Topic: Vladimir Putin

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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.
Hugo Chavez: Global reactions to the Venezuelan leader's death

While he was alive, Hugo Chávez – the longest ruling democratically elected leader in Latin America – inspired people who loved him as often as he inflamed those who didn’t. That polarization seemed to follow him in death.
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 Pictures: Julian Assange and the WikiLeaks Scandal
What is Russia thinking on Syria? A brief guide

As the crisis in Syria collapses into what looks like full-blown civil war, Russia's response stems from a complicated mix of principle, self-interest, mistrust of Western motives, and differing perceptions of the situation.

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The Monitor's View: Out of disasters in Russia and China, a bloom of compassion

Russian volunteers rushed to the city of Krymsk after its July 7 flood, just as Chinese gave generously after a 2008 earthquake. Heartfelt, organized charity isn't easy for authoritarian regimes to tolerate.
Syria conflict: Is the West 'blackmailing' Russia to pass UN resolution?

The Russian foreign minister claims the West is threatening not to renew a UN observer mission in Syria if Russia doesn't vote for a resolution that could lead to military intervention.
Evidence exists to bring Syria war-crimes case: French diplomat (+video)

France's top human rights diplomat says 'the raw material is there' in the Syria conflict to refer case to the International Criminal Court at The Hague.
Russian crackdown on dissent goes virtual

In its most recent attempt to quell dissent, Russia adopted a new Internet bill that appears aimed at restricting public debate.
Adoption: US-Russian pact met with caution, hope

Adoption of Russian children by Americans may become simpler after Russia ratified an adoption pact on Tuesday, but some parents in the process are less optimistic.
Moscow sends warships to Syria: war games or evacuation?

Almost half the ships in a Russian flotilla headed to Syria are well suited for transporting large numbers of people. As many as 100,000 Russians may live in Syria.
Adoption: Russian official focuses on ranch for troubled adoptees

Ranch for Kids owner denies claims of mistreatment and says she is concerned that the recent US-Russian adoption treaty may help Russian officials establish lawsuits against adoptive parents.
More prison for feminist punk rockers riles liberal Russians

A Russian court refused to grant bail on Monday to three alleged members of the controversial feminist rock band Pussy Riot for alleged hooliganism.
Russia to cease selling new weapons to Syria

Russia will continue with previously agreed exports, but will not be selling new arms to Syria, the deputy chief of the Russian military and technical cooperation agency, said Monday.
The Dictator's Learning Curve

Journalist William Dobson looks at the ‘nimble’ tactics of autocrats in an age of social media.
Poor Russian flood response spurs charges of negligence (+video)

As Russians mark an official day of mourning for the victims of the floods disaster, public officials scramble to deflect blame.
Russian floods kill 150 after a foot of rain falls in a day (+video)

Residents in the Black Sea region question whether the release of water from a reservoir contributed to the catastrophe.
Clinton says Russia, China should 'pay price' over Syria (+video)

At Paris meeting, US Secretary of State Clinton lambasted Russia, China for 'blockading' progress. The meeting came amid news that a top Syrian general has defected.
Many Russian NGOs face 'foreign agent' label

A draft law requiring NGOs that receive outside funding to register as 'foreign agents' will further limit their political independence.
What is Russia thinking on Syria? A brief guide

As the crisis in Syria collapses into what looks like full-blown civil war, Russia's response stems from a complicated mix of principle, self-interest, mistrust of Western motives, and differing perceptions of the situation.
KGB vs. KGB: Putin's crackdown extends to old comrades

Arrests and intimidation of political opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin have been on the upswing recently, extending even to a former KGB comrade of the Russian leader.
Diplomacy or military intervention in Syria? 7 opinions from around the globe.

After 15 months of violence in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad announced yesterday that the country was facing a full-on civil war, a conflict he would do everything in his power to win.This adds increased pressure to the ongoing international question du jour: Is the answer to Syria’s conflict diplomacy or military intervention? Or something else entirely? From Thailand to Jordan, here are some opinions around the globe.
Putin to Israel: Beware 'not that smart' wars, like ones in Iraq, Afghanistan

'To do something without knowing the final consequence isn't that smart,' Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week, citing US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was in Israel, warning leaders there of risks of a military strike against Iran.
Israel and Russia: Trade and restive Arab world outweigh differences on Iran

As Russian President Vladimir Putin visits Israel, burgeoning technology cooperation and a shared concern about Islamic extremism seem to be overtaking a history of poor relations.
Syria's downing of Turkish jet unlikely to pull NATO into Syrian conflict (+video)

Military action is unlikely to get the support of either the UN Security Council or the Arab League, and outside intervention without the blessing of both of those bodies is all but unthinkable. And there is little appetite among the 28 NATO countries for another war in the Middle East.
Russia warns that Iran nuclear talks too slow to forestall conflict

Russian is uniquely placed to mediate between Iran and world powers, but analysts say Moscow's role is limited in part by a lack of compromise from Washington and Tehran.
Economy casts shadow on Rio+20 environmental summit

World leaders are gathering in Brazil for a three-day meeting on sustainable development, but the US election and Europe's economic woes are making the conference a subdued affair.
Rio Summit: Environmentalists slam agreements as too weak

Rio Summit: Expectations were low, and environmentalists say that texts diplomats agreed upon fail to set sustainable development goals.
Terrorism & Security Russian effort to send helicopters to Syria hits snag

A British insurer revoked coverage from a Russian ship that was delivering helicopters to Syria. Without insurance, ships cannot enter port.
Keep Calm French envoy: Russia is key player in Syria crisis

Russia supplies Syria with arms and protects it from military intervention by UN forces. But the French ambassador to US, François Delattre, says Russia may be more flexible than it seems.