Putin is slipping into Crimean economic sinkhole 14 Jun 2016 Russia’s struggle to build a bridge link to Crimea is a microcosm of President Vladimir Putin’s problem: his annexation carries high costs but is yielding meagre benefits. Public discontent risks flaring before September’s parliamentary elections and may spur a new crackdown.
Mass shootings erode U.S. soft power 13 Jun 2016 People the world over sympathize with the dozens killed in an Orlando nightclub. Whatever the attacker’s motives, though, Washington’s allies can’t fathom the richest nation’s continuing failure to control access to lethal weapons. It’s a blind spot that saps America’s influence.
Saudi pitches to U.S. in diminished circumstances 13 Jun 2016 Cheap oil, the opening up of Iran and shootings in Orlando could all make Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States unusually tense. Saudi needs security guarantees and oil demand as it tries to modernise its economy. That puts it on the back foot.