Belarus: Russia's Close But Restive Ally

An important election is approaching in Belarus, and both Russia and the West will be watching closely to see how it plays out. On Oct. 11, Belarusians will head to the polls to choose their next president, and all signs point toward a victory for incumbent President Aleksandr Lukashenko. But the way in which the election is held will be far more important than its outcome. Belarus will be holding its vote at a time when the country has become an important part of the competition between Russia and the West for control of the former Soviet periphery. How the election is ultimately conducted will determine whether Minsk continues to pursue its economic and political opening to Europe or strengthens its strategic alliance with Russia.