was clear that he couldn't protect us from an explosion but it was a desperate attempt to reassure the population. independent journalist under his old outof has been running an investigative website since two thousand. the mood in moscow was dramatically worsening people said that the west had lied to them we had been promised that we would live in prosperity if we followed democratic values learned english and worked according to western rules. we did all that and then still ended up in a crisis we could see that the liberal and intelligent atmosphere that had prevailed in the mass media of the ninety's was finished and people wanted simple and clear solutions. if someone attacks you you have to fight back people wanted a strong leader. boris yeltsin the former great hope was weak and dependent on