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Japan-Russia island deal recedes as positions harden

Location:

RUSSIA/JAPAN

By the time President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met on January 22, it was apparent they were not even close to agreeing how to end the decades-long dispute over…

Azerbaijan to push Karabakh as Russia looks elsewhere

Location:

ARMENIA/AZERBAIJAN

Azerbaijan is increasing pressure on Karabakh and Armenia. Azerbaijani environmentalists blocked the only road connecting Armenia with Karabakh on December 12, just days after…

Moscow considers stripping Tatarstan of special status

Location:

RUSSIA

The Kremlin is saying nothing, but seems unlikely to approve an extension and has not initiated the legislation needed for this. Ending the treaty will annul Tatarstan's claim to…

Kyrgyz mine deal may limit expropriation worries

Location:

KYRGYZSTAN

The removal of Canadian firm Centerra's control of the mine this month demonstrated the government's ability to win against foreign investors. A settlement announced on April 4…

Iranian dissent will slow promised Caspian Sea accord

Location:

IRAN/CIS

Talks to decide the Caspian Sea's status.

Washington has limited options for Ukraine

Location:

UNITED STATES

Washington continues to warn that a Russian attack on Ukraine is imminent while arguing that it has offered Moscow a "serious diplomatic path" out of the crisis. Private messages…

Moldova gets new gas contract with new price formula

Location:

MOLDOVA

The extension is a much-needed success for the Moldovan government, despite its ultimate aim of achieving energy autonomy from Russia. The terms of the deal, with higher prices…

Russia and China will not rush to fill Afghan void

Location:

RUSSIA/CHINA

For both states, a swift takeover of power in Afghanistan is preferable to either prolonged civil war or a power vacuum. Their objectives are more defensive than acquisitive…

Russia on track for 2017 Yamal gas launch

Location:

RUSSIA

Russia's ambitious liquefied natural gas project.

Armenia-Turkey relations improve against the odds

Location:

ARMENIA/TURKEY

The call was a step forward in a rapprochement that has emerged over the last year following three decades of animosity. In the latest practical step in this difficult process…