William Dunkerley — Six reasons you can't take the Litvinenko report seriously

I’ve been analysing this case since Litvinenko’s death, and I’ve followed the inquiry closely. I don’t know whether or not his murder was ordered by the Russian president or anyone in the Kremlin. What I do know is that Owen’s findings are not supported by reliable evidence.

The report relies on hearsay and is marred by inconsistent logic. It offers no factual insights into what really happened to Litvinenko, yet has been taken as gospel truth by governments and pundits across the west.

Here are some of the problems…. 

All the earmarks of propaganda. Dunkerley concludes:

It is clear that those who are behind these claims against the Russian president have an agenda, and are using a wealth of means in their attempts to convince others.

The public inquiry’s acceptance of so many of their questionable allegations casts a pall over Owen’s efforts and renders his report practically useless.

The Guardian
Six reasons you can't take the Litvinenko report seriously
William Dunkerley

Graham Stack — The rise and fall of the Russian oligarchy

Newly declassified U.S. documents, released to bne IntelliNews, show how Vladimir Putin’s candidacy was a compromise after a fierce battle between pro-US oligarchs and pro-state conservatives.

Johnson's Russia List
The rise and fall of the Russian oligarchy

Graham Stack | Business New Europe