By Nurshat Ababakirov (9/19/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Kyrgyz officials’ delight at hosting the SCO summit on a ‘decent’ level proved to be not long lasting, as this fall, which usually brings cheap prices for essential products, has became known for a ‘bread crisis.’ Due to the shortage of wheat in the country, the prices of bread and other basic products have increased dramatically. This alarming reality, quite capable of spurring discontent among the people, nagged the Kyrgyz government to approach inflation quite seriously.

By Daniel Linotte (9/19/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) is more than two years old. A recent report published by a Brussels think-tank indicates that a new ENP concept – labeled “ENP plus” – may emerge. In the “ENP-plus” context, the South Caucasus is losing weight from enlargement perspectives.

By Stephen Blank (9/5/2007 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The energy politics in and around the Caspian and Black Sea continue to become increasingly complex as more energy from those areas becomes available, demand continues to remain high, and more and more parties with ever more complex interests get into the game.  Iran’s recent energy deals with Turkey and Azerbaijan epitomize the complexities  involved in making sense of regional energy politics in this part of the world.  The two recent Iranian deals with Turkey and the one with Azerbaijan highlight the  relationships between the multiple interests and issues of the players.