EURASIA INSIGHT
Analysis of current affairs

Kazakhstan: Disappointing Harvest Dents Astana’s Export Plans
BY JOANNA LILLIS
Kazakhstan, the breadbasket of Central Asia, is recording 2008 grain harvest yields that are considerably lower than last year’s figure. The government, however, is confident that after satisfying domestic needs, the state will still be able to export a large volume of wheat.

Russia: Gazprom Having Second Thoughts About the South Stream Pipeline?
The Kremlin-controlled energy conglomerate Gazprom is pushing back the start date of the South Stream pipeline by at least two years, according to a report published by the Russian business paper Vedomosti.

Azerbaijan: Two Reports Paint Sharply Different Picture of Baku’s Business Climate
BY SHAHIN ABBASOV
This is a tale of two seemingly different countries that is actually one - Azerbaijan. One recently released report, prepared by a leading international financial institution, pronounces Azerbaijan to be one of the world’s most business-friendly nations. Another report, prepared by a leading corruption watchdog group, asserts that graft is deeply entrenched in Azerbaijan and growing worse. The sharply different depiction of business conditions in Azerbaijan is stoking debate in Baku.

Iran: Willing to Consider a Nuclear Bargain?
BY KAMAL NAZER YASIN
Given the security concerns surrounding existing pipeline routes connecting the Caspian Basin and Turkey, Iran is trying to fashion itself as a viable energy export alternative. The desire for an energy opening to the West is sufficiently strong that at least some political factions in Tehran seem willing to explore a deal with the United States and European Union concerning Iran’s nuclear program.