Russia's Putin and Medvedev: Who Will Seek the Presidency?

As the Sept. 23-24 United Russia party conference approaches, speculation is building about whether Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will run for president or allow current Russian President Dmitri Medvedev to retain the office. Putin is at the top of a vertical decision-making chain in Russia, and ultimately his title does not matter. However, some Kremlin insiders believe a Putin presidency would make Russia appear stronger internationally. Medvedev has taken a tougher stance on foreign policy issues in recent weeks, but ultimately Putin will determine who will be on United Russia's presidential ticket.