Topic: Russia

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'G7 plus one'? Isolated Russia holds line on Syria.

The G8 summit ended today with Russia far from agreement with the West over how to resolve the Syrian civil war. Russian experts say the rift is probably permanent.
Obama, Putin in stare-down over (no, not the Super Bowl ring) Syria war (+video)

Obama and Russia's Vladimir Putin, meeting at the G8 summit, both said they want a negotiated end to the Syria conflict. But that barely masked deep divisions over how best to pressure Syrian President Assad to talk rather than fight.
Obama arrives for tough G8 summit in Northern Ireland (+video)

From Syria, to spying, to an angry Vladimir Putin on his plate, President Barack Obama arrived in Northern Ireland for the G8 summit today.
Land of KGB shrugs over US-British G-20 spying claims

Russians say few surprises in Guardian revelations; that tapping was aimed at Dmitri Medvedev not Vladimir Putin lessens impact in Moscow.
You Are One of Them

Despite Soviet conspiracy themes, Elliott Holt's debut novel is really the poignant story of a fragmented family.
Terrorism & Security Russia warns of Syria chemical weapons fabrication as US ups involvement

The Obama administration says it's convinced the Syrian government has used chemical weapons and promised more aid to the rebellion. Russia warns that it could be Iraq all over again.
Taking page from East Germany, Putin launches new 'Popular Front'

The new organization, which experts say is likely modeled on East Germany's National Front, gives Putin a grassroots extra-parliamentary machine aimed at consolidating his popularity.
Why three Chinese are spending 12 days in space lab

Three Chinese astronauts docked at Tiangong 1, an experimental space module Thursday, the next step in China's pursuit of a space station. The team includes China’s second woman in space.
Global News Blog US-bashing TV station gives interview to its benefactor, Vladimir Putin

The Kremlin reportedly gives Russia Today about $300 million annually. The satellite channel finds the decline of the West lurking in almost every daily headline.
Gay pride fines: Russa passes anti-gay bill in 436-0 vote

Russa's 'gay pride fines' impose hefty fines for providing information about the LGBT community to minors or holding gay pride rallies. Individuals will be fined up to 5,000 rubles ($156) and 1 million rubles ($31,000) for a company, including media organizations. Foreign citizens arrested under the new law can be deported or jailed for up to 15 days and then deported.
Energy Voices EIA: World has more shale oil and gas, but will it drill?

Shale oil and gas have revitalized the US energy industry and could do the same abroad, a new EIA report suggests. But oil and gas drilling will depend more so on market forces, than on geologic facts.
Six countries where Edward Snowden could get asylum

Edward Snowden, the contractor identified as the source of leaks about the US electronic surveillance program, may face extradition to the US wherever he goes. Here are six places that have proven that extradition to the US isn't easy.
Do you know Chechnya? Take the quiz

Before Chechnya made headlines as the ancestral land of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, it had gone largely unnoticed in the American press. How much do you know about it?
In tweak to US, Russia would 'consider' asylum for Snowden

The NSA whistleblower's revelations let the Kremlin criticize Western 'double standards,' say experts. But the Russian government has shown little tolerance for its own whistleblowers.
Russia's growing NGO crackdown turns to environmental, cultural groups

The Kremlin has been targeting 'political' NGOs that receive foreign funding for some time. Now it is eying nonpolitical groups too, like an LGBT film festival and a group trying to save Siberian cranes.
How do Americans feel about NSA surveillance? Ambivalent

When terrorists strike, intelligence agencies are faulted for failure to 'connect the dots.' If that's what the NSA is trying to do with its mass surveillance of phone records and Internet use, how do Americans feel about that?
Israel accelerates cybersecurity know-how as early as 10th grade

Israel is strengthening cybersecurity recruitment and cooperation between hi-tech, academia, and the military as threats rise.
Global News Blog Other than that, Mrs. Putin, how did you enjoy the ballet?

Within hours of Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin's surprise divorce announcement after a night at the ballet, Russian wags and satirists were flooding the Web with jokes.
Will Putin's divorce have political fallout in Russia?

With divorce quite common in Russia, experts say Vladimir and Lyudmila Putin's split is unlike to hurt the president politically – but that could change if he remarries.
Vladimir Putin, wife announce divorce on state television

Vladimir Putin and his wife Lyudmila made the statement on state television after attending a ballet performance at the Kremlin.
Russian Navy to deploy Mediterranean fleet in bid to protect national security

Russian Navy: Putin said the plan should not be seen as saber rattling, but it comes as Moscow is serving as a key ally and arms supplier to Syrian President Bashar Assad during that nation's civil war.
Opinion Why US must give military aid to Syria's rebels

The war in Syria is at a turning point. Backed by Russia, Iran, and Hezbollah militants, Bashar al-Assad has the upper hand. Ending the war requires backing him into a corner from which peace talks provide his only safe escape. US military aid for the rebels can help do that.
Global News Blog Putin: Russian hasn't sent S-300 missiles to Syria, won't to preserve 'stability'

President Putin's statement to EU leaders seems to put an end to often contradictory Russian and Syrian stories about whether the Assad regime would get the weapons.
Terrorism & Security UN finds evidence of 'toxic chemicals' and a worsening war in Syria

A new UN report says some kind of chemical has probably been used on Syria's battlefield, but stopped short of saying what chemical or by whom.
Briefing Liberty Reserve money-laundering case: five questions answered

The case against Liberty Reserve, a digital currency provider, may be the largest money-laundering case in US history. Here's what you need to know.