Putin and Khodorkovsky: The Battle for Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin and some of the country's oligarchs are backing a campaign of criminal investigations linked to Yukos CEO Mikhail Khodorkovsky, Russia's richest man. The investigations reflect a fierce struggle for political control, but will not lead to a reversal of privatization. This round of the battle likely will end in a compromise — with some gains for Putin, but with Khodorkovsky remaining a formidable political opponent. Damage to the Russian investment climate, however, will be limited.