Former Soviet Union

FSB Headquarters
May 16, 2008 2000 GMT
The Russian Federal Security Service's growing involvement in new areas ultimately will dilute its operational effectiveness. [more]
medvedev
The following are internal Stratfor documents produced to provide high-level guidance to our analysts. These documents are not forecasts, but rather a series of guidelines for understanding and evaluating events, as well as suggestions on areas for focus. [more]
Russian Vice Premier and Rosneft Chairman Igor Sechin
In his new position as prime minister, former Russian President Vladimir Putin is working to put a stop to the Kremlin's internal clan war. [more]
Workers laying an oil pipeline in Kazakhstan
Russia's cooperation with Kazakhstan on a contested pipeline project is an attempt to retain influence over the Central Asian state. [more]
BrahMos Aerospace CEO standing in front of missile
BrahMos Aerospace claims it has conducted laboratory tests of a variant of its signature cruise and anti-ship missile that will be capable of speeds in excess of Mach 5. [more]
The eighth ground-based midcourse defense interceptor is emplaced at Ft. Greely, Alaska
Poland is weighing the value of alignment with the United States.(With Stratfor map) [more]
Nino Burjanadze, president of the Georgian Parliament
Although a clash between Georgia and Russia over the secessionist region of Abkhazia seemed very possible last week as both players positioned troops, a trigger is still necessary before this long-standing feud erupts.(With Stratfor map) [more]
israeli prime minister
The following are internal Stratfor documents produced to provide high-level guidance to our analysts. These documents are not forecasts, but rather a series of guidelines for understanding and evaluating events, as well as suggestions on areas for focus. [more]
Georgians in traditional garb protest at the Russian Embassy in Tbilisi on May 8
The standoff between Russia and Georgia is becoming more and more serious. [more]
Victory Day Parade Rehearsal
May 8, 2008 1700 GMT
Russia will use its annual Victory Day celebration on May 9 as an opportunity to send a clear message to the West and to the Russian people. (With Stratfor interactive photo essay) [more]
Geopolitical Diary Graphic -- FINAL
Though former Russian President Vladimir Putin will remain in power as prime minister, as a personality he is ultimately irrelevant. [more]
putin
While shifting into the role of prime minister, Russian President Vladimir Putin handed over power May 7 to Dmitri Medvedev. However, in the process of asserting his control, Putin has left little real power for his replacement. [more]
Vladimir Putin with Dmitry Medvedev - handoff
Shortly before handing off power to new President Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin codified the Kremlin’s interest in key economic sectors. Analyst Peter Zeihan explains how the new law will affect foreign investors and maximize the power of the Russian state. [more]
Geopolitical Diary Graphic -- FINAL
Georgia has warned that war with Russia over the secessionist region of Abkhazia is highly likely. Meanwhile, Russia has moved troops into regions around Georgia while saying that the Georgians have massed troops. The crisis is turning hotter. [more]
Shot of Russian natural gas giant Gazprom's headquarters in Moscow
The Russian Cabinet reportedly is mulling a delay in the government's planned deregulation of natural gas prices for industrial consumers -- a deregulation that would benefit natural gas giant Gazprom. [more]
Turkmen soldier next to Arch of Neutrality
Turkmenistan is emerging from decades of isolation and idiosyncrasy, but it has some important decisions to make. [more]
Russian Mi-26 helicopter
A Russian report suggests that France might be considering purchasing an old Soviet helicopter design -- one that remains unmatched. [more]
Russian President Vladimir Putin gesturing at mic
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a new law regarding foreign investment in Russia and clearly stated what assets are off-limits and to whom. [more]
Geopolitical Diary Graphic -- FINAL
The price of oil passed $120 per barrel today. [more]
iranian and turkemenistani presidents
Turkmenistan plans to increase its natural gas exports to Iran by nearly a third. [more]