There is a complex game playing out in Chisinau, combining elements of three-dimensional chess, no-limits poker, and bare-knuckled kickboxing.
Moldova's political elite should resist the temptation to throw together a quick constitutional reform to get through the current crisis. Fixing the dysfunctional political system must be done in an atmosphere that rises above the political fray of the moment.
Every leader wants to be surrounded by people he can trust. But former OSCE envoy Louis O'Neill argues that while family is family, the rule of law and common sense need to carry the day in Moldova.
In Moldova, politicians have shown that they are adept at political maneuvering. But former OSCE envoy Louis O'Neill warns that there's a freight train of economic disaster barreling down on the country.
Already more radical voices, both in and out of the opposition parties, are proposing a troubling set of approaches for Moldova. Some suggest the opposition should attempt to gain control over administrative resources and use them to ensure that the Communists can never again win.
Today's vote is part of a continuing contest for the broad strokes of Moldova's future: accelerated reform and EU integration or a place in Russia's coveted "privileged sphere of influence." Clean elections and political reconciliation are needed to put Moldovan society back together after April's trauma.
Moscow has promised Moldova $500 million in the run-up to repeat parliamentary elections after acting President Vladimir Voronin assured the Kremlin there's no place for "color revolutions" and foreign meddling. But anyone who thinks Voronin's latest turn to the east portends a permanent shift should take a close look at recent history.
Events in Moldova have provided the European Union’s fledgling Eastern Partnership an early and excellent opportunity to prove its relevance and responsiveness to the six participants.
A poisonous atmosphere in Moldova means repeat elections appear inevitable. Louis O'Neill argues that one way to start the vital process of national reconciliation is to end the selective prosecutions of political opponents.
