Robert Amsterdam

VOTE HERE

Dear Readers,

I launched this modest blog project on Sept. 4, 2006, as a platform to share news about my work in Russia, raise awareness of the political situation in the region, and encourage debate and exchange of opinion over a variety of international issues.

Starting from scratch, with a minimal readership and very little background knowledge of this medium, this blog has grown far beyond any expectations, today containing more than 2,000 articles in five different languages and a wide global audience - all thanks to you, my loyal readers.

Over the past year and change, this blog has contained numerous opinion articles about Russia, Vladimir Putin, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, energy politics analysis in places from Japan to Central Asia to Venezuela, commentary on a wide range of important events from Anna Politkovskaya to the arms trade, a pioneering series on the rise of the gas cartel, original writing from special contributors such as Grigory Pasko, Derek Brower, and Tom Nicholls, rare and important translations, special coverage of the opposition and exclusive reports, as well as other unique features. We also produce a daily weekday "News Blast" - which hopefully makes this blog your one-stop-shop to find out what's going on in Russia every day.

We don't often boast about this blog, and we always refrain from the hackneyed technique of attacking other bloggers and personal sniping to attract attention, but alas, now I have an exception. I'm proud to announce that the blog has been nominated for the "Best European Blog" for the 2007 Weblog Awards. If you like what you read here, or even if you disagree with some articles "passionately" (as I am well aware that some do) yet nevertheless find the site to be a helpful resource, I hope that you will find time to visit this site and submit your vote. Voting is open until Nov. 8, and each person can vote once every 24 hours. I do sincerely appreciate your support.

Best regards,
Bob Amsterdam