Russian economy still trending down
As a result of sanctions and plummeting oil prices, the Russian economy continues to weaken, down 4.6% last spring. Pensions may no longer be pegged with inflation. Putin continues to do well. It may take years of hard times to hurt Putin politically. Reports continue to surface about disaffection among young soldiers over the war. This is dubious as the troops used in the Ukraine are special forces who are devoted to bolstering Russian power. A handful of discontentted soldiers do not constitute a problem.
Muslims face forced conversion in Central African Republic
There has been fighting between Christians and Muslims in the CAR for well over a year now. Outrages committed against Muslims there may open the door to al Qaeda and ISIL too become the defenders of the faith there.
Putin cautions Crimean Tatars regarding autonomy
When Russia annexed the Crimea last year, it saddled itself with ethnic troubles. More ethnic troubles. The Ukrainians don’t want to live under Russian authority again, and neither do the Muslim minorities known as the Tatars. These descendants of Mongol invaders have ben pressing for autonomy.Look for this as a long-term problem.Look also at growing restlessness among other Muslims in Chechnya and Dagestan.