One of many stories:
http://www.cbsnews.com/...
I don't know whether it is a signal of a change in policy, or just the VP airing his opinion. However, even after his boss looked into Putin's soul and claimed to find it all good, Dr. Evil put Russia's withered human rights record front and center yesterday in Vilnius.
I admittedly did a double take when I read and heard the coverage - did someone from this administration actually bring up Putin's worsening record on human rights? Yep, and none than quick-draw lawyer-maimin Dr. Evil himself.
Any thoughts as to why there is this change in tone, at this level? First, the US is in a poor position to lecture anybody on human rights. Second, W has been quite cozy with Vladamir in the past, and has given him a pass on many of the Chechen atrocities. Thirdly, this seems to come out of left field in terms of high-level policy addresses from the VP, who seems to be more than happy to let Condi do the heavy lifting at State while he red-lines the Constitution here at home.
So, what gives?