Whither Russia, Mr. Putin?

Dallas Morning News: Russia's future remains one of those perennial mysteries. The country's seesawing between Yeltsin-like democracy and Putin-style autocracy confuses experts and casual observers alike.
It would be wonderful to leave the debate to the academic parlor. But Russia's path affects the war on terror, Europe's security and international energy markets.
Look at its responsibility for the year. Russian President Vladimir Putin will head up the G-8, which consists of the seven leading industrialized nations plus Russia. Putin gets to shape the agenda for the group's annual summit.
You have to wonder what his priorities will be since he's decreased the power of Russian political rivals, slapped around his nation's media and curtailed the reach of foreign "non-governmental organizations" that help stabilize his country.
Ukraine
Look also at Putin's power move against the Ukraine. Until earlier last week, he was muscling the former Soviet republic to accept new, higher-priced energy contracts. Fortunately, he relented. But his bruising of the Ukraine reveals a lack of appreciation for markets.
Western nations long have fretted about market unpredictability. Russia's oil and gas deposits remain potent, but undependable rules make European nations and other countries wonder about the reliability of Russian reserves.
Russia still craves respectability, so the G-8 nations at least have a trump card. President Bush and his fellow democratic leaders need to signal Putin that Russia has a choice. Free nations will increasingly shun the country if it lives up to its image as a boorish heavyweight.
Some want the G-8 to dump Russia from its presidency. That's not the answer to "Whither Russia?" The solution needs to come from Moscow.