Good article. Makes sense. But with that said - Putin is still crazy.

Example: A dog walks towards the water for a drink. It casually meets two humans on the way - and bites both of them. Then has his fill of fresh water. Were they in its way? Doesn't matter, that's who he is.

Putin doesn't have to take 3 giant steps into the past to resurrect the USSR - he wants to because that is familiar to him and a better vehicle to control others than democracy. All the geo-political stuff - spot on. Makes total sense if someone doesn't want Russia to change. Makes total sense if someone wants to remain in control regardless.

These are not Russia's thoughts for protecting its sovereignty - it's Putin's thoughts for protecting his power base.

He has done more to keep Russia poor and desperate than any American rhetoric.

Sometimes knowing absolutely everything about a person - doesn't change one thing about who they are. There are bigger and more detailed descriptions of the man - but I'll stick with crazy. Like: He's crazy, don't let him drive a train. Or he's crazy don't let him run a country.

Still a good article.