Russia Needs To Modernize

Years of strong energy prices covered up Russia's serious problems,President Dmitry Medvedev noted recently.The time is running out for Russia to turn itself into a modern nation.They do not produce competitive goods.Mr.Medvedev called on Russia to re-focus away from energy and heavy industry towards information technology,telecom and space.Once the space shuttle program ends next year,the U.S. will be relying on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft to ferry American astronauts to the International Space Station.
It has been said that Mr.Medvedev has a vision for Russia,but only Prime Minister Vladimir Putin can implement it.Whatever the political reality,Russia faces military challenges in its North Caucusus region.In Ingushetia,Islamic militants have killed more than 200 this year,many of them with suicide bombs.Ongoing tensions in the region divert attention and money from the need for economic transition.