Multiparty Politics : Russian Style

Much is made in the UK of the general uselessness of our so-called opposition; true Michael Howard's decision to fall on his sword on the morning after the election indeed led to the predictable, and highly entertaining farce that is a Tory leadership race - and if the crew of a boat are at each other's throats the chances of the boat moving in a consistent and desirable direction are somewhat limited.

However, Tory fortunes fade into insignificance when compared with the travails of Gary Kasparov, the erstwhile chess genius who could be the only thing between Russia and Putin-ocracy. On a recent campaign tour, Kasparov found himself turned away from more places than a poultry farmer in South-East Asia; excuses included "the inability to garuntee his security" (presumably security from the KGB, er sorry I mean FSB), a fallen curtain on the stage (presumably of the material not the iron variety) and - saving the best till last - "rocks on the runway (actually having spent some time in the terminal of Sheremetyevo Aiport I find this one believable). Other features included the "spontaneous" gathering of Putin supporters to throw ketchup, eggs etc. at the hapless chess maestro (one hopes they weren't too expensive - the people, not the eggs) and the predictable 3 car FSB chaperone following on behind.

If this is the situation now, I can't wait for the "election"; anyone taking bets ?