Iran is in effect on a war footing with the United States (US). The US and Ukraine are key allies. Russia, occupying several regions of eastern Ukraine and having annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014, is in effect at war with Kyiv. Ukraine International Airlines(UIA) flight PS752 flying between Tehran and Kyiv crashes shortly after…
Turkmenistan: President Berdymukhamedow’s new-found realpolitik born out of political expediency
For someone of such a narcissistic persuasion it is indeed unusual to witness what appears to be an exercise in pragmatic genuflection towards Russia by Turkmenistan president Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedow. Operating perhaps the most closed, repressive regime outside of North Korea, Berdymukhamedow is not in the habit of dishing out public expressions of admiration or sympathy…
Adria Airways and Sukhoi: Cancelled agreement mired in claim and counterclaim
The dramatic cancellation of a deal to supply Slovenian flag-carrier Adria Airways with a phased delivery of fifteen Sukhoi Superjets has provoked a divergence of reasons behind the now annulled agreement. Much is therefore unclear, although it is blatantly unequivocal that both parties will insist on pursuing their own face-saving narrative. The need for owners…
Update: Adria Airways to phase introduction of Sukhoi jets to its fleet
Further details have emerged of the proposed deal between Slovenian flag-carrier Adria Airways and Russian aircraft manufacturer, Sukhoi. It was initially thought that the Brnik-based airline was to receive existing aircraft previously withdrawn from service and returned to source by Ireland's CityJet, themselves having wet-leased the SSJ100 jets to the Belgian carrier Brussels Airlines. It…
Macedonia referendum: Greece calls the shots as Russia plays the fall guy
Today's landmark plebiscite held in Macedonia could propel the former Yugoslav republic into the so called mainstream, potentially opening the door to the nation's entry into NATO and the European Union(EU). Equally so, a 'No' vote could confine the country to relative isolation and obscurity, although comparisons made by Skopje's mayor to seclusion on the…
Alpine Adventures, Soccer, Central Asian Autocracies & Secessionist Politics 