Naval Tension Rising in Caspian Sea Region
Fueled by competition for natural resources, the Caspian Sea region is seeing the start of an arms race.
Eastern Europe
Russia Denies Sending Helicopters Into Syria
The gunships delivered to Syria were probably updated versions of helicopters it had purchased in Soviet times.
Why Saudi Arabia Wants to Increase Oil Production
The kingdom is trying to put pressure on Syrian allies Iran and Russia to influence the civil war there.
The Sino-Russian Alliance That Isn’t
Too much is made of Vladimir Putin’s trip to China. This isn’t the beginning of an alliance.
Weak Ruble Bad for Some But Not All
Russia walks a fine line between political stability, export strength and capital flight.
Accidental War Waiting to Happen on Europe’s Periphery
The shimmering Nagorno-Karabakh conflict threatens to upset the regional balance of power.
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.
Time for Compromise on Trans Caspian Pipeline
Wikistrat analysts say the time is ripe for an energy deal between Europe and Russia on Caspian Sea exports.
Beyond the Reset: Reverse “Nixon Goes to China”
Ensconcing Russia in the West would enable America to balance against China’s rise.
No Good Ways Out of Afghanistan
Air and land routes out of the country are either insufficient or troublesome.
Shale Gas Search Divides Romania
Unconventional natural gas extraction could decrease Romania’s dependence on Russia.
Germany Seeks Isolation of Ukraine
German president Joachim Gauck cancels a visit amid growing concern about Ukraine’s former prime minister.
Russia Helping United States Get Out of Afghanistan
The United States are negotiating a transit agreement to fly soldiers out of Afghanistan.
Putin’s Port Project to Divert Russia Urals Oil to Baltic
Shifting oil transports away from Belarus and Ukraine will afford Russia greater control over costs and delivery.
Medvedev Predicts Eurasian Union by 2015
It may prove a tough sell to non-Russian peoples that they will not be junior partners in orbiting Kremlin interests.