Maria Lipman - Words for a Russian Ghetto

President Obama spoke brilliantly and powerfully at Russia's New Economic School Tuesday. And his broader effort to reach out to Russian society during his trip -- meeting with civil society and human rights activists, as well as a group of opposition politicians -- was commendable. Unfortunately, few Russians heard his speech or got more than a glimpse of the American president on the television news.

If they had heard Obama's address, they probably would have appreciated that Obama spoke with high respect for Russian culture and history. He paid tribute to Russia's colossal contribution to the victory over Nazi Germany -- a victory in which Russians commonly believe their role is not properly recognized abroad. ...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/08/AR2009070803510.html