The Carpet Sweeper
Sad! The death of a political prisoner in a Russian jail. A familied man who chose to fight for what he believed in from within Russia. A dangerous move in Russia since the state leadership carries pathological traits shaped from past experiences of massive loss of life due to wars (civil and external), brutal dictatorships, and perceived national security threats from within and outside.
Putin – ex KGB – and a Russian nationalist, rules with an iron hold and rebuilt the nation after the chaotic period following the breakup of the Soviet Union. He is not averse to dealing harshly with threats to the security of the state from within or outside with military action (Georgia, Ukraine) and dissident incarceration or assassination.
Antiestablishment Navalny attended the Yale World Fellows Program at Yale University over 10 years ago and the Russians may have been suspicious of him been used by the US for starting a “color revolution”. The Yale World Fellows Program brings together “extraordinary” leaders from around the globe. They are required to engage in intellectual growth, knowledge sharing, skill strengthening, and network expansion. Was Navalny under the spell of US “influencers”?
The timing of Navalny’s death – whether caused by assassination or health issues – is not good for Putin. Russia currently holds Chairmanship BRICS and Putin was benefitting from the huge global viewership of the Turker Carlson interview. Additionally, the presidential election in Russia is due to be held in March.
The coordinated hair trigger response to the death of Navalny by multiple leaders of the western alliance with their expressions of outrage directed at Putin and Russia is suspicious. Compare this to their lack of response to the incarceration and recent death of American/Chilean journalist Gonzalo Lira (from torture and medical neglect) in a Ukrainian jail or the incarceration of Australian journalist Julian Assange (Wikileaks) in a maximum-security prison in UK since 2019 without charges brought against him. He is awaiting deportation to the US.
Then there is the case of former Pakistan PM Imran Khan who is now languishing in jail after he was removed as PM through a parliamentary coup. The Pak military establishment aligned with business elites and powerful corrupt political mafia types allegedly followed “instructions” issued by the USA. There are many more examples. Geopolitical maneuverings and treachery go hand in hand.
Check out Maria Zakharova – Director, Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – response to the expressions of outrage by western leaders:
“The reaction of Western leaders, politicians and the media to the news of the death of Alexei Navalny once again demonstrated their hypocrisy, cynicism and unscrupulousness.” …………………………… https://twitter.com/_MariaZakharova/status/1758775553635606722
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An EMAIL COMMENT from a Retd Sri Lankan Army Officer of Senior rank, 21 February 2024:
“What a powerful message against GENOCIDE.”
After all is said and done, the west upholds human rights whereas Russia does not. The Russian leadership does not agree that sovereignty lies with the Russian people. Its view is polar opposite of the view of western democracies. The Russian leadership will benefit, but not Russia. Eg: The space race. When Russia sent up Sputnik, the US was 10 years behind. Yes 10 years. US caught up and went ahead to put a man on the moon. Russia has still to do it. Now it looks as if China too has overtaken Russia. What is the lesson for us in Sri Lanka? You say it.