Foreign Policy’s analysis of the evolving energy status and needs of both China and the US is cogent and intelligent. Mills has presented a good understanding of the global energy market – buyers and sellers – and it is remarkable… Read More ›
Tag Archive for ‘Russia’
US Foreign Policy Towards Europe: Coalition of the Like-Minded?
Since the WWII years, the US relationship with Europe has been premised on guaranteeing global peace and security, and ensuring that a global conflict such as a world war, never comes to pass again. A significant aspect of the relationship… Read More ›
The Truth About Syria: Regional Spillover and Theories of Conflict Causes
Over the last week, reports from the ground level and from those that have fled Syria* for safe havens have been coming through, sharing a lot of information about where they are, what is going on in Damascus and in… Read More ›
Russia and China: Partners or Competitors When Facing US Foreign Policy?
The most striking image to come out from the G20 meeting in Mexico was the one included in this post of Putin consulting with Hua. Putin’s demeanor is full of respect and is almost deferential to his Chinese counterpart, the… Read More ›
Geneva Conference Agrees “Basic Principles” but Stops Short on Substance of a Peace Process for Syria
Yesterday in Geneva, the Security Council P5, Turkey, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq, EU, the UN and the League of Arab States met to discuss the continuing instability in Syria – conspicuously absent were Saudi Arabia and Iran, the key protagonists and… Read More ›
Political Resolution and Mediation Proposal on Syria
No matter which way you see it, Syria is already more complicated and more loaded than Libya or Iraq ever was. Russia and potentially China are involved in Syria this time in total opposition to the proposal by the US… Read More ›
Russia’s Motivations and Objectives in Syria: Decaying Power or Re-emerent Supernova?
In my last few blogs on Russia and the Return of Tzar Putin, I predicted that Russia and Putin would look for a larger global role and seek to return Russia to its former “glory” as the Soviet Union. The… Read More ›
The Truth of the Situation in Syria: Do We Really Know it?
Today, I paused to recap what I really know about Syria and the violence affecting its people. I started with the Government. We know that the Al-Assad government is composed of Alawites, Shiites, Sunnis and even a few, perhaps token,… Read More ›
Syria: UN mission chief warns of impact of growing violence on observer activities
Syria: UN mission chief warns of impact of growing violence on observer activities. In fast moving news, it appears the Head of the UN verification mission in Syria General Robert Mood has finally declared that the UN monitors are unable… Read More ›
Options on Syria: International Conference Option Should Include Iran and Syria in Parallel Forum
In the face of non-compliance with the Annan Peace Plan, the International Community is reduced to considering two alternatives: regime transition of Al-Assad out of power and convening an international conference on Syria as a means of coordinating and increasing… Read More ›
Reading between the Lines: Annan’s Message on Syria
I listened and observed Kofi Annan’s body language closely while he delivered his much-anticipated speech to the UN General Assembly today, on Syria. I’ve worked under the man for over 10 years so body language sometimes says what his soft… Read More ›
The Ascent of Tzar Putin Heralds New Era of Challenges for Russia
Medvedev or Putin. Putin or Medvedev. Either way, Putin has been in control of Russian politics and treasury for 10 years of more. The truth is that Putin’s brand of grandiose nationalism appeals to a significant minority of the electorate,… Read More ›
China’s Sphere of Control challenged by India’s Agni 5 and Contestation in the Spratly Islands + Response to Comments
After the introvert-ism of the cultural revolution, China has been steadily building its power and position as a regional, if not a global mega power. During the Cold War, China deliberately took on the-then more powerful US by supporting armed… Read More ›
Multiple Scenarios Emerge as Putin Wins 6 years at the Russian Helm
The young love him; the old need him; and the opposition fear him. Putin has now 6 years, fair or foul, to lead his beloved Russia back to glory. His election has a huge impact on international geopolitics and for… Read More ›
Are Oil Prices Rising Due to the Iranian situation? Who Wins?
This week Iran cut oil supplies to Britain and France ahead of the promised EU sanctions this summer; Iran is also threatening to cut supplies to Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece and Germany in the coming days and weeks. Almost ahead… Read More ›
Comments on BRIC and Iran Post: Iranian Presidential Election in 2013 and Competing for Security Council Seats
A good friend of mine who knows the inner politics of Iran and the negotiations with the US/West sent me very valuable comments by email on the BRIC and Iran post. I felt I had to anonymously share his comments…. Read More ›
The BRIC and Iran: The Start of a New Era of Activism?
In the UN halls of power, one hears a lot of whispers about the ascent of the BRIC, or BRICSA as it has now become – Brazil, Russia, India, China and the newest member, South Africa. While the power of… Read More ›
Syria: Did Russia Visit Help or Hinder Continued State-Sponsored Violence?
Its not clear what if anything emerged from Foreign Minister Lavrov’s visit to Syria this week, if anything the level of state-sponsored violence against its citizens has increased. What then was the content of the discussions? I find it impossible… Read More ›
Russian Naval Base in Tartus Syria: Reason for Veto and Current High-Level Visit
What Russia wants above all is a warm water port in the Indian Ocean or Mediterranean sea, but the Persian Gulf will do nicely thank you! Russia’s support for Assad’s corrupt regime is based on their interest in maintaining their… Read More ›
Syria and Then Iran: China and Russia Veto Allows for New Solutions
Saturday afternoon(2/04), a small group of protestors marched from Brayant Park to the UN to demonstrate against the looming war against Iran. On the face of it, they looked like average Americans that felt compelled to object to the gaining… Read More ›
