There is a chance that some Russian elements may be feeling that the game went as far as necessary and a cool-down is in order. The question is what are the actual long tern goals of the Putin-led oligarchy and how far is consolidation of their power completed, and whether the more same element has enough clout.

Listening to rhetoric coming out of Russia, things are not looking good and we may be for a rough ride. hat am I saying… very rough ride.