Analysis

The following is an internal Stratfor document produced to provide high-level guidance to our analysts. This document is not a forecast, but rather a series of guidelines for understanding and evaluating events, as well as suggestions on areas for focus. [more]

Work stoppages and protests by cab drivers across China could be a sign of things to come when Beijing expands domestic infrastructure development. [more]

A new U.N. resolution aimed at combating piracy and Islamist militancy in Somalia is not likely to succeed. [more]

Germany has taken a stand against the inclusion of British-proposed Europe-wide tax and value-added tax cuts in a German-backed, Pan-EU economic stimulus package. [more]

The Argentine Senate's approval of a plan to nationalize 10 private pension funds spells trouble ahead. [more]

Using the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation gathering in Lima as a springboard, the new Russian president is on a quest in Latin America. [more]

The lower house of the Russian parliament has extended the Russian president's term. [more]

Chinese Social Security Minister Yin Weimin has said that the employment situation in China is critical and may get worse amid the financial crisis. The announcement means Chinese economic reforms will once again take a back seat as Beijing focuses its attention on employment, no matter what the cost. [more]

Syria has decided to cut ties with Fatah al-Islam, a murky Islamist militant group operating in Lebanon, according to Stratfor sources. [more]

In spite of a growing aid package, the economic situation in Iceland is about to take a turn for the worse. [more]

Russia is showing its willingness to work with those NATO members that cooperate with Moscow on vital geopolitical issues. [more]

An October trade deficit has startled Tokyo. [more]

Latvia is looking to set up a stabilization package in case the economic situation in the country gets worse, but has to act fast. (With Stratfor map) [more]

Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz reportedly is in rapidly declining health, something with major implications for the kingdom. [more]

With the global economy in a downturn, China's economic options are shrinking. [more]

There are still several factors that could derail the Status of Forces Agreement between the United States and Iraq. [more]

In the third installment of a series on Ukraine, Stratfor examines Ukraine's strategic importance to both Russia and the West and the ways in which both sides could influence Kiev. (With Stratfor map) [more]

An increase in attacks on supply convoys for Western forces in Afghanistan is leading the United States to look for alternate supply routes. (With Stratfor map) [more]

With its latest missile strike, the United States is testing the limits in its war against al Qaeda and the Taliban. [more]

Countries that buy natural gas from Russia's Gazprom reportedly told the firm that if prices increase, they will not be able to pay. [more]