Wilson Center
Matthew Rojansky is a Russia analyst and director of the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center. He formerly served as deputy director of the Russia and Eurasia Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and as executive director of the Partnership for a Secure America.
Russia's Putin speaks with Trump by phone It's a day of diplomacy for Russian President Vladimir Putin. He sat down in person with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Sochi, and he talked by phone with US President Donald Trump. What do we need to know? Matthew Rojansky, who directors the Kennan Institute at the Wilson Center in Washington, is just back from Moscow.
Russia Threatens Retaliation over US Ship in the Black Sea The US Navy sent a destroyer into the Black Sea this week for what it called "routine" visits to ports in Bulgaria and other countries. Today, Russia warned of " retaliatory measures ."
Russia's Withdrawal from Syria: Is It Real? Vladimir Putin surprised the world when he suddenly started bombing in Syria last September. This week, he surprised the world again when he ordered the "main part" of his military forces out of Syria. The Pentagon says the Russians aren't going away.
MH 17: The Victims' Bodies Go to the Netherlands and the EU Points to Russia The Netherlands lost 193 of the 298 victims when Malaysian Airlines FH 17 was shot down over Eastern Ukraine, and it will lead the investigation. Earlier, a refrigerated train with the remains of victims went from the crash site to Kharkiv, which is under control of Ukraine.
Violence, Propaganda, Diplomacy and Eastern Ukraine Amid reports that two Ukrainian helicopters were shot down today, President Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel met at the White House. They warned Russia not to allow disruption of Ukraine's election, planned for May 25, and threatened further sanctions.
Conflicting Messages in the Midst of a Crisis As President Obama prepares to address the nation tonight, it appears he'll be arguing for both war and diplomacy at the same time. He's embraced the Russian proposal that Syria's chemical weapons be placed under international control — if it proves to be serious.
Beyond Stoli and Snowden: The Rift between Russia and the US Asylum for Edward Snowden, anti-gay laws and support for Syria's dictator are just some of the reasons the US is frustrated with Russia. This week, President Obama cancelled a summit with Vladimir Putin. Angry gay-rights supporters here and in Europe are pushing for a boycott of the Russian Winter Olympics.
Israel, Hezbollah and a New Phase in Syria's Civil War The ongoing crisis in Syria continues to raise thorny issues about US intervention in the civil war there. That war began as part of the Arab Spring in 2011 but has developed into the most intractable conflict of the revolutionary movement. More than 70 thousand people have been killed.
Boston Shut Down for Manhunt Dramatic and tragic events continue to unfold in Boston last night and today. The FBI identified the two suspected Boston marathon bombers after they robbed a Seven Eleven store in Watertown, a Boston suburb. That led to a deadly gun battle, which left one of the suspects dead.
Protest: Past, Present and Future… Since a desperate young Tunisian burned himself to death last December, it's been a year of protest worldwide. We look at the history of past uprisings, what current ones have in common and whether or not they're likely to accomplish real change.
Seven Years after 9/11, How Safe Are We? Osama bin Laden is still at large and al Qaeda is regaining strength. Are we safer now than we were seven years ago? Has the war on terror succeeded in keeping terrorists away from the United States? Has the Department of Homeland Security strengthened our approach to internal security or simply added layers of bureaucracy?
Seven Years after 9/11, How Safe Are We? Osama bin Laden still at large and al Qaeda is regaining strength. Are we safer now than we were seven years ago? Has the war on terror succeeded in keeping terrorists away from the United States? Has the Department of Homeland Security strengthened our approach to internal security or simply added layers of bureaucracy?
What are charter schools? LAUSD teachers were picket lines for a second day Tuesday. And this morning the teachers union organized a march to the California Charter Schools Association office downtown, to draw attention to their criticisms of local charter schools. But what are charter schools anyway?
Best of KCRW Podcasts: Nightmare Before Christmas A selection from two KCRW podcasts celebrating the spooky, imaginative, and magical
Definitely not talking about Julian Assange Fine, maybe we talk about him a little. Plus, Paul Manafort’s flawed redacting, and we still don’t know much about the secret foreign company subpoenaed by the federal prosecutor who could be the special counsel.
Could agave become Santa Barbara’s next major crop? In many ways, growing agave in Santa Barbara makes a lot of sense. Not only does it use very little water and thrive on generally inhospitable land, but it can act as a fuel break for wildfires. Now, local farmers and distillers are experimenting with the crop.