The upcoming referendum on Russian President Boris Yeltsin offers a much-needed opportunity for escape from the political paralysis gripping the former Soviet Union, says Dan Brower, a professor of Russian history at UC Davis who recently spent several months in St. Petersburg. "What's desperately needed are new elections for the parliament and the president. This referendum may force parliament to hold new elections," says Brower. Because of the paralyzed political situation, any U.S. offers of aid should be routed directly to the area in which the money or supplies are to be used, avoiding state government distribution. For example, assistance could be extended to local public institutions, Brower says, noting that United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sends money to the Hermitage Museum and the Lenin Library to preserve their valuable resources, bypassing the state.