system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
What aspect of Putin's rise to power is most fascinating/controversial?

Putin fascinates me and I'm currently mulling writing a paper on him.  I don't consider myself anywhere near an expert but there are a wide range of issues that could be discussed.  I'm looking for something that has debatable value.

I'm keenly interested in the Medvedev/Putin combination as well as how he de-fanged some of the oligarchs.  What did his former KGB history have to do with his rise/keeping of power?  The bombings?

This may be me asking myself a question and looking for someone else to answer it but I'm curious if anyone has any thoughts or expertise in the area.  I don't think this is a homework question -- it's significantly deeper -- but the mods can decide that, I presume.
gpt
I think Putin's relationship with the Russian church is the most interesting aspect of his rule, especially given the lack of general religiosity among the population. Take the 'Pussy Riot' case for example, who would have imagined 20 years ago people getting arrested and imprisoned for 'blasphemy'? - or the recent rise of state sanctioned persecution of homosexuals. 

One could argue that Russia is now so right leaning it is close to becoming no different to Uganda, Iran or Syria.