The Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin launched a fierce presidential battle for 2012 more than two years ahead of schedule, by saying that he and the current President Dmitry Medvedev would “figure it out between ourselves which of us would run in 2012.” His casual but deliberate comment at the meeting with members of the Valdai Club three weeks ago has sparked speculation about whether Medvedev might run against his mentor. Will we see a truly competitive presidential race in 2012, with a clear choice in strategy for Russia? Will they both run? Is 2012 shaping up as an electoral battle of the giants and another watershed year for Russia?
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