Russia Expands Influence Over Former Soviet Republics

From a country many Americans probably never heard of, Kyrgystan, comes some news on Russia. According to the Chicago Tribune, Kyrgystan is allegedly near bankruptcy and taking “economic aid” from Russia. This may not seem significant, but the area is key in America’s military involvement in Afghanistan. After the generous gift from Russia, Kyrgystan agreed to “shut down Manas, the air base the U.S. uses to shuttle troops into and out of Afghanistan and refuel military aircraft.”

This is one of many former Soviet Republics that remain in close ties to Russia despite efforts by the United States in this "political game." Because many countries face a similar economic situation, it is only a matter of time before richer countries like Russia expand their political influence and world power status by taking advantage of the of plight others.

By Malerie Bickhart (Russia)