The Hub: International Perspectives

Railways in Abkhazia

Since October's parliamentary election in Georgia, the issue of reconstructing the railway line in Abkhazia connecting Georgia with Russia has been the subject of much speculation. The topic was touched upon by some of the leaders of the Georgian Dream coalition. However, it should be mentioned that the reopening of the railways is in the interest of Russia and Armenia probably more so than that of Georgia. That said, much depends on the conditions under which the railways will be opened.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - 14:31 By: Zaza Gachechiladze, Editor of The Messenger

Israel's Security Situation, Requirements and Policies

Israel has few qualms about maintaining its current borders with the Palestinians, or so argues Tova Norlen. She attributes this attitude and policy to the growing political polarization of Israeli society, which is reflected in Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu's new government.

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - 12:24 By: Tova C. Norlen, ISN

When Models Crumble, the Need to Rethink Them

The current financial and economic crisis has brought enormous strain in the industrialized world, in Europe in particular.

Monday, March 25, 2013 - 07:46 By: Daniel Daianu, HotNews

Kremlin seeks to protect Cyprus amid 'dirty money' claims

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who is meeting Commission President José Manuel Barroso in Moscow today (21 March), slammed the EU for behaving "like a bull in a china shop" on the proposed Cyprus bailout. Meanwhile, a prominent Russian opposition leader said the Kremlin was conducting an operation to save its “dirty money” in Cyprus.

A delegation of EU Commissioners was scheduled to meet with their Russian counterparts in Moscow today (21 March) ahead of a plenary discussion with Russian ministers and Medvedev the following day.

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - 11:58 By: EurActiv

CSS Launches Strategic Trends 2013

The Center for Security Studies has just published its annual Strategic Trends volume. Today, we speak to its authors about some of the issues they raise and the themes they stress. For the rest of this week, we will then feature a chapter-a-day from this well-regarded text.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013 - 10:57 By: Andrea Baumann and Jonas Grätz and Prem Mah, ISN

Eurasia's underbelly - game's on

According to Washington’s official stance, America’s activity within the area of the Central Asia is exclusively related to preserving its presence in Afghanistan (even the term “promotion of democratic values” is no longer mentioned).In addition, think-tanks are no longer the only ones admitting that even though the USA is less involved in the affairs of Afghanistan, it should, nevertheless, keep its eyes open when it comes to a competition between America, China and Russia in a region called “underbelly of Eurasia”.

Friday, March 15, 2013 - 11:07 By: Konrad Rekas, Geopolityka - ECGA

Rekindling the Cold War as Russia rearms

"With the full support of a feckless policy elite and an uncritical media establishment, Washington is slipping, if not plunging, into a new Cold War with Moscow." Strong words from Professor Stephen Cohen in a January article published in The Nation, who is a lonely voice in the US academic establishment with an unpopular point of view.

Friday, March 15, 2013 - 07:29 By: Ben Aris, BNE

Indonesia’s financial sector: A half-full glass

In 1997-1998, Indonesia faced one of the most costly financial crises in recent history, as nearly its entire banking sector collapsed.

Thursday, March 14, 2013 - 12:13 By: PS Srinivas, World Bank's lead financial economist for East Asia and Pacific region

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