Gusinsky: Powerful Enemies, Powerful Allies

Exiled Russian oligarch and Israeli media magnate Vladimir Gusinsky is waiting in a Greek prison for word on whether he will be extradited to Russia, where an investigation into his alleged crimes remains open. According to influential Israeli, Jewish and Russian immigrants worldwide, Gusinsky has both powerful enemies and powerful friends. Russian President Vladimir Putin still sees him as a national security threat, and Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon relies on him to shape public opinion. The situation could cause relations between Russia and Israel to deteriorate, and the outcome of Gusinsky's current dilemma is far from clear. It will depend in part upon whether the Bush administration will weigh in on Gusinsky's behalf at Sharon's request.