "In the end, the Dumyites have remained what they have always been, impotent trouble-makers."

"New Stabilization"

Vasily Ustyuzhanin concluded in reformist, youth-oriented Komsomolskaya Pravda (5/17): "[The impeachment proceeding] was important and useful as the first attempt to call the powers that be to task. Since all seem to be content with the outcome of the vote, Russia, it could cautiously be suggested, may be facing a new stabilization period."

"Dilettante Heads Cabinet"

Nationalist opposition Sovetskaya Rossiya (5/15) front-paged this comment by Aleksandr Frolov: "The appointment of a dilettante as the head of government bespeaks Yeltsin's only caring about his own image, not the economy. By sacking a popular premier, in defiance of public opinion, Yeltsin has made it clear that, as he makes political plans, he does not think of regaining public support, nor does he count on it."

"Historical Paradox"

Anatoly Kostyukov averred in reformist weekly Obshchaya Gazeta (# 18/19, 5/14): "We thought the era of mumbling old men who could hardly make it to a rostrum on their own was gone never to return. We were wrong. The irony is that the president, a guarantor of social peace, has become a permanent source of social danger."

"Yeltsin Struggles To Survive"

Andrei Fyodorov, chairman of a political studies foundation, stated on page one of centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (5/14): "Obviously, the president is among the weakest political figures in Russia today. Yeltsin has to think more about surviving (in every respect) than running the country.... His ill-conceived decision to sack Primakov makes that starkly clear."

"Election Is Decisive Factor"

Leading news analyst Otto Latsis asserted in reformist Noviye Izvestiya (5/13): "The president's latest decision is very much in line with his election plans.... The coming election, not Primakov's performance, was the decisive factor."

"Most Unpopular Decision"

Georgy Bovt judged on page one of reformist Segodnya (5/13): "This might be the most unpopular decision the president has ever made. Most of the political elite, unfortunately, has rejected the official explanation of Primakov's dismissal. To the majority, the cabinet's faults, such as being exceedingly cautious and lacking an economic policy, do not outweigh its main accomplishment, political stability. The president's decision is seen as revenge for hobnobbing with the Communists."

"Who Dismissed Primakov"

Aleksei Ulyukayev argued in reformist Segodnya (5/13): "Yeltsin did not fire Primakov. The Maslyukovs and Kuliks did--he sank, weighed down by their incompetence, irresponsibility and lack of principle. It's time, Yevgeny Maksimovich. Good-bye. You've done a lot by ensuring political stability when it was most needed. Every politician must quit some time. Primakov must quit now."

"Political Motives"

Marina Volkova said in centrist Nezavisimaya Gazeta (5/13): "There is no doubt in anyone's mind that Primakov was dismissed for political reasons."

BRITAIN: "Yeltsin's Latest Gamble"

The independent weekly Economist had this piece (5/14): "An ailing President Yeltsin enters another political battle, perhaps his last, more isolated and desperate than ever. Over the coming months, that means instability, even danger.... If Mr. Yeltsin is lucky, he may have a working government within a month or so, and Russia will stagger on until the general election in December, which could give the political system a new shot of legitimacy. If he is not, the country faces yet another lurch downhill."

"Crisis In The Kremlin"

London's conservative Evening Standard published this lead editorial (5/13): "The news from Moscow is deeply disquieting. In a single impetuous gesture Boris Yeltsin has once again thrown into turmoil a country which, after wobbling on the brink of anarchy following the market crash and hyper-inflation less than a year ago, was beginning to regain a modicum of stability.... A constitutional crisis now threatens. It is to say the least, unnerving, to see the world's second nuclear power descend into political chaos at a time when NATO is engaged in a bitter...conflict with Russia's...fellow-Slavs."

"Yeltsin's Folly"

The independent Financial Times opined (5/13): "What on earth is Yeltsin up to? The Russian president's decision to fire his prime minister appears to be totally self-serving. It is the fourth time he has fired a government in 14 months, inviting outright confrontation with the Communist-dominated Duma. Russia now faces an indefinite period of political crisis and constitutional instability, to compound its economic collapse.... Against that background, the prospects for Russia playing a big role as peacemaker in the Balkans must be slim."

"The Great Destabilizer"

The conservative Times ran this lead editorial (5/13): "By starting another war with the Duma, and one which this by now terminally unpopular president is likely to lose, Mr. Yeltsin makes decisive reform even less likely. Few people, besides, feel that Mr. Primakov's failure to do tough, unpopular things is the real reason for his dismissal. And even fewer expect Mr. Yeltsin's latest swing of the wrecking ball to do Russia anything but severe damage. The immediate consequence is that Russia will for weeks have no government at all.... Yeltsin's latest gamble is with Russian democracy.... For Russia, whose prospects of desperately needed IMF cash must now again recede, this crisis comes at the worst of times. For the outside world, the most immediate interest is whether it will also make Russia harder to deal with over Kosovo."

"A Bad Day For Russia"

The liberal Guardian said in its lead editorial (5/13): "What happened yesterday looks threatening on two levels. This new bout of chaotic instability and internal conflict still further reduces the already vestigial chances of the economic and governmental reconstruction which the country so grievously needs. And the likely knock-on effects of that for the crisis in the Balkans seem all too clear. Though at the start of the war he responded with thunderous Cold War rhetoric, President Yeltsin, in his erratic fashion, has been a constructive force."

"Czar Boris Has Done Russia A Disservice"

The centrist Independent had this lead editorial (5/13): "Boris Yeltsin resented Mr. Primakov because his prime minister was infinitely more popular and, thanks to his support in the Duma, in some respects more powerful than himself. Second, he had permitted investigations into alleged corruption to go ahead against members of the president's family and inner circle. In earlier times, Mr. Primakov might have faced a show trial; instead he has merely been fired. But the relative modesty of the punishment should not hide the disturbing implications of what has happened, both for Russia's internal stability and for the management of the Kosovo crisis.... By firing Mr. Primakov, Russia's modern czar has done both his country and the international community a grave disservice."

FRANCE: "Yeltsin's Safety Net"

Gilles Bridier opined in centrist La Tribune (5/14): "Even if Yeltsin turns his back on the political stability needed for the economic reforms demanded by the IMF, he is waging that...the IMF will not give up on Russia.... The markets did not shed a single tear for Primakov.... On the other hand, a worsening situation in Kosovo--in case Russia stopped playing the mediator between NATO and Belgrade--or a victory of the conservative party in Moscow, would represent a much bigger worry for the markets. This explains why the Russian president continues to play his high wire act, knowing full well that others [i.e., the West] are there to hold the safety net."

"Yeltsin: King Of The Absurd"

Andre Bercoff observed in right-of-center France Soir (5/14): "Yeltsin, who can hardly finish a coherent sentence, fires his ministers faster than you can say it. The entire circus would be laughable if there weren't thousands of Russian nuclear warheads ready to go off."

GERMANY: "Russia's Lesser Evil"

Left-of-center Frankfurter Rundschau carried an editorial by Florian Hassel (5/18): "It is true that Yeltsin has been detrimental rather than useful for Russia over the past years.... This leader in the Kremlin must be replaced. But this should be done by the voters in the summer of next year--and not by the Duma or by a court.... With respect to the Duma, we can only hope that the parliamentarians have learned their lesson from their failure, the lesson that it is better for Russia to let the voters decide and to hope for a gradual change rather than focussing on quick solutions or on coup-like measures to oust its leaders.... But...nothing will change for the better until a new better parliament has been elected."

"Meek Duma"

Werner Adam front-paged this editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (5/17): "It is not known whether it was the memory of the bloody events six years ago which caused approximately one hundred parliamentarians not to take part in the vote. Another reason could be the absurdity of some of the Communist accusations against the president. However, we should not ignore the fact that it is mainly the manner in which the Russian president exercises power that created Russia's reputation as a labyrinth. As far as the economy is concerned, Russia has turned into a synonym for chaos. The majority of Russians are waiting for the presidential elections in June of next year, since these elections will mark the end to Yeltsin's rule. But the parliament must be elected before then. At that time, we will learn whether the current weakness of the Communists is more than a temporary development."

"Yeltsin--A Winner Without A Future"

Moscow correspondent Thomas Avenarius filed the following editorial for centrist Sueddeutsche Zeitung of Munich (5/17): "Was it a victory for Yeltsin, a fiasco for the Communists, or even a triumph of reason? The next political struggle is coming soon. By Wednesday, the Duma must vote on Yeltsin's candidate for the office of premier. If Yeltsin is able to get the approval of the Duma for his candidate, he will have achieved an overall victory. But there is no way around it: Yeltsin's time is over. He is a clever tactician, but he has no future-oriented perspectives to offer."

"Russia Stands Still Until 2000"

Business newspaper Handelsblatt of Duesseldorf argued (5/17): "Only 17 votes were needed to launch impeachment proceedings against President Boris Yeltsin, 17 votes which could have plunged crisis-ridden Russia into an even greater crisis.... The new acting premier Stepashin must be confirmed by parliament, and it is uncertain whether the Duma will do so. In any case, weeks will pass until a government has been formed that is capable of acting. Weeks in which bills are frozen, talks with the IMF and the World Bank about important loans remain suspended. Irrespective of whether it is Stepashin or a different premier, Russia will continue to stand still until the presidential elections in the summer of the year 2000."

"Hothead"

Werner Adam wrote this editorial in right-of-center Frankfurter Allgemeine (5/14): "In foreign policy, Yeltsin has so far acted with circumspection, but as far as domestic policy is concerned, he is increasingly turning into a hothead. The Russian president may not accept the system of checks and balances. In the ten years of his autocratic rule, Yeltsin has never tried to establish halfway acceptable cooperation with parliament.... It is not possible to find a plausible explanation why President Yeltsin has now fired a government for the fourth time in almost one year.... The fact that Yeltsin is increasingly considered a political problem is based not only on his embattled health, but also on his erratic and absolutist rule."

"Global Power And Banana Republic"

Frank Herold published this editorial in left-of-center Berliner Zeitung (5/14): "There are two Russias, which sometimes meet but then stand in each other's way. The first Russia is a global power. Over the past few years, one tried several times to ignore this...but the possession of nuclear missiles and a right to a UNSC veto are undisputable realities. The other Russia is a banana republic--at least this was how Russia was ruled over the past few years: with nepotism, intrigues, corruption, personal feuds, and government changes that resembled a coup.... Another round in this circle will now be completed since the president and the Duma are again fighting each other.... But the banana republic is now disrupting the circles of the Russian global power. Only recently, Moscow convincingly lodged its claim to play a leading role in the solution to the Kosovo conflict... But who should accept a state as a power for global order, if it is unable to get its own problems under control? A Russia that is unable to act domestically cannot play a constructive role in the search for peace."

ITALY: "The Lame-Duck Mediator"

Sandro Viola judged in left-leaning, influential La Repubblica (5/13): "Yeltsin's decision to oust Primakov...can only weaken Viktor Chernomyrdin's mandate, since behind the Russian mediator there is now a country faced with total political confusion.... Chernomyrdin's initiative appears, if not crippled, at least partially emptied of its initial credibility. Naturally it would be better for everybody if the shake up in Moscow would not deprive the Russian mediation of its strength, since it remains the only possibility to negotiate at the present time.

"But the fear that the political chaos in Moscow may diminish its impact is well founded. Since this is a Russian initiative, and Russia is perhaps too sick to play a significant role in the Balkan war."

"Boris Fires Primakov"

Roberto Livi commented in Rome's centrist Il Messaggero (5/13): "Even if Yeltsin's decision proves to be only a tactical move dictated by the domestic political situation...it is clear that Chernomyrdin's mediation loses its weight at this point."

BELGIUM: "Parliamentarians In A Delicate Position"

Moscow correspondent Boris Toumanov asserted in conservative Catholic La Libre Belgique (5/17): "After the vote [not to impeach Mr. Yeltsin]...it is now the Kremlin, which is in a position of power on the eve of another important battle with the Duma, which must decide on the candidacy of Sergei Stepashin, proposed by Mr. Yeltsin as prime minister. The Russian parliamentarians' position is very delicate. If they refuse to approve the president's choice three times, the Duma is automatically dissolved. But, if they accept Mr. Stepashin, the opposition is likely to lose face in the eyes of its electorate."

"The Kremlin Is Having Fun, Russia Takes The Rap"

Moscow correspondent Boris Toumanov editorialized in conservative Catholic La Libre Belgique (5/14): "In the case of Mr. Primakov, it is not his communist views or his incompetence in the economic field which Mr. Yeltsin has punished, but his disloyalty to the boss.... Almost one year before the end of his term, the president--whose popularity has dropped to two percent--continues to spend the little energy and authority he still has on securing his political survival. This lone battle is likely to damage Russia's democratic and liberal experience...even further."

BULGARIA: "Russia's Political Hostages"

Center-right Standard commented (5/14): "It looks like Russia is entering a summer of harsh political struggles between Yeltsin and the Duma. The country will be deprived of a working government, and in the best case scenario, a paralysis of power will follow. Business will be paralyzed as well. Starting this fall, another round of political storms will shake the Russian Federation, marking the start of the parliamentary election campaign."

"A Time Of Anarchy For Russia"

Second-largest circulation 24 Hours contended (5/13): "Primakov was fired because, according to opinion polls, he was the most popular politician in Russia. Yeltsin has not been enjoying the people's approval lately and is extremely sensitive in that respect. It is obvious that a furious fight between parliament and president will ensue. Early parliamentary elections are even more likely now. The crisis may grow into a constitutional crisis. The timing couldn't be worse--Primakov had just secured an agreement with the IMF and the World Bank for new loans."

CROATIA: "Political Earthquake In Russia"

Government-controlled Vjesnik carried a commentary by its Moscow correspondent Bogoljub Lacmanovic (5/13): "It is widely believed that the reason for this firing lies simply in the Russian president's character, for the 'Kremlin Czar Boris' does not tolerate politicians around him that are more popular among the ordinary people than he is....

"Without any doubt--the sacking of Primakov and his government will not only cause a government crisis, but could also prove destabilizing for the political situation in the country."

HUNGARY: "The Lonely Czar Of The Kremlin"

Moscow correspondent for top-circulation Nepszabadsag, Laszlo Lengyel observed (5/17): "Boris Yeltsin has (and had) only one program: power.... This czar has become entirely lonely by now, but he has concentrated so much power in his hands that it would be difficult to undermine it.... No one can influence him, everybody had to either turn against him or quietly resign. In the case of Primakov, the prime minister's popularity was more dangerous to Yeltsin than the damage that Primakov's dismissal causes to the interests of Russia."

"A Declaration Of War"

Foreign affairs editor Peter Barabas had this piece in independent Nepszava (5/13): "Yeltsin's...decision amounts to a declaration of war...against the Duma. And it has also shaken the very fragile balance that he created eight months ago.... But the Russian president has started a political game which, unlike the previous dismissals, could end up in a crisis of the entire Russian political system."

IRELAND: "Czar Boris"

The conservative, populist Irish Independent predicted(5/13): "Boris Yeltsin's days are numbered. But what comes after? A Communist, nationalist or military regime would be more calamitous in economic terms.... Russia's only salvation lies with the democrats."

KAZAKHSTAN: "In Contrast"

Pro-government Express K (5/18) had a captioned picture of President Clinton, accompanied by an article describing the Duma's attempts to impeach Russian President Yeltsin: "This is Bill Clinton, the U.S. president, who they wanted to resign over only one point: A spot on the intern's dress.... [In contrast to Yeltsin], Bill bombed out two countries during his impeachment process."

POLAND: "Yeltsin The Victorious"

Ryszard Malik opined in centrist Rzeczpospolita (5/17): "Yeltsin's victory is definitely good news for the West. In spite of various steps and decisions which would often surprise politicians in Washington and Brussels, the Russian president has continued a policy started in the early 1990s of friendly relations and cooperation with the West.... His success indicates stabilization even if it is a crippled one."

"The Price Of Crisis"

Slawomir Popowski wrote in centrist Rzeczpospolita (5/13): "Yeltsin's decision can be interpreted as a provocation, a beginning of his favorite political game effected through personnel changes. Until now, Yeltsin has come out victorious from this sort of standoff--but Russia would always have to pay for it. Now Russia is entering anew the period of destabilization."

SLOVENIA: "The Evil Spirit Of The Kremlin"

Left-of-center Delo front-paged this editorial (5/13): "Yeltsin has made one of his worst political moves....

"Because of his deliberateness, composure, independence, and clean hands, which--unlike those of Russia's other leading figures--were never stained with corruption, Primakov became Russia's most popular politician of the recent time. He has even outshone the master of the Kremlin. And because czars and dictators cannot live in someone else's shadow, he had to go.... It has been known for some time that the Russian president, with his unpredictable and unpremeditated moves, has become the major destabilizing factor in (Russia)."

SPAIN: "Lack Of Alternatives Saves Yeltsin Again"

Independent El Mundo said (5/16): "Some [experts] believe that the survival instinct of some Russian MPs could allow Yeltsin to get enough backing for the appointment of his new prime minister, Sergei Stepashin, next week.... Yeltsin has won a battle but the war still continues.... His erratic policy, together with his unpredictable personality and the chaotic economic situation, increase the unhappiness of the public, who, moreover, do not appreciate Russia's moderate position on NATO's war against Yugoslavia."

"Test Of Strength In Moscow"

Liberal El Pais editorialized (5/12): "What Russia needs least in the current circumstances is to increase its dangerous [internal] instability.... In Moscow a strong government that eases the recovery of political legitimacy is essential. For the time being and despite his major defects, it appears only Primakov can be in command to avoid a definitive collapse."

EAST ASIA

JAPAN: "Russia Must Reconstruct Its Economy"

Business-oriented Nihon Keizai editorialized (5/18): "The political situation in Russia...may recover somewhat after lawmakers backed away from an [impeachment] showdown with Yeltsin.... Although blocking the impeachment was, to be sure, a political victory for Yeltsin, the president is aware that he can hardly be in a mood to celebrate the victory [given the low public support for him.] Given the status of the Russian economy, the State Duma made a sound judgment by suspending its showdown with Yeltsin. The lower chamber will have to approve Stepashin as prime minister on Wednesday and bring an early end to the political confusion. Russia must give priority to reconstructing its economy, not to criticizing and taking countermeasures against...NATO."

"Russian Leaders Oblivious To Obligations At Home And Abroad"

Top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (5/17): "At a time when Russia has to take urgent measures to end its economic turmoil, this country's political confusion will remain indefinitely.... Yeltsin deserves censure for dismissing Primakov if he did so merely to protect his own powerbase even at the expense of political stability in his country. The president, his administration and parliament are preoccupied with a power struggle when they should be joining forces to overcome their country's hardships."

AUSTRALIA: "Time For Yeltsin To Sack Himself"

The liberal Canberra Times (5/14) carried this editorial: "What does Yeltsin think he is doing? His sudden sacking this week of Yevgeny Primakov not only guarantees domestic destabilization, but has the potential to undermine Russia's blossoming role as a peacemaker in the Yugoslav war. The sacking had all the hallmarks of a Yeltsin fit of pique, and it is hard to avoid the impression that Mr Primakov's relative competence was his downfall.... Only one thing is really clear. Mr. Yeltsin's erratic and autocratic behavior has gone on for long enough.

"For Russia's sake he should stop sacking governments and see that the only one who really should go is himself."

INDONESIA: "This Russian Political Crisis Seems Serious"

Leading, independent Kompas contended (5/14): "It would be regrettable if Russia's latest political crisis, occurring precisely at the moment of Yeltsin's weakest physical and political condition, finally destroys this big country."

THE PHILIPPINES: "Dangers Of A Renegade Russia"

Publisher Max Soliven of the third-leading Philippine Star (5/14) wrote in his column: "Whatever happens, an already financially and economically crippled Russia is in disarray.... Mr. Yeltsin has pulled surprises and rabbit tricks out of his hat before, but apparently now has run out of steam. Yet, where is any new leadership to emerge?... Russia is now poor and...demoralized.... A humiliated and scorned Russia, with nothing to lose...is the most dangerous factor in Europe today."

SOUTH KOREA: "Yeltsin After Impeachment Vote"

Inchon University president and editorial writer Kim Hahk-joon of independent Dong-A Ilbo (5/18) observed: "Yeltsin breathed a sigh of relief after the vote on his impeachment, but it is not over yet.... Though he survived the vote, his already debilitated authority will weaken further along with that of the federal government.... Another political leader who was relieved at the outcome of the vote was Clinton, who needs Yeltsin's help to successfully conclude the ongoing attack against Yugoslavia."

"Yeltsin Should Tread Carefully"

Kim Seok-Hwan commented in business-oriented Joong-Ang Ilbo (5/17): "The failure of the Duma to approve the impeachment of Yeltsin has dealt a crushing blow to the Communists and leftists.... However, although Yeltsin has put out the fire at hand, he still faces many more, not the least of which is the disillusioned public and growing distrust of the reformists."

THAILAND: "Russia Must Be Helped At All Costs"

The lead editorial of the independent, English-language Nation commented (5/16): "With its 'bumbling drunk leader' and squabbling parliamentary deputies, there appears to be little reason for optimism in Russia. Still, with the world's help--however ill-advised or inefficient--Russia did manage to escape the worst depths of the economic crisis which engulfed it last year. And the same approach needs to be taken with Russia's politics. The world needs to stay concerned and engaged."

VIETNAM: "NATO Seeks To Fish In Russia's Troubled Water"

The lead editorial of Lao Dong (Labor, the newspaper of Vietnam's General Federation of Trade Unions) commented (5/17): "What has happened recently shows that the highest priority of Mr. Yeltsin is not the role of Russia in Kosovo, but the creation of favorable conditions for his candidate to run for the presidential election in 2000. This priority will have immeasurable impact on Russia's roles in foreign and security matters."

SOUTH ASIA

INDIA: "Czar Boris"

Pundit K. Subrahmanyam penned this analysis for his "Global Watch" column in the pro-economic-reforms Economic Times (5/18): "It is widely known in Russia and elsewhere that Yeltsin owes his election to Russian big business, and [to] a pro-American lobby which managed his election campaign.... But neither Yeltsin nor the Americans could accept Primakov as a possible successor to Yeltsin.... Yeltsin has wielded [his presidential] power most arbitrarily, as demonstrated by his sacking three prime ministers in two years.... It is going to take a long time to clean up the mess created by Yeltsin."

"Boris On The Brink"

The right-of-center Indian Express had this editorial (5/17): "[Primakov's] going will throw the country into a new and probably protracted round of political and economic turmoil even as poverty and insecurity grow.... Yeltsin's decision is utterly idiosyncratic.... Whatever else the Yeltsin era has achieved, it has surely paved the way for the rise to power of Communists and nationalists. They appear to be the only bulwarks against economic and political prescriptions which have pushed 60 percent of the population into poverty and raised a new class of robber barons."

"Exit Primakov"

The centrist Times of India (5/14) offered this view: "Whatever the motivation behind Primakov's dismissal, it reduced the countervailing influence of Russia in a world where unipolarity is being asserted with 800 sorties a day over Yugoslavia. A politically and economically unstable Russia is today the most potent proliferation threat. The international repercussions of the dismissal of Primakov are likely to outweigh the domestic ones which are themselves extremely destabilizing."

PAKISTAN: "Russian Kaleidoscope"

Tanvir Ahmad Khan opined in the Karachi-based, independent Dawn (5/18): "Basically, the challenge remains the same: how to save the pro-Western, market-oriented and liberal democratic forces from the backlash of economic failure. [Acting Prime Minister] Stepashin, if approved, will have to steer the course through the parliamentary elections this coming winter.... Yeltsin is indispensable for the survival of the project to contain resurgent communism thriving on nationalism and to ensure the continued 'Westernization' of Russia. Neither the West nor the liberal democrats have as yet found an alternative to him."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

ARGENTINA: "Another Risky Move, Tailored To Yeltsin's Needs"

Gail Scriven, international columnist for daily-of-record La Nacion, held (5/13): "If something was missing to complicate even more the already difficult international scenario amidst the Kosovo war, it was an explosive political crisis in Russia. A political crisis like the one which broke out in Moscow yesterday and which, undoubtedly, will lead to a fierce fight for power between the Kremlin and the Communist-nationalistic opposition.... [Primakov's ouster] is a risky move aimed at making things worse, throwing overboard the delicate balance between the government and parliament, ruled by the opposition, and causing an institutional standstill.... With his risky bet, Yeltsin opened a pandora's box. The Kosovo crisis could now be merely a chess piece in this dangerous political game, reviving the nationalistic rhetoric at a time when Yeltsin himself wants to avoid being viewed as NATO's puppet."

BRAZIL: "Black Clouds Over Moscow"

Center-right O Estado de Sao Paulo's editorial declared (5/15): "Primakov was not fired because of deficiencies in Russia's economic and political management.... Primakov fell because he became popular and could become the most feasible candidate for next year's presidential elections.... It is very unlikely that the new prime minister will have the necessary political flexibility to arrive at a compromise with a hostile Duma. With an unstable president in poor health, and a prime minister whose only apparent quality is his loyalty to Yeltsin, Russia is once again approaching political and economic chaos."

CANADA: "Poor Russia"

Frederic Wagniere opined in centrist La Presse (5/17): "President Yeltsin may not be mentally and physically able to govern his sad country, but neither is the Communist majority in parliament."

"Boris The Bungler"

Guy Taillefer opined in liberal, French-language Le Devoir (5/13): "In the absence of Mr. Primakov, the agony of the Yelstin era risks expressing itself in increasingly incoherent terms, leading the country astray."

ECUADOR: "Russia On Verge Of The Precipice"

Peter Schenkel opined in center-left, influential Hoy (5/15): "The most serious effect is the political and economic chaos that could drag Russia into domestic disintegration and a social explosion of unpredictable consequences. The world needs a politically and economically stable Russia that will play a responsible role on the international stage."

JAMAICA: "Russian In Turmoil"

Regular columnist John Rapley wrote in the moderate, influential Daily Gleaner (5/14): "He's done it again. It seems that every time ailing old Boris Yeltsin is afraid the world is about to forget about him, he reminds it abruptly he is still Russia's president by sacking his prime minister.... Yeltsin's reasons for sacking Mr. Primakov may amount to nothing more than a fit of pique.... Russia's economic situation shows few signs of improvement.... In this environment, the prospects for nationalist and Communist politicians are likely to improve.... With war continuing in Yugoslavia, the possibility of a sharp turn away from market reforms in Russia becomes a greater possibility. For now, however, the most likely prospect is continued muddling.... There is...a real likelihood that...Russia will be left without an effective government."

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5/18/99

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