The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL.
The Daily Vertical is a video primer for Russia-watchers that appears Monday through Friday. Viewers can suggest topics via Twitter @PowerVertical or on the Power Vertical Facebook page.
A transcript of today's Daily Vertical can be found here.
NOTE TO POWER VERTICALISTAS: I will be traveling to Vilnius, Lithuania, for a speaking engagement on September 11-12. No Power Vertical products will appear on those days. The regular schedule resumes on September 13.