tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60761964676064589802012-01-27T04:15:19.893-05:00Central AsiaDaily Postings of reports relating to Eastern and Central Europe, the Former Soviet Union and Turkey authored by the Congressional Research Service (CRS)Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-65035505272753681692012-01-27T04:15:00.000-05:002012-01-27T04:15:19.901-05:00Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-65916987469769086972012-01-20T09:40:00.000-05:002012-01-20T09:40:05.111-05:00Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-58448401776642082422012-01-13T04:36:00.000-05:002012-01-13T04:36:39.619-05:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-22309473345726752522011-12-23T07:39:00.000-05:002011-12-23T07:39:32.271-05:00Russia’s December 2011 Legislative Election: Outcome and Implications<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-76375866843790084712011-11-09T07:12:00.000-05:002011-11-09T07:12:49.092-05:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-89012826931299486692011-11-08T07:58:00.000-05:002011-11-08T07:58:35.583-05:00Kosovo: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-27459631062204172902011-11-04T08:40:00.000-04:002011-11-04T08:40:59.356-04:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-5891493990867524732011-10-27T09:01:00.000-04:002011-10-27T09:01:58.618-04:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-55009285599822376622011-10-21T05:08:00.000-04:002011-10-21T05:08:05.715-04:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-66177412441312289072011-09-23T05:32:00.000-04:002011-09-23T05:32:57.658-04:00Russian Military Reform and Defense Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-17603765417084984902011-09-09T09:29:00.001-04:002011-09-09T09:32:56.089-04:00Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S. InterestsJim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
Uzbekistan gained independence at the end of 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. The landlocked country is a potential Central Asian regional power by virtue of its population, the largest in the region, its substantial energy and other resources, and its location at the heart of regional trade and transport networks. The existing Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-88964526407507568672011-09-07T00:44:00.000-04:002011-09-07T00:44:43.686-04:00Azerbaijan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-56799993596495034592011-07-06T08:39:00.000-04:002011-07-06T08:39:04.499-04:00Bosnia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-46041346512414529672011-06-28T00:49:00.000-04:002011-06-28T00:49:28.536-04:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-29230378410657116162011-06-24T07:34:00.000-04:002011-06-24T07:34:19.352-04:00Serbia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-49398798053646612042011-06-24T07:32:00.000-04:002011-06-24T07:32:00.356-04:00Georgia [Republic]: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-132286947460351732011-05-25T06:57:00.000-04:002011-05-25T06:57:30.077-04:00Georgia [Republic]: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-78277792098594519642011-05-23T07:49:00.000-04:002011-05-23T07:49:41.861-04:00Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-91183559175544510682011-05-20T07:41:00.002-04:002011-05-20T07:41:36.318-04:00Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-22183600144433131752011-05-17T05:55:00.000-04:002011-05-17T05:55:12.533-04:00Bosnia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-54645868185932341772011-05-09T07:10:00.000-04:002011-05-09T07:10:56.426-04:00Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-56962650182497655302011-04-21T08:39:00.000-04:002011-04-21T08:39:23.890-04:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-62705034991578297892011-03-16T09:27:00.000-04:002011-03-16T09:27:07.952-04:00Kosovo: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-7473360377037069352011-03-10T02:26:00.000-05:002011-03-10T02:26:31.825-05:00Serbia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-26027562994144382722011-02-16T07:23:00.000-05:002011-02-16T07:23:39.692-05:00Tajikistan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-24200791014838213632011-02-14T03:39:00.000-05:002011-02-14T03:39:01.649-05:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-52191381803740087662011-02-01T10:46:00.000-05:002011-02-01T10:46:29.934-05:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-65404249472570818242011-01-10T07:49:00.000-05:002011-01-10T07:49:01.370-05:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-74317115156350746032010-12-23T04:56:00.000-05:002010-12-23T04:56:48.044-05:00Stability in Russia’s Chechnya and Other Regions of the North Caucasus: Recent Developments<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-74205793361849282862010-12-07T08:42:00.000-05:002010-12-07T08:42:35.613-05:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-16130843399400021312010-11-11T07:33:00.000-05:002010-11-11T07:33:21.253-05:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-16747161349734499362010-11-05T07:27:00.000-04:002010-11-05T07:27:36.686-04:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-8942383208196802342010-10-15T08:19:00.000-04:002010-10-15T08:19:25.091-04:00Kazakhstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-9918572839365483812010-10-11T09:10:00.000-04:002010-10-11T09:10:55.242-04:00Georgia [Republic]: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-72238182548621422342010-09-30T07:28:00.000-04:002010-09-30T07:28:18.076-04:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-65464063393060231182010-09-22T00:50:00.000-04:002010-09-22T00:50:30.000-04:00Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]>Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-39607116275513893492010-09-16T01:08:00.001-04:002010-09-16T01:08:57.090-04:00CRS Issue Statement on the Caucasus and Central AsiaJim Nichol, Coordinator Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs During the second session of the 111th Congress, legislative and oversight attention to the Caucasus and Central Asia likely will focus on humanitarian assistance, economic development, democratization, security support, energy security, and the protection of human rights. Key objectives regarding the Caucasus are likely to Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-40829514900563341282010-09-15T22:07:00.001-04:002010-09-15T22:07:46.866-04:00CRS Issue Statement on RussiaJim Nichol, Coordinator Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs In recent years, the United States maintained limited cooperation with Russia on Iranian and North Korean nuclear concerns and on nuclear non-proliferation in general. Tensions increased, however, on issues such as NATO enlargement, the recognition of Kosovo, and proposed U.S. missile defenses in Eastern Europe. Russia's invasion Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-90110781463782299302010-09-13T11:53:00.001-04:002010-09-13T11:53:17.437-04:00Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs This report examines Kyrgyzstan's uneven political and economic reform efforts. It discusses U.S. policy and assistance for democratization and other programs and provides basic facts and biographical information. Related products include CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, by Jim Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-31634961207806074262010-08-31T19:46:00.001-04:002010-08-31T19:46:25.217-04:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs U.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has aimed at facilitating their cooperation with U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and their efforts to combat terrorism, proliferation, and trafficking in arms, drugs, and persons. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-34737004436317142542010-08-25T03:34:00.001-04:002010-08-25T03:34:32.113-04:00Turkmenistan: Recent Developments and U.S.InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs This report examines the political, economic, and foreign policies undertaken by Turkmenistan'sPresident Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, who came to power in late 2006. The report discussesU.S. policy and assistance and provides basic facts and biographical information. Relatedproducts include CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia: Regional DevelopmentsAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-9875367061826848692010-08-25T03:32:00.001-04:002010-08-25T03:32:24.265-04:00Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S.InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs This report examines Kyrgyzstan's uneven political and economic reform efforts. It discussesU.S. policy and assistance for democratization and other programs and provides basic facts andbiographical information. Related products include CRS Report RL33458, Central Asia:Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests, by Jim Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-81735196615112756232010-08-25T03:29:00.001-04:002010-08-25T03:29:58.622-04:00Uzbekistan: Recent Developments and U.S.InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs Uzbekistan is a potential Central Asian regional power by virtue of its relatively large population,energy and other resources, and location in the heart of the region. However, it has failed to makeprogress in economic and political reforms, and many observers criticize its human rights record.This report discusses U.S. policy and assistance Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-88937429577601664962010-08-13T00:19:00.001-04:002010-08-13T00:19:51.543-04:00Health-Related Issues in Russia and Eurasia: Context and Issues for CongressJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, all the newly independent Eurasian states faced economic dislocations, conflicts and population shifts, and more porous borders that contributed to rising communicable and non-communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and drug addiction. At the same time, the inherited healthcare systems were Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-6478717599461298182010-07-26T00:26:00.001-04:002010-07-26T00:26:00.740-04:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests
Jim Nichol, Coordinator
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
Russia made some uneven progress in democratization during the 1990s, but according to most observers, this limited progress was reversed after Vladimir Putin rose to power in 1999-2000. During this period, the State Duma (lower legislative chamber) came to be dominated by government-approved parties and opposition democratic Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-87004336363897992042010-07-14T00:26:00.000-04:002010-07-14T00:26:07.095-04:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests
Jim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end their dependence on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties with ArmeniaAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-9930276283166024532010-07-14T00:25:00.000-04:002010-07-14T00:25:57.089-04:00Health-Related Issues in Russia and Eurasia: Context and Issues for Congress
Jim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, all the newly independent Eurasian states faced economic dislocations, conflicts and population shifts, and more porous borders that contributed to rising communicable and non-communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS and drug addiction. At the same time, the inherited healthcare systems were Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-76246332932473083442010-06-28T00:14:00.001-04:002010-06-28T00:14:00.460-04:00The April 2010 Coup in Kyrgyzstan and its Aftermath: Context and Implications for U.S. Interests
Jim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
Kyrgyzstan is a small and poor country in Central Asia that gained independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union (see Figure A-1). It has developed a notable but fragile civil society. Progress in democratization has been set back by problematic elections (one of which helped precipitate a coup in 2005 that brought Kurmanbek Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-15471609644203248422010-06-18T03:24:00.001-04:002010-06-18T03:24:13.199-04:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs U.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has aimed at facilitating their cooperation with U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and their efforts to combat terrorism, proliferation, and trafficking in arms, drugs, and persons. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-35611412275554017632010-06-14T00:08:00.001-04:002010-06-14T00:08:00.163-04:00Azerbaijan: Recent Developments and U.S. InterestsJim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
This report discusses political, economic, and security challenges facing Azerbaijan, including the unsettled conflict in the breakaway Nagorno Karabakh region. A table provides basic facts and biographical information. Related products include CRS Report RL33453, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications forAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-11746367942430770362010-05-12T00:16:00.001-04:002010-05-12T00:16:23.521-04:00The April 2010 Coup in Kyrgyzstan: Context and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs Kyrgyzstan is a small and poor country in Central Asia that gained independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union (see Figure A-1). It has developed a notable but fragile civil society. Progress in democratization has been set back by problematic elections (one of which helped precipitate a coup in 2005 that brought Kurmanbek Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-77927501022753918392010-04-23T01:00:00.001-04:002010-04-23T01:00:05.399-04:00Serbia: Current Issues and U.S. Policy Steven Woehrel Specialist in European Affairs Serbia faces an important crossroads in its development. It is seeking to integrate into the European Union (EU), but its progress has been hindered by a failure to arrest remaining indicted war criminals and by tensions with the United States and many EU countries over the independence of Serbia's Kosovo province. Parliamentary elections were held Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-63264103561712401502010-04-20T11:23:00.001-04:002010-04-20T11:23:21.859-04:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. Interests Jim Nichol, Coordinator Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs William H. Cooper Specialist in International Trade and Finance Carl Ek Specialist in International Relations Steven Woehrel Specialist in European Affairs Amy F. Woolf Specialist in Nuclear Weapons Policy Steven A. Hildreth Specialist in Missile Defense Vincent Morelli Section Research Manager Russia made some uneven progress inAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-30324239613278174252010-04-17T11:12:00.001-04:002010-04-17T11:12:30.530-04:00U.S.-Russia Meat and Poultry Trade IssuesRenée Johnson Specialist in Agricultural Policy Geoffrey S. Becker Specialist in Agricultural Policy In December 2008, the United States and Russia signed a protocol aimed at resolving various emerging trade issues between the two countries in order to continue U.S. livestock and poultry exports to Russia through the end of 2009. By December 2009, however, Russia had escalated these trade issues Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-904325688381132322010-04-17T08:06:00.001-04:002010-04-17T08:06:28.008-04:00The April 2010 Coup in Kyrgyzstan: Context and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs Kyrgyzstan is a small and poor country in Central Asia that gained independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union (see Figure A-1). It has developed a notable but fragile civil society. Progress in democratization has been set back by problematic elections (one of which helped precipitate a coup in 2005 that brought Kurmanbek Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-9532936929631535642010-04-02T08:30:00.001-04:002010-04-02T08:30:53.822-04:00Russian Energy Policy Toward Neighboring CountriesSteven Woehrel Specialist in European Affairs The Russian oil and natural gas industries are key players in the global energy market, particularly in Europe and Eurasia. Another trend has been the concentration of these industries in the hands of the Russian government. This latter phenomenon has been accompanied by an authoritarian political system, in which former intelligence officers play keyAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-29376918560903302312010-03-21T23:00:00.002-04:002010-03-22T06:18:13.924-04:00Afghanistan: Politics, Elections, and Government PerformanceKenneth Katzman
Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs
The performance and legitimacy of the Afghan government figured prominently in two reviews of U.S. strategy in Afghanistan during 2009. In his December 1, 2009, speech on Afghanistan, which followed the second review, President Obama stated that the Afghan government would be judged on performance, and "The days of providing a blank check are Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-77708581440166043052010-03-21T22:17:00.002-04:002010-03-22T06:19:06.655-04:00Central Asia’s Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
The Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) face common security challenges from crime, corruption, terrorism, and faltering commitments to economic and democratic reforms. However, cooperation among them remains halting, so security in the region is likely in the near term to vary by country. Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-24457944565158144082010-03-21T22:13:00.001-04:002010-03-21T22:13:41.951-04:00Moldova: Background and U.S. PolicySteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsAlthough a small country, Moldova has been of interest to U.S. policymakers due to its position between NATO and EU member Romania and strategic Ukraine. In addition, some experts have expressed concern about alleged Russian efforts to extend its hegemony over Moldova through various methods, including a troop presence, manipulation of Moldova's Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-63087249831262550882010-03-18T04:17:00.001-04:002010-03-18T04:17:05.361-04:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Security Issues and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim NicholSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsThe South Caucasus region has been the most unstable in the former Soviet Union in terms of the number, intensity, and length of ethnic and civil conflicts. Other emerging or full-blown security problems include crime, corruption, terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and narcotics trafficking. The regional governments Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-470878594463057282010-03-16T08:29:00.001-04:002010-03-16T08:29:31.062-04:00Ukraine: Current Issues and U.S. PolicySteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsOn February 7, 2010, Viktor Yanukovych defeated Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko to win Ukraine's presidency. International monitors praised the conduct of the election. President Yanukovych will try to form a parliamentary majority from parties in the current parliament. If he cannot, new parliamentary elections will have to be held later this year. Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-24270715254252716262010-03-10T03:19:00.001-05:002010-03-10T03:19:23.877-05:00Central Asia’s Security: Issues and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim NicholSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsThe Central Asian states (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan) face common security challenges from crime, corruption, terrorism, and faltering commitments to economic and democratic reforms. However, cooperation among them remains halting, so security in the region is likely in the near term to vary by country. Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-41777686934003567852010-03-08T02:13:00.001-05:002010-03-08T02:13:30.779-05:00Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) Status for Russia and U.S.-Russian Economic TiesWilliam H. CooperSpecialist in International Trade and FinanceThe change in Russia's trade status will require legislation to lift the restrictions currently applied to Russia under Title IV of the Trade Act of 1974, which includes the "freedom-of-emigration" requirements of the Jackson-Vanik amendment. On November 19, 2006, U.S. and Russian officials signed the bilateral agreement on Russia's Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-32247908949566590002010-02-22T01:31:00.001-05:002010-02-22T01:31:40.688-05:00U.S.-Russia Meat and Poultry Trade IssuesRenée JohnsonSpecialist in Agricultural PolicyGeoffrey S. BeckerSpecialist in Agricultural PolicyIn December 2008, the United States and Russia signed a protocol aimed at resolving various emerging trade issues between the two countries in order to continue U.S. livestock and poultry exports to Russia through the end of 2009. By December 2009, however, Russia had escalated these trade issues in aAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-71746160122172840932010-02-17T19:07:00.001-05:002010-02-17T19:07:22.886-05:00Nonproliferation and Threat Reduction Assistance: U.S. Programs in the Former Soviet UnionAmy F. WoolfSpecialist in Nuclear Weapons PolicyCongress passed the Nunn-Lugar amendment, authorizing U.S. threat reduction assistance to the former Soviet Union, in November 1991, after a failed coup in Moscow and the disintegration of the Soviet Union raised concerns about the safety and security of Soviet nuclear weapons. The annual program has grown from $400 million in the DOD budget to overAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-19268760512152066442010-02-12T10:54:00.001-05:002010-02-12T10:54:25.966-05:00Stability in Russia’s Chechnya and Other Regions of the North Caucasus: Recent DevelopmentsJim NicholSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsTerrorist attacks in Russia's North Caucasus—a border area between the Black and Caspian Seas that includes the formerly breakaway Chechnya and other ethnic-based regions—have appeared to increase in recent months. Moreover, civilian and government casualties are reaching levels not seen in several years and terrorist attacks again are taking Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-78042731677126946102010-02-12T10:50:00.001-05:002010-02-12T10:50:34.481-05:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim NicholSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsThe United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states' ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties withAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-15971168934332172072010-02-11T00:57:00.001-05:002010-02-11T00:57:02.851-05:00Bosnia: Current Issues and U.S. PolicySteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsIn recent years, many analysts have expressed concern that the international community's efforts since 1995 to stabilize Bosnia are beginning to come apart. They noted that the downward trend has been especially evident since 2006, with the election of leaders with starkly divergent goals. Milorad Dodik, Prime Minister of the Republika Srpska (RS), one Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-50974103348168796602010-02-10T01:26:00.001-05:002010-02-10T01:26:45.287-05:00Kosovo: Current Issues and U.S. PolicySteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsOn February 17, 2008, Kosovo declared its independence from Serbia. On February 18, the United States recognized Kosovo as an independent state. Of the 27 EU countries, 22 have recognized Kosovo, including key countries such as France, Germany, Britain, and Italy. Serbia and Russia have heatedly objected to the recognition of Kosovo's independence. Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-29665605470941038612010-02-04T14:31:00.001-05:002010-02-04T14:31:21.149-05:00Russian Political, Economic, and Security Issues and U.S. InterestsJim Nichol, CoordinatorSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsWilliam H. CooperSpecialist in International Trade and FinanceCarl EkSpecialist in International RelationsSteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsAmy F. WoolfSpecialist in Nuclear Weapons PolicySteven A. HildrethSpecialist in Missile DefenseVincent MorelliSection Research ManagerAlthough Russia made some uneven progress in Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-48056587244195775992010-02-02T03:04:00.001-05:002010-02-02T03:04:28.492-05:00Serbia: Current Issues and U.S. PolicySteven WoehrelSpecialist in European AffairsSerbia faces an important crossroads in its development. It is seeking to integrate into the European Union (EU), but its progress has been hindered by a failure to arrest remaining indicted war criminals and by tensions with the United States and many EU countries over the independence of Serbia's Kosovo province. Parliamentary elections were held in Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-5662207436835449052010-01-31T15:42:00.001-05:002010-01-31T15:42:06.295-05:00CRS Issue Statement on RussiaJim Nichol, CoordinatorSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsIn recent years, the United States maintained limited cooperation with Russia on Iranian and North Korean nuclear concerns and on nuclear non-proliferation in general. Tensions increased, however, on issues such as NATO enlargement, the recognition of Kosovo, and proposed U.S. missile defenses in Eastern Europe. Russia's invasion ofAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-38174747753215974812010-01-29T04:09:00.001-05:002010-01-29T04:09:37.026-05:00Central Asia: Regional Developments and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim NicholSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsU.S. policy toward the Central Asian states has emphasized maximizing their assistance in U.S. and NATO stabilization efforts in Afghanistan and in helping them combat terrorism, proliferation, and arms and drug trafficking. Other U.S. objectives have included promoting free markets, democratization, human rights, energy development, and the Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-38626881263591401012010-01-28T05:21:00.001-05:002010-01-28T05:21:17.190-05:00CRS Issue Statement on the Caucasus and Central AsiaJim Nichol, CoordinatorSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsIn the second session of the 111th Congress, legislative and oversight attention to the Caucasus and Central Asia likely will focus on humanitarian assistance, economic development, democratization, security support, energy security, and the protection of human rights.1 Key objectives regarding the Caucasus are likely to include Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-32709291218315213632010-01-17T03:39:00.001-05:002010-01-17T03:39:44.498-05:00European Union Enlargement: A Status Report on Turkey’s Accession NegotiationsVincent MorelliSection Research ManagerCarol MigdalovitzSpecialist in Middle Eastern AffairsOctober 2009 marked the fourth anniversary of the European Union's decision to proceed with formal negotiations with Turkey toward full membership in the Union and launched the annual period when all three European Union institutions, the Council, Commission, and Parliament, would be required to assess theAlertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-42889582558565763172010-01-06T22:37:00.000-05:002010-01-06T22:42:36.414-05:00Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. InterestsJim Nichol
Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs
The United States recognized the independence of Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Georgia when the former Soviet Union broke up at the end of 1991. The United States has fostered these states’ ties with the West in part to end the dependence of these states on Russia for trade, security, and other relations. The United States has pursued close ties Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6076196467606458980.post-12587545389774258392010-01-04T21:48:00.000-05:002010-01-04T21:57:38.956-05:00STABILITY IN RUSSIA'S CHECHNYA AND OTHER REGIONS OF THE NORTH CAUCASUS: RECENT DEVELOPMENTSJim NicholSpecialist in Russian and Eurasian AffairsSummary
Terrorist attacks in Russia's North Caucasus—a border area between the Black and Caspian Seas that includes the formerly breakaway Chechnya and other ethnic-based regions—have appeared to increase in recent months. Moreover, civilian and government casualties are reaching levels not seen in several years and terrorist attacks again are Alertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12670524972679621261noreply@blogger.com