During the Past few months both the Russian government and increasingly, the Russian people, have suffered through some very difficult times. The Russian government was paralyzed while the parliament battled with President Boris Yeltsin over the selection of a new prime minister. At the same time the country’s monetary system underwent a large and debilitating devaluation. As expected, these changes and their underlying uncertainties have placed tremendous strain on the Russian people and their government.
The new (old) Russian government
On September 11, 1998, Yeltsin finally managed to have a candidate for prime minister approved by the Russian parliament During the last week of August, Yeltsin dismissed his new team of economic reformers and reinstated Viktor Chernomyrdin as prime minister. The nomination came five months after Chernomyrdin himself had been dismissed. But Yeltsin’s move was not ratified by the Russian parliament, the opposition being led by the Communist party members in parliament.
Finally, Yevgeny Primakov, a compromise candidate, was confirmed as prime minister. As reported in the September 12, 1998, New York Times, “This confirmation signaled a sharp shift toward a more socialist economic model by endorsing two of the Communist party’s hand-picked candidates for top posts.” The other candidate, appointed at the same time was Yuri Maslyukov as deputy prime minister.
The Communists have the largest and deepest political organization in the country, with branches in the smallest towns, unions and factories. In essence the Communist party is firmly in control of the Russian parliament, having confirmed the appointments of both the prime minister and the deputy as well as continuing to control a majority of the votes.
It is this party which is accused of trying to stage a “crawling coup” to restore the old Soviet regime and command its economy.
One aspect of the background of the new prime minister is of particular interest. According to the New York limes, “After graduating from university, Mr. Primakov became a Pravda correspondent in the Middle East, a profession that is often linked to intelligence gathering.” Primokov was a master spy.
The Russian economy
To put it mildly, the Russian economy is in a shambles. Russia has already defaulted on $447 million in interest payments due Germany last month. This is the first time it has missed its schedule for repaying sovereign loans from other governments. As well as defaulting on loan repayments, the government has been unable to stabilize its currency, the ruble. In mid August, 1998, one US dollar was equivalent to approximately 6 rubles. At the time of writing, the New York Times reported: “The ruble is worth pretty much what anybody says; from 10 rubles at some currency exchange booths, to 20 rubles on an incipient black market, to 11, the rate set Friday after brief trading on an electronic inter-bank exchange.” Generally speaking, prices throughout Russia have doubled in a matter of weeks, while earnings have remained stable. This has also resulted in investors fleeing Russia.
The collapse of the ruble, according to the New York Times, “Can be traced to the announcement in mid-August by the Russian government that it would no longer defend the ruble’s value by buying it on currency exchanges. Following the announcement, the ruble began falling. As Russians scurried to convert their weakening rubles into dollars, the ruble went into a free-fall.” As a result, the Russian Federation is on the verge of economic collapse.
Dangerous sources of revenue
An examination of the comparative chart below illustrates military changes within Russia over the past ten years. The 1988 numbers reflect the situation just prior to the breakup of the Soviet Union.
Russia – A Ten-year comparison
| 1988 (USSR) | 1998 (Russia) | |
| Soldiers | 5,200,000 | 800,000 (battle ready) |
| Tanks | 53,300 | 6,000 (battle ready) |
| Nuclear warheads | 37,300 | 10,500 |
While the new leaders inherit a depleted military, the supply of highly coveted nuclear warheads is still huge. These weapons are in high demand in many countries who are denied conventional access to them. This, combined with Russia’s current economic situation, is a source of concern for world governments who are trying to control the availability of nuclear weapons. These weapons, however, may represent a source of quick revenue for a government with an economy in collapse.
As expected, the new prime minister seeks both to restore the economy and the country’s international status. The New York Times reported Primakov wants to repair Russia’s status as a great power. His position is that everyone should have to take account of the new Russia.
Hooks in her jaws
The words of the prophet Ezekiel indicate that the northern host is forced into an attack on the Holy Land. “I will turn you around, put hooks into your jaws, and lead you out, with all your army, horses, and horsemen, all splendidly clothed, a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords” (Ezk. 38:4 NKJV).
Events taking place in Russia may be the hooks in the jaws. She may be forced into drastic measures to restore her economy and her honor.
The appointment of Communist controlled leaders may signal a step in that direction.
As the article in the New York limes claimed, the new prime minister is “a politician, and ex-spymaster but alas, not an economist.” He is a politician and spymaster who has a desire to make Russia great once again. Could this be achieved through conquest to restore pride and seize great wealth?
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One