Russia: In Duma, A Partial Victory for Putin

A pro-Putin bloc is expected to win a relative majority in Russia's Duma elections on Dec. 7. That will help President Vladimir Putin suppress the country's oligarchs, but it will not be enough to gain unquestioned influence over the Duma. Opposition in Parliament and the country will remain sufficient to throw a shadow over Putin's chances for re-election in next year's presidential polls.