Kazakhstan is a former Soviet republic where Russian is widely spoken and the populace is predominantly Muslim.

WSJ: U.S. Charges Three More in Boston Marathon Case

It could even be the case that a future Russian republic-dominated Soviet Union would determine that the Soviets took the islands illegally in the first place, and return them to Japan, as a matter of principle, free of charge.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Excerpts From An Interview With Roger W. Robinson, Jr.

When the Bolsheviks sought to enforce control in the Caucasus in the early 1920s, Dagestan became an autonomous Soviet republic within the Russian Federation.

BBC: Dagestan profile

Russian forces pushed troops from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia out of a key town 50 miles from the Georgian capital Monday, prompting a plea from President Bush that Russia accept Georgia's move toward a peace agreement.

NPR: Why Georgia-Russia Conflict Is Significant For U.S.

The power of energy as a weapon for capitulation was demonstrated in late 2005 when Russian oil conglomerate Gazprom used the "energy weapon" against former Soviet republic Ukraine.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Energy Squeeze

In 1993, Russian President Boris Yeltsin signed a friendship treaty with the Czech Republic after condemning the 1968 Soviet-led invasion of Czechoslovakia.

CNN: Wednesday,

In September 2006, Moscow cut off transportation and trade ties with the former Soviet republic of Georgia and deported hundreds of Georgians after officials in Tbilisi briefly arrested four Russian military officers on espionage charges.

NPR: Tensions Rise in U.S.-Russia Relationship

It calls upon the Bush Administration to ensure that any assistance provided to the Soviet Union is structured in such a way as to strengthen those in the Baltic states, the Russian republic, and indeed at republic and local levels throughout the USSR who are pressing for genuine democratic pluralism and free enterprise.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center for Security Policy | The Moment Of Truth: Which Side Will Washington Take In The Soviet Union ?

The most dramatic moment of the brief debate on the Kyl Amendment came when one of its cosponsors, Rep. John Miller (R-WA), revealed that a short while before in a meeting with Members of Congress, he had personally asked the visiting President-elect of the Russian Republic, Boris Yeltsin, what be thought of putting conditions on U.S. aid to the Soviet Union.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy