Anna Sonenshine : The op - ed not surprising : Russia has long tried to increase its popularity . Putin attentive to polls on views of Russia , tries to stem persistent negative portrayals , she says . For Americans , there is something emotional about Russia . She says oddly , Russia keeps doing negative things and trying to get positive press . Sonenshine : Op - ed has provoked many ; Putin does n't mind ; Putin is tweaking U.S .
Anna Sonenshine : The op - ed not surprising : Russia has long tried to increase its popularity . Putin attentive to polls on views of Russia , tries to stem persistent negative portrayals , she says . She says oddly , Russia keeps doing negative things and trying to get positive press . Sonenshine : Op - ed has provoked many ; Putin does n't mind ; Putin is tweaking U.S .