Azerbaijan’s Eurovision Quandary
Things will smooth over between Russia and Azerbaijan soon, as the two have enjoyed a peaceful but tense relationship during the decades since the fall of the Soviet Union.
Georgia to Investigate 2008 Russian Conflict
This new investigation is sure to raise more questions about Ivanishvili’s commitment to the democratic progress Georgia made under his predecessor.
Georgian Dream’s NATO Dream: How to Best Reach Peace with Russia?
Ironically, improved ties with Moscow are Tbilisi’s only chance of entering NATO. Despite the alliance’s formal welcome mat, there is little enthusiasm for courting conflict with Russia.
After First ECHR Ruling, a Time to Reflect on Ukraine and Tymoshenko
In the months to come, Europe and Ukraine must practice true Realpolitik. With luck, passions will have cooled to the point that good statesmanship is not merely possible, but likely.
Moldova Descends (Farther) from EU
Moldovans are fighting over the poorest country in Europe. Former allies have turned on each other and the future of European integration — and more importantly, civil society and government harmony — in Moldova is now in doubt.
Turkmenistan’s New Electoral Code and Other Unicorn Sightings
In a just world, the Council of Europe and Turkmenistan’s neighbors and allies would use this as a teaching opportunity, to show Ashgabat the possibilities of reform and help them draw slowly toward it.
The Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly and Ukraine Pass in the Night
It would be easier for Ukraine to take the co-rapporteurs’ suggestion and eliminate the European Union’s last remaining objection to Kyiv. It must not do so. The rule of law is too precious to be cast aside even in the name of national interest.
Ukraine, Tymoshenko and the European Court of Human Rights
The ECHR deserves a plaudit for rejecting the most ridiculous of Tymoshenko’s allegations, effectively undercutting Tymoshenko’s narrative of a brutal regime that imprisoned and tortured her in the prelude to a rigged trial.
Uzbekistan Tries to Close the Book on the Andijan Massacre
With Karimov’s grip on power slowly loosening as mortality does what moral suasion could not, Tashkent cannot afford any threat to whatever succession plan Karimov is currently entertaining.
Message in the Bottles: Lessons from Georgia’s Wine Industry Rebirth
Georgia’s ancient wine industry has transformed from a low quality, single market provider to a diverse, sophisticated, increasingly international supplier of respected vintages — all because of a 2006 Russian embargo.