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How to draft a constitution

Egypt’s military has suspended the country’s Constitution and tasked experts with overhauling its fundamental law. Other countries in the region may also soon be in line for such a make-over. But not all constitutions are created equal. Here are six key issues to consider when starting from scratch.

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Russia faces another six – or 12 – years of Putin at the helm

Former President Vladimir Putin, who announced yesterday that he will run again next year, is likely to win. But falling oil prices may create social discontent – and push him to make political reforms.
Global News Blog
Russia arrests high-ranking police officer in Anna Politkovskaya murder case

The arrest of former top Moscow police officer Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov could be a major breakthrough in the murder case of Anna Politkovskaya, one of the Kremlin's most vocal critics.
Global News Blog
Gorbachev criticizes Putin's Russia as backsliding on democracy

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev chose a painful anniversary – that of the 1991 August Coup, which tried to reverse his democratic reforms – to criticize Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.
What's behind Putin's drive for a 'unified civil front' in Russia

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin called for merger of political parties and social groups. Some observers say it's a bid to boost poll numbers, while others see it as throwback to Soviet-era engineering.
Are Russia's recent hints of reform grounded in real change?

As Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin position themselves for next year's election, Russians are seeing hints of future reform. Is it genuine, or political posturing?
How to draft a constitution

Egypt’s military has suspended the country’s Constitution and tasked experts with overhauling its fundamental law. Other countries in the region may also soon be in line for such a make-over. But not all constitutions are created equal. Here are six key issues to consider when starting from scratch.
Russian tycoon Khodorkovsky sentenced again, supporters cry foul

Mikail Khodorkovsky, once Russia's wealthiest man, was sentenced anew for corruption in what his supporters claim was a politically motivated trial.
Medvedev vows crackdown on racist soccer fans after Moscow rampage

Thousands of ultranationalist soccer fans rallied near the Kremlin on Saturday, prompting a wave of violence against ethnic minorities in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Russian journalist's beating signals looming Medvedev-Putin battle

Saturday's brutal beating of Oleg Kashin highlights not only a withering of press freedom in Russia but also a broader effort to silence dissent ahead of 2012 elections.
Why Russia's Medvedev is lashing out at Belarus's Lukashenko

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev slammed 'Europe's last dictator,' Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko, this past week for his increasingly anti-Russian rhetoric.
Mayor Luzhkov ouster: sign of crack in Putin-Medvedev unity?

Russian President Medvedev's scorching dismissal of Moscow Mayor Luzhkov could be opening shot in a bureaucratic battle between Putin and Medevev over who will be the establishment candidate for president.
Moscow becoming election battleground for Putin, Medvedev

Moscow is becoming heated ahead of the 2012 presidential elections. Efforts to undermine the Moscow mayor politically signals a struggle to control the city's electoral votes, an important political chip.
The power politics behind effort to save Moscow's Khimki forest

A protest to stop road-building in the formerly protected Khimki forest near Moscow is gaining traction. Russian analysts say there's more to it than simple environmental concerns.
Putin hits the open Russian road to woo his far-flung countrymen

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is touring Russia's Far East in a bright yellow Lada, making daily headlines ahead of what appears to be his plan to run for the presidency in 2012.
Fight to save Moscow forest from development tests tolerance for dissent

'The public should have some say,' an opposition leader told the Monitor of a proposal for a 10-lane road through a Moscow forest. Moments later, he and 50 others were arrested.
As Russia wildfires rage, Putin shows strength, Medvedev tweets

Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has taken center stage on the Russia wildfires that have ruined at least 20 percent of Russia's grain crop. President Medvedev is struggling to stay in control.
In ruling on artistic expression, some Russians see signs of broader crackdown

A Moscow court's ruling that curbs artistic expression, as well as fresh legislation to strengthen the KGB's successor and limit rights of public assembly, appear to some Russians to presage a broader crackdown.
What Russia gains from US-Russia spy swap

Igor Sutyagin is one of several accused US spies is to be traded later today for Anna Chapman and 10 other alleged Russian agents held in the US. A quick spy swap, say Russian analysts, means Russian spies will be home before they can spill many secrets.
Russia bombing: Jihadis or sign of other trouble in north Caucasus?

A Russia bomb that killed six people in the Russian city of Stavropol has led to speculation about jihadis or Islamic militants. But analysts worry about a widening circle of instability – and players – in the north Caucasus.
Russia Islamist network takes shape as Caucasus hit by another terrorist attack

An attack in Ingushetia today, the fifth to shake Russia in a week, underscores the threat posed by an Islamist insurgent network that has emerged from the ashes of Chechnya's nationalist rebellion.
Dagestan suicide bombings have Russia looking to Putin

The Dagestan suicide bombings on Wednesday were the latest in a spate of attacks that has many in Russia looking to Vladimir Putin, whose reputation was built on tough talk and action against insurgents.
Echoing Moscow attack, Dagestan bombings underscore Russia's terrorism threat

In Russia's restive republic of Dagestan, bombings killed 12 people and injured 23 just two days after the devastating Moscow attack.
US Russia nuclear deal worries some in Moscow

A US Russia nuclear deal on reducing their arsenals has received global praise. But some in Russia worry that President Medvedev may have allowed too much leeway for the US to develop missile defense systems.
Russia protests: Thousands rally in 'Day of Wrath' against Putin

This weekend's Russia protests, in which thousands gathered in 20 Russian cities for 'Day of Wrath' demonstrations against Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and other government officials, brought together diverse political forces.
At Russia meeting, Putin and Medvedev tangle over democracy

At a meeting, President Dmitri Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin appeared to disagree over whether Russia is democratic enough, with an eye on the freewheeling politics of their neighbor, Ukraine.