Your selection of Russian President Vladimir Putin as Person of the Year was spot on [Dec. 31, 2007–Jan. 7, 2008]. Putin may yet become the single most important person of the 21st century. Occupying the largest landmass of any nation, Russia has just begun to tap its natural resources and national potential. Putin's rise to power in 1999 is an astonishing story and was a stroke of genius by an otherwise embarrassing drunk of a President, Boris Yeltsin. Putin is that rare individual who came to govern Russia without the cancerous corruption that seems to plague East European politics. We have watched him grow over the past eight years into a brilliant politician and forceful leader, who is determined to bring his country to the forefront of world affairs. I wouldn't underestimate his capability. Dan Mitchell, SPARTA, N.J., U.S.
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How could Putin be Person of the Year in anyone's book? All he's doing is fronting a restyled, repackaged communism characterized by the criminalization of dissent. His political feats of derring-do are irrelevant. Peter Lomtevas, NEW YORK CITY
Being married to a Russian and having traveled to both Russia and Ukraine over the past 10 years, I must agree with your choice of Putin. He is the first leader I've seen who excites the Russian people. Regardless of the criticisms relating to limits on political opposition, human rights and freedom of the press, Russia is a better place for the Russian people since Putin came to power. A major reason is that better management of its vast resources has produced economic growth. We Americans typically don't like other countries stepping up toe-to-toe with us, and certainly Putin has ruffled many U.S. feathers with his actions. It would be good if the American people could look past their indignation at the situation in Russia and better understand why we have lost prestige in the international community. Howard Hinman, BLOOMINGTON, IND., U.S.
With its enormous natural resources and energy wealth, Russia is poised to be the dominant country of the 21st century. Before the surge in oil and gas prices, we all thought China would take that role away from the U.S. Now, with Putin's stabilizing hand, we know it could turn out differently. David O. Hill, MEMPHIS, TENN., U.S.
Although I wish you had chosen Al Gore as Person of the Year, I was fascinated by your decision to go with Putin. His determination to bring greatness to his nation, and his disregard for charm and charisma — which can fool people — are what we need in a leader. Sadly, those characteristics are lacking in most of the candidates of both parties in the U.S. Congratulations on a great choice and story. Harriet Robinson, DOYLESTOWN, PA., U.S.
Thank you for giving me a glimpse into Russia's soul. The heartbeat of a nation is its pride. I see Russia now not as Stalinist but as Putinist. Russia's story is indeed Putin's story. Jeremy P. McConnell, BALTIMORE
You should have named General David Petraeus Person of the Year. Petraeus' handling of the counterinsurgency in Iraq has been nothing but a miracle. When I was deployed there in 2005 and '06, it was clear that we needed to change the way we were fighting. Iraqi officers and leaders told me we needed to get out of the castle mentality and get into the streets with the Iraqis. Petraeus' plan was to do just that, and it has worked. Michael J. Mawson, Lieut. Colonel, USAF COLORADO SPRINGS
I am extremely pleased to see that you chose Putin as Person of the Year. The fact that he is unlike his predecessors Boris Yeltsin and Mikhail Gorbachev has proved positive for him. Putin is a leader who conveys the firmness of an unshakable persona. He has been successful in gaining economic prosperity for Russia and reviving it as a superpower. Putin does his best to keep friends with the U.S. while simultaneously checking its global policing activities. As long as Putin is around, he will have a much greater role to play in international affairs, and Russia is sure to get a further makeover. Akshay Mor, BANGALORE, INDIA
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