STRATEGY 31, NEW YORK

The good thing about not having too many people is there are no backs to hide behind ))

Anna's Birthday

Today she would have turned 52.

Way to go, Vova.....

This is why or, rather, against what, we will be protesting tomorrow outside the Russian Mission to UN in New York. The same will be happening in London. He is delussional and it is dangerous.

MOSCOW — Prime Minister Vladimir Putin disparaged Russian dissidents in crude street language in an interview Monday and said they would keep getting beaten if they continued to hold unauthorized rallies.

Putin has never shown much tolerance for dissent. After he became president a decade ago, Russia cracked down on opposition leaders and increased government control of the media. Now as prime minister, Putin still wields tremendous influence over policy, despite the presence of President Dmitry Medvedev. Putin has been coy over whether he will run in the 2012 presidential election.

Putin told journalists on Monday that it was "complete gibberish" that he continues to run the country.

"I'm tired of foreign policy," Putin told journalists traveling with him in Russia's Far East. He said Medvedev was handling it well and he saw no need to interfere.

In the interview published in the newspaper Kommersant, Putin defended his record and touched on a variety of topics, including foreign policy.

He said President Barack Obama seemed sincere in his desire to improve Moscow-Washington relations, despite U.S. policies that appeared more hostile. Putin pointed to continued U.S. military support for Georgia following its brief war with Russia in 2008 and U.S. plans to put a missile defense system in eastern Europe.

He also said imprisoned oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky deserved his punishment. Khodorkovsky, serving an eight-year sentence after being convicted of fraud and tax evasion, is now on trial on new charges that carry a sentence of up to 22 years.

Putin said in the Kommersant interview that he was surprised to learn of the second case against Khodorkovsky. That claim caused some wry amusement among Khodorkovsky's supporters, who say the legal assault against him was punishment for challenging Putin.

It was questions about the political opposition, though, that inspired the colorful language Putin seems to love.

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"What's good about the contemporary world?" Putin was quoted as saying. "You can say something around the corner from a public toilet and the whole world will hear because all the television cameras will be there."

Russia's opposition leaders depend on international television exposure because they are blacklisted from Russian television and their protests are rarely aired.

Putin predicted that Russian police would keep breaking up opposition protests unless the dissidents obtain official permission to rally – permission they are routinely denied in central Moscow.

"You will be beaten upside the head with a truncheon. And that's it," Putin declared.

Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov said the interview showed Putin to be "dishonest, ignorant and evil."

"It's clear that the call to beat your own people, moreover those who are unarmed and not showing any resistance, is a crime," Nemtsov wrote in his blog.

Opposition groups plan to rally Tuesday evening and predict that police will now be emboldened to use greater force in detaining protesters.

The opposition holds protests on the last day of every month with 31 days to call attention to Article 31 of Russia's constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly. Nemtsov was among the dozens detained at last month's protest.

The rallies have been held on Triumph Square, but this month the Moscow city government fenced it off and announced plans to build an underground parking garage. Putin said he was unaware that the square had been closed. "I give you my honest word as a party member," he said, resurrecting an expression used by Communist Party members in Soviet times.

Kadyrov and more

Yet another 'proof' that the Chechen president is a guarantor of peace and stability in the Caucasus.

As for the recent almost daily extermination of rebel fighters in Ingushetia and Dagestan, i have a good reason to believe that they are killing off their own people inside those rebel groups.

People have ceased asking me why I take on some really hard core issues, in my work and otherwise, but occasionally I ask myself that. I think it is because i never did turn cynical. And because, like Anne Frank, adoption of whose diary for stage was my first job, "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart. Anne Frank Everyone has inside of him a piece of good news".....

What's life if not a search for the right side to be on.

I have a pretty great idea, i think. If there will be no good news with regards to the Moscow theatre siege case by the anniversary date in October, we should do a picket in New York, demanding another proper investigation. Out of 129 people killed there were two Americans, who died as the result of the government's use of the toxic gas.

Thought of the Day

Quitting smoking was easy. Quitting some people I'm finding hard.

and

The real TANDEM in Russian politics is not Putin-Medvedev, it is instead Putin-Kadyrov (known as 'Portrait and 'Redhead', respectively), with to 'SS' - Sechin and Surkov, as support 'barrels' on both sides.

U2 singing in Moscow with the Russian opposition musician Yuri Shevchyk

31st of August

We're in the middle of preparing for the Strategy 31 event next week on the 31st of August. Not a huge outpouring but enough for the first round. How it will be viewed or disected remains to be seen.

Why......

It is interesting that when his wife asks him if he wants their daughter to marry a 'mujahadeen', he ignores the question. He also said, just as he was about to be killed, that he was 'tired'.

The fact of the matter is that after Andrei's arrest the situation in Dagestan, where a big chunk of his work was done, deteriorated and terrorist attacks followed. Certain people, Andrei's superiors prior to those attacks neglected to take care of Andrei's... lets call them 'sources', who, in all likelihood, could prevent those attacks and deaths of so many people. The letter appeal to the president Andrei wrote was not delivered by the people we asked. Rage does not begin to describe how i feel.

Simply can't bring myself to get involved in the Mosque/Ground Zero debate. Arguments for both sides seem to have relevancy and lack of at the same time.

Like Buddha said, winning and losing is the same thing-it means nothing.

Brilliant, every word of it

Матвей Ганапольский, обозреватель, Thursday, 19.08.2010 18:19


Матвей Ганапольский, обозреватель : И вновь продолжается путч

19.08.2010 | 18:19
Различные акции, посвященные 19-й годовщине путча, проходят сегодня в Москве и Санкт-Петербурге.

***

Путчистов арестовали, осмеяли, потом выпустили, потом забыли.

Но они выиграли стратегически.

Конечно, это трудно предвидеть тогда, но сейчас, по прошествии 19 лет, они могут праздновать победу.

И дело не в названии государства, которое они отстаивали, а дело в его сути. Путчистам совсем не нужно было пленить Горбачева и пускать по телевизору «Лебединое озеро». Им, партийно-советской номенклатуре, как никому нужно было помнить, что почти восемь десятков лет большевизма даром не проходят. Эти года произвели генетические изменения в советском человеке, как в собаках, которые из волков превратились в лижущее руку существо, боготворящее хозяина, просто за то, что он хозяин.

Безусловно, тогда никто не знал, что демократия – это сложнейшая работа, проводимая десятилетиями. Тогда казалось, что скинь ненавистную партию-тирана, и естественная тяга человека к свободе стронет огромную страну.

Никто не стронулся. Все переложили борьбу за будущее на правозащитников, не забыв их самих объявить сумасшедшими. «Сумасшедшая баба Лера» - это о Новодворской, «сумасшедшая фашистка Алексеева», сумасшедший фашист Лимонов, либерасты, дерьмократы – все это победа путчистов.

Они добились своего – те, кто наперекор царству путинской братвы и медведевских реформ «по капле три раза в год» продолжает отстаивать главное и единственное, что осталось – конституцию страны, объявлены сумасшедшими, причем, не властью, а народом. Граждане сделали свой выбор и закопали новую Россию, увидев в историческом повороте к приватизации исключительно хапуг-олигархов, а в нескольких годах демократии и свободы, исключительно пьяного Ельцина.

Граждане просрали свою страну, не желая участвовать в ее жизни и обидевшись на тех, кто богаче, но вакуум всегда чем-то будет заполнен. И он заполнился новой путинско-медведевской Советией, только стоящей уже не на коммунистичесмкой сказке о «благе для всех», а на жестком посылании граждан даже не на три буквы, а на все буквы русского алфавита.

Прошло 19 лет истории России, и снова все на местах: граждане ничего не решают, а все решает власть. Она отменила выборы и разделила Россию среди своих.

Свои владеют ее богатствами, свои руководят, свои пишут идеологию. Молодежный резерв будущего набирают также из своих.

Власть не слышит критику и не собирается на нее отвечать; она ведет воины по своему желанию и назначает врагами того, кого хочет.

Только раньше это были Генеральные Секретари, а сейчас это Президенты и Премьеры, которые, играючись и с трудом подавляя смешок, меняют друг друга в Кремле.

Но самое главное - эта власть уже вечна и несменяема, потому что, в отличие от глупого политбюро, она раздала гражданам зарубежные паспорта, чтобы недовольные, без скандала, уезжали за границу.

Россия умерла.

И не Ельцин с Березовским и не дуумвират виноваты в этом. Виноваты те, сидит на кухне в Интернете, в Твиттере и блогах, но готов согласиться, что в 12-м году, цари просто сменят друг друга, подтираясь конституцией. Да, кстати, ведь они ее не нарушают, не так ли?

А граждане размышляют о том, кто из дуумвирата придет на царство, да смеются над сумасшедшей бабой Лерой – вот и вся их работа в стране Советии.

Но, если ты, думая о будущем России, размышляешь исключительно о том, кто из них будет новым Президентом, то ты такой же труп, как и твоя страна.

Мертвые страны очень похожи на живые, они гниют незаметно.

Просто иногда человек сидит на кухне и задает себе вопрос – а что я решаю в этой жизни? И отвечает: ничего.

Мертвая страна гниет через потухшие души своих граждан.

А жаль, хорошая страна была.

What was edited out

This is what was edited out from Putin's meeting with the victims of the fires in one of the regions. One of the women is yelling 'Stop lying to us! You're not doing anything for us!' And exclamations of the this kind were heard from all over.

I was talking to Jan Lantus yesterday, the chief editor of the Polish newspaper Nowy Dziennik, and he said that Poland really is a free democracy and moderate economic growth. And that Polish people, looking at other prosperous countries, instead of feeling envious and hateful like Russians, strive to reach the same level of well-being in their own home. And there are interesting facts about the plane crash in Russia that took lives of a large part of Polish political elite including Polish President Lech Kaczynski. Apparently for days the area was not cordoned off and the locals were soon selling as 'souvenirs' bits of the plane and even passports of those who perished.

And another brilliant piece from the two clowns

As the situation shows no signs of improvement, Putin is using this opportunity as he thinks to his advantage, simultaneously feeding his Superman complex. In reality he is turning tragedy into a farce.

P.S Most expensive 'amusement rides' are openly accessible to Mr. Putin: Fighter jets, submarines etc

Putinenok

Poo

Putin's self evaluation is at this point is far from being objective which is a bad symptom. He makes laughable comments and statements, like the one about the song he was singing with the failed Russian 'agents' (song about the Motherland), with all seriousness. He is nearing the state of Brezhnev towards the end of his 20 year reign. Except Putin has the aggressiveness that Brezhnev in his later years did not have. He now has all the makings of a tyrannical clown. He is nearing the absurd with his shirtless torso photos and bike rides.
The fires and the aftermath that will follow, and the complete incompetence of the government to deal with the situation, i fear, will still not shake people up. Tis not, nor it cannot come to good.

Continuing my work on the book about the theatre siege here are some of the photos, that will go in.

Saw a wonderful play tonight Someone to watch over me. The last time i saw this production was in London in 05. It's a brilliant pay that got me crying, thinking and even coming to peace with some things in my own life by confronting them. General thoughts also drifted freely. How to step out of the skin of a coward. How to remain free in captivity while others are prisoners while being free. How not to waste yourself.

Thoughts at 5PM

Народ никогда не должен быть полностью доволен властью, это крайне опасно. власть не может быть совершенной и должна знать, что к ней придираются и будут придираться. народ несет ответственность за власть которую имеет, а власть ответственна перед народом. это единсвенная нормальная форма существования.

Hell's Kitchen

The wildfires in Russia that are currently destroying hundreds of thousands of acres of land, villages, towns and military bases, and disabling major cities like Moscow is, of course, a result of the abnormally high temperatures and lack of complacency with the fire prevention laws. But, with the magnitude of the disaster increasing by the day, one cannot help but feel like there is something else in all of this. Perhaps a 'warning shot' of sorts to a nation that leads a very wrong existence. Wrong by whose standards? By human standards. Bribery, corruption, lies, anger, lack of compassion, vulgarity, terrifying treatment of the elderly and animals and an aggressive outlook on the rest of the world. I'm sorry Russia, but that's you. It might not be too late to put out the fire, and nature will help, but it might be too late to save the country. Now that will require a miracle.

Вводный пост

Вводный пост

31 of August, Russia Embassy...

The idea that was voiced yesterday about a peaceful picket/demonstration outside the Russian embassy in New York is an appealing one. For those who are not in Russia right now but do care about the state it's in, this will be an opportunity to do something. While the opposition in Moscow will once again go to the streets on the 31st of August to continue demonstrating its support for the article 31 of the Russian constitution which is responsible for the human freedoms, we can do the same here. Even at the risk of very few people showing up. Perhaps it can be a beginning of something bigger and better. At any rate, i find the idea exciting and we must work on it.

Nord Ost Work, continued

Pictured: Olga Romanova, while she worked at Krasny Oktyabr, the chocolate factory.
Here is one of the things we are going to develop here-what happened to Olga who walked into the theatre under siege, and why, in fact, she walked in, when the building by this time was cordened off with 3 circles of army personell.

On photos-Olga with friends; Olga's parents, Moscow 09

Putinenok

I was thinking about what Putin's 2012 return to Kremlin and, formally, to his previous title would entail for the US. Firstly, United Stated would need to decide how to react to a new 'Leader of the Nation' type leader, aka North Korea's father Kim Il-sung . How can a country that slipped into this madness be dealt with? Secondly, make no mistake, Putin hates America, with all the hatred of someone with a huge Napoleon complex who hates all those mightier, more important and influential. My belief is that as of 2012 Putin will stop hiding his real feelings. Despite the recent and supposedly mutually lucrative contracts between the countries, the gap between the two nations is becoming wider and will continue to do so. In Russia there is not a single sign of improvement on any of the fronts: economy, human rights, basic freedoms. The lies have become the reality of choice and the smartest people i know are already packing their bags.

No Terrorism in Russia...

The situation in the North Caucasus is dire and is bound to get worse, come fall and winter. In the last 9 months we have seen 3 major acts of terrorism-2 explosions on the Moscow subway and an explosion on a Moscow-St Petersburg train, which caused it to derail. Over 70 people died and many are left disabled. Seemingly this means that Russian FSB and MVD are proving helpless and unable to prevent the attacks. However the truth is much worse. Russians neglect information that comes from the implanted agents, as well as the agents themselves. In due time i will open up more on this.

Saw a wonderful Director Sally Potter another day, for the first time since she directed me along Oleg Yankovsky, with me playing a tiny character of his wife-later edited out, in The Man Who Cried. We spoke about Oleg. What a beautiful actor and a person he...is, lets say 'is', she said. It was a joyful and sad night, but ... joyful nevertheless.

Spy swap

US chose people to exchange Russia's failed spies on the basis of health and humanitarian issues. Those words are alien to the Russian government and American choices for people they want in exchange must have come as a surprise. Some of my friends were outraged by the lack of any mentioning of Khodorkovsky in this story but i feel the release of Khodorkovsky is so not on the cards that any suggestion of it from the US side would have appeared foolish.

The only time i like 'sparkly' is during the 4th of July fireworks. Last night's fireworks on Hudson was a real feast for the eyes to which we had front seats. Happy Birthday USA, only 234 years old.
God Bless America.

Putin should be afraid of people, younger than himself, who will write about him after he passes, and will shape his face in history. The face that will not be liked or respected.

The new spy story perhaps won't effect anything in a long run but in my opinion makes Russia look pretty rediculous. Certainly there is no glory for Russia in this story. Russia is so afraid of looking idiotic but that's exactly what it's doing right now.

Natalia Pelevine Belgacom

Big Russian Smiles

To be fair, Dmitry Medvedev did exude a fair amount of charm on his US trip, perhaps the kind of charm we haven't seen before. My personal feeling is that it comes from his sincere sympathy for the US and President Obama. However, I hope the White House realizes that Medvedev's personal feelings will not be reflected in the Russian policies towards the US. Especially when Putin is formally back in Kremlin, which looks increasingly inevitable. The reality is this: If Russian rulers will have 5 rubles in front of them and a choice to spend it on feeding their own people or fighting the outside enemy (very likely, artificially created), they will always choose the latter.

DN! Alarming Rise in Murders, Threats Against Critics of Government Abus...

Catching up on films:

2012-Is like biting into a plastic burger
Sex and the City 2-A gigantic commercial for Abu Dhabi

Number 1

For the first time in years Russian intellegensia has to stood up to the country's de facto number 1 Vladimir Putin. During a charity event in support of the children cancer foundation that took place in Putin's native Saint Petersburg a number of famous actors and musicians not only looked grim, sitting at the table with the PM, but did the unthinkable- spoke out. Musicians Yuri Shevchyk for a few minutes talked about the terrifying state that the country is in, the lack of basic freedoms and independent media, and asked if the opposition demonstration, planned for the 31st of May, will once again be repressed. The demonstration was organised to bring attention to article 31 of the Russian constitution which stands for the human rights, freedom of speech and expression. Putin, barely able to cover his contempt, responded with a number of ridiculous statements, abruptly cutting Yuri off every time he tried to say something. 'If people go on the demonstrations not for their own PR but to point out our sore problems, i welcome that' Putin said. At the end Yuri, very smartly, asked if he can say a toast in which he proposed to drink to the children and their future in a country that will be free and a country of goodness, kindness and light ,and not the country we live in today. Putin, noticing that the glasses are filled with water, said that the drink in front of us is the same as the toast that was said. He hated that conversation and it was visible.
During today's demonstration people were beaten and over a hundred were arrested.

Conclusions to date:
Putin is the country's number 1. As well as a monster.
Intellegensia has finally reached the boiling point.
Opposition will continue to be prosecuted.
Every time someone speaks out publicly on the true state of Russia, it is shocking.
Government controlled channels showed their own edited version of this conversation.

My personal belief is that the government does not believe the opposition can truly make people rise against the current state of things, because the Russian people are once again in a state of numbness and passive indifference.

A whole year without Oleg...

Time heals nothing.

Открытое обращение Союза жителей Кузбасса к Президенту, народу России и жителям Кузбасса

Открытое обращение Союза жителей Кузбасса к Президенту, народу России и жителям Кузбасса

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9th of May, 65 years on

At an event at the UN few weeks back i met this charming man Vladimir Edelman, who is a Vice President of the American Association of WW2 veterans. During the war he was a soldier of the Soviet Army and survived some of the most brutal battles near Moscow. When we met he was wearing his Soviet Army uniform, his chest on both sides covered in medals. There are also 2 red and 3 yellow stripes sewn on, which stand for 3 serious and 2 minor wounds. At his insistence we left the event together, I am more than happy to oblige this charismatic and fascinating man. As we walked down the 34th street a number of men, including some security guards, saluted Vladimir. Many stopped to take a closer look. He, so full of grace and dignity, simply smiled back. I was extremely proud to be walking to be walking in Central Manhattan with this man.

My sad thought is that today's Russia, the corrupt, vulgur, heartless place, is not worthy of the sacrifices made by the people in the Second World War.

Many have since said that it is surprising this article was published.

I do live with much pain and the sorrow of the injustices and the losses. Yet trying not to become bitter, angry or cynical. When a friend recently said i am an idealist I was actually glad. Because it is a constant struggle to preserve some light and purity in all that's happening.

With Ari Kogan, a young, up and coming politician, at the UN.

The crisis is over between Andrei and I think we both know we cannot allow people's attacks throw us off track. We now need to have stronger resolve than ever. We must fight. and we need each other for that.

IPad, ebooks, the net, are we losing the newspapers and books?...

My friends called me from Moscow-there is a lot of panic and fear. Terrible....

Here Doky Umarov, rebel's leader FULLY and in detail takes responsibility for the attacks, threatening with more.

Here someone claiming to be from the rebels side, denying involvement in the metro bombings

System retaliates

After the piece in US published Novoye Russkoe Slovo Andrei has been harrased in jail and i am still waiting for details. Very nervous. There were some basic truths there about the system, no revealing 'state secrets', yet this is what we get...
HE IS BEING PUNISHED FOR WHAT HE HAD NO CONTROL OVER!

Great...

- Мы знаем, что они залегли на дно, но это уже дело чести правоохранительных органов - выковырять их с этого дна канализации на свет божий, - твердо заявил Путин на совещании по вопросам безопасности на транспорте. - Уверен, что это будет сделано.

This is Putin basically repeating himself, saying that 'the terrorists will be dug out from the sewage'. To remind one, in 1999 he came to power on the back of 2 apartment buildings explosions, after which he famously said that 'terrorists will be captured anywhere we find them, and if we hunt them down in a pisser we will waste them there.'

Foreigners, and maybe terrorists, enjoy visa-free access to Putin’s home town.

The current situation in the port of Saint Petersburg, one of the main stops for the world’s cruise liners, is as follows: anyone can cross the border. Even if legally one can only do it for 72 hours, the accent here is on the word ‘anyone’.

The brand new Marine Façade terminal in Saint Petersburg boasts souvenir shops, taxi stands, has clean toilets (not a minor detail) and ATM machines. At a closer examination one does find the leaking roofs, automatic doors that don’t open and taxis that refuse to take you places. And then there is a lady puffing away on a cigarette while directing visitors to the immigrations booths. Charming. Nevertheless, Marine Facade has ensured that international cruise liners are selling North and Baltic Sea cruises very well and in 2009 has welcomed the majority of cruise line tourists arriving in Russia’s so called ‘Northern Capital’ or more commonly Saint Petersburg. It is of the main attractions of the Baltic and Northern sea cruises and does have a lot to offer.
However, recently the situation has changed and not for the better. Con artists are not only putting in jeopardy this business, which is very profitable for the city, but also putting lives at risk.


The tour packages normally offered by the licensee brokers are now on sale for the fraction of the cost on the Internet offered by the people posing to be real brokers. It is worth mentioning that in compliance with security regulations between the cruise company and the contracted tour operator, every tourist can be allocated at any moment, which provides certain security assurance. The so-called Internet brokers do not have this ability. Some of the cruise line tourists do choose to save money and buy the ‘Internet deals’. And this alright if they are a couple from Oklahoma. But they could easily be a man or a woman from Pakistan, even if with an American or British passport, with an agenda other than to admire to views of St Petersburg beautiful bridges and the masterpieces of Hermitage. With the well-oiled machine of the tour brokers there is enough information to feel relatively safe and certain about the destinations and goals of the tourists, while with the pretend brokers there is none.

This is a serious security breach especially in the world where, statistically, most people are very concerned about the terror threats. In America the question stands on how the so-called Christmas bomber managed to get on the flight to the US, when the Secret Service has already flagged his name. In most countries these kinds of mistakes, which may result in a tremendous loss of life, are treated very seriously. In Russia, or namely in Putin and Medvedev’s home town of Saint Petersburg, which they claim to still have a lot of affection for, the situation is different. The cheap deals offered to tourists on the Internet allow them to freely enter the country, without the hassle of the background checks and additional information. Thus, the practically non-existent control over exactly who comes into their country.

The level of corruption in Russia fools no one, especially where small and medium size businesses are concerned. The current situation with the ‘arrangement’ of some of the tour agencies servicing the cruise liners hints at the fact that someone in a very powerful position acts as their cover, for a substantial monetary benefit of course.

…………………………………………………………..

Moscow Subway blown up

I feel Angry, very angry. I feel Empty. I vividly remember how after a number of suicide bombings in the towns of the North Caucasus, namely the one in Vladikavkaz that killed 21 (mainly very young) people, where a female suicide bomber blew herself up, Andrei said that women from a shahid camp are tested on smaller towns first, and are then brought to the capital.
And I am very tired...

It is a reminder that the location of the anti-terror operations in the muslim North caucasus and Moscow is the same country.

One more person died overnight...

To turn against random muslims right now is very wrong. However, ready the discussions in the internet-that's what people are calling for. Hopefully it well with words only and no real actions.

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

Blogger Buzz: Blogger integrates with Amazon Associates

???

A bizarre thing happened- on one of Russian gossip sites my picture came up with a text saying that i research Nord Ost, do shows on Al Jazeera and am a member of the American Democratic party......and look like this....

Sad but proving to be true, over and over

All the terrible drama with Sandra Bullock right now goes to show that, after all the speeches: 'without you this would mean nothing!', and 'it was since you came into my life..', really, ALL you have Ladies, is your OSCAR. Screw the rest of them.

I can't look at his face. Maybe you can, my imaginary reader.
If i need to go and live there, somewhere nearby, so that he feels my presence and support, i would.

Story of love and Betrayal. (our story)

Эта история о любви, о предательстве, рассказ о теориях заговора и о суперагенте, который поплатился карьерой и собственной свободой.

Он был сотрудником элитных российских спецслужб. Она – драматургом, давно иммигрировавшим из Москвы в Великобританию.

Она известна театральному миру как Наталья Пелевина, поставившая пьесу «В твоих руках» (In Your Hands) – о трагических событиях «Норд-Оста». Он, Андрей Яхнев, до своего ареста в начале 2008 года был высокопоставленным работником секретного спецназовского отдела по борьбе с терроризмом, тесно сотрудничал с ФСБ, занимался предотвращением террористических актов и анализом их последствий. Участвовал в самых значимых операциях. Был в команде, руководившей штурмом захваченного «Норд-Оста», и одним из первых вошел в здание театра.

Наталья принимала участие в расследовании этого громкого и печального дела, которое проводилось позже, беседовала с заложниками и их родственниками. Встречалась с журналисткой Анной Политковской, много писавшей на тему «Норд-Оста». Когда пьеса «В твоих руках» была закончена, она получилась достаточно спорной и неоднозначной, и ее отказались ставить в Москве. Удалось поставить ее в Лондоне и лишь раз сыграть в Махачкале. После премьеры, на которой присутствовал и президент Дагестана, постановку «прикрыли».

Но вернемся к нашим героям. Наталья и Андрей стали общаться. Их отношения – вопреки всем препятствиям, недоверию – развивались, пока в январе 2008 года Андрея не арестовали.

Незадолго до этого ему позвонил Арсен Муидов, человек из Дагестанской диаспоры, которого Яхнев использовал в качестве информатора. Муидов рассказал Андрею, что вскоре из Дагестана в Москву должна быть передана большая сумма денег – 25 миллионов рублей наличными. Перехват денег, направленных на финансирование бандформирований, входил в обязанности Андрея.

Согласно версии обвинения, Яхнев собирался войти в преступную группировку, чтобы присвоить эти деньги. По показаниям Яхнева, он лишь назначил встречу Муидову, чтобы выяснить, кто перевозит эти деньги и с какой целью.

В деле говорится, что Муидов и Яхнев отправились на перехват автомобиля с деньгами. Но были остановлены милиционерами. Те заметно испугались, увидев документы Яхнева, и стали звонить в Москву за инструкциями. Где-то на самом верху, судя по всему, приказали пренебречь неприкосновенным статусом Яхнева и арестовать его, а также остальных участников этой операции – дагестанцев.

Суд состоялся летом 2009 года в богом забытом местечке Жердевка, где и произошел захват. Слушания строились вокруг видеозаписи допроса Магомедова, который якобы и вышел на Муидова и выступал одним из организаторов операции. Андрею Яхневу дали девять лет.

Наталья продолжает отстаивать невиновность своего возлюбленного и бороться за его освобождение. Она согласилась рассказать нашим читателям о подробностях этого дела, поделиться своими планами и взглядами на правосудие в России.

В.Б. – Наташа, вы долгое время жили в Лондоне, потом часто бывали в Москве, теперь вот – в Нью-Йорке…

Н.П. – В США мне более комфортно. Все-таки Англия – страна консервативная. Даже если приезжаешь туда в детстве, все равно продолжаешь чувствовать себя иностранцем. А в России мне вообще делать нечего, кроме как вытаскивать из тюрьмы моего жениха – Андрея.

- Так Андрей Яхнев – ваш жених?

- В СИЗО нам не давали расписываться, а вот теперь, когда он оказался уже в тюрьме, мы можем пожениться. Кстати, российские тюрьмы – это отдельная тема, которую в прессе, я считаю, недостаточно освещают. На Западе, например, просто уверены, что туда лучше не соваться, поскольку все очень плохо. Там происходит такое уничтожение личности! Презумпция невиновности отсутствует. Ты там у параши с первого дня: совершил ли ты что-то или нет, – неважно. Я ездила к Андрею в СИЗО, слышала этот жуткий лай собак, скрип дверей… Все как в кино.

- Наташа, ваша женитьба с Андреем – дело решенное?

- Да. Я хочу это сделать. Думаю, это будет на пользу Андрею. Я люблю этого человека, и теперь, когда он не является действующим сотрудником органов, мы можем пожениться – раньше этого бы не случилось. К тому же все-таки иметь там, где он сейчас находится, в женах иностранную гражданку – это определенная мера безопасности. Приходится еще и об этом думать – как бы случайно не убили, а потом, как это делается, списали все на драку в камере. Полагаю, если он станет моим мужем, то наш брак ему как-то поможет. Моего отношения к Андрею и моих чувств к нему это никак не изменит. Конечно, никакой свадьбы с белым платьем и лимузином не будет.

- Когда вы планируете это сделать?

- Думаю, месяца через два.

- Кто будет вашими свидетелями?

- Нордостовцы, с которыми я по-прежнему дружу. Они давно согласились. Когда этот разговор возник, они сказали: «Будем. Приедем, конечно».

- Наташа, а как вы познакомились с Андреем Яхневым?

- Познакомились мы пять лет назад. Сразу оговорюсь, что о каких-то вещах я боюсь говорить, поэтому вынуждена себя корректировать. Опять же из-за того, что Андрей находится там… Нас свели общие знакомые. Мне были интересны тогда определенные темы, по которым я хотела задать ему вопросы.

- Они связаны с «Норд-Остом»?

- Да. Но это, кстати, не значит, что Андрей мне что-нибудь рассказывал. В общем-то, я ожидала, что он скажет мне, чтобы я проваливала из страны и не вмешивалась в эти дела. Но Андрей оказался совершенно другим человеком.

- Каким было ваше первое впечатление о нем?

- Что он очень молод для человека такого уровня. Он человек большой масштабной жизни. Он был спецназовцем, на войне оказался в 18 лет. Тогда шла Первая чеченская кампания. Пули начали свистеть вокруг него, когда у него еще усы не успели как следует пробиться. Потом были спецоперации. Это была для Андрея вся его жизнь, которая могла оборваться в любую секунду. Его называли «человеком-легендой». Кстати, личной жизни у него не было.

- Вы знали его фамилию, дату рождения, его знакомых, родственников?

- Ничего не знала. Только имя. И так продолжалось довольно долго. Вроде и не принято задавать такие вопросы людям в его положении, особенно мне, гражданке Англии, находящейся в России.

- Доверяли ли вы друг другу?

- Большого доверия, конечно, не было. В значительной степени, опять же, потому, что я из Англии, а он – оттуда, откуда он был. Но он сразу вызвал у меня симпатию.

- Спрашивал ли вас Андрей о Лондоне, о ваших знакомых там?

- Разговоры об этом велись. Но детальной информацией – о планах, скажем, Березовского – я, конечно, не располагала, и рассказывать мне было нечего. То, что в Лондоне я общалась с определенным кругом лиц, – это правда. И Андрею было известно об этом. Ахмеда Закаева я знала и не собиралась его сдавать. Кстати, сейчас мы с ним не общаемся. Все эти события – «Норд-Ост», убийство моей знакомой Ани Политковской, смерть Литвиненко – так или иначе связаны хотя бы потому, что там участвуют одни и те же персонажи, цепочка людей все та же.

- Насколько эта цепочка длинна, где ее звенья?



- Главные точки, безусловно, находятся в Москве, на Кавказе и в Великобритании. Такой вот «бермудский треугольник». И в этом «бермудском треугольнике» исчезает много хороших людей. Враждующие «кланы» постоянно пребывают в ситуации взаимной ненависти, и тут уже нельзя просто прийти и сказать: «Прости». Здесь борьба идет до смерти, до последней капли крови. Я думаю, ясно, о ком я сейчас говорю, чьи взаимоотношения интересны с политической позиции. В Лондоне – это понятно кто… А в России – это Ходорковский.

- Все это касается их взаимоотношений с Кремлем?

- В действительности, неизвестно, что происходит во власти, – об этом мы можем лишь догадываться. Что это за страна такая, Россия, похоже, сам ее народ не имеет никакого понятия. У общества нездоровые отношения с властью. Последняя позволяет себе абсолютно все, а народ безмолвствует. Андрей – жертва этой системы… Андрей не должен быть в тюрьме. Я считаю, что он должен быть на свободе, прежде всего не потому, что я его люблю, а потому, что он так много сделал для России. Он весь изрешечен пулями. Он был простым парнем из Моздока, растила его одна мама. Когда я разговариваю с ней по телефону, она плачет, по-прежнему не может понять, как такое могло произойти…

- Можете рассказать об этом деле подробнее?

- Дело было полностью сфабриковано. Судебная система в России не работает, и если тебя решили потопить, то обязательно сделают это. Жертвой такого «правосудия» стал не только Андрей – сколько таких, как он, еще сидят по тюрьмам, их жизнь, по большому счету, кончена. Об аресте Андрея я узнала от него самого. Он сумел позвонить мне недели через три после задержания. Обычно я ему звонила, но в тот раз он долго не выходил на связь, и я начала волноваться. Первая мысль была: что-то случилось – может быть, ранен или вовсе погиб…

- Что приходится ожидать, когда встречаешься с таким человеком?

- Когда он позвонил, сначала было некоторое облегчение, что все-таки жив. Потом долго было ощущение, что это ошибка, что скоро все пройдет, вот-вот разберутся, и все будет нормально. Но прошел месяц, второй, постепенно начинали всплывать факты, говорящие о том, что его же начальники, судя по всему, и решили его «потопить».

- Что происходило тогда с Андреем?

- Он был в отчаянии. В этой ситуации уже я должна была оставаться сильной. Не знаю, что бы с ним было без моей веры в него, в его невиновность.

- Что он тогда вам говорил?

- Что лучше бы он погиб в боях, чем сидеть тут. Он очень цельный человек, и если бы он действительно был виноват, то относился бы к этому иначе: мол, придется за это какой-то срок отмотать…

- Как дальше, после его ареста, развивались события?

- Еще какое-то время Андрей пытался как-то исправить ситуацию. Он не сразу понял, что его подставили. Верил, что правда раскроется и до суда дело не дойдет. Сейчас он находится в специальной тюрьме. Таких, как он, вместе с «простыми» не сажают. Там ФСБ, МВД, судьи… Специальная зона для специальных людей.

- То есть он верил в то, что такого человека, как Андрей Яхнев, посадить в России не могут?

- Да, во-первых, если виноват, то посадить должны, но он не виноват, поэтому мы и боремся. А во-вторых, все-таки он ценный кадр. Антитеррор – это очень серьезно. В своих театральных постановках я пытаюсь найти корни терроризма, пытаюсь понять, что изначально заставляет людей пойти на преступление. Никто уже не сомневается, что терроризм существует и что есть радикальные элементы, которые не поддаются никаким воздействиям, с ними нужно бороться только одним способом – убивать. Так вот, Андрей не должен был оказаться в тюрьме хотя бы потому, что он напрямую влиял на антитеррористическую ситуацию на Северном Кавказе, особенно в Дагестане. То, что после его ареста увеличилось количество терактов на территории Дагестана, – это факт. Кстати, его арест пришелся на выборы Медведева. Тогда был дележ кресел – каждый думал только о себе. Но все же были те, кто пытался как-то помочь. Этим людям было поставлено условие: либо они отстраняются от этого дела, либо окажутся там же, где и Андрей. Потом объявили, что ситуация на Кавказе якобы стабилизировалась. Это полный бред. Терактов там стало даже больше. Но властям плевать на народ, все эти генералы и чиновники понимают, что, скорее всего, они в этот теракт не попадут. Более того, какое бесчеловечное отношение к тем, кто уже пострадал в терактах!

- У вас есть примеры?

- Моя тема – это «Норд-Ост». Я видела, как судья, которая вела это дело, хамила родственникам, говорила: «Вы мне все надоели, что вы мне тут тычете…». Суд по «Норд-Осту» был, кстати, чисто формальным. По-прежнему множество вопросов остается без ответов. Доказать наши теории мы пока не можем. Ужасный факт – за погибшего ребенка государство давало 3000 долларов. Те, кто пострадал, у кого теперь нет здоровья, вынуждены ходить по инстанциям, а их еще и посылают… Причем уже не власть, а простые люди.

- Неужели у них нет сострадания?

- Скорее всего, нет. На Ваганьковском кладбище похоронено двое детей, погибших в «Норд-Осте». Мать стоит у могилы ребенка, а мимо проходит кто-то и говорит: «Вот, смотрите, за наш счет Лужков поставил какие памятники. Лучше бы пенсионерам деньги отдал»…

- То есть в сознании народа теракт не воспринимается как общая трагедия?

- Каждый – сам за себя, спасает собственную шкуру. Никакого гражданского общества в России нет. Ощущение какого-то трупного запаха… Души нет в России. Все закончилось. Вероятно, мое ощущение усилено тем, что я занимаюсь не самыми легкими темами, к тому же курсирую между тюрьмами и кладбищами. Но именно в этих местах, пожалуй, лучше всего и видна реальная ситуация.

- Давайте вернемся к теме нашего разговора. Вы по-прежнему еще надеетесь вытащить Андрея из тюрьмы?

- Да. Первую апелляцию суд принял, но приговора не изменил. Мы идем дальше – на очереди Верховный суд.

- Как вы думаете, если в России сменится власть, изменится расстановка сил, то досрочное освобождение будет возможно?

- Думаю, да. Тогда дело будет рассматриваться повторно. Но пока, боюсь, объективности мы не дождемся. После того как Андрею был вынесен приговор, к нему подошла судья, уже сняв мантию, и сказала: «Прости меня, я сделала все что могла, у меня были связаны руки». И Андрей был благодарен ей за это, за то, что она верила в него. Но вот что самое страшное – ведь приговор она все равно вынесла. Это же безумие.

- Почему об этом деле так мало пишут в России?

- Не решаются, не хотят. Во многом из-за уже сложившихся отношений с силовыми структурами. Когда я была в Москве, пытаясь вытащить Андрея, я наняла сначала одного адвоката, потом другого. Но даже адвокаты в России не любят заниматься заказными делами. Боятся.

- А на вас кто-то пытался повлиять?

- Да. Когда я нахожусь в России, я постоянно на «прослушке».

- Наташа, зачем вам это нужно, зачем вы все это делаете?

- Потому что кроме меня у Андрея никого не осталось. Потому что он стоит того, чтобы за него боролись, и он близкий мне человек.

Виктория БЕЛОВА

Getting Married...

It looks like this year i will finally be getting officially married. Under the circumpstances that are anything but usual. The decision strange but wildly logical at the same time. Warm thoughts would be much appreciated.

First it was police officers attacking people, now the public decided to retaliate by attacking those in uniform. A number of cases have been reported in a only a few days. This is one sick society. Chaos and no one gives a f*** about anything.

Not that anyone cares...

Truth, justice, democracy, freedom, liberty, honor, dignity. Great words aside...My wish, if i was to live and live and live)), would be to make an impact of some cosequence. And to make as many people around me happy as possible.

This finally feels like the right time to get some of the Nord Ost info in here, if there may be interest. I would like a positive response to go ahead with it. Thus, hold the lamp for me, will you...

NASHI GLAMYRIKI, UPDATE

Billionaire Mihail Prohorov has been asked by the Russian government to invest 45 million roubles in Nashi youth movement's next summer camp - Seliger 2010. What bothers me is not the fact that Seliger summer camp is nothing more than a very expensive vacation for a couple of hundred youths, but the fact that the government tells wealthy businessmen in no uncertain terms where to put their money. As much as a dislike arrogant and ignorant Prohorov this is a tactic worthy of this mutant of a regime.

A new piece about our story in NRS, New York

Here is the link:

http://df.nrs.com/

Moi on the cover and full story on p 24.

Thrilled by the historic Oscar win of wonderful and beautiful Kathryn Bigelow. Not only is she the first woman to win the Oscar in the Best director category but she won a film about the war in Iraq. Why are equal right important? Not because every other woman has a potential or a desire for a proper shot (many are still stuck in the 'house keeper' mode), but because those who need it must, MUST have it.

Truth

My personal globalization means that i don't root for any country when it comes to sports thus missing the Olympics fun. Which is a little sad. I think people who walk around with beer and painted faces have a great time. And this is not a cynical statement. In fact i am a cynic-idealist. Happens sometimes.

P.S However, really bummed out about US losing the hockey game. The only concelation is that we lost to Canada, where hockey is bigger and they are hosting the Olympics, so this is big for them.

I miss Andrei very much. We have very limited contact right now and it's tough. I am trying to clarify the logistics of my visit to him and the rest of what we plan to do.
There is over a hundred people in the barack, all 'special' people, from the military and the secret service. Apparently the guards are selected specially for this potentially very potent gathering. This camp, which our friend jokingly calls 'pioneer camp', is in the woods, so there a lot of fresh air. Well, that's good.

The truth is in Russia everyone is a minute away from being a prison camp resident. All it takes is for someone to hate enough you or what you do.

Siberia on a bad day is what New York is today

Strasbourg Court

My Nord Ost friends told me yesterday that, in case of a dissatisfactory outcome of their Strasbourg appeal, they won't stop there and will take the case further. They said that that's the decision they have made for themselves.
The lawyers are saying that no other case has taken this long for the Strasbourg Court to come to a decision on. My guess is that they are trying to come up with a safe formula that won't offend either the victims or Russian government. I think they are hesitant to rule that what the government has done is wrong and inhumane.

One hell of a screwed up op.

It's a good day today-Russian president fired the general who put my fiance in jail, the corrupt and ruthless Arkady Edelev.

Tremendous- Mickey Rourke in a Russian prison.

Svetlana Tegin, the Northern Star that shines warmly.

Born in Ukraine she came to Russia as a young girl and, in the crazy 90s, managed to set up her own business and her own label. Selling all over Russia and Ukraine she is now expanding to the rest of the world.
Tegin, as foreign journalists call her, is, indeed, a petite woman of no small measures.

Tegin label will soon go global. And it’s about time.

She travels the world and dresses Dita Van Tess.
During the New York Fashion week we share a cup of coffee and I ask Svetlana Tegin a few questions that might allow me to peak into her talented and beautifully cropped head.


Favourite time of day?
Morning.

Women that inspire you?
Gala, Dali’s lover, among others.

Fear of?
Losing loved ones.

One quality you wish for your child to have?
Patience.

Fame or Fortune?
Fame.

What will save the world?
Love, of course.

The least favourite phrase?
‘I’m bored’.

Colour of Happiness?
Green.

The most favourite phrase?
Now or never.

Who would you be if you weren’t a designer?
A jazz dancer.

What animal would you be?
A horse.

Eternal life-good or bad?
Good.

Beauty is in…
Details.

What era would you have liked to live in?
The future.

Your worst quality?
Don’t have any.

Last thing you would do in this life?
Watch the sun set.

My V day phone call

I had a real Valentine's Day gift today-I spoke to Andrei for the first time since he arrived at the camp; he was able to call me. When i asked him if they got there OK, he replied-'Lets just say we go here'. He was in a decent mood and there is a chance i might see him soon. Picturing him in a grey robe with a number tag is like seeing the bad guy shoot the hero. But.....
I think we might make it. We must. Somehow.

Seven years is not too long for those who have faith and know how to wait.

)))

V D

Valentine's day - a day to spend cash and remind those without partners that they're alone. Heard this - Why not create a Day of the Rich or a Day of the Beautiful. Hillarious.

SCENE CLASSES, COLD READING CLASSES
BY

NATALIA PELEVINE
THEATRE ACTOR/SCREENWRITER

MOSCOW ARTS AND LONDON’S CITY LIT GRADUATE

WORKED ON LONDON AND MOSCOW STAGES

WILL make you a stronger actor, and make you ready to nail auditions.

Can come to you, anywhere in NYC area.

1,5 HOURS, $25
201 895 54 43
Natalia@firstactproductions.com

‘OUR’ STALIN



In late 2009, 21st of December to be precise, marked Stalin’s 130th birthday. According to the Russian national poll only 30% view him as a tyrant and 37% see his as a positive figure.

Cult of personality is a powerful term, the one and only real meaning of which is the worship of the One, Single person. Th key word here being-Worship.

Here are the facts-Joseph Stalin is a leader under whose rule millions of people were sent to labour camps, and, according to some estimates, in 1937,1938 alone around 700,000 were executed.


***
But, who is Stalin to the young generation of Russians, still at school or college?
Dmitry, 15, when asked whether he sees Stalin as a negative figure in the Russian history, responds with: ‘He is more important than others, and more famous’. Fame, a much-favoured concept these days, it appears, makes for many allowances.

For most young people Stalin is a figure they don’t fully understand. Many films now made at a speed of light about the Soviet leaders, who, of course, can’t fight back, seem nothing more than a glamorised, cinematographic exercises with terrible writing and bad acting. They are merely exercises that make these leaders appear almost like mythical figures.
The Industrialisation, a major and, in many ways, unprecedented economic move, does now resonate well with the youth raised on the idea of a free global market economy.

There is one unshakable part of Stalin’s 'statue'. World War two is considered to be one of the main events of Russian tragic history, and is perceived as a source of great national pride. Left aside is the fact that the Allies also made a few shots at the enemy, but as far as Russians are concerned Stalin and the Soviet people won that war.
To this point the ‘foreign’ history books are a source of a lot of confusion.


***
The 'greatness' of Russia, that, according to some, was only really manifested to the fullest during Stalin’s rule, is still missed by many. The idea that Russia always proves itself great in war and confrontation is still dangerously fresh and very possibly true. Can't build a car but will blow up a tank.

The current global mood appears to be that of trying to change the global atmosphere for the more peaceful one and the one of tolerance. Political correctness has gained a new meaning with the arrival of Obama in the White House. Can Russia fit into this new set up?
Is it possible that Russia is only truly functional or even content under the rule of the iron fist?
Perhaps, it is not as simple as that.
However, possibly Stalin’s strongest quality was to appear to be in charge and fully in control -standing with a strong, iron back oozing calm. In Russia to the Russian people, practically incapable of making their own decisions, this means everything.
The deeply rooted belief that those in power are always right by definition can only mean one thing, - no change in attitude of essence of those in power will occur. Communists, capitalists, words and labels make no difference. The relationship remains that of inferiority complex on the part of the people and egomania on the part of those in power. There can be NO CHANGE.
Germany accepted its mistakes and moved on. Russia never did and unlikely to do so in the future. And everything Stalin did will be written down as nesseseray measyres. The belief among many Russians seems to be this - It’s not the good-quality cars or world level products that make Russia great but the ‘Great’ leader.

Ryazan, our new geographic spot

Ryazan, where Andrei now is, in a camp, is 192 km away from Moscow. It was founded in 1092 and has a population of around 500,000. These things are important as you paint a picture of where the person who is forced not to be with you is.

The good news is that this is where the scientist Pavlov ( and i assume Pavlov's dogs), Esenin and Solzhenizin came from.

There is hope.

MY MAN HAS ARRIVED AT THE CAMP. Alive, yes. Nothing else is known yet. There is an address. Must go back to the great old-fashioned letter writing.

THIS IS ANNA'S PLACE, OVERDUE

Three marriage proposals down the road and all my subsequent denials...

well... you'd think I'd be wondering what to do next. Say 'yes' to the next decent guy or leave t alone for good.

More than three years on I very much remenicce about the time the Nord Ost families came and stayed with us in London.

Fab!

Still no word from Andrei. One of my best friend's husband has cancer. A very rare kind and we've been in the dark for so long as to what it is. They have a one-year old son-my Godson Chris. It wasn't long ago that an article was published both in Russia and the US about this boy-a child, a symbol in some ways, of what happened in the Moscow theatre siege in 2002. Now this....

We are all in much despair over this ....

And this is how i felt today, between facing up to all the differences i have with my mother and tough decisions on the play and screenplay fronts, it's been draining.

How do i sell myself for the top kopeek?... joke

Theatre, not politics

'NO JESUS HERE, DARLING!'

Stepping aside from the heavy stuff for a moment here is a possible poster for my new play 'Strip Of Roses'.

MY PHOTO OF THE DAY

I really have no idea what state Andrei will arrive at the camp in. It's terrible. And, providing he is OK, how soon i'll be able to have some form of contact with him. Every camp has its own rules. And then there is a relationship between the 'old wolves' and the 'new herd'. Who can tell how all of those adjustments will go.

I am also petrified that he will get a bad toothache. Believe me in that place it is a serious concern.

As Pyotr Chaadaev said: "I love Russia, but not for myself, for it".

Seven month ago...The man i cared about deeply, my mentor died....the man i was planning my life with was sentenced to 9 years in jail. What did i do? I quit smoking.