Ruble Dives, Putin Raves

     My, my.  The latest financial news indicates that Russya is having an economic setback.   Most recently, the ruble has lost over 9% of its value against the dollar.  This is shocking to some; but ot some it is the anticipated outcome of failed policy.   Almost completely dependent on their oil resources for foreign exchange,  the country is now paying a steep price for the foreign policy shortcomings that have only continued to isolate the largest country in the world.  The attempted murder in the UK of a former Russyan spy and his daughter has highlighted the depravity that exists in the Kremlin.  With Mr. Putin in charge of everything for over 18 years, the country continues to alienate those western nations that pursue goals in opposition to those of the Kremlin.
     The Middle East has been the locus of Russyan efforts to perform on the world stage as a major player.  The support of the murderous Assad regime by the Kremlin is an attempt to seize any recognition available to a well-armed force that operates on its own demonstrating contempt for the UN and NATO as those organizations pursue  peaceful means to settle the war, now in its 8th year between rebels and the regime in Syria.
    Having been reelected to another 6 year term last month, Mr. Putin remains popular in his country, the largest in the world.   While he has not been openly criticized for his actions by US Pres. Donald Trump,  officials in the US have seen fit to impose further economic sanctions against Russya because of its actions in the world.   Joining with European nations, the US has supported a strong response to the poison gas attack in Salisbury, UK.  While denying any involvement, most nations agree that the order came from the Kremlin and the material involved was developed and stored in Russya.
      The next move involving economic issues will probably involve a freeze of assets of Russyans living abroad and a limit on investments in foreign countries.  Already dealing with sanctions imposed after attacks in Ukraine and the takeover of Crimea, these latest sanctions will carry burdens throughout the Russyan economy as demonstrated by the devaluing of the rubel.
     And so, Mad Vlad tries to resurrect the old Soviet regime.  He's living in the past.  His efforts will be for naught:  Facebook will see to that.