As many a European coloniser found, procuring goods from distant lands is harder when basic facilities ports, roads, docks are inadequate.

ECONOMIST: China and Latin America

And since it will go through Russia, America thinks that Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia should have a route safe from the whims of their former coloniser.

ECONOMIST: Caspian pipedreams no longer | The

Since the former coloniser, Portugal, is still recognised as the administrating power by the United Nations, East Timorese feel justified in regarding their plight as an international issue.

ECONOMIST: East Timor