Putin's campaign promises pose economic challenges  NATALIYA
VASILYEVA Associated Press Published:              Economists
disagree.      Russia's economy grew by leaps and bounds in the
years after Putin first came to power in 2000, mainly on the
back of soaring oil prices. But back then, the government was
able to balance its books with an oil price of only $60 per
barrel. With the growing spending, Russia these days can avoid a
deficit only if oil stays above $117. Urals crude is now trading
at about $120.  Economists say the government may be able to
afford the extra spending at this point, but it could hamper
growth and leave Russia vulnerable in case of greater global
economic turmoil or a drop in oil prices.  Russia has 1.8
trillion rubles ($61 billion) in a reserve fund, created from
oil revenues that the government tucked away when prices were
high. But even more money was sent out of the country last year,
a whopping $84 billion in capital outflow, indicating a lack of
confidence in the Russian econ