Global Voices Online

Registan questions the sincerity of the Russian withdrawal of combat troops from Georgia. The blog says that Russia is clearly delighted by the impotence of the U.S. and NATO during the war with Geogia over South Ossetia, but says that Moscow is also unable to find a permanent solution to the question of Georgia's two breakaway regions.

Recent Links also in Eastern & Central Europe

The Reference Frame examines the biography of ingenious Czech inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), and discusses his role for the development of science and industry.

Huib Riethof at Blogactiv.eu discusses Bulgaria's parliamentary elections, urging Europe not to neglect the political earthquake of results, as voters once more quashed the country's political élite.

English Russia tells the story of how the vodka issue was dealt with by political leaders during the soviet era.