Russian Roulette

(3 of 3)

The old warhorse may yet generate enough adrenaline for another comeback. But even if Yeltsin can hang on, he is a profoundly diminished political figure. His aides last week started negotiating with the Duma over a "political agreement" that would alter the Constitution by taking away the President's power to issue decrees on the economy, limiting his ability to dismiss and appoint governments and transferring many of those prerogatives to the parliament and the Cabinet. In other words, these were the terms for Yeltsin's surrender. In return, the parliament would halt impeachment proceedings and pass a law giving the President "social guarantees" when he retires.

Chernomyrdin hardly seems to offer the dynamism and political strength Russia so sorely needs. Although the Clinton Administration retains a close relationship with him through Vice President Al Gore, many U.S. officials consider him a model of mediocrity. Chernomyrdin is caught between the conflicting demands of the Duma, the oligarchs, the West and his lame-duck boss, and it is hard to see how he can transcend their demands and do what's right for Russia.