Despite the fact that Belarus official title is the Republic of Belarus, the CIA Worldfactbook displays a note unique to this tiny Eastern Bloc country…

Official announcements came shortly after current President (and former Chairman of Gazproms board of directors) Dmitry Medvedev hosted OPECs Secretary-General last week, securing plans for the Kremlin to coordinate oil efforts with the oil monopoly.

Concerns originally unique only during the Cold War are being renewed among rising Russian activity with its prime South American ally. Russia has again stepped up its presence as a significant player in the region by announcing a new $1 billion military loan package, improved oil trade agreements, and a November commitment for joint military exercises, paired with an expected 1,000 troops and 4 warships with Venezuela.

Russia. No other country in recent past has had so many confirmed near-nuclear experiences, discolored alliances, and bitterly cold disputes with the United States. Many signs are clear that Russia wants its reemerging global presence to be known to all, while the United States is increasingly receiving pressure to slow down its rapid military spending habits and hegemonic pursuits.

Regrettably America remains ignorant concerning international affairs. We are so focused on our American lives that sometimes we tend to forget about the increasingly globalized world. Unfortunately, the media doesn’t always give us the full picture or even a much needed background of an issue we may all be unfamiliar with. Due to this, I wonder how many Americans actually know the details of the recent Russia-Georgia conflict. Or, perhaps an even more compelling question, where in the world Georgia is even located?