As we approach the fifth anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's so-called Tulip Revolution, it is appropriate to ask some hard questions. For instance, were the events of the spring of 2005 really a revolution at all?

• Date: 24.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 24.03.2010  |  from Radio Free Europe

Despite the impact of the global economic crisis on all of the economies within the former Soviet Union, averaging a 7 percent decline in GDP in 2009, defense spending has increased in each state with the exception of Belarus (which remained unchanged in 2009 year-on-year at 1.5 percent of GDP).

• Date: 24.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 24.03.2010  |  External Relations  |  from jamestown.org

Afghan President Hamid Karzai begins a visit to China, with trade and investment high on the agenda.

• Date: 24.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 24.03.2010  |  External Relations  |  from bbc.co.uk

The man widely seen as China's next leader told Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday the world's two most powerful emerging market economies should help each other increase their weight in global affairs.

• Date: 24.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 24.03.2010  |  External Relations  |  from thestar.com.my

Talks between Turkey and Azerbaijan over securing the Nabucco gas pipeline have stalled due to disagreements over Turkey's attempts to normalize relations with Armenia.

• Date: 24.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 24.03.2010  |  Energy  |  from Radio Free Europe

Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız said on Tuesday a new agreement would be signed with Iraq soon about the Kirkuk-Yumurtalık oil pipeline.

• Date: 23.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 23.03.2010  |  Energy  |  from hurriyetdailynews.com

Ukraine wants to solve quickly the current oil transit dispute with Kazakhstan

• Date: 23.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 23.03.2010  |  Energy  |  from neftegaz.ru

Google has actually done it and made good on its threat to pull out of mainland China. Its mainland Chinese-language portal has started re-routing searches via Hong Kong. Beijing is furious.

• Date: 23.03.2010  |  Published on EGF: 23.03.2010  |  Security  |  from Deutsche Welle