Americas

December 8, 2008

Video: Who Runs Russia?

During his appearance on Meet the Press yesterday, President-elect Barack Obama is asked about who he thinks is running the show over in Moscow.  A sensitive question, and an easy dodge.  Fast forward to 1:45 to skip the Iran engagement ...
December 8, 2008

The New Tepid War

National Review Online has posted a symposium asking various experts whether or not they believe that Russia’s naval deployment in the Panama Canal (the first time since WWII) this weekend means that Moscow has made a clear declaration of a ...
December 2, 2008

Goodbye, NATO

Nick Witney, the former chief executive of the European Defense Agency, has an opinion piece in the Moscow Times bidding farewell to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization – an institution whose usefulness has been outlived, he argues: NATO ...
November 30, 2008

Russia in Venezuela: More than Just Lip Service

It’s easy to dismiss what Russia is doing with Venezuela as political theater – an attempt to create artificial leverage to use with Washington in other disputes across the globe.  But in terms of business, things look much more s...
November 28, 2008

Russia Embraces Latin America, Literally

There’s been no shortage of media coverage over the past week of Russia’s promotion of its renewed ties in Latin America region.  Below, a gallery of embraces which should prove the point of the trip. Photo: REUTERS/Sergio Moraes ...
November 28, 2008

Why Venezuela’s Social Programs are Failing

A good piece in the Financial Times points out that the gap between Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez’s rhetoric and achievements is becoming visibly wide, as his well intentioned social programs are failing despite their healthy budgets.&nbs...
November 26, 2008

Venezuela’s Opposition Takes a Step Forward

Depending on where you get your news, you might think that either Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez has further consolidated his petrostate, or perhaps that the opposition succeeded in a breakthrough victory, by winning four of the most impo...
November 26, 2008

Video: Stop Worrying about the Missiles

Lt. Gen. Henry Obering is tireless in his efforts to campaign against the idea that the Poland and Czech anti-ballistic missile site proposals pose any threat whatsoever to Russia’s defensive capabilities (he’s pointed out the mismatch...
November 26, 2008

Concerns over Russia’s Interest in Latin America

Insofar as the official reaction, both military officials and the U.S. State Department appear to be handling Russia’s increased activism and showmanship in Latin America with measured dismissals – no big deal, nothing to worry about.&...