Topic: Caucasus

The next step for the EU: Europe 3.0

A European Union serious about its global role and responsibilities should take the lead in trying to establish a more effective system of global governance.

Pragmatism spurs Russia and Georgia toward smoother relations

Signs of a thaw between Russia and Georgia include the reopening of one border post on the major Caucasus highway and a possible move to resume direct air links. Relations between Russia and Georgia behave been in a freeze since last year's war over breakaway Georgian territories.

30,000 more troops to Afghanistan – but how to get them there?

Gen. Duncan McNabb, head of the US Transportation Command, is in the thick of deciding how to get 30,000 additional US troops to Afghanistan, per President Obama’s order. It won’t be easy.

Russia train bombing: sign of new terror tactics?

Russia analysts say security forces are unprepared for terror attacks, like Friday's train bombing, executed by small terrorist cells.

Russia train bombing: a return of terrorism?

Russian officials say "terrorists" bombed a high-speed train traveling between Moscow and St. Petersburg Friday. The attacks sparks concern about a revival of terror attacks.

The Death of Ivan Ilyich & Other Stories

A new translation of 11 short works by Tolstoy.

When the Berlin Wall came down

Twenty years later, the rest of the world is a different place because of that event.

Opinion: Want to cut emissions in the US? Change the discussion

In times of war, the US government has successfully appealed to citizens' patriotism. That can work now, too.

The Monitor's View: Next Nobel Peace Prize: Turkey and Armenia?

Turkey and Armenia take step toward diplomatic ties

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will attend the Zurich signing that moves the neighbors toward opening their border. They have long been at odds over the issue of the Armenian genocide.

Secret Israeli deal to stop Russian S-300 missile sale to Iran?

Why have there been two, secret high-level meetings between Russian and Israeli leaders? Russia may be getting Israel's help with Georgia in exchange for halting missile sales to Iran.

Five years after Beslan tragedy, questions linger

Half of all Russians surveyed say they don't know the whole truth about how more than 300 people, mostly children, were killed when the military raided the school where they were held hostage.

Turkey, Armenia move to establish ties

After a century of hostility, the nations announced talks on establishing diplomatic relations. But they will avoid the most troublesome issue: the question of Armenian genocide.

Truck bomb signals trouble on Russia's southern flank

A week of regional violence climaxed Monday in Ingushetia when a suicide bomber blew a hole in a heavily fortified police headquarters, killing at least 20.

A year after war, Georgia and Russia point fingers over provocations

Tensions are spiking again, creating concerns about another conflict.

Will Nabucco pipeline deal free Europe from Russian gas?

The EU and Turkey signed a $11 billion gas pipeline deal that should give Europe more supply options.

The Monitor's View: Georgia on Obama's mind?

It should be. The conflict that severely strained US-Russia ties still simmers – showing how hard it will be to repair relations.

Along the Russian-Georgian border, war games or prelude to war?

Although both countries claim the military exercises are simply for practice, some wonder if the old dispute is again flaring.

Attack on Russian regional leader marks rising tensions

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the Kremlin-backed president of Ingushetia, is the fourth government official in the North Caucasus targeted this month.

Ingushetia bombing undercuts Russia's claims of a calmer neighborhood

Continued violence in the North Caucusus region could be fueled by anger over corruption, experts say.

Opinion: A wake-up call for Georgia, Ukraine – and the West

Bickering and divisiveness among democrats within former Soviet states could lead to authoritarian, anti-Western rule.

'Red Dawn' redux: Russia begins massive military modernization effort

Some 36,000 officers are expected to be cut this year and many Soviet-era 'phantom divisions' eliminated. But will the economic crisis undercut reforms?

The Monitor's View: A handshake shakes a region

Turkey's warming with Armenia stirs up ethnic and energy issues in the strategic Caucasus.

Medvedev's first year: Has justice improved in Russia?

Some Russians say a new Amnesty International assessment understates the dangers faced by those who dare to offer dissent.

Turkey, Armenia agree on road map to normalize ties

The tentative agreement, which must be ratified by both nations' legislatures, creates a framework for bilateral cooperation.