Today, Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko continues to press his government's case that the blame for this month's gas dispute with Russia's Gazprom lies firmly beyond Ukraine's borders. Yushchenko accuses Russia of trying to foster a "sense of insecurity" in the EU regarding Ukraine's gas transport industry, and that Russia has previously employed similar tactics against fellow former Soviet republics Belarus and Moldova. The interview can be seen here and the transcript read here.

Meanwhile, Gazprom announced today a deal with Kuwaiti firm Noor Financial Investment to form a joint venture for gas and oil production in Russia and Kuwait. In their news release, the AP reports that the move comes in the wake of a 70% drop in Gazprom's share price over the past year.

Russia and Ukraine are once again fighting over gas pipelines to Europe. Is this dispute based on Russia exerting its political power over Eastern Europe, or just Ukraine not wanting to pay its bills?

SOURCES: BBC, U.K; ABC News, U.S; FOX News, U.S; TV5, France; Deutsche Welle, Germany; RT, Russia; Channel 5 News, Ukraine; Al Jazeera English, Qatar.

- Global Pulse -

This week, Global Pulse will examine this month's dispute between Russia's Gazprom and Ukraine, which led to a cutting of gas supplies to much of eastern Europe in the heart of winter. In an interview with Newsweek, Ukraine's deputy Prime Minister Hryhoriy Nemyria predicts that "Gazprom is killing the goose that brings Russia golden eggs," and that freezing  European residents will feel little goodwill towards the company and its hardball negotiation tactics. 

Bloomberg meanwhile reports that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin blames none other than outgoing US President George Bush for escalating the current gas crisis. In his view, Bush administration plans to extend NATO membership to Ukraine, along with a proposed new missile defense shield in eastern Europe, has led to a worsening of Russia's relations with its western neighbors.

Will the arrival of the Obama administration help to stimulate greater cooperation in the region? And when can we expect President Obama to grant an interview, like he did with Al-Arabiya this week, with Russia Today or another influential local outlet?

Israel and Hamas are fighting on two fronts in Gaza - a military battle, and a battle for public opinion.

SOURCES: Future TV, Lebanon; Al Arabya, U.A.E.; Saudi Arabian Television, Saudi Arabia; Al Jazeera English, Qatar; Press TV, Iran; Israel National News, Israel; TV5, France; BBC, U.K.; NBC News, U.S.; Russia Today, Russia.

- Global Pulse -

This week, Global Pulse will be examining global media coverage of the Israeli war in Gaza. One relevant production we're looking forward to seeing is the Israeli film "Waltz With Bashir," which treats memories of a previous military campaign, the 1982 invasion of Lebanon that included an epic massacre of Palestinians in two refugee camps. Gary Kamiya at Salon makes a compelling case for the parallels between Israeli tactics - and their numbing consequences - then and now.