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A Bittersweet Celebration
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It was, Vladimir Putin said last week, "the triumph of civilization over fascism." In Russia, May 9 marks the 60th anniversary of the surrender of Nazi Germany an event that in Western Europe is marked the day before and Russia is going all out to celebrate. Leaders, from U.S. President George W. Bush to Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, are expected to come to Moscow for a military parade in Red Square, flyovers by World War II-era fighter planes and, organizers promise, a "stupendous" fireworks display. But for security reasons, ordinary Muscovites are not invited; instead, they've been encouraged...