Cyprus Account Seizure Reaches Beyond Russian Oligarchs
Cyprus can only serve as both a warning shot to and a bad example for former Soviet states desperate to enter the European Union, a statement that the law can be disregarded if the victim is small and unliked.
Russia Forecasts the Future of Eastern Europe, Except Georgia
The 1990s sensation — now down to a trio from their glory days as a quartet — will be jetting to Moscow for some magic, some music, and, just perhaps, some baby-making. Somehow, this makes sense in the Kremlin.
Ukraine’s Brinksmanship with Russia and European Union
Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych is playing a dangerous game, but it is one forced on him by a European Union that pushes Ukraine away even as it claims it wants closer ties. Unfortunately, he cannot play this game indefinitely.
A Voracious Russia Awaits
Russia’s power and its empire grows. Ukraine shivers, faces West, and feels the warmth to the East. Europe and the United States leave it in the cold, and are slowly turning Ukraine to the warmth — and with it, the rest of the former Soviet Union.
A European Future for Ukraine?
Europeans understandably believe it is important to promote democratic values in Kiev. However, to do so they should offer more carrots than sticks. In this case, engagement—encouraging Ukraine like an errant friend—is likely to prove more effective than isolation.
Where is the International Outrage Over Pussy Riot’s Jailing?
As a curtain of darkness continues to fall over Russia and Romania and so many other places, the world closes its eyes. We have seen this film before, and it never ends well.
U.S. Announces Georgian Military Aid
Clinton’s visit and the United States’ commitment to Georgia – under diametrically opposed administrations, no less – underscores Saakashvili’s success.
Situation Report: The Eurasian Economic Community
The nations inhabiting the former Soviet space have to ask themselves whether the benefits of joining a Russian-dominated common area will outweigh the costs in terms of lost market flexibility outside the union and the loss of foreign policy discretion.
Putin Gets His Man in Georgia
In Mr. Tibilov, Putin – himself a former KGB officer – has a fellow traveler who can be counted on to do the Kremlin’s bidding, further destabilizing Georgia and strengthening Russia’s influence in the internal affairs of its former Soviet republics.
Democracy in the Ukraine, Continued: Yulia Tymoshenko
Former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko has performed a remarkable sleight-of-hand trick, convincing not only her ardent partisans but journalists and politicians throughout the West that her humble peasant-girl look covers a valiant, pure interior. The truth is much darker. This is a part of her story, based on Matthew Kaminski’s excellent article in the WSJ.