When I lived in Richmond Surrey back in the 60s, there was a local pub where there was always fights, and all sorts of trouble. When I asked a local policeman of my acqaintance why they didn't try to get it closed down he said, "At least we know where all the troublemakers are as long as it remains open" This I feel is how the western powers must be feeling about the demise of the Soviet Union.
Giok