Russian Prez: Stuff Your Advice, America

Russia's new president isn't any keener on foreign criticism than his predecessor, the New York Times reports. Dmitry Medvedev told reporters this week that the US, which needs to overcome an economic "depression," should not be criticizing his country's record on democracy and human rights. Medvedev said it was time for an overhaul of the world's economic system—and that it was time American influence be reduced.

"This system cannot be oriented toward only one country and only one currency,” said the Russian leader, speaking after a meeting with Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, who appealed for more Russian investment in the US. Medvedev suggested that Western economies could learn a few things from Russia, where the economy and confidence are riding high as oil revenues flow in. (More Dmitry Medvedev stories.)