Topic: Interfax International Group

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Russia: Give us a good reason to jilt Syria's Assad

One Russian analyst summed up Moscow's resistance by saying, 'We simply don't believe Western leaders know what they're doing, and we're not listening to all that chatter anymore.'
Global News Blog
Russia claims new missile can overcome missile defenses

Russia says it conducted a successful test of a new missile that is meant to outwit the NATO antimissile shield and has a maximum range of 10,000 miles.
Europe calls Euro 2012 penalty on Ukraine for treatment of Tymoshenko

With Ukraine and Poland preparing to host the Euro 2012 soccer championship, Europe sees it as an opportune time to pressure Ukraine over its treatment of opposition figure Yulia Tymoshenko.
'An insult': Russian election observers reject Putin's win

Russia's League of Voters, organized in the wake of December's fraud-marred parliamentary election, called the March 4 presidential election 'an insult to civil society.'
Iran loading homemade nuclear fuel rods, firing up new centrifuges

Iran says it now has the next generation of centrifuges to enrich uranium for its nuclear program. But US experts are skeptical of Iran's claims.
How Lake Vostok could transform our understanding of life as we know it

Russian researchers in Antarctica say they have successfully drilled through more than two miles of ice to reach a vast lake that has been sealed off from light or air for at least 14 million years. If living organisms are found in the lake, it would greatly boost hopes of finding life on other worlds.
Why Russia is so opposed to asking Assad to go

Russia is taking a hard line against a UN resolution asking Syrian President Assad to step down, saying the possibility of military intervention must first be ruled out.
Russia says nuclear submarine fire is finally extinguished

Russian officials say the nuclear submarine fire, which began yesterday, did not cause any radiation leaks.
Anna Chapman sleeper spy ring betrayed by Russian officer

Anna Chapman spy ring: Col. Alexander Poteyev had betrayed his ring of 10 sleeper spies and the FBI was about to nab them. Now he was at risk of being arrested by Russian authorities.
New liberal parties aim to crack Russia's political monopoly

Two Russian political parties – one with a billionaire's backing and the other supported by well-known liberal leaders – is taking on United Russia's lock on power.
Terrorism & Security
Nations weigh imposing no-fly zone on Libya

The Arab League expressed support for a no-fly zone to prevent Qaddafi's forces from carrying out air strikes in Libya, while other countries debated the military action.
Guardian reporter expelled from Russia in cold war echo

Luke Harding, Moscow correspondent of Britain's Guardian newspaper, was told that 'Russia is closed to you.' Even in Soviet times, expulsions of international journalists was rare and usually connected with a diplomatic crisis.
Goodbye Lenin? Russians consider burying former Soviet leader's corpse (finally).

The body of former Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin has been on display in downtown Moscow for 87 years. A growing number of Russians appear finally willing to bury him.
Global News Blog
Moscow explosion at Domodedovo airport: The search begins for who's responsible

Moscow explosion: Experts say the explosion, which killed at least 35, will likely be traced to Russia's volatile north Caucasus region, where political murders, bombings, and kidnappings occur almost daily.
Russian Orthodox Church calls for dress code, says miniskirts cause 'madness'

In a sign of the growing political ambitions of the Russian Orthodox Church, a top official wants a national dress code for men and women. It would forbid men from wearing T-shirts or track suits in public. Islamic groups have come out in support of the idea.
Georgia nabs Russian 'spy ring,' angering Moscow

Georgia on Friday accused 13 people, including four Russians, of spying for Russia after a four-year investigation.
Chinese satellites bump gently. Was it a military maneuver?

Two Chinese satellites bumped into each other very gently, leaving analysts wondering what China is up to.
Russia wildfires: Thick, toxic smog chokes Moscow residents

Russia wildfires have now pushed carbon monoxide levels in Moscow to 6.5 times the allowable level and the concentration of other unspecified toxins to 'up to 9 times' acceptable limits, according to Russia's health ministry.
China not invited to party at International Space Station, says NASA

China has not been invited to join the International Space Station project, despite a news report from Russia suggesting otherwise.
Russia: sanctions unlikely to delay Iran nuclear power plant

Russia may back tougher, US-sponsored Iran sanctions, but it still expects to finish building the Bushehr nuclear power plant and selling Iran advanced weapons systems.
Deadly riots in Kyrgyzstan challenge interim government

Ten days after an interim government overthrew the president in Kyrgyzstan, riots have killed several people and mobs are seizing ethnic minorities’ land and businesses.
YouTube drags reluctant Soviet star Mr. Trololo back into spotlight

A 40-year-old clip from Soviet TV of 'Mr. Trololo' man Eduard Khil has gone viral on YouTube. In an interview, the baritone singer says he doesn't understand why millions suddenly love him now.
Terrorism & Security
Russia suspends Iran arms sale following Israeli PM's visit to Moscow

Russia decided to delay the delivery of S-300 air defense missiles to Iran a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The delay is expected to further strain relations between Moscow and Tehran.
Global News Blog
Russia vows to take on vodka consumption

Alcoholism is a "national disaster," President Dmitry Medvedev said in a recent statement. But past efforts to curb abuse of vodka in Russia have proven politically unpopular.
Russia denies mystery ship was carrying missiles to Iran

Speculation that the Arctic Sea cargo ship seized in the Baltic in July was carrying weapons or other illicit cargo continues to swirl.