ion, Turkey was dominated by generals and played almost no role in the world. Now it is a vibrant democracy and a major force in the Middle East, the Caucasus, North Africa, the Balkans, and beyond. The election was a triumph for Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has presided over his country's remar

isphere in 1991. Eradication is close in China. In an unprecedented display of international cooperation, 18 contiguous nations of the Middle East, Caucasus, and the Central Asian Republics, including current and former combatants, united in 1995 to conduct Operation MECACAR, immunizing 56 million child

0309 Azerbaijan invite retaliation on its energy sector. Moscow, the region's preeminent power, continues to view the Caspian basin and the south Caucasus as part of its Soviet-era sphere of influence and is therefore wary of any development that might further diminish its toehold. A direct Israel- Ira

ure, there remain risks aplenty in the present. Beyond the volatile politics there is a still fragile economy. A flare up of violence in the north Caucasus could lead to a surge of nationalism and rioting in the cities. Mr Putin can no more maintain an even status quo than he can turn back the clock to