In a strange way, the U.S. is the thread holding together Russia, Iran and Turkey, if only temporarily.

The European Union is struggling to find its way, Russia is in a state of flux, and Turkey is getting dragged deeper into the Syrian conflict. These are developments that indirectly shape the global order because of the size and power of the countries involved. But there is one part of the world that does not have the luxury of being shaped indirectly: the Balkans. This mountainous region’s unique geography has consigned it to a troubled place in history, as much because of the ambitions and machinations of outside powers as because of its own fractiousness.

Developments in the region are rarely internal affairs.

Japan went through many of the same problems decades ago, but the comparison goes only so far.

The world is inching toward a new competition as a dominant power is challenged by other powers seeking to defend or achieve their national interests.

There is nothing new in lying to the public.

Ankara has to keep an eye on multiple threats at the same time.

For all the talk of Iranian nuclear weapons, this is an early stage of the real Iranian threat – a war of attrition against Israel.

Russia and the U.S. see the situation differently – as they must.

Blinding Russian intelligence at a time like this would be dangerous.

The dispute over different interpretations of their shared history has resulted in protests and heated debates.

North Korea can afford to keep China at arm’s length only for so long.