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.
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.
Lutsenko Pardon a Victory for Engagement Over Confrontation
The real credit, however, belongs to those who advocated continued engagement with Ukraine. Those European dignitaries who continued to act as intermediaries between Brussels and Kyiv are the unsung heroes here.
PACE Leader Hopes for Association Agreement With Ukraine Later This Year
This thaw is almost certainly a result of the realization that the constant bludgeoning Ukraine took from Brussels over every failure strengthened apologists for Russia against Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych’s hard pivot to the EU.
Latvia’s Ties of History Run to Russia and Fascism
In Riga, former Waffen SS members drawn from Latvia — and, in a worrying development, younger generations — march in the streets in remembrance of the people who killed Jews and Slavs as equally bereft of humanity.
Occupation Denies Liberalization
Military occupation of one’s territory is an enormous impediment to liberalization, breeding its own special obstacles and changes in government and civil society that make free markets and free people less likely.
Meeting Brings No Progress in Georgia’s Political Standoff
There is a reasonable middle ground for an agreement here, but as yet, both sides seem unwilling to be the first to give ground. Georgia stands on the precipice of a political crisis. Right now neither of its leaders has the courage to step back.
Armenia Looks to Europe
Through history and culture, Armenia views itself as part of the West. Armenia cannot escape its geographical position: it should seek a solid relationship with Moscow and a warmer peace with Azerbaijan.
Nationalist Kyrgyzstan Politicians Accused of Incitement
The authorities now must make sure that a fair and open trial is conducted. Bishkek must leave no opportunity for Tashiev’s supporters to view him and his cohorts as victims of a politically motivated sham prosecution.