Op-Ed

Five years ago, a survey conducted among 2000 citizens by WCIOM, a Russian public opinion polling centre, offered results that could well be authentic. Since the subject matter was apolitical, respondents’ answers could be considered as genuine. The five most prevalent conspiracy theories in 2018, in reverse order by the...

In an interview on French TV, China’s ambassador to France said that former Soviet (occupied, ed.) countries have no effective status in international law. European governments reacted swiftly, condemning the remarks. Numerous EU politicians called on France to expel Lu Shaye, the author of the “unacceptable and outrageous” statement. In...

Karl Altau, JBANC Finland has good reason to be the Happiest Country in the World. On April 4, 2023, the Republic of Finland formally became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), joining 30 other members in what was the fastest accession process in the alliance's history. Without...

Supplementing the spies working out of the Russian embassy has been the clandestine role of personnel at the International Investment Bank (IIB) in Budapest. Established by the Soviets in 1970 as a bank for the Soviet Comecon, it moved its headquarters to Budapest during Orban’s administration and has been acknowledged...

Journalists sometimes muse over the choice for “spy capital of Europe”. Any place that is easy for Russian spies to blend with the rest will attract representatives of other agencies. Over the years, Geneva has been singled out for Switzerland’s lax banking regulations and rigorous neutrality. New York is another,...

Laas Leivat, Eesti Elu The 24th of February is a milestone in the history of both Estonia and Ukraine. On this date Estonians mark the birth of a nation. Volodymyr Zelensky named the same day a “rebirth” of his nation. “A new nation was born at four in the morning....

Karl Altau, JBANC For Estonians, February 24 marks a day of celebration on the anniversary of the 1918 declaration of independence (Manifest Eestimaa rahvastele). This year, Estonia marks its 105th birthday. Freedom can never be taken for granted. Particularly during this time. This is especially tangible considering it being the...

Some 86,000 individuals in the Estonian diaspora are qualified to vote in Estonia’s March 2023 parliamentary elections. Casting ballots abroad is scheduled for February. It was reported that in the 2019 elections, out of 77, 881 who were qualified to vote, only 2016 actually cast their ballots (by mail or...

This article appeared in the "Üleilmse eestluse" / "Global Estonian" November 2022 newsletter in both Estonian and English(www.globalestonian.com) Riina Kindlam There used to be an unwritten rule in Estonian communities abroad that CHILDREN, ANIMALS and ELDERS were always spoken to in Estonian. Slightly older children immediately picked up on how...

Karl Altau / JBANC Following the midterm elections and the Thanksgiving break, the United States Congress is back in action, finishing up business for the year, and this 117th Session of Congress. The new 118th Congress starts its two-year cycle on January 3. This is the third article in a...