Carnegie Moscow Center
It is important not to assume there is a link between the Tsarnaev brothers and the motivations behind Chechen separatist or Islamist groups.
The protests in Russia cannot be called a political phenomenon, as the participants are experienced in civic activism but not in political life.
The United States will probably continue to limit its presence in global affairs because Barack Obama is committed to a more moderate U.S. role in foreign affairs.
A 60-year dispute between Russia and Japan could be resolved if Russia gives up the South Kuril Islands. Also, both countries should de-militarize the area as they work toward a solution.
The United States is coming closer to a resolution of the Syrian issue, either through diplomatic channels by forging an accord with Russia or, if that fails, by means of military aid to the opposition.
The world is seeking leadership from U.S. President Obama on a range of foreign policy challenges, from Iran’s nuclear program to Sino-U.S. relations.
With the ruling party’s loss to the opposition Georgian Dream coalition, the country’s leading political parties must find a way to share power and enable a peaceful political transition.
A verdict of acquittal or not guilty for Pussy Riot is unlikely because the verdict for this politically sensitive trial will be reached outside the courtroom.
It is unlikely that the members of Pussy Riot punk band will be found not guilty, because to recognize that they were not guilty would require acknowledging that the trial itself was a sham.
The outrage over the mismanagement of the flood in Krymsk will contribute to the waning of Vladimir Putin’s popularity, but this process is slow-going.