Russia U.S. ties strong

"Washington-Relations between the United States and Russia are strong and complex, but also are marked by U.S. concerns about some aspects of Russia's political and economic transition, says Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Russia has “a great culture, it’s a critically important power in international politics, but it is a country that is still in the midst of a really major transition,” (USINFO.STATE.GOV, 2007)

"But at the same time, the United States has concerns about the state of Russia’s relations with some of its neighbors, its lack of democracy and the growing state control of the Russian economy, she said." (USINFO.STATE.GOV, 2007)

As a student, I have mostly given my attention to the Middle-East and the politics there. Lately, Russia has become a point of interest for me and I am fascinated by the changes that have occured, and are occuring in Russia. It is great to see that ties between the United States and Russia are strengthening and I would like to see the government there continue to push for Democracy and a free-market economy. My question is: What will stop Russia from being able to accomplish these things?


LINK: http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2007&m=April&x=20070404141051idybeekcm0.1698877