Very interesting article. I like the fact that Padalka said that they are all grown-ups and can manage things the right way to have a good relationship up there. It is very true that the politicians are the ones causing all of the problems. Which brings up another interesting point...laws in space. During STS-119, a school had their students asking the crews of Discovery and ISS what laws apply in space. Finke answered that they all cooperate and haven't had to worry about something like that yet.
With this article, I wonder what would happen to the crews when they got back to their respective country if they didn't follow what the politicians wanted.