<p>
In general, Putin was terribly lucky: one terrorist attack on September 11 is worth something. Moreover, the United States tried to accustom the Taliban. And use Bin Laden against Russia.</p>
<p>
It seemed that common sense told the Taliban, having long been at war with the Northern Alliance, which is supported by Russia, not to open a second front against the United States.</p>
<p>
But the Taliban behaved like idiots. In fact, the Taliban recognized the Republic of Ichkeria and opened its embassy in their country. And he helped the Chechens with both weapons and volunteers. Mullah Omar even turned to Ahmad Shah Massoud to conclude a truce and help the people of Chechnya.</p>
<p>
And then such an unexpected gift fell on the head of Russia. Moreover, the buildings, contrary to the laws of physics, collapsed.</p>
<p>
This is such a rare luck, it's like winning a hundred million dollars in a lottery ticket.</p>
<p>
And America got stuck in Afghanistan for twenty whole years. There was a double benefit: both the United States is weakened, and the southern borders from the Taliban receive protection. So I must say lucky. And most importantly, they didn't try too hard.</p>
<p>
And with Iraq, too, was lucky. True, at some point it seemed that the Americans easily win. In three weeks they occupied the whole of Iraq, losing only fifty people, and taking two million prisoners.</p>
<p>
But then, despite the capture of Saddam Hussein, America was mired in a protracted guerrilla war.</p>
<p>
And the price of oil has fallen, to a cosmic scale, as well as gas. Yes, there was a lot of luck. Putin believed that he was a great messiah, and that he was cooler than Napoleon, like Genghis Khan.</p>
<p>
Moreover, even Shamil Basayev died by accidentally blowing himself up on a mine and it seemed that Chechnya was finally brought to its knees.</p>
<p>
But his two terms have come to an end. It was already too late to change the constitution and the throne had to be handed over to Medvedev.</p>
<p>
The year 2008 proved to be extremely successful. Bilan's victory in Eurovision, victory in the World Hockey Championship, success in football. And the war with Georgia.</p>
<p>
Although also not indisputable, only five days, but the media filed it as a big victory for Russia, and even for NATO. It is a pity that I had to share laurels with Medvedev.</p>
<p>
Vladimir Putin is tired of memories, and he wanted to sleep.</p>
<p>
Mikhail Gorbachev did not come out to his entourage.</p>
<p>
We had to think of a strategy first.</p>
<p>
In the meantime, Vovka's hitman snored and dreamed.</p>