Gorbachev advises different approach to terrorism in Russia

Gorbachev, who is 80 next month, says he does not think Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will run for a third term as president in 2012 as many believe.

"Most likely he will not run for the presidency. Two terms is enough - well, he has had his two terms. What will they do in the future? Maybe he and (President) Medvedev will swap places again."

While not an one to object to Vladimir Putin's regime, he is the first to acknowledge that things are far from perfect.

Last month's explosion at Domodedovo Airport was one of 29 suicide attacks in Russia in the past year. Gorbachev believes the Kremlin's management of the situation needs to change.

"Those who think that terrorism can be defeated with cannons and rifles are mistaken. Poverty, humiliation, instability, these are the factors that must be addressed."

He says Russia is halfway towards true democracy. To achieve it, he says, stifling of opposition must end.

"A couple of years ago I decided I would like to get involved in the creation of an independent democratic party but Surkov, the deputy head of the president's administration, said: 'Why are you wasting your time - we will never register your party'. Why should he decide that? For doing that he should be removed."

The situation in the Middle East is also in his thoughts.

Mr Gorbachev argued that the Arab world must allow its people to be masters of their own countries.

The man who triggered the Eastern European revolutions of the 1990s also rejects the idea that democracy will not work in countries such as Egypt and Tunisia.

"People need to feel they are masters of their own countries. Political commentators and politicians have been saying we must not allow countries to go the way of Gorbachev - glasnost, free elections, freedom of speech, democratisation.

"They say this is a dangerous path, dangerous for the ruling elites. But listen - we should think about the people. They can only develop if they can influence politics."

The current turmoil should be the start of a new era, he adds. "The Arab world is very capable. It is already playing an important role and it can do more.

"Arabs and Muslims should get involved in the global process of creating a healthier global environment. They should play their part in combating terrorism.

"This has been set in motion in the Middle East. People want to feel like human beings."