1. Prime Minister Mykola Azarov of Ukraine during a conference with European Union officials in Brussels, May 15, 2012 (The Council of the European Union)

    Ukraine Urges Europe Not to Draw “Iron Curtain” Around It

    Ukraine hopes to increase its domestic gas production in order wean itself of Russian influence.

  1. The city of Medina in Saudi Arabia, September 27, 2008 (Noushad Akambadam)

    Gulf States Delay Plans for Closer Arabian Union

    Wary of Saudi domination, the smaller nations in the Gulf Cooperation Council delayed plans for closer political integration.

  1. President Richard Nixon and Chinese premier Zhou Enlai toast at a banquet during Nixon's visit to China, February 25, 1972 (White House)

    Beyond the Reset: Reverse “Nixon Goes to China”

    Having Russia ensconced in the West will enable the United States to balance against China’s rise.

  1. Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt, July 15, 2010 (Essexdiver)

    Israel Challenges Egypt Over Sinai Security Chaos

    Israel need to defend its citizens in the south while trying to avoid the collapse of the peace treaty with Egypt.

  1. Prime Ministers Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey and Wen Jiabao of China meet in Ankara, October 8, 2010 (AP)

    BRICS Expansion Could Produce G20 Minus Seven

    There are more rising powers than Brazil, Russia, India and China but including them could further dilute the BRIC’s usefulness.