These words would have sounded like one of Mr. Putin's general phrases only a month ago. However, today they cannot be described as meaningless banality. This is an indication of a political program, a kind of oath of allegiance that is given on the moment of a crucial choice.
Indeed, terrorism is threatening the progress Russia has made on its road to democracy and a free market.
Today experts from Russia and abroad, and apparently President Putin, are addressing questions like: Is a step backward inevitable? Will freedom have to be sacrificed and to what extent for sake of security? And do we really need this sacrifice?
The problems Mr. Putin is addressing are not merely his problems related to the selection of an appropriate political style. He is tackling all the problems Russia is facing which are related to its ambiguous position in the modern world. On one hand, Russia is part of the Western civilization, and has maintained the West's values and sought its ideals for centuries. On the other hand, Russia is the weakest link in the chain of the Western civilization. For centuries, Russia has been where the West's economic, political, financial, and security problems have surfaced most acutely.
The Western community, in particular the United States and its allies, are fighting international terrorism in Iraq and Afghanistan. These countries have made many mistakes in this battle and not all of their efforts have been well planned, as they have caused certain tensions in relations between Western countries and heated political debates. However, Russia is waging war on terrorism on its own territory, which is affecting its development as a democracy and a free market.
Mr. Putin's ultimate goal is to prevent antiterrorism efforts from affecting the values and ideals of the country that elected him president too much. This is, probably, why the president insisted on establishing a public chamber that would control the authorities and security agencies. Mr. Putin's new formula must read: "The state and society are partners and allies in the battle against terrorism. Disunity will doom both the state and society to failure." It is not clear whether Mr. Putin will achieve this goal. Nevertheless, he has stated his resolve to do so.
