Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Contrary to the belief of many American pundits, the Taliban are not a foreign force imposed on Afghanistan. While they are indeed hated by many Afghans, they also have enjoy deeply rooted support fed both by religion and by Pashtun nationalism. This support has if anything grown stronger as a result of the bombing campaign.
Putin's pro-American plan was not simply tactical. Putin's policies of support after September 11, including his agreement to an American military presence in Central Asia, represented a significant shift in Russian foreign policy. The potential for breakthrough - for a fundamentally new and improved relationship between Russia and the West - has never been greater.
Western Europe badly needs a new relationship with Russia - and not simply because of a shared interest in the fight against terrorism. Equally important is the fact that new US priorities may lead to a significant diminution of American interest in the Balkans and parts of the former Soviet Union.
Ten years after the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the cold war, it is striking how many remnants of that era remain. Partly as a result of Russia's slow progress in becoming a "Western" country, European and American leaders are reconsidering the kind of relationship they wish to cultivate with Russia.
Focusing on Russia's three top leaders since 1985, this book examines their goals, evolving ideas, styles of rule, institution-building, and impacts on policy.
Immediately after the terrorist attack on New York and Washington, President Putin made a statement about giving America political and moral support. Now, on the eve of America's anti-terrorist response, the Russian leadership faces a serious choice-either to go into battle along with the Americans, or cool its heels on the sidelines. The stakes are extremely high.