brookings.edu. “The great game that never ends: China and Russia fight over Kazakhstan"- When Chinese President Xi Jinping first proposed that China and Central Asia build a New Silk Road to boost economic cooperation—in a speech in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2013—analysts said: “China is making a pretty bold move." Bold indeed. The project, now called the “One Belt, One Road" initiative, has gained considerable steam. Last month, Astana was host to the inaugural meeting of the Astana Club—a platform for private dialogue among policy analysts, business figures, and political leaders about issues in Central Asia. Not surprisingly, the Chinese initiative topped the agenda.
tass.ru. “Russian PM joins marathon reading of Tolstoy's War and Peace" - Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has joined the televised marathon reading of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel War and Peace, believed to be the most massive literature event of its kind ever. Medvedev read aloud live on television a fragment of the final chapters of Tolstoy's masterpiece from his room at the Gorki residence outside Moscow on Friday.
thehindu.com.“Kazakhstan women triumph" - In front of a big holiday crowd, the women from
akipress.com. “