Today Vladamir Putin came clean to the international press in regard to the closure of the American air force base in Manas, Kyrgyzstan. He claimed that Russia had nothing to do with the Kyrgyz decision to evict the Americans.
"Russia is friends with Kyrgyzstan. We do not pressure each other on anything." He stated flatly.
Who then, did 'suggest' that the American air base be closed? Putin did not say as much but he hinted broadly that the culprits of the piece were the leaders of Kazakhstan. While not widely reported in the West, a 2008 OECD report on international standards of education showed the United States in 35th place, right behind Kazakhstan.
Putin pointed out that the Kazaks were extremely proud of their educational accomplishments and were not likely to approve of the presence of American troops 'dumbing down the neighbourhood.'
"In Kazakhstan," Putin smirked, "sentences do not begin with Howdy or Y'all.