On Sunday Russian dissidents lead a peaceful rally in Pushkin Square in Moscow. The rally was violently put down by police and Gary Kasparov, the former world chess champion, was arrested along with many others. This event confirmed for many that democracy is in trouble in Russia.

The Wall Street Journal asks if the Pushkin square arrests is a harbinger for bloody days to come. The days of Putin’s presidency are waning according to the Russian constitution. But will he give up power?

David Pryce-Jones calls Kasparov a litmus test for Russian democracy. The paper has been dipped and the answer comes back—acid.

Matt Welch cautions against claiming that Putin’s actions are unique. Putin’s action are more in line with Gorbachev’s than most think.

The Washington Post says that the arrest of dissidents in Pushkin Square Sunday confirms that democracy, which requires opposition parties, is dead in Russia.

Garry Kasparov, arrested Sunday in Pushkin Square, has written a new book. It is a thinly veiled manifesto for another Russia.