By Richard Weitz (2/21/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The military conflict in Afghanistan dominated the informal NATO Defense Ministers meeting in Vilnius on February 7-8. Although the ministers sought to downplay their differences and highlight their achievements, it quickly became apparent that their governments disagree sharply over how best to promote peace and prosperity in the country. The chaos in neighboring Pakistan has reinforced the urgency of shoring up NATO’s commitment to Afghanistan at a time when the Kabul government is losing support among Afghan citizens frustrated by decades or war and poverty.

By Erica Marat (2/21/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The new government appointed by Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev following controversial parliamentary elections in December 2007 is comprised of a small group of political leaders whose business interests largely interconnect. About 10-12 high-ranking officials in the president’s administration and ministerial cabinet determine the country’s entire economic policy and political climate. Meanwhile, unlike before, non-state organized criminal groups and their leaders are no longer able to significantly influence the political domain, thus marking a sizable shift in state-crime relations in the country.

By Dmitry Shlapentokh (2/21/2008 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Dmitry Rogozhin, one of the most well-known Russian nationalists, was recently appointed Russia’s representative to NATO, a move understood in the West as an unfriendly act toward both NATO and the West in general. Rogozhin’s statement to Russia’s movement against illegal immigration before his departure, and his clear affiliation with the movement, indicate the attitude toward the West of at least a good segment of the Russian elite. It shows that the elite is clearly disappointed with the West’s approach to Russia.