A 2012 study showed that those who believe that religion or spirituality are “highly important” are less likely to be depressed than those who do not hold this belief—even among those with a family history of depression (American Journal of Psychiatry, January 2012). New brain research shows that religion and spirituality cause changes in neurological structures in the region of the brain associated with depression.

The Cold War ended in 1989 when the Berlin Wall was torn down, and with Russia’s “opening” to the West. That thaw in relations led to the dismantling of the Soviet Union and even some of its former “satellite nations” joining NATO. Thirty years later, we are witnessing a re-freezing of relations between Russia and the West.