Mainstream Weekly

Stage set for a High-Profile SCO Role in Afghanistan

Vladimir Radyuhin — 2009-04-12T17:46:13Z

The Special Conference on Afghanistan, held in Moscow on March 27, reflected the growing clout of Rusia and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in the region. The Conference was organised by the SCO, which comprises six full members—Russia, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrghyzstan and Tajikistan—and four observers —India, Iran, Pakistan and Mongolia. It was remarkable for a broad range of participants from outside the organisation. They included UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon; (…)

- April 2009

Significance of Vladimir Putin's Presidency

Vladimir Radyuhin — 2008-05-14T00:48:47Z

Russia has a new President. On May 7, President Vladimir Putin has stepped down after serving two straight four-year terms and his chosen successor, Dmitry Medvedev, who won the presidential election overwhelmingly in March, has taken over.
Putin will keep his hold on power as the Prime Minister. Medvedev has asked him to head the government and he has agreed. All the same, Putin's departure as the President marks the end of an era that will be remembered, above all, as a triumphant (…)

- May 10, 2008