Belarus

Belarus Crackdown Leaves Human Rights, Minorities Exposed

By Ed Holt
There will soon be no one left to defend human rights or help minorities in Belarus as the country’s third sector moves closer to “complete liquidation”, international rights groups have warned.

Karabakh Question Clouds Armenia’s Eurasian Union Accession

By Marianna Grigoryan
Armenia has finalised its accession to the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union, an intended regional counterweight to the European Union. But while Armenian and Russian officials focus on future prosperity, some Armenian observers believe membership in the bloc could exacerbate Armenia’s security challenges.

Is Putin’s Eurasian Vision Losing Steam?

By Joanna Lillis
Victory Day on May 9 was an occasion for Russians to indulge in patriotic flag waving in Moscow. Russian President Vladimir Putin used the previous day to muster a show of diplomatic support for his efforts to bring formerly Soviet states closer together.

Belarus Heads for Election, not Democracy

By Robert Stefanicki
Belarusians will vote for a new, but still regime-controlled parliament on Sep. 23. At least those who do not respond to calls for boycotting the poll.