“There are allegations actually that he's [Vladimir Putin] associated with real gangsters in the past and that he runs his top circle sort of like a mafia family. But, you know, what is clear is that he seems to prize loyalty above all. He deeply resents anything that he sees as a betrayal.” KnowsRealSeemsRunningPastClearBetrayalLoyaltyCirclesPrizeMafiaPutinResentGangstersAllegations Author:Corey Flintoff
“And it's significant that he has been using the, you know, language of betrayal in his rhetoric about Turkey. He called the shoot down a treacherous stab in the back by an accomplice of the terrorists. And that suggests that there could still be some harsh revenge in store for Turkey.” KnowsHas BeensStillsLanguageBetrayalRevengeStoresTerroristSignificantRhetoricHarshTurkeysTreacherousAccomplices Author:Corey Flintoff
“Putin has succeeded in many ways in making Russia an essential player there. He seems to have stabilized the Assad regime. And he has limited the options for the U.S. and its allies, you know. He has air control over a significant amount of territory. And he can prevent the allies from establishing a no-fly zone there.” KnowsWaySeemsPlayerAirAmountEssentialsSignificantRussiaZoneTerritoryAlliesRegimesPutinAssad Author:Corey Flintoff
