During his years with ABC, he covered a wide range of international events, including the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the Gulf War and the Middle East peace process and U.S. deployment in Somalia.

CNN: CNN Profiles - Jim Bittermann - Senior European Correspondent

With the Cold War's passing and the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Turkey is surrounded by potential instability and conflict, a situation that shows no sign of change in the foreseeable future.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

After the island's so-called "special period, " which began in the early 1990s after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Cuba -- which had long enjoyed Soviet subsidies -- was confronted with a prolonged period of economic hardship.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS