WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) said on Tuesday he had concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites)'s sweeping political changes.
"In effect this is pulling back (on) some of the democratic reforms, as seen by the international community, that have occurred in the past," Powell told Reuters in an interview.
"Putin ordered sweeping changes to Russia's political system on Monday to help combat terrorism but drew quick accusations of exploiting this month's bloody school siege in Beslan to increase his power. "
Q Didn't Bush use images of 9-11 to increase power and support for his party and Administration?
"We understand the need to fight against terrorism ... but in an attempt to go after terrorists I think one has to strike a proper balance to make sure that you don't move in a direction that takes you away from the democratic reforms or the democratic process," Powell said, regardint russia's move towards eliminating various political parties.
The hyprocisy is staggering, since both major political parties in the US whine and ***** about Perot or Nader siphoing votes away from respective Presidential incumbents candidates
