Kremlin errors turn up pressure on Putin

Analysis feature. Are the protests in Moscow following Russia's parliamentary elections in december 2011 the beginning of its Orange Revolution or Arab Spring? Most likely, it is not.

But if the authorities handle things clumsily enough, they could escalate into a Russian spring, if not now then after presidential elections in March 2012. And they have already made a succession of mistakes.

ESO: Background information: Protesters defy troops on Moscow streets http://www.europeansources.info/record/protesters-defy-troops-on-moscow-streets/

RIA Novosti, December 2011- : Duma elections protests http://en.rian.ru/trend/2011_Duma_elections_protests/

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