Gazprom will always be GazpromThe contracted gas supply to Turkey made about 30 bln cubic meters in 2012, of which Turkey will select 27 bln. December 10, 2012 Relations between Russia and Turkey have always based on gain, both now and during the Ottoman Empire epoch. However, political disagreements sometimes prevail over the economic ones - to some extent, though. Russia is already Turkey’s second largest trade partner, and it strives to achieve annual turnover worth $100 bln. In 2012, the turnover will hit $35 bln. Witch-hunt continues in GeorgiaSenior foreign officials warned tycoon Ivanishvili to end a series of arrests of people linked to Saakashvili's party. November 28, 2012 As expected, Georgia is facing a wave of arrests. Though Bidzina Ivanishvili had pledged not to start a “witch-hunt”, in fact he did. The West perceived the arrests of ex-ministers linked to Saakashvili so seriously that Catherine Ashton, the EU's foreign policy chief, and Eric Rubin, U.S. Deputy Assistant of Secretary of State rushed to Tbilisi. “Aggressor” kills militants and delivers humanitarian aidThe rival Palestinian Fatah and Hamas groups decided to unite over the military conflict in Gaza Strip. November 21, 2012 The ongoing “Pillar of Cloud” raises controversial reaction among the world leaders. Sober politicians, who are not much enthusiastic about the Israeli state still have to recognize Israel’s right for protection from the rockets hitting its cities. The sender is located in Gaza Strip, and this is namely Hamas. Ongoing bloodshed in Middle EastTurkey is one of those countries which provide much support to the Syrian opposition. November 17, 2012 In addition to the unrest in Middle East and Syria, Israel launched another operation against Hamas in Gaza Strip - the Pillar of Cloud. Escalation of tensions in the region is linked to the recent presidential elections in the U.S., as well as the upcoming vote in Israel. As to Syria, Turkey is trying to get its dividends here. Barack Obama: another 4 years to goMitt Romney would be a worse president than Obama, both for the United States and the rest of the world. November 14, 2012 Nothing extraordinary happened: Barack Obama is re-elected for a second term; this had to be expected despite Mitt Romney’s seemingly self-confident stance. Obama’s second term would obviously be harder than the first one; he will have to tackle Iran’s nuclear problem, the Syrian crisis, and finally decide on Afghanistan. All this has to be done in just four years, in addition to issues related to the “triumph of democracy” in Iraq, Libya, and Egypt. Oil as the only reason linking Duke of York with the AliyevsAlong with increasing oil-addiction of the West, the oil monarchies of the West and other oil-rich countries started to dictate their own rules of the game. November 7, 2012 Long-term and even notorious links of Prince Andrew, Duke of York with the Azerbaijani president Ilham Aliyev have appeared in the spotlight of the British media. According to The Independent, Prince Andrew has been the UK's Special Representative for Trade and Investment. Georgia to restore ties with RussiaTbilisi needs relations with Russia no less than with the West, particularly in view of the latter’s stance during the August 2008 hostilities November 3, 2012 The new Prime Minister of Georgia Bidzina Ivanishvili established a new position for relations with Russia. Zurab Abashidze, well-known diplomat and former Georgian ambassador to Russia was appointed special envoy of the Georgian PM on Russian affairs. Paata Zakareishvili, Georgian Minister for Reintegration told this news during a press conference organized on Public Dialogues website. Erdogan resists Republic Day celebration, opposition is defiantThe police used truncheons and tear gas to stop anti-government rallies; clashes resulted in arrests and injuries. November 1, 2012 Turkey celebrated 89th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, and the festivities were quite original; protest rallies were held against Erdogan’s government and personally the Turkish Prime Minister. Tens of thousands of people gathered at Ulus square in Ankara timing their action to the anniversary of the country’s establishment. Lebanese elections under U.S. patronage?EU and U.S. representatives discussed the intention to establish new government in Lebanon amid ongoing intercommunity clashes. October 26, 2012 On October 19, a blast in Beirut killed Wissam al-Hassan, general at the Lebanese Internal Security Forces. Most likely, another vote is due to take place in Lebanon, as the opposition insists; if things are limited to mere elections, one can consider Lebanon, as well as the neighboring states including Syria and Israel, lucky. In fact, the elections in Lebanon will hardly settle the issue of power, and it is not hard to predict the further bargaining of ministerial portfolios. However, in this case the situation is much more serious, since the U.S. and EU plan to interfere in the elections. Witch-hunt launched in Georgia?Defense Minister Dmitry Shashkin left Georgia, following the former Interior Minister Bacho Akhalaia directly linked to notorious Gldani jail scandal. October 24, 2012 Georgia’s new parliament has started its work, and charges against those who lost the elections were already voiced. Most likely, a witch-hunt may start in the country, as expected. It would be strange if the situation developed differently; Saakashvili has made an incredible number of enemies in the 8 years, both in Georgia and elsewhere. | Syria rebels, U.S. urge Moscow to push Assad into ceding power Russia has repeated warnings that recognition of al-Khatib's coalition, notably by the United States, is undermining diplomacy. HRW: hundreds of Iranian activists seek asylum abroad According to HRW, since 2005 dozens of journalists and bloggers have left Iran because of increasing limitations and threats. Three suspected militants killed in Russia’s Dagestan “The shooters attempted to escape, but police chased and surrounded them in a private house,” the reports said. |