John Kerry
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The Minsk process and Syria

The breakdown of yet another truce in Syria has sent relations between Russia and the United States to new lows. The mosaic of opposing forces and conflicting agendas is so complex that without a strong element of trust between Russia and the U.S., there cannot be a sustainable truce, let alone a realistic path to peace. This path leads through Donbas, in eastern Ukraine.

Tiny Montenegro may tip strategic balance in the Balkans
Montenegro is a small country with a big geopolitical impact. It was once in a union with Serbia and was pro-Russian in its foreign policy, but in 2006, after a stormy referendum, it divorced the Serbian ally. Its economic ties with Russia deteriorated after Podgorica began accession negotiations with the ...


Roadblocks ahead as China challenge draws India and US closer
Relations between the United States and India are taking on a greater significance amid a climate of heightened Sino-US tensions, now focused on Beijing’s claims to the South China Sea and efforts to extend its naval influence into the Indian Ocean. In response, Washington and New Delhi have drawn closer ...


Afghanistan’s economic future hinges on continued international engagement
Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani has secured from US President Barack Obama a commitment to a long-term partnership and an extension of America’s troop presence. Since taking the lead in security operations, Afghan forces have fended off the Taliban but at a cost of record casualties. However, Afghanistan’s future economic success ...


Russia’s sanctions backlash may limit US agenda for the Arctic
Internal bureaucracy and relations with Russia threaten America’s ambitious agenda for the Arctic Council, the eight-member forum which promotes international cooperation over the huge, empty but resource-rich region. Another issue facing the council is whether the EU should be allowed to join. Washington faces some difficult decisions over the next ...
