RE:Where are we at?
Many thanks, CountryGent. How very good to hear from you.
I agree on so many things, that you have to forgive me for just stressing that you last paragraph is about a big IF: Given that Russian opposition is either locked away or not there yet, I am afraid that Putin can remain irrational longer than many of us Europeans can stay solvent and warm.*
(My friends and collegues in East-Europe and Russia tell me that we should not get take it for granted that the next leader after Putin will be better.)
The sucessfull rightwing coalition in Italy that will soon join forces with their friends in Poland, Hungry and so on. We should expect some turbulances in EU-policies to fight economic problems.
Best,
M
*I am writing this in an 18th century building with no proper windows and heating turned off. I am wearing fingerless gloves. Oxford certainly feels less Harry Potter style without the magic of modern heating. )