Section: US & Canada
Will Ukraine’s Next Revolution be Non-Violent?
A reformist minister’s resignation highlights the country’s dearth of options. …read more Source:...
German state governor draws criticism over Putin visit
BERLIN (AP) — Bavaria’s governor is drawing criticism in Germany for traveling to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin and sounding a softer tone on sanctions than his country’s government. Putin received Horst Seehofer Wednesday night. Seehofer leads one of Germany’s three governing parties but is an often-awkward ally. In...
PiS-sing Away Poland’s Future?
By Stephan RichterKaczynski’s insistence to look backward is a disservice to a great country that has come a long way.After Andrzej Duda was elected last year, Polish friends were quick to send out assurances. The young President, they said, was keen on modernizing the country and maximizing opportunities for the young generation. The new...
Will Gazprom Start a New Price War?
Russia’s state-owned natural gas company Gazprom for some time enjoyed the benefits of having a reliable market to its west. For years, Europe has depended heavily on overland imports from Gazprom, and Moscow has used that dependence as geopolitical and economic leverage, forcing its European customers to sign long-term take-or-pay...
Why the OSCE Is Indispensable for Security in Europe
We currently face what is perhaps the most serious threat to peace and security in Europe since the end of the Cold War. We are fully aware of what it means to assume the Chairmanship of Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) in these difficult times, and of the responsibility we will bear for Europe. The motto we have chosen...
NATO’s Top 5 Weapons of War Pointed at Russia
Dave Majumdar Security, Europe Over the past two years, Russia has behaved aggressively in Ukraine and stepped up its bomber and submarine patrols. Senior U.S. defense and foreign policy officials are increasingly focused on a resurgent Russia and the threat it might pose in Europe. Over the past two years, Russia has behaved aggressively in...
Russia’s Crisis Produces Paradox: Surging Luxury Car Sales
As Russia wrestles with an economic crisis, more and more Porsches and Rolls-Royces are appearing on its roads. It seems something of a paradox; while mass-market car sales in the country have tumbled along with the ruble and oil prices, one area is bucking the trend – luxury cars. Sales of Porsche, Bentley, Rolls-Royce and Lexus cars all...
Activist Urges E.U. To Keep Political Pressure On Belarus
Belarusian human rights activist Ales Byalyatski has called on the European Union to maintain political pressure on Belarus’s authoritarian regime. On a visit to Brussels on February 3, the former political prisoner told E.U. officials that the situation inside the country has not improved since economic sanctions were suspended following...
Ukrainian Economy Minister Resigns; West Deeply Disappointed
Ukraine’s economy minister tendered his resignation Wednesday, citing political pressure and corruption. Aivaras Abromavicius said the country’s leadership had routinely blocked his reform efforts and that the economy ministry was at the mercy of corrupt vested interests. “Neither me, nor my team have any desire to serve as a...
Russia could steamroll into the capitals of NATO’s most exposed members in 36 hours
Eduard Korniyenko/ReutersWith current force deployments, Russia could steamroll NATO forces in the Baltic states. In the most optimistic scenario for NATO, Moscow would be able to conquer all the way to Estonia’s capital Tallinn in the course of 60 hours, according to a new report from the think tank RAND Corp. The report, which attempted...
