Russia Reform Monitor: No. 1869
Russia gives Iran an economic shot in the arm;
American journalist expelled  
Russia gives Iran an economic shot in the arm;
American journalist expelled  
Exporting the Basig model;
Iran's trade partners see to reengage...;
...As new ones emerge
Missiles in Kaliningrad raise tension with NATO;
An Israeli honor for an American missile defense champion;
Another step forward for Israeli defense
Massive drug bust in Guangdong province;
Electoral fraud exposed in Hunan elections
Starting next Monday, Iran will formally implement an interim agreement with the West. President Rohani has described the accord as the world "bowing to Iran's might, power and resistance." The Islamic Republic has agreed to limit certain aspects of its nuclear activities for six months in return for what has been called "modest" relief from the crippling international sanctions imposed for most of the last decade. But the West, by rolling back the sanctions regime, has given Tehran an opportunity to reinvigorate its economic and diplomatic ties with the rest of the world, and Western countries have eagerly exploited the opening to do business with Iran. Re-legitimizing business as usual before Iran makes any significant concessions on its nuclear program not only sends the wrong message, but impairs the West's ability to negotiate effectively.