Wimpy Waltz with the Kremlin

Six months after capturing more seats in Parliament, the Russian parliamentary opposition remains trapped in the same quagmire, making only timid efforts to justify the hope of Russians who risk their lives for democratic reforms. By contrast, the pro-Kremlin United Russia Party, which saw its parliamentary majority weaken sharply in the December 4 vote, has positioned itself as the only answer to Russia's social, political and economic problems. Despite allegations of widespread violations, the party ended up with 238 seats, a slim majority in the 450-member lower house. But the party has since turned its weakness into an advantage, pursuing many aggressive legislative initiatives.