Topic: Russian KGB

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10 novels to watch for in 2012

Here are 10 must-read novels coming at you in early 2012.
Putin croons like Sinatra: Top 7 marquee moments

We all know how Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin loves sport, and also loves to show off his abilities as a sportsman. But he's also shown a gentler side, one willing to grace a stage and croon like Frank Sinatra.
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Editor's Blog
Russia's one-man brand

Like too many Russian leaders, Vladimir Putin's long shadow makes it hard to see the real owners of Russia -- its people.
Cover Story
Putin inauguration: World view of a Russian feeling dissed

As the second presidential inauguration of Vladimir Putin approaches, a former correspondent who once worked for him looks at the world view of the Russian iron man. His theory: The president is feeling dissed by the West and believes it conspires to "destroy" Russia.
A weakened Putin is questioned abroad, under siege at home

Russia's President-elect Vladimir Putin may have won the presidential election, but he lost Moscow. And he faces an engaged, active generation that did not grow up as Soviets. Political legitimacy is more than an official election result; it requires trust.
Russian elections: Putin 4.0 at a crossroads

After Russian elections on Sunday, expect what amounts to a fourth term for Putin. But Putin 4.0 faces a tough choice. His KGB officer instincts call for tightening the grip. But Russia's future – and thousands of protesters – demand greater freedom and reforms.
Putin on trial? Fake video goes viral in Russia (+video)

A startlingly realistic – but fake – video that shows Vladimir Putin on trial for terrorism has found an enthusiastic Russian audience, with 3 million-plus hits since Monday.
10 novels to watch for in 2012

Here are 10 must-read novels coming at you in early 2012.
In Russia, a new badge of honor for Putin critics: a jail term

The frequent arrests of one veteran anti-Kremlin activist, Sergei Udaltsov, have gained him a broader base of support among Russia's opposition than he could previously claim.
Russia protests and other 2011 uprisings: A year of yearning for clean government

On Dec. 24, tens of thousands of Russians plan to protest again over election fraud and other official corruption. The event will bookend a remarkable year of efforts, from China to India to Brazil, to rein in graft in high places.
Global News Blog
Putin crony appointed to top Kremlin staff post

 A former KGB colleague of Putin has been appointed chief of staff for the Kremlin, signaling continuing concern about the strength of the protest movement.
Russia election: Putin promises changes, faces protests

Under pressure after Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's party won only a slim majority in parliament on Sunday and the opposition staged its biggest protest in Moscow for years, Putin responded by promising changes.
Can Vladimir Putin win back Russian voters?

Vladimir Putin's United Russia Party lost seats in Sunday's parliamentary election. As Russian discontent grows, can Putin regain lost ground in his presidential election bid?
The Soviet August Coup still resonates 20 years later

Twenty years ago today, Communist Party hard-liners staged a coup to guard against further democratic reforms. The takeover failed but triggered the Soviet collapse.
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.
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.
Belarus cracks down on growing protests

Belarus security services detained at least 450 protesters in the wake of rallies across the country against the strong-armed measures of President Alexander Lukashenko.
Yelena Bonner: Are there any dissidents like her in Russia today?

Friends and colleagues of Soviet dissident Yelena Bonner, who died in Boston over the weekend, say today it's possible to work within the system – meaning true dissidents are rare.
How Russians survived militant atheism to embrace God

Today, less than 20 years after the collapse of the officially atheistic Soviet Union, Russia has emerged as the most God-believing nation in Europe. That's a testament to the devotion of babushkas who kept the flames of faith alive in the face of state-sponsored repression.
Russia's lie-detecting ATM: not just a KGB fantasy

Designed by a company whose clients include the KGB's successor, the new ATM performs facial recognition, reads fingerprints, and checks voiceprints to determine whether users are lying.
West threatens more sanctions as Belarus hits opposition with tough sentences

President Alexander Lukashenko may face further isolation after a Belarusian court sentenced a former presidential candidate to five years in prison and put his wife on probation. Moscow may help economically, but on tough terms.
Belarus economy appears to unravel in wake of terror attack, crackdown

A terrorist attack in Belarus last week and dire warnings aimed at the opposition by President Lukashenko prompted many Belarussians to exchange currency and stockpile supplies.
Belarus terror probe widens into crackdown on opposition

Authorities say three suspects admitted involvement in Monday's bombing, but they are still searching for the group behind the blast in an investigation targeting Belarus's opposition groups.
Belarus seeks two in terror attack that baffles security experts

Belarus authorities say they have images of two male suspects in what experts call a sophisticated terror attack. They have tightened security around Minsk metro stations.
Medvedev slams Putin's 'inexcusable' Libya 'crusade' comments

The sharp exchange of words on Monday reveals what some Russia experts say is a growing rift between Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev.
Biden's Moscow visit reaffirms US-Russia 'reset'

Vice President Biden's two-day visit to Russia was aimed at bolstering economic ties. He also called on the Kremlin to take a harder line against corruption.
Russia's ex-spy Anna Chapman launches website amid rumors of political run

The former secret agent has launched a flashy website to promote a sprouting career. Anna Chapman's potential bid for Russian parliament is rumored to have backing from Vladimir Putin's political party.