Russia's Putin: Siding With the Oligarchs as a Line of Defense

Russian President Vladimir Putin's efforts to stay above the fray of his country's fractious and mysterious politics — and weigh in only when necessary — are now working against him. As a result, he appears to have finally made a concrete decision, choosing the oligarchs as his allies. The move suggests that a Russian challenge against the West under Putin is unlikely. It also, however, sets the stage for more open competition for control over Russia.