Tara Sonenshine : Putin op-ed not surprising : Russia has long tried to build 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 . It is part of a broader pattern of Russian outreach that began in 2001 . Comment: Op-ed has provoked many ; Russia does n't mind ; Putin enjoys tweaking U.S .
Tara Sonenshine : Putin op-ed not surprising : Russia has long tried to build 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 . Comment: Op-ed has provoked many ; Russia does n't mind ; Putin enjoys tweaking U.S .