Topic: Russian Politics

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Briefing
Chechnya: How a remote Russian republic became linked with terrorism

The main suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing are two brothers from Chechnya, a Russian republic that has been the scene of cyclical revolts and brutal crackdowns for the past 200 years.
When dictators fall, so do their banknotes

The following now defunct or possibly soon-to-be defunct banknotes are imbued with the symbols and iconography of their leaders, past and present.
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
50 years after Cuban missile crisis: 5 ways US must promote nuclear nonproliferation

Fifty years after the Cuban missile crisis brought the world to the brink of a nuclear holocaust, the threats posed by the bomb still hang over us all. The next US president must pursue a nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament “stimulus plan.” It should include the following elements.
In Pictures: Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks Scandal

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Putin, EU likely to remain at odds

Disputes between Russia and the European Union are wide-ranging. Contentious topics will likely be under discussion at Friday's meeting in Brussels between leaders of the two political powerhouses.
Putin presser: chilling news for orphans, but warm words for Depardieu (+video)

In a lengthy session, Russian President Putin backed a bill banning US adoption of Russian children – but offered residency to Gérard Depardieu, who renounced his French citizenship over high taxes.
What's behind Russia's bill banning US adoptions?

The bill had originally been a smaller, tit-for-tat response to US legislation, but the Russian Duma has expanded it into a much broader anti-American measure that even Putin may not approve.
Newtown shooting highlights Russia's gun-control debate

Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev called for further strengthening of Russia's already strict gun-control laws on Monday, but some Russians argue more guns would make the public safer.
US Magnitsky Law draws Kremlin ire – but many Russians support it

The new law, enacted in the US last week to target Russians involved in the death of lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, has infuriated the Kremlin, which sees it as a 'purely political, unfriendly act.'
Opposition vows a continued campaign against Putin in spring

On Saturday, about 2,000 people turned out for an unauthorized rally to protest Russian President Vladimir Putin's 13-year rule. Opposition leaders say they are also preparing for action in the spring.
Terrorism & Security Russia insists it stands by Syria's Assad, despite earlier comments (+video)

The Russian deputy foreign minister said yesterday that the Syrian regime might fall – a bold declaration because Russia has been a key ally of President Bashar al-Assad.
The Monitor's View: Putin's drive for Russian identity

In a big speech Wednesday, President Vladimir Putin said Russians lack 'spiritual braces.' He joins other world leaders who recently made similar warnings about their people. Should governments, especially those with weak democratic credentials, be promoting moral values?
Russia, NATO: Assad could lose Syria to rebels (+video)

Opposition fighters have seized large swaths of territory in northern Syria along the border with Turkey and appear to be expanding their control outside of Damascus.
Russia: Assad is losing control of Syria

Russia is the Syrian government's most powerful international ally. Its declaration that President Bashar al-Assad is losing control of Syria is a major blow to the regime.
In human rights spat, Russia poised to target US adoptive parents

After the US Congress approved a bill to punish Russian officials involved in human rights abuses, Moscow is set to blacklist Americans accused of violating Russians' rights – including US parents accused of abusing adoptive children from Russia.
Syria calls chemical weapon reports 'pretext for intervention' (+video)

Bashar al-Assad's deputy foreign minister said that even if Syria had chemical weapons, it would not use them on its own people. 'We would not commit suicide,' he said.
US, Russia set for surprise meeting on Syria. Is compromise in works? (+video)

Secretary Hillary Clinton and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will discuss Syria with UN envoy Lakhdar Brahimi today, amid reports that Syria is deploying its chemical weapons.
Russia, China warn North Korea about potential rocket launch

The two Asian superpowers are trying to convince their small Communist neighbor that launching another rocket is not in its best interest.
Planeloads of Syrian currency exposed, but does the Kremlin care?

A new report reveals that Russia printed and shipped eight planeloads of Syrian currency to Damascus over the summer, providing a critical lifeline to the Assad regime.
Russian NGOs say new law makes them look like spies (+video)

The majority of Russian NGOs with outside funding sources have given notice that they will not submit to the law and some are bracing for a legal battle to protect their existence.
Russian beauty queen puts spotlight on Russia's official corruption

Her public denunciation of Russia's corruption surprised some this week. It also coincided with one of the Kremlin's periodic efforts to convince Russians that something is being done about it.
Germany's Merkel pays Putin a prickly visit

Despite the strong economic ties between Germany and Russia, the country's relations have been strained as of late over the Kremlin's recent apparent political crackdowns.
Putin's invite to Obama: a formality or a good omen?

Many in Moscow see Putin's invitation to Obama to visit Russia as diplomatic decorum unlikely to warm a chilly relationship. But others suggest that the Russian leader may be ready to deal.
War with Iran? 5 ways events overseas could shape Obama's second term.

The threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program is the most urgent example of the foreign-policy challenges that face President Obama in his second term. Here are four others.
In 'eloquent declaration,' Russia opens world's largest Jewish museum

Israeli President Shimon Peres, who was born in Belarus, inaugurated the Jewish Museum, noting its powerful testament to how a country can change.
Russia not Obama's 'No. 1 foe,' but Moscow doubts a fresh 'reset'

Obama promised 'more flexibility' with Russia after his reelection. But President Putin is pursuing a foreign policy agenda that is increasingly critical of the US.
Russian defense minister's sacking suggests political infighting (+video)

Anatoly Serdyukov is mired in a corruption scandal, but some experts say that he was driven out by conservatives unhappy with his military reforms.
In Election Day Olympics, US gets an F from the Russian judge

In what may be tit-for-tat recriminations for US expressions of concern regarding Russian democracy, the Russian elections chief ranks the US election system 'the worst in the world.'
Vladimir Putin to get a new, Russian-made ride

Putin has decided to ditch foreign-made armored limos in favor of a Russian model. But experts say the move, while patriotic, won't change things for the utilitarian Russian auto industry.