If Cuba was the Kremlin’s closest ally in Latin America during the Cold War, now it’s Venezuela, whose vast oil wealth gives Russia direct influence over an OPEC member.
Energy
Russia’s Nuclear Industry Tries To Dispel Fears Over Mysterious Radioactive Cloud
“What’s happening with the ruthenium cloud reminds me a lot of what went on with Chernobyl. The pattern of behavior is exactly the same.”
The Cracks in Kremlin Inc.
“Gazprom is not a state company; it’s the president’s personal company,” says Vladimir Milov. “It’s a bunch of people from St. Petersburg enjoying the windfall.”
Putin’s China Visit Helps Russia Become Global Energy Supplier
Russia agreed to supply China with oil for 20 years in return for a $25 billion credit. The total value of oil deals signed with Chinese companies this year is about $100 billion.
Putin Uses Railway to Expand Russian Influence in North Korea
Russian Railways, the state-run monopoly led by Putin confidant Vladimir Yakunin, is planning to complete a rail line crossing the North Korean-Russian border.
Iran, Venezuela Form Oil Venture to Rival Shell, Eni
Iran and Venezuela, the producers of about 9 percent of the world’s oil, will form a $1 billion global venture for projects in countries where western companies are facing tougher business conditions.
Iran Seeks to Undermine U.S. Energy Plan for Europe
Iran plans to import more oil and gas from Central Asia as it seeks to undermine a U.S.-backed project to build pipelines from the Caspian Sea to Europe.
German Village Refuses to Let Its Future Turn to Coal Dust
Bernd Siegert is leading a last-ditch fight to save his 650-year-old village from destruction by a mining company.
Unlocking Turkmenistan
President-for-Life Saparmurat Niyazov harangued ministers, asking them why it took a foreigner to run a successful chicken farm.
Oil-and-Gas Rich Country Swallows Money, Still Needing More
“You have to swim somewhere,” says one girl who emerges from the murky water. “We live here, so what choice do we have? Our hair and teeth haven’t fallen out yet.”
