Though sometimes overlooked, Azerbaijan’s geopolitical status far outweighs its size. Located just north of Iran and just south of the volatile Caucuses, it sits on the Caspian Sea, astride major oil and gas transshipment routes that avoid Russia.

• July 5, 2010

A 2008 civilian nuclear energy pact between the United States and India was meant to lift a 34-year-old embargo on nuclear trade despite New Delhi's longstanding weapons programme, a move seen as bolstering it as a counterweight to China.

• July 5, 2010

Russia's backyard on a major tour against the background of the discovery of an alleged Cold War-style Russian spy ring in the United States. "Ukraine is a sovereign and independent country that has the right to choose its own alliances and NATO's door

• July 3, 2010

President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday listed three guidelines for the development of the Far East, including mounted economic ties with Asia.

• July 3, 2010

Norway takes over the presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States today. This means that the Norwegian Foreign Minister will serve as president of the council for one year.

• July 3, 2010

US President Barack Obama signs into law new sanctions against Iran intended to impede its nuclear programme.

• July 2, 2010

The 11 people arrested and accused of spying for Russia have titillated the tabloids and reminded Cold War veterans of the good old days. But they won't do much damage to U.S.-Russian relations.

• July 2, 2010

Who in their right mind would want to join the euro?

• July 1, 2010