Tell us what you think. The influence of Russian organized crime both within Russia and overseas has been rising since the fall of communism. It has been the unspoken silent partner behind Russia's new wealthy class, as well as a chilling pall on legitimate foreign investment and meaningful internal reforms. In part, this scandal can be blamed on the chaotic reign of Boris Yeltsin, who has accomplished little to advance Russia beyond a few infant steps toward free markets.
Free markets work when rules provide a measure of predictability and accountability.
Neither can be found in Russia. Until they are, Russia will not find its place in a free-market world. More immediately, the scandal gives fresh life to allegations that the International Monetary Fund has been a poor shepherd of its aid to Russia, a legitimate complaint. But the incident also will be used by some in the Congress as a pretext to rail against U.S. funding of the agency. That would be a major policy mistake.