Russian-Turkish Relations Cool Over Energy, Syria
Turkey supports the Syrian rebels and tries to decrease its dependence on Russian gas.
Russia
Iraqi-Russian Arms Deal Suggests Reduced American Role
The United States appear comfortable letting Russia expand its influence in the region.
Russia Considering Opening Arctic to Foreign Oil Majors
Russia needs the financial resources and skills of Western energy companies.
Iran Strike Could Destabilize Caucasus, Energy Transits
A strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities could have unintended consequences for the Caucasus.
Putin Intervenes in European-Gazprom Brawl
The Kremlin seeks to shield the energy conglomerate from an antitrust investigation.
Putin Urges More Liberal Trade, Russians Skeptical
Russians are skeptical of their president’s plans to open borders for international trade.
Putin Suggests West Using Al Qaeda to Bring Down Assad
Russian leader denounces the “short-sighted” Syria policy of Arab and Western nations.
Ukraine Asserts Energy Independence from Russia
Ukraine snubs Russia’s Lukoil for a gas deal with ExxonMobil and Royal Dutch Shell.
“Russia Seeks Naval Presence in Cuba, Vietnam”
The Russian navy may desire a replacement of their Syrian base but they’re surveying the wrong locations.
West “Recreating Sino-Soviet Bloc” in Syria: Brzezinski
By vilifying the two powers, Western allies are “pushing the Russians and the Chinese together.”
Russian-Tajikistan Base Deal Revealed Prematurely
Tajikistan is said to have reached agreement with Russia for the lease of an army base.
Russian Warships on Exercise, Not to Prop Up Assad
Russia has conducted naval exercises in the Eastern Mediterranean for several years. No reason to read more into this.
Uzbekistan Turns Into American Ally in Central Asia
Wikistrat analyzes the costs and benefits of American efforts to boost ties with Uzbekistan.
To Putin’s Dismay, Russian Nationalism on the Rise
The Russian leaders worries more about his nationalist than liberal opposition.
Foreign Policy is Rarely a Zero-Sum Game
America and Britain cannot vilify the Russians over Syria without jeopardizing their support elsewhere.