Monthly Archives: August 2008

Ossetian and Abkhazian Independence

Posted on August 29, 2008 by Tim Newman

From the FT: Russian president Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday recognised the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia, the two Russian-controlled breakaway regions of Georgia, in a surprise move that provoked strong criticism from the US and the European Union. So … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Russia | 2 Comments

Simon Jenkins on Russia

Posted on August 25, 2008 by Tim Newman

Simon Jenkins has written a rather rambling article in The Times in which he warns that the western leaders, in their dealings with Russia, are in danger of stumbling into a world war.  Personally, I don’t find it a persuasive … Continue reading →

Posted in Russia, War | 3 Comments

Russia’s Neighbours React

Posted on August 19, 2008 by Tim Newman

As the dust settles over South Ossetia and parts of Georgia, there appears to be a rather odd school of thought establishing itself on the blogs which take an interest in these things.  The gist of it goes like this: … Continue reading →

Posted in Russia, War | 13 Comments

The Sakhalin Olympics

Posted on August 14, 2008 by Tim Newman

With the Olympic Games in full flight in Beijing, one would be forgiven for thinking that the residents of Sakhalin Island are too remote and out of touch to follow all the action.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  So enthralled are the Sakhaliners … Continue reading →

Posted in Russia, Sport | 9 Comments