1.  Lukashenko, a former state farm director openly nostalgic for the Soviet union, has amassed nearly unlimited powers in his republic and cracked down harshly on dissent.

2.  Lukashenko, a former state-farm director openly nostalgic for Soviet times, has pushed for union with neighboring Russia.

3.  Lukashenko, a former state farm director openly nostalgic for the Soviet past, has aroused intense opposition with his attempt to merge with Russia and his authoritarian policies.

4.  The Belarusian economy has stalled, as Lukashenko, a former state farm director openly nostalgic for Soviet times, has balked at free-market reforms.