Two top U.S. officials have crossed the world this weekend in search of solutions — Defense Secretary Robert Gates seeking backing for more troops in Afghanistan, and Treasury Secretary Henry Paulsen attending a G7 meeting on the financial crisis. Neither will come back with solutions.

Sources tell Stratfor that Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to revive the concept and mission of the Soviet Union’s propaganda machine. But the National Information Center also will be officially monitoring the work of Western journalists in Russia.

In the wake of Tehran’s latest rocket launch, Russia’s deputy foreign minister expresses concern about Iran’s nuclear program. Nate Hughes assesses the Kremlin’s concern and the progress of the missile program.

Fred Burton details how U.S. intelligence was able to liquidate Al Qaeda’s No. 3 man, and argues that the organization’s ability to launch a major attack has been weakened.

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A Japanese newspaper report raises questions about whether Tokyo and Beijing could be nearing a settlement over the contentious issue of maritime boundaries and natural gas deposits in the East China Sea.