Boston was a reminder that it is time for Russia and the West to co-operate over issues affecting their security in the widest sense - not just individual acts of terrorism.
Reacting to unfamiliar protests, President Putin has floated the idea of a ‘social contract’ with which to engage his critics in a working political relationship. But who is he thinking of? And who would represent the opposition in such a deal? NEW
In his quest for behind-the-scenes power and revenge, BORIS BEREZOVSKY made repeated miscalculations, while seriously compromising Western hopes of a normal relationship with post-Soviet Russia NEW
President Putin has still to sign a new foreign policy doctrine. The reasons for the delay include divided counsels and the complexity of present threats and challenges.
The idea of a Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), projected in recent speeches by President Putin, is further evidence of the importance Russia gives to regional integration as the way to establish its world position.
The President’s health may not be a cause for alarm, but the injury to his back that preoccupied the media in October should concentrate thoughts on what would happen if for some reason he were suddenly obliged to relinquish the reins. New
The defeat of the pro-presidential party in Georgia has taken many by surprise, especially Europeans and Americans mesmerised by Saakashvili’s ‘anti-Russian’ challenge. Better than predicting a turn towards Russia, which is by no means evident, they should ponder the reasons for the party’s defeat.
