A fire at Venezuela's main thermoelectric plant and the falling water level at the Guri dam are increasing the severity of Venezuela's electricity crisis.
Venezuela is not at the breaking point, but the red line is clearly in sight. A special report on Venezuela's electricity crisis (with STRATFOR interactive map).
Russia wants to form an understanding with Germany, France, Turkey and Poland to prevent these regional forces from interfering with its plans in the former Soviet sphere.
Russia considers several countries in its periphery to be important but not critical. They are also easy to control, making them less of a focus for Moscow.
After Russia consolidates control over the countries vital to its national security, it will turn to another set of countries where it would like to have greater influence.
