The Hub: International Perspectives

Revelations: Putin and Saakashvili

Russia’s invasion of Georgia is always on the agenda. Now at the fourth anniversary of the tragedy, Presidents Putin and Saakashvili have opened new details of the confrontation. Putin confessed that Russia according to his order has been preparing this plan more than a year in advance of the August events, whereas Saakashvili said that the NATO vessels entering Georgian ports brought not only humanitarian cargo.

Monday, August 20, 2012 - 11:14 By: Zaza Gachechiladze, Editor of The Messenger

Ukraine and its EU dreams

Originally published on FC Novosti.

Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has ratified the agreement on a free trade zone (FTZ) with former Soviet countries in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) despite weak countermeasures of opposition. Thus, a priori, Kiev almost managed to implement the idea of "keeping a foot in both worlds" simultaneously carrying out duty-free trade with the West and the East. However, the word "almost" means that the country’s EU plans still remain only dreams.

Monday, August 6, 2012 - 10:00

Cracks in the Eurozone: Causes and Consequences

The euro zone countries face unusually turbulent developments. Some of them are suffering financial catastrophes and send SOS signals to their partners. The latter promise some help in response, put forward their own terms, but still are tight with the lifelines.

Friday, August 3, 2012 - 08:10 By: Oleg Smirnov, originally published by Business Mir

Lithuania fears 'Belarus scenario' in Ukraine

If the EU plays its cards badly, a "Belarus scenario" in which Russia would regain influence over the former Soviet Republic is possible in Ukraine, Darius Semaška, a chief government advisor for Lithuania, told journalists yesterday (10 July).

Friday, July 13, 2012 - 08:04 By: Georgi Gotev, originally published by EurActiv

Breaking Bread with the Vietnamese: Defense Secretary Panetta’s June 2012 Visit to Cam Ranh and Hanoi

Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta visited Vietnam from 3 to 5 June 2012, right after attending the Shangri-La Conference in Singapore, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, where he explained America’s new defense strategy, detailed how the U.S. military supports that strategy by “rebalancing” toward the region, and articulated the reasoning behind Washington’s commitment to take a “deeper and more enduring partnership role in advancing the security and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region.”

Wednesday, July 11, 2012 - 10:27 By: Lewis M. Stern

Cyprus sees offshore gas as 'catalyst for reunification'

Recently discovered natural gas reserves in Cyprus’ offshore economic zone could become an incentive for unblocking the island’s stalled reunification talks.

Monday, July 9, 2012 - 10:05 By: Georgi Gotev, EurActiv

Laos Only 'Surveying' Xayaburi

Laos has denied it is pushing forward with the controversial Xayaburi hydropower dam in violation of international legal obligations, the country's state media reported on Friday.

Monday, July 9, 2012 - 08:12 By: David Boyle and Reuters, originally published in the Phnom Penh Post

Home Price Inflation in Vietnam: The Cause is Absence of Genuine Market Mechanism, not Speculation

Statistics over the past decade have shown that housing prices in Vietnam’s major cities usually grow 3 to 4 times faster than the growth of the average per capita income increase.

Thursday, July 5, 2012 - 08:20 By: Vietnamica