Topic: Chechnya

Opinion: Albright: Iran nuclear shift shows Obama's policy is working

An interview with the former US secretary of State, in which she discusses Iran, Afghanistan, and the political statements her choice of jewelry makes.

Five years after Beslan tragedy, questions linger

Half of all Russians surveyed say they don't know the whole truth about how more than 300 people, mostly children, were killed when the military raided the school where they were held hostage.

Truck bomb signals trouble on Russia's southern flank

A week of regional violence climaxed Monday in Ingushetia when a suicide bomber blew a hole in a heavily fortified police headquarters, killing at least 20.

Ten years on, Russia's Putin has gone from 'nobody' to unshakeably powerful

He has used a vigorous image and ruthless political strategy to recentralize state power. Some analysts expect he will soon formally return to the presidency.

In Russia, murder, harassment of activists continues

The Russian president promised to protect rights, but Thursday, officials announced that the body of another activist had been found.

Who killed Natalya Estemirova?

Colleagues of Ms. Estemirova say her murder Wednesday is part of a pattern that shows cost of a Kremlin pact with Chechnyan President Ramzan Kadyrov.

Chechnya: 'Open season' for killing rights activists?

Natalia Estemirova, who has long documented abuses by government-backed militias, is the fourth prominent critic of Kremlin policies to be killed in three years.

Attack on Russian regional leader marks rising tensions

Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, the Kremlin-backed president of Ingushetia, is the fourth government official in the North Caucasus targeted this month.

Ingushetia bombing undercuts Russia's claims of a calmer neighborhood

Continued violence in the North Caucusus region could be fueled by anger over corruption, experts say.

Islamist offensive ruins the West's plan for Somalia

Militant Islamists have the moderate government surrounded in Mogadishu. If they took over, it would be a devastating blow to US counter-terrorism and anti-piracy efforts in East Africa.

Medvedev's first year: Has justice improved in Russia?

Some Russians say a new Amnesty International assessment understates the dangers faced by those who dare to offer dissent.

Chechnya: Russia declares 'mission accomplished' in strong-man state

The country is under the harsh, one-man rule of Ramzan Kadyrov, who wears a track suit, keeps a pet tiger, and urges men to take second wives.

Opinion: New US administration, new take on the 'war on terror'

Definitional nuance will strengthen world response to terrorism.

As NATO leaders meet, how will they deal with Russia?

Some advocate inviting Russia to join. Russian President Medvedev wants a new security architecture that includes his country.

Politkovskaya assassination: After acquittal, judge tells investigators to start over

Human rights advocates charge that the trial was shoddy and followed a weak investigation.

Moscow court acquits three defendants in Politkovskaya murder

Moscow again eyes Afghanistan 20 years after retreat

Fearful that US failure there could unleash the Taliban and other Islamist insurgencies, Russia may help NATO open a supply line through former Soviet territory.

UN adds Pakistani militants to terrorist watch list

The three Pakistanis and one Saudi named belong to Lashkar-e-Taiba.

In unconfirmed raid, Pakistan seizes Mumbai attack ringleader

Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, an operations chief for Lashkar-e-Taiba, was reportedly captured Monday in Pakistani Kashmir.

In Lebanon, pragmatism tempers jihadist aims

In a move to avoid a second deadly battle in a Palestinian refugee camp, some groups have taken a rare step away from Islamist militancy.

World

Opinion: The West must not push Russia away – again

After so many broken promises, integration is key.

In Georgia, Russia saw its Army's shortcomings

Decades of neglect, outdated technology, and an ineffective conscript system reduced the capabilities of the Russian Army.

Georgia's Chechens relive own Russian war

Russia's military presence in Georgia has unnerved refugees who fled here from Chechnya in the 1990s.

A Most Wanted Man

Spies, the "War on Terror," and personal failings converge in John le Carre's latest thriller.