So far, Russia has been a stumbling-block to western policy in Yugoslavia rather than a threat.

ECONOMIST: Russia

Western economic sanctions on Yugoslavia block Montenegrin access to such lenders as the World Bank.

ECONOMIST: Montenegro

Russia seems not to care that Western countries are now threatening to block its membership of the World Trade Organisation.

ECONOMIST: Russia and the West

The two initialled contracts were with Soyuzneftegaz for the 100, 000-barrel-a-day Rafidain field in southern Iraq and with Tatneft for block nine in the Western Desert.

BBC: Russia strikes Iraq oil deal

Still on the block: certain natural gas assets in Western Canada and non-core North Sea assets.

FORBES: Suncor or Cenovus: Which Is A Better Buy?

Western Union is far from being the only player on the block in an increasingly crowded and commoditized business.

FORBES: Connect