Delusions of adequacy: How Russia and Pakistan lie to themselves in similar ways

 The ongoing assault on Ukraine by Russia has drawn plenty of comment, with the focus primarily on those aspects that are now apparent at a glance, and are particularly troubling. They are easy to list. The Russian action is evil. Its justification was absurd. Its conduct has been incompetent beyond

Sanctions alone sent Putin a message that the West is weak

 As we watch with increased concern the Ukrainian crisis play out, we can’t help but feel great empathy for their citizens. They have been bullied and beaten down by Putin for years. In 2014, he annexed Crimea without anyone laying a hand on him. Since then, in a bloody rebellion

Kazakhstan — the continued long march to liberal democracy

 Above: President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (centre) celebrates the 25th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of Kazakhstan, August 2020. It has been nearly two years since the first president of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev, resigned from his office and transferred power to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, chair of the Senate and

Canadian policy on Nagorno Karabakh is Confusing and Dangerous

 In discussing and resolving modern conflict things are seldom black and white, and as in most things, there are many shades of grey. Facts, nuance and history matter. There is no better example of this 'grey zone' surrounding "who are the good guys’ than the renewed conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Top diplomat brings experience and insight — makes an impact in Ottawa

 Konstantin Kavtaradze has been the Georgian Ambassador to Canada for only a short period but has had great success in raising the profile and ties between Tbilisi and Ottawa. Kavtaradze is one of Georgia’s most seasoned diplomats and for the past 28 years has been at the forefront of many

Brief History of a Young Republic

 Photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons. On Tuesday, October 13 the Embassy of Kazakhstan to Canada is celebrating the Kazakh State’s 550th birthday with a round table seminar at Carleton University. The event is called ‘Kazakhstan – A Young Country with an Ancient History,’ and that’s an appropriate name, since despite

Kazakhstan: A Land of Opportunity

 Photo credit: ninara on flickr What Canadians Can't Miss It’s raining reforms in Kazakhstan. The Kazakh government’s recent economic reforms are preparing the soil for better business conditions. More Canadians should be there, among other nations, seeding their business ideas on Kazakh lands. Since the beginning of this year, foreign

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Profile: Bobbie Rosenfeld

 2015 marks the Year of Sport and the 60th anniversary of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. In recognition of these important milestones, OLM will be featuring Honoured Members of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in a weekly Profile piece. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame aims to share the stories and

Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame Profile: Bev Boys

 2015 marks the Year of Sport and the 60th anniversary of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. In recognition of these important milestones, OLM will be featuring Honoured Members of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in a weekly Profile piece. Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame aims to share the stories and

Once Upon Kingdom: Ottawa Children’s Theatre Turns Six

 Photo courtesy of Mikhail Matousov Once upon a time, in faraway Russia, a little girl Ekaterina Vetrov dreamed of theatre. Over one hundred people came to celebrate the theater's birthday. Photo courtesy of Lily Baranova Today, the artistic director Vetrov is celebrating the sixth anniversary of her own international theatre

Canada eyes Kazakhstan as a top priority market

 On December 16, folk festivals, parades, displays of traditional food and fireworks took over many cities across Kazakhstan. Cheering crowds flooded main streets to celebrate the country’s 23rd birthday. In connection with Kazakhstan's Independence Day, prominent Canadian politicians and members of the business community shared their experiences of working with

Baird, Poilievre, Trudeau – Ottawa’s cold winter parliament warms up for Ukraine

 It’s been a busy season for politics during the deep freeze of winter. Ottawa West- Nepean MP and Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird has been busy on the home front addressing the needs of his constituents while ensuring he represents Canada with a strong voice internationally. He leveled a stern

The Real Russia

 Interested in Russia? Interested in what’s really happening in Russia? The Institute of Modern Russia looks to nurture relationships founded on principle and strengthen respect for human rights as well as cultivate Russia’s democratic development. Visit http://imrussia.org/ or more information.

The Zimovs: Restoration of the Mammoth-Era Ecosystem, and Reversing Global Warming

  The Arctic is warm and melting. Politicians are debating, environmentalists are demanding more research, and non-governmental organizations are taking small steps. One Russian family of scientists might have a solution, or at least a theory supported by a two-decade-long experiment. In Northeast Russia, on a frigid zone above the Arctic

A New Russia Emerges

 Canada and Russia are kindred spirits. We share the coldest climates in the northern hemisphere, a multicultural population spread over vast landmasses, and regional governments that blame all their problems on a federal or central authority. In Canada, the provinces blame the feds, while in Russia, regional governments blame president

An interview with Russian Ambassador to Canada Georiy Mamedov

 Ottawa Life will takes you into the heart of the new Russia. We will look at the business opportunities, bilateral relations, cultural and arts scene, and tourism potential and get the pulse of a country very similar to our own. We begin our series with Russia's man in Canada, Ambassador