I understand the temptation to hypothesize with little data about why, how, and who poisoned #Navalny. Im tempted too. & It's not a simple story, just like the killing of Nemtsov and many others. Nothing ever is in Putin's Russia. THREAD 1/

But before diving in with "sober" analyses, especially the theory that it's not rational for Putin to want to kill Navalny, please start with this obvious recognition: Putin's regime creates the permissive conditions for such assassinations to be attempted. 2/

It's Putin's propaganda machine that labels Navalny and his ilk enemies of the people. 3/

Its Putin's government that controls or does not control #novichok. Its Putin's regime that allows vigilantes or criminals (within or outside of the government) to kill opposition figures without ever facing punishment. 4/

And it's Putin's regime that states publically, 'move along; nothing to see here.' 5/

And its Putin's regime that has lied blatantly about other crimes. 6/

And yes, it might be Putin is too weak to control his own thugs in his own regime. But that's no excuse. 7/

Also, never assume that everything is rational and coherent in the Putin regime. But also never assume that you know all the facts about the evilness of this regime. Putin is well trained at keeping secrets and hiding facts. He is very good at it. Extremely good at it. 8/

And don't assume that you know as much as the U.S. Intelligence Community knows. Putin is good at hiding facts. Our stellar intelligence team is good at finding facts. (I just wish they'd share more with the American and Russian people.) 9/

Some of the very detailed facts in the Mueller report should have been a good hint at our Intelligence Community's capabilities. 10/

Ok, carry on with your theorizing. Im reading. But every now and then, discuss good and evil too. Here's my take. 11/ END THREAD.
"A Russian dissident is fighting for his life. Where is the U.S.?" https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/a-russian-dissident-is-fighting-for-his-life-where-is-the-us/2020/08/20/2acf79ca-e31f-11ea-8181-606e603bb1c4_story.html