Putin suggests new "Politics Czar" role

Vladimir Putin has proposed creating a new "Politics Czar" government position, which he could move on to fill when his Russian presidential term ends in March. The holder of the new post – which Putin suggests could carry the formal title "Czar of all the Russias" – would be responsible for ensuring autocratic rule, encouraging pogroms against minorities, and reinstituting serfdom for the poorest third of the population. Time Magazine named Putin "Person of the Year" for 2007 because Al Gore was not despotic enough, although third-placed JK Rowling was briefly considered.