Are sudden pardons a PR move to counter international criticism of Russia’s record on human rights, or is President Putin responding to larger forces, at home and abroad? Also, tonight's the deadline to sign up for Obamacare for a January 1 start date, and identity theft and holiday shopping. Barbara Bogaev guest hosts.
Banner image: Freed Russian former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky (R) poses with father Boris and son Pavel (L), ahead of a news conference in the Museum Haus am Checkpoint Charlie in Berlin, December 22, 2013. Photo: Michael Kappeler/Reuters