S. Wagstyl, C. Clover, G. Dyer, Financial Times | August 29, 2008
 President Medvedev was unable to achieve the explicit support of the Chinese president for Russia’s intervention in the Caucasus at the latest Central Asian summit. ++ China has not only avoided any anti-western statements so far, it is also concerned about an upcoming trend of separation which may spill over to its own ethnically diverse provinces. ++ Beijing has kept a low-profile in the Georgian-Russian war and emphasizes the need for dialogue. ++ Instead of gaining regional backing, the summit proves Russia’s growing isolation.
Zeyno Baran, Hudson Institute | August 29, 2008
 Will Turkey side with the US, its NATO ally, and give it access to the Black Sea to assist Georgia, or will it choose Russia? ++ Russia is warning Turkey that it will hold it responsible if US ships do not leave. ++ Turkey depends on Russian gas and, more importantly, the two countries share many negative opinions about the US. ++ Azerbaijan and Armenia are worried about a Turkish-Russian partnership. ++ Turkey wants to be a mediator between the US and Iran, Israel and Syria, Pakistan and Afghanistan, etc.; but now, Turkey must choose.
Slavenka Drakulic, independent policy analyst | August 29, 2008
Croatia is witnessing a rehabilitation of the fascist ideology and unfortunately legal institutions are unwilling to take action. ++ Even more alarming is that there are also politicians who do not distance themselves from the fascist past. ++ Currently, the country discusses if a new law should be enforced to prohibit the inciting of national hatred, but the legislation will not change the Croatian attitude to the own past. ++ The EU should reconsider if it really needs to include a country in which these dubious values are still popular.
Kaveh L. Afrasiabi, foreign policy analyst | August 29, 2008
 If Obama is elected, a VP Joe Biden will likely mean positive developments for troubled US-Iran relations. ++ Biden’s experiences with Iranian diplomacy legitimize Obama’s call for direct contact with Tehran. ++ However, Biden’s plans to negotiate with Iran may cost Obama some Jewish votes and Biden may have to give in to a more hawkish stance. ++ But Biden’s more conciliatory approach toward Iran is likely to be reciprocated by Tehran’s leaders and, especially in comparison to McCain’s plan, is the only chance for progress.
Jason Bush, Der Spiegel | August 29, 2008
 International investors were already troubled by Russia’s economic problems, but Russia’s recent actions toward Georgia have created diplomatic tensions, which may scare off investors. ++ The outcome of the US election could be a major factor in how Western relations with Russia develop. ++ Weak legal protections for foreign investors who irk Russian authorities will also deter investments. ++ However, the plunge in Russian stock prices attracts buyers and consumer growth is still in double digits, so it may be wise to buy now.
Jakob von Weizsäcker | Bruegel Policy Brief | July 2008
Carol Bellamy & Dam Wienberg | The Washington Quarterly | Summer 2008
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David Fullbrook | Chatham House | June 2008
Daniel L. Byman | Brookings Institution | May 2008
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