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The article examines the significant influence and power of Russia in the Middle East during the early 21st century and its impact on the status of the U.S. in the region. The author argues that Russian president Vladimir Putin's strategy is based upon similar strategies employed by then-U.S. president Richard Nixon and then-secretary of state Henry Kissinger following the Yom Kippur War.

The author contends that aggression by the Russian government and tension in its relations with the U.S. during the early 21st century is a direct result of the Soviet Union's loss in the Cold War. The article also discusses the significance of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its stance toward Russia.

The article discusses the war in Chechnya, Russia as of February 20, 1995. Chechen's strengths and weaknesses in this conflict are rooted in an anchronistic tribal structure that Soviet rule and even Joseph Stalin's mass deportations failed to eradicate. The Russian government has shown a chilling contempt not just for civilized behavior but for essential standards of truthfulness toward the Western countries with which it wishes to be on friendly terms. It is concluded in the article that the war in Chechnya has become a crucial test case for Russia and the world.

The article presents updates on issues dealing with politics and government in the U.S. and international affairs. Robert Shapiro, a critic of corporate welfare, has been nominated to work in the Commerce Department of the Clinton administration. Paul Weyrich of the Free Congress Foundation conceded that activist government is returning in the U.S. under the administration of President Bill Clinton. Russian Justice Minister Valentin Kovalyov has been fired by President Boris Yeltsin for immoral conduct. China is flexing its military power over the an oil-rich area in the South China Sea.

The article looks at the possible implications of the decision of Russian President Boris Yeltsin to dissolve the country's parliament as of October 1993. Yeltsin's decision may be an advantage for Russia. This is because Russia is simultaneously confronting four fundamental challenges. These include the construction of state authority, the development of a civil society, the establishment of free markets, and the creation of representative institutions. In Russia, the principles of Communism intensifies the difficulties which these societies have experienced. For these reasons, the country deserves Western sympathy. However, the West must also maintain a degree of skepticism and detachment. Yeltsin's break with the diarchy power is supported by the mechanism of censorship, police, Special Purpose forces, and armed troops.

The article argues that Russian President Boris Yeltsin has been making tactical compromises with various political groups aimed at preserving political reforms he had instituted in 1992. This was shown by the hairline support provided by the Congress of People's Deputies in early December. It reiterates a notion that Western powers must continue to insist on political reforms and the establishment of a constructive foreign policy as condition for aid. However, due restraint is in order aimed at allaying misconception that the West could do more beyond mere aid givers. The shaping of a Russian destiny should remain in the hands of the Russians themselves.

Presents commentary on news briefs related to world politics. Voter opinion on Edward Kennedy; Nomination of Clarence Thomas to the United States Supreme Court; Political developments in the former Soviet Union, including the abandonment of the Community Party by millions of Soviets; Others.