Actually no, not in the slightest.

Also, you would be falling behind quite much.

I don't believe that Israel is a European outpost per say. But again I don't believe that Israel is a Middle Eastern state either.

You might think that I hold this view of Israel the state because of the enmity I have towards it, which is something I believe to be wrong. What I'm trying to say is that this is a largely objective view of reality.

According to Putin's wikipedia page:

"During Putin's first premiership and presidency (1999–2008), real incomes increased by a factor of 2.5, real wages more than tripled; unemployment and poverty more than halved, and the Russians' self-assessed life satisfaction rose significantly.^[9] Putin's first presidency was marked by high economic growth: the Russian economy grew for eight straight years, seeing GDP increase by 72% in PPP (sixfold in nominal).^{[9][10][11][12][13]} As Russia's president, Putin and the Federal Assembly passed into law a flat income tax of 13%, a reduced profits tax, and new land and legal codes.^[14][15] As Prime Minister, Putin oversaw large scale military and police reform. His energy policy has affirmed Russia's position as an energy superpower.^[16]"

Yeah, I'd say that all this is much more important to the people of Russia than gay rights.

And Now His Watch Is Ended.