>>>>>>>>In any country where the leader has complete control, including complete control over the enforcement of his dictates, he can operate on any whim he pleases. Tell Kim Jong in North Korea that he has to answer to public opinion, and he'll laugh in your face.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>This is Russia we're talking about, not USSR under the rule of that guy from Georgia.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Yes, but it still seems to me that Putin has pretty much a free hand to do whatever he pleases regardless of public opinion.
>>>>>
>>>>>At 70+ % positive rating he seems to have earned it.
>>>>
>>>>Didn't Saddam have something like 127% positive rating?
>>>
>>>Here is a big difference: the majority of Russians support Putin' policy and share his view on many subjects.
>>
>>It is quite possible that this sharing will last no longer than oil price keeps high.
>
>He'll just steal more from another unsuspecting private oil company owner (if there are any left).

I have no doubts that he will be Ok in any circumstances. My point was that general population is effectively bribed by 'oil crumbs' dropped from top on their tables. If this flow disappears then it might happen that people decide that they want more democracy.