The repatriation of a Russian surveyor who had swum to safety after opposing the war has caused a stir in Riga. It serves as a reminder that, in the post-Soviet space, simply fleeing is not enough: one must contend with a web of mistrust, mutual contempt and control that outweighs any shared ideas.
Among the Bashkars, one of the least aggressive and most autonomous parts of the Tatar-Mongolian universe, unease is growing over Moscow's cancellation of any form of autonomy and the recruitment of its young men to go and die at the front. The former president of the House of Commons, Rostislav Murzagulov, now in exile: ‘We were free men. I do not understand how we became slaves, or even murderers’.
Both the mouthpieces of Russia’s rulers and most opposition voices in Moscow reacted surprisingly as one to the arrest in France of Russian Internet tsar, to defend freedom of expression and communication. This is a sign that the ultimate weapon of war is not the assault drone or the nuclear bomb, but ideologies that distort reality.
In Kazakhstan, the topic of developing new nuclear power plants to meet energy needs is a hot topic with public debates and discussions. Gas reserves are not enough and Uzbekistan prefers trade with China. Ties with Moscow and the prospect of a public referendum among the population.
Political clash heats up in Georgia in the run-up to the October parliamentary elections. The opposition is looking to Europe, while the ruling leadership is aiming for control of the country (and a new balancing act between Russia and the EU, on the Hungarian model). In the background is Ivanišvili's role between the public sphere and private interests.
Today's news: eight Taiwanese soldiers jailed for pro-China espionage; Hundreds of migrants from Asia stranded at São Paulo airport in Brazil; At least 15 dead and 4.5 million affected by floods in Bangladesh; It is less dangerous for airlines to fly over Afghanistan than the Middle East, security and screening concerns remain; Delegation from Laos to Moscow for International Buddhist Forum visits Orthodox Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
The attempted coup that led to the end of the Soviet Union in 1991, the consecration of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in 2000, the 2004 Beslan children's massacre:Three summer anniversaries that are forcing Russians to rethink the uncertain evolution of their destiny.
The man had left for Russia in April and told his family he worked as a cook. New Delhi promises action against agencies in the country that recruit people enticed by the promise of Russian citizenship for Moscow's army. Modi expected in Kiev Aug. 23 after a visit to Moscow last month.
Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan the two countries in the region from which the largest number of labor migrants come. But the approach is quite different: the former seems to be abandoning its compatriots, while the latter operates a more careful policy, considering expatriates crucial to its economy. Pressures against Tajiks after the Krokus City Hall bombing in Moscow.
Rereading its long history, the conquest of the “thousand square kilometers” of the Kursk region by the Ukrainian army also has symbolic significance, even before the military or diplomatic gains that might result. It is a way of reaffirming Kiev's historic superiority over Moscow. Just as the Russians open a grand new complex in Sevastopol in Crimea.
Analysts believe that Moscow is funding Russkaya Obshchina, which is active in the Caucasus and many other regions. It does not pursue "racial purity" but extols the idea of the "Russian world", “traditional values,” and the Orthodox Church. "Civilised" nationalists do not simply threaten and beat migrants, they also put pressure on local authorities.
For the philosopher Nemtsev, a latent tendency towards violence has become a pivotal tool to regain what has been lost. Civilians become "quasi-soldiers", who engage in ad hoc individual and group training. Even everyday clothing comes with a war theme, like tactical gloves and protective knee pads. War is a key aspect of Russian literature, art and culture.
Today's headlines: Japan’s prime minister cancels trip to Central Asia, as fears of a “megaquake” increase among the Japanese. Myanmar’s military regime is preventing young people from emigrating for work. Seven die in attack by militants against army posts in northwestern Pakistan. Panipak Wongpattanakit is the first Thai sportswoman to win two gold medals at the Olympics.
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