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Photo maybe worth 1,000 words - from Tuesday’s WSJ
I wonder what those buttons under the table do? I'm sure they serve a practical purpose, but the whole photo does have a James Bond villain in his lair quality to it.
Sometime in the last couple of weeks I read an article (can't remember where) commenting on, and wondering why, in the recent weeks all of Putin's meetings seem to have him seated at the end of very long tables with lots of separation from anyone else.
When I had seen pictures of his meetings with western leaders, Macron for example, where he was separated from the French president by a very long table I had conjectured it was some sort of psychological statement emphasizing the gulf between their perspectives.
That wouldn't be the case with his own people, though. That article I mentioned put the whole thing in a different light. I wonder what this is all about.
One commentator on PBS (I get the Chicago outlet) suggested the photo’s a sign he’s facing opposition / push-back to the war from his closest advisors and is disregarding them. They seemed to have some corroboration to that effect.
I like LB’s suggestion better. Look’s right out of James Bond. Disagree with the master and you’ll be promptly whisked off to a torturous dungeon at the mere touch of a button.
(Looking at that floor pattern, I can visualize trap-doors throughout the room.)
If in fact he is facing internal opposition, he surely wouldn't want to suggest that to the outside world. I don't put much credence in that particular theory.
If in fact he is facing internal opposition, he surely wouldn't want to suggest that to the outside world. I don't put much credence in that particular theory.
I’d agree.
Alternative theory - All the generals who’d normally be seated at the table are off prosecuting the war … ?
Umm …That doesn’t work either - because the meeting’s supposedly about economics.
Comments
When I had seen pictures of his meetings with western leaders, Macron for example, where he was separated from the French president by a very long table I had conjectured it was some sort of psychological statement emphasizing the gulf between their perspectives.
That wouldn't be the case with his own people, though. That article I mentioned put the whole thing in a different light. I wonder what this is all about.
I like LB’s suggestion better. Look’s right out of James Bond. Disagree with the master and you’ll be promptly whisked off to a torturous dungeon at the mere touch of a button.
(Looking at that floor pattern, I can visualize trap-doors throughout the room.)
Alternative theory - All the generals who’d normally be seated at the table are off prosecuting the war … ?
Umm …That doesn’t work either - because the meeting’s supposedly about economics.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10570523/Ukraine-President-Zelenskys-aide-pens-NY-Times-essay-bunker-says-sanctions-not-enough.html
I was looking for the picture I saw of Z. at the dining table with the troops. Dunno how fresh that shot was.