Daniel Treisman says Putin often takes anti-American stances to shore up his support . He writes that the Snowden affair has put Putin in a difficult bind . He says Putin ca n't be seen to be subservient to U.S. but does n't want a fight . Were the Russians in frustration to put their uninvited guest on a plane to Ecuador or Cuba , the next morning 's newspapers might contain additional revelations . Treisman : " The Russian leader is trying to keep his options open, and he wants to avoid an escalation of tensions with Washington over Ukraine or Syria.
Daniel Treisman says Putin often takes anti-American stances to shore up his support . He writes that the Snowden affair has put Putin in a difficult bind . He says Putin ca n't be seen to be subservient to U.S. but does n't want a fight . Treisman : " The Russian leader is trying to keep his options open, and he wants to avoid an escalation of tensions with Washington over Ukraine or Syria.