Russia Launches Campaign Against a Blogger

Recently, Savva Terentyev, a citizen of the town of Siktivkar, 22, was charged for the first Russian case of posting abusive comments in the popular online blog LiveJournal.com. It all started with an insult of the Russian police, but Russia is charging him with "inciting racial and religious hatred and word abusing of law-enforcement authorities."

The spokesman of the Siktivkar Court said that “thorough text expertise concluded Terentyev’s comment to incite hatred on base of religious, political or cultural differences, and also to abuse people publicly by means of mass media”.

"In case proved guilty, Terentyev will be either charged the fine of 4 up to 12 thousand dollars or will have to pay off his 1 to 2-year minimum salary, or will be forced to obligatory work for 180 hours. The case started a year ago, when Terentyev posted a comment in the blog of one of komi’s journalist. The comment was a rough offence to the police. In a few days Terentyev’s apartment was raided and system block with floppies was withdrawn."

To read the full story, click here.

This shows just how controlled public speech and also that civil liberties are severely limited. I found this an interesting article because it is based around a blog post that resulted in such a huge "crime." A story like this makes one appriciate the fact that our government in the US can't charge the public with crimes like this yet.

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Medvedev Reaches Out to Future U.S. Leader

Medvedev, who is predicted to be Russia's next president, "reached out, sort of, to Washington on Tuesday, saying he was willing to work with any future American president who isn't stuck in the past and doesn't have "semi-senile views." "Although of course it's easier to work with people who have modern positions, and not with those who have glints of the past in their eyes, who frequently profess such semi-senile views," he added.

Although Dmitry Medevedev is most likely to become the next president, there are many who critizice and some are even going to boycott the coming elections. "Garry Kasparov called out to Western nations to snub President Vladimir Putin's hand-picked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, and called for a boycott of Sunday's election and protests the following day." Also, a leading Russian human rights advocate and watchdog Amnesty International joined in the criticism of a presidential campaign that has been heavily tilted in Medvedev's favor.

"Kasparov's political movement plans protests on Monday in St. Petersburg and Moscow, despite a ban by Moscow authorities. Police have violently broken up such demonstrations in the past, and he predicted more riot police than demonstrators.Meanwhile, Sergei Kovalyov, a leading human rights advocate and Soviet-era political prisoner, sent an open letter to Putin and other officials calling the electoral process a "tasteless farce." He said the current situation in Russia is "a dead end from which not one path leads to democracy.""

To read the full story, click here.

Now, when Russia had a chance to demonstrate a few qualities od democracy, they cannot even achieve that. All the while, Medvedev's existent, even though it is vague, offers hope for improved international relationships and better dealings specifically with Western nations like the US.

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Russia Accuses Election Monitors of Holding Bias

"Russia's chief election manager has accused foreign observers of bias ahead of Sunday's presidential election. "Some international observers come to Russia with ready-made conclusions and opinions which have nothing in common with reality," Vladimir Churov said." They will be the only Western observers to monitor the Russian polls.

"Earlier this month, the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe - the continent's main election watchdog - said it would boycott the polls because of Moscow-imposed restrictions." Lately, the OSCE and Russia have been having disputes the "size and scope of the observers' mission." In turn, "Russia's foreign ministry has called the monitors' decision "unacceptable"."

To read the full story, click here.

Although Medvedev is an almost gaurunteed to be the succesor of Putin, claims that the elections were influenced by forces to make the results untrue could result in violent civil strife and protests. This could also lead to international powers to challalenge Medvedev's right to rule.

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Ukraine Stops The Gas Flow

KIEV (Thomson Financial) - A top Ukrainian official on Friday rejected one of the terms of a gas deal this month with Russia requiring the creation of a joint venture to distribute Russian gas in Ukraine, news agencies reported.

"We think there is no need to form a joint venture to work on the internal market," Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Turchinov was quoted as saying by Interfax and RIA Novosti.

He said Ukrainian company Naftogaz was capable of working alone on the domestic market without needing to hook up with Russia's Gazprom.

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Ukrainian officals have put a stopp to Russia's gas deal. The Ukrain believes that they can accomplish the needed results by themeselves. This will make Russia very melancholy becasue they will loose money in this deal gone wrong. The aricle providedes yet another example of Russian diplomatic relations.

Russia Pledges Support to Serbia

"The man tipped to become the next Russian president has vowed his country will "stick to" its support for Serbia in opposing Kosovo's independence.

Deputy PM Dmitry Medvedev was in Belgrade for talks with Serb President Boris Tadic and PM Vojislav Kostunica.

Although its focus is mainly economic, the visit is seen as a sign of support for Serbia's view on Kosovo, the BBC's Bethany Bell in Belgrade says.

Kosovo's declaration of independence sparked protests in Serbia last week.

"We proceed from the assumption that Serbia is a united country, whose jurisdiction covers the whole of its territory, and we shall stick to this principled stand," Mr Medvedev said during his meeting with Mr Kostunica, Russian news agency Itar-Tass reported."

Mr Medvedev's comments, and the timing of his visit, will be seen as evidence that Russia's foreign policy is unlikely to change once serving President Vladimir Putin steps down.

Mr Putin's term in office has seen a marked deterioration in relations with the West, most recently over the issues of Kosovo and Nato's ambitions in former eastern bloc states like Poland and the Czech Republic.

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This is important because it can cripple Russian international relationships. By supporting Serbia, Russia has alienated itself from the countries that support Kosovo’s independence. Tensions between Russia and the United States are now more strained than ever since the U.S supports Kosovo’s independence. The main reason Russia is backing Serbia is because of their trade deal between Gazprom and the Serbian state enterprise, Serbiagas.

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Lenin's Moving Down Town

The body of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Great October Revolution, which has been resting in Kremlin’s Mausoleum for decades, will be committed to earth with all honours, the way a country’s leader should be interred.
Lenin’s body may finally be buried outside Moscow

The Federal Memorial Complex where greatest personas of Russian and Soviet history will be interred is expected to be unveiled in Moscow by 2010 to coincide with the 65th anniversary of the victory in the Great Patriotic War. The cemetery will have several alleys. The main alley will comprise only 30 tombs.

“There will be Lenin’s tomb on the cemetery as well,” said Russian painter and project leader Sergei Goriaev in an interview with Zhizn newspaper. “The problem escalated long ago. At the session of the organizing committee devoted to the building of the memorial complex they discussed the possibilities to rebury Lenin and other great people interred on the Red Square. However, there is no official decision yet."

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Russian officials are contemplating relocating the body of past leader Valdimir Lenin. They want to bury him in a Federal Memorial Complex which will contain the great people of Russia. This article shows us just one of the many interesting happenings of Russia. It will be intersting to see the layout of this new complex.

Estonia Fears Russia Dictatorship

Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves

"Russia could be sliding into dictatorship as Germany did soon after World War I, Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves has warned.

"There is a mentality of being stabbed in the back that reminds me of the Weimar Republic," Mr Ilves told Russia's Moscow Times newspaper.

The Weimar Republic is the name given to the German state in 1919-1933 - before Adolf Hitler's rise to power.

Estonia-Russia ties have been tense since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Last year, Tallinn and Moscow had an all-out row over the relocation of a Soviet-era war memorial in the Estonian capital. "

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This shows yet another tense international relationship involving Russia. Since the Estonian President is comparing Russia’s actions to those of the Weimar Republic, the people of both Russia and Estonia must feel uneasy about their borders with each other.

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Free Speech 'Shrinking' in Russia

Amnesty International

Russian freedom of speech is "shrinking alarmingly" under President Vladimir Putin, says Amnesty International.

The murders of outspoken journalists go unsolved, independent media outlets have been shut and police have attacked opposition protesters, said the report.

It also said "arbitrary" laws were curbing the right to express opinion and silencing NGOs deemed to be a threat by the authorities.

The report comes ahead of Russian's presidential elections on 2 March.

The director of Amnesty International UK, Kate Allen, said: "The space for freedom of speech is shrinking alarmingly in Russia and it's now imperative that the Russian authorities reverse this trend."

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The report goes on to say that if this problem is not fixed, more outspoken journalists could end up missing or dead like reporter Anna Politkovskaya. Russia has already prohibited some public demonstrations, like the Gay Pride Parade, and will undoubtedly curtail any more opposition in the near future since elections are Sunday.

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Orthodox Church Unholy Alliance with Putin

"Russia's Orthodox Church, despite decades of brutal repression under Soviet rule, is putting its trust in the KGB to ensure that a remarkable religious revival does not fade with the departure of President Vladimir Putin." The Church even "endorsed deputy prime minister Dmitry Medvedev ahead of next week's presidential election." This is a very strong move seeing that Alexei II, the Church's patriarch, holds sway over 100 million voters.

"The relationship might seem odd. It was the KGB, after all, that led persecution of the Church in Soviet times, when priests were regularly jailed, tortured and executed. Neither this nor accusations that Mr Putin is restoring many of the attributes of Soviet rule seem to bother Alexei.Although he has never confirmed it, the patriarch, like the president, is a former KGB agent codenamed Drozdov, according to Soviet archives opened to experts in the 1990s."

"The number of Russians who identify themselves as Orthodox has doubled in the past decade, with two-thirds of the 140 million population proclaiming the faith - quite a feat after seven decades of official atheism.Yet most Russians say they follow Orthodoxy for national rather than moral reasons. Deeply patriotic and with a declared intention of making Russia great again, the Church has milked the sentiment.Priests are regularly seen on television sprinkling holy water on bombers and even nuclear missiles, a blessing that reinforces Mr Putin's own militaristic philosophy."

To read the full story, click here.

Since this story comes from a British news source, there is a slightly degrading tone against Russia which tells a news story but also illustrates the national ill-will between the two countries. On the subject of the story itself, the act of the Church endorsing a political candidate shows just how tied the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian government are.

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Russia Could Use Force in Kosovo

Russia's ambassador to Nato, Dmitry Rogozin, has stated that if the dispute over Kosovo independence continues, Russia could potentially use military force. "If the EU develops a unified position or if Nato exceeds its mandate set by the UN, then these organisations will be in conflict with the UN," he said. While many members of the EU support Kosovo's independence, there remain several who are strongly opposed. "Russia, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, backs Serbia, which has condemned the independence declaration issued by the Kosovo parliament on 17 February."

"On Tuesday members of the Serb minority in Kosovo attacked two border posts staffed by UN personnel and Kosovo police. The violence led the Nato troops in Kosovo - known as K-For - to reinforce the border with Serbia." This increase in violence could be the spark Russia needs to claim the use of brute force.

Even the Russian media is speaking out. "A commentary in the Vesti Plus analytical programme, on state-run television, called the assassinated former Serbian Prime Minister, Zoran Djindjic, a Western puppet who had "received a well-deserved bullet". It said Djindjic had sold national heroes to the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague. The programme concluded that Serbia - and not only Serbia - must now decide whether to acquiesce in what has happened, or resist."

To read the full story, click here.

With Russia already politically chaffing with the UK, this could bring conflict with Russia and the rest of the world. If they do employ military force, there is a likely chance that other nations will react in hopes of preserving an independent Kosovo.

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The Russians Revolt

The Russian Revolution of 1917 is also called the Bolshevik Revolution or the October Revolution. In 1917 there were actually two revolutions in Russia. One was the February Revolution in which the Tsar abdicated his throne and the Provisional Government took power. The other was the October Revolution in which the Provisional Government was overthrown by the Bolsheviks.

The Russian Revolution of 1917 played a very important role in world history and also a major role in the history of the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Baltic peoples also played a major role in the 1917 Revolution, particularly the Latvian Bolsheviks who comprised a key portion of the Red Guards that defended the Bolsheviks at a crucial time in its early existence.

Earlier, during the 1905 Revolution in Russia, the peasants in the Baltic took this as their cue to revolt against their rulers. At different times in history, the Estonian and Latvian peasants had been ruled by Tsarist Russia, the Kingdom of Sweden, and the Baltic German nobility; Lithuanian peasants were governed by Russia and before it, by the Kingdom of Poland (1569 to 1791). They saw this time period as an opportunity to finally take control over their destiny and to rule them selves. Though it didn't lead to independence at this time, it independence did emerge from 1918 till 1940 for the people of the Baltic States.

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This is an article outlining the important events in the Russian Revolution. The Revolution is a major part of Russia's history. History is just one of the many ways we can compare government. We can also learn about the changing of regimes.

Medvedev Accuses UK Organization of Spying

In an interview with the weekly Itogi, Putin's likely succesor, Dmitry Mevedev accused the British Council and foreign NGO with spying on Russia. Medvedev's strong comments came as a somewhat suprise, as he "has tended to take a less confrontational tone with the West than Putin, leading to speculation that his expected election on March 2 might ease tension that has built up in recent years."

"Medvedev suggested supporting Russian actions that led the British Council -- an international cultural body funded by the British government -- to suspend operations at its offices in St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Moscow said the offices were operating illegally. "If someone allows you in their home, act decently," Medvedev said in the interview published on Itogi's Web site." He went on to say,"After all, it's known that state-financed structures like the British Council ... conduct a mass of other activities that are not so widely advertised. Among other things, they are involved in gathering information and conducting intelligence activity."

This confrontation has further poisoned the already less than cordial relationship between Britian and Russia that is "already strained by both countries' refusal to hand over suspects for prosecution. Raising memories of Soviet-style scare tactics, Russian staff of the council were interviewed at night by Russian police and intelligence agents."

"Medvedev also rejected Western accusations that Russia uses its energy riches as a tool in political blackmail, saying similar charges could just as easily be pressed against the United States."If one so desired, one could call the U.S. a financial aggressor and economic terrorist for forcing its currency and its business standards on the world," he said."


To read the full story, click here.


Russia seems to be digging itself into a whole with its hostile attitude toward the Western nations. This also shows that Medvedev will not improve Russian ties with Britian as it was thought for some time. Not only will they not improve with Britian, making claims against the US like the one that he did could spark even more international issues for Russia.


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Russia Proposes to Ukraine Joint Development of Oil, Gas Fields

Gazprom Building

Moscow, February 20 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has proposed to Ukraine the joint development of hydrocarbon fields in both countries on the basis of equitable asset swaps, the Russian prime minister said on Wednesday after bilateral talks.

"Our proposals to Ukraine concern not only transit operations, but also the joint development of hydrocarbons deposits in both countries, with a commensurate swapping of assets," Viktor Zubkov said.

The prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine confirmed the natural gas commitments made by their respective presidents.

Following talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Yulia Tymoshenko, Zubkov said: "We have reaffirmed our rigorous compliance with the commitments made by our presidents in this field."

He also there were good prospects for Russian-Ukrainian cooperation in the nuclear sphere and in power engineering.

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This article goes on to say that while imports from the Ukraine have increased to almost 40%, Russian exports only grew 9%. The latest agreement between the two countries seems to be a way for Russia to undo some of its past wrongs when dealing with Ukraine and perhaps reap some of Ukraine’s trade benefits. The direct link between Gazprom and Naftogaz could create a super gas company that could create a monopoly on fuel in their area and it could cause the price of fuel to fluctuate.

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Human Rights Watch Chief Hits Out At Russia Over Visa Refusal

The head of Human Rights Watch, the New York-based monitoring group, accused Russia yesterday of denying him a visa to visit Moscow to prevent him from presenting a highly critical report on the Kremlin's treatment of civil society groups.

Kenneth Roth, the group's executive director, said the case was the first time Russia had denied a visa to Human Rights Watch since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"It's a very disappointing shift," Mr Roth told the Financial Times from New York. "Russia is in a small class of countries that has rejected a Human Rights Watch visa. It's not something governments tend to do now."

He said he had visited countries such as China, Libya and Saudi Arabia without problems.

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Russia is back in the spotlight after they denied a Human Rights Watch representative a visia into the counrty so that he could write a report on the treatment of the Russian. This is another attempt by Russia to cover up its secrets. If they had nothing to hide, there would be no problem. Will we soon find out some the horrid truths of Russia.

Organizers of Moscow Gay Pride Parade Claim 1 Million Euros for Their Sufferings

Peter Tatchell is a veteran gay rights activist who

was punched by a Russian Orthodox extremist in Moscow.

"Organizers of the Moscow gay pride parade sent their second complaint against Russia to the European Court of Human Rights last week, claiming the compensation of one million euros.

“I am absolutely certain of our final victory in Strasburg. The Russian authorities arbitrarily deprived us of the right guaranteed by both the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the European Convention (on Human Rights),” Nikolai Alexeyev, an organizer told Interfax.

On May 16, 2007 Moscow authorities banned to organize another gay parade in Russia’s capital. In the autumn of 2007, a regional court together with the Moscow State Court acknowledged this decision as legal, which made the organizers appeal to the European Court of Human Rights.

In May of 2007, the Moscow police arrested gay rights activists, when they tried to deliver a letter to Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, in which they asked him to allow a gay pride parade. A German parliamentarian, Volker Beck, Marko Kapatto, an Italian from the European Parliament and British activist Peter Tatchell were a few of the detainees."

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There are two sides to this story. If one looks at the supporters of the parade, it is obvious that the government is discriminating and even abusing some of the people’s rights. However, if one looks at the Russian government’s stance, it is possible to say that they are operating in everyone’s best interests. By banning the parade in the capital city, an extremely large and bustling Moscow, they are protecting both the people in the parade and the common people of the city. This type of parade is extremely controversial and there are extremists on both side that could escalate the event into one of violence. By eliminating the parade they are eliminating the chance of violent encounters and, unfortunately, the right of some people to demonstrate.

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Russian Ex-Minister Stole Funds

Yevgeny Adamov

"A Russian judge has found former atomic energy minister Yevgeny Adamov guilty of abuse of office and embezzling millions of dollars.

Mr Adamov was extradited from Switzerland in December 2005. The US accuses him of embezzling $9m (£4.6m) it donated to improve nuclear safety.

A Russian prosecutor asked the court to sentence Mr Adamov to nine years in jail. He denies any wrongdoing."

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This article shows how many problems the Russian government has. The corruption of some of the top officials in the Russian government has crippled and stifled the progress, growth, and the economy of Russia.

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The Last Tsar

Nicholas II was born on May 6, 1868, in Tsarskoe Selo. He was delivered by his mother Marie Fyodorovna Romanova, formerly Dagmar, Princess of Denmark. His father Alexander Romanov was an important member of the Russian government.

Unlike the rest of the Romanov men, Nicholas was not a very big man. The other men were always very intimidating; Nicholas however, was a mere 5' 6 tall. To make up for his lack of height, Nicholas worked out with weights and other various athletic equipment.

Nicholas was known for his regal appearance. He had lively blue eyes that people always thought were the well of his soul. He wore his brown hair parted to the left and had a thick beard. He had golden highlights throughout. Those golden highlights stayed with him throughout his life and became his signature feature.

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This is a brief article about the last Tzar of Russia. From here we can learn about Russia's past and one political leaders. Comparing politics often involves looking at the past of the nations in comparison.

Russia: "no legal basis" to recognize Kosovo independence

UNITED NATIONS, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin said Sunday that there is no legal basis for any country to recognize the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.

There is "no legal basis for even considering the recognition of this unilateral declaration of independence," Churkin told reporters after attending an emergency session of the UN Security Council on Kosovo.

He said the council agreed that UN Security Council resolution 1244 adopted in 1999 remains in force and that the UN presence in Kosovo remains in force.

"Therefore, there can be no unilateral proclamation of independence," Churkin said, adding that this declaration should be "disregarded by the international community."

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This article shows Russia's unwillingness to give up. They are still trying to hold on to Kosovo. This loop hole may be a big break through in the fight.

Political Heir Is Less Rosy Than Putin on the State of Russia

MOSCOW — The presumptive successor to President VladimirV. Putin presented his platform for seeking Russia’shighest office on Friday, giving a speech before business leaders in Siberia in which he vowed to continue Russia’s economic revival, but also struck markedly liberal notes. Dmitri A. Medvedev met with reporters at a business forum in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk on Friday.

The speech by the candidate, First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitri A. Medvedev, was a contrast to the public appearance only a day before by Mr. Putin, his sponsor. Mr. Putin was confrontational and sometimes caustic in what the Kremlin had billed as his final news conference as president.

On Thursday, Mr. Putin had sharply criticized the West and the United States, threatened to aim strategic missiles at Europe and said Russia would continue to develop its own, state-centered brand of democracy without instruction from outside.

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Could the platform of Russia's new presidential candidate be a facade? This article gives us more incite on the political workings of Russia. We also learn about Putin's hostile attitude and other poltical misleadings. The tension seems to be growing quickly.

Mevedev Makes Pledge for Economy

"The man expected to become Russia's next president, Dmitry Medvedev, has said that reducing the economic role of the state was among his priorities." He also dicussed fighting against corruption when he is elected President of Russia in March.

Mr. Medvedev, 42, is first deputy prime minister and head of Russia's state gas monopoly, Gazprom. Speaking at the Krasnoyarsk economic forum in Siberia on Friday, he said "a significant share of the functions carried out by state organs should be given over to the private sector".

He also stated that large state-owned companies should adapt to remain competitive. "I think there is no reason for the majority of state officials to sit on the boards of those firms. They should be replaced by truly independent directors, which the state would hire to implement its plans," said Medvedev.

Mr Medvedev said he would seek to make Russia into "one of the biggest financial centres in the world" with a stable currency, strong banking sector and reformed tax system.

To read the full story, click here.

Although Mr. Medvedev is currently the head of Russia's state gas monopoly, Gazprom, he speaks of an economy that is competitive. His current position doesn't mirror his political ideas, but if he worked towards a freer market, Russia could greatly benifit.

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Putin To Attend Nato Summit

"Russian President Vladimir Putin will attend a Nato summit in the Romanian capital Bucharest in April, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says." This decision "comes at a time of tense relations between Nato and Russia." Hopefully, this will be able to smooth some issues that Russia has been having with other nations. As Mr. Lavrov said,"This yet again testifies to the fact that Russia is open to dialogue on any issues." Nato has yet to confirm the invitation.


Recently, Putin "condemned Nato's eastward expansion and the US plan to include Poland and the Czech Republic in a missile defence shield." "It is already clear that a new phase in the arms race is unfolding in the world," Putin said. "It is not our fault, because we did not start it." Putin also said that other countries are spending far more money on weapontry than Russia, but "Russia would always respond to the challenges of a new arms race by developing more hi-tech weaponry," he added.


To read the story in full, click here.


This motion by Putin to attempt to smooth foreign relations could be a good sign. His discussion of a new arms race will most likely be looked on negatively by other nations although he makes a clear point that Russia is not going to officially start it.

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Russia Proposes Space Arms Treaty

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

"Russia and China have proposed a new international treaty to ban the use of weapons in outer space.

At a disarmament conference in Geneva, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said world security would suffer if an arms race in space was not stopped.

The draft treaty would prohibit the deployment of weapons in space and the use or threat of force against satellites or other craft, he said.

The United States has long opposed being bound by such an agreement.

Correspondents say tensions have increased in recent years over US plans for a new generation of missile shields.

In particular, Moscow is opposed to the country's plans to build part of its new system in Poland and the Czech Republic."

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This article is important because it could turn into another Cold War between Russia and China and the United States. China has recently started working on its own space program. Weapons launched into space will result in a chain reaction. Russia and China are worried that the United States, which has the upper hand in space arms technology, will not agree to the ban on weapons in space.

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Russia in Ukraine Missile Threat

Viktor Yushchenko

"Russia has said it may target its missiles at Ukraine if its neighbour joins Nato and accepts the deployment of the US missile defence shield.

Russian President Vladimir Putin made the comments in Moscow alongside Ukraine's President, Viktor Yushchenko.

Mr Putin has condemned US plans to include Poland and the Czech Republic in its missile defence shield.

The leaders had been meeting in urgent talks over a gas dispute and announced a deal to avoid disrupting supplies."

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The rest of the article discusses the other issues Russia is involved in. The countries in Europe are worried that since Russia has agreed to freeze gas prices while Ukraine pays back Gazprom, the prices of gas in Europe will fluctuate. Russia is responding to Ukraine’s attempt to join NATO by developing more high-tech weapons.

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Putin Insists on New Scenario for Russia

On February 8, after the Russian President finished his 45-minute address about the strategy of the Russian development before 2020 at the State Council’s enlarged meeting, analysts got confused in their comments. They varied from “Putin left his will” to “he will not leave at all.” Some said that “he first acknowledged arms race,” others believed that “he said nothing new,” etc.

Moreover, after the third part of the speech was said, it could be concluded that the only aim of the presidential address was to remind everyone of the terrible situation in Russia before Putin and the improvements achieved during his presidency. Afterwards, Putin promised that Russia would continue its development. He really specified plans and goals, but it was just a brief outline. The landmark speech lacked the list of mechanisms and resources required for achieving such goals. That is why Putin’s speech looked more like the final report of the past eight years with best wishes for the forthcoming 12 years.

However, Putin’s address was neither a report, nor a summary of the strategy before 2020. In fact the attendees at the Georgievsky Hall of the Kremlin (where Putin delivered his speech) heard the following: “You think that our situation is good and is going to remain such? But if we adhere to the present scenario, things will get worse.”

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Putin’s message in his address was unclear. What was clear was that the economy of Russia is not doing well. Putin reminded everyone how bad it was before he became president, but he noted it stagnation. He wants progress and growth for Russia. The quality of life for Russians is bleak, many do not live to be sixty. This article shows how difficult life in Russia really is.

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Putin Tells Polish PM Russia wants to Improve Relations

Donald Tusk

MOSCOW, February 8 (RIA Novosti) - President Vladimir Putin told Poland's prime minister at talks in Moscow on Friday that Russia hopes to build a strong, businesslike relationship with its former Eastern Bloc ally.

Donald Tusk is currently on his first to Russia since he came to power in Poland in November 2007.

At the start of meeting Friday evening in the Kremlin, President Putin said: "I believe that re-establishing normal, businesslike cooperation and dialogue, embracing partnership and mutual interest, will allow us to find solutions to any problems."

The Polish premier told Putin his visit to Moscow has already shown that both countries want to put past hostilities behind them. Earlier in the day he met with Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and First Deputy Premier Dmitry Medvedev, who is almost certain to be elected Russia's president next month.

The talks with Zubkov and Medvedev "clearly show that both sides are fed up with the 'cold' atmosphere," Tusk said.

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This is important because it shows that Russia is attempting to patch some of their damaged international relationships. The chance of reconcilation between Russia and Poland began when Donald Tusk became the Prime Minister of Poland. Russia stopped their meat embargo and they are working on more programs with Poland.

Gazprom Threatens Ukraine Gas Cut

"Russian gas monopoly Gazprom has warned Ukraine it will reduce its gas supplies from next Monday if a $1.5bn (£772m) gas debt is not paid off." They say that this would affect only 25% of the country's total fuel supply.


On Wednesday, Ukraine joined the World Trade Organisation after 14 years of negotiations. Russia is the world's only major economy not to be a member.


This leads to claims Gazprom is also being accused of making this warning for political reasons, but Mr Kochevrin, the Gazprom spokesman, insisted "We're a commercial company: our investors won't understand if our profits fall."


To read the full story, click here.

Lately, Russia's government and businesses have been uncomfortabley chaffing with its surrounding nations and the larger power of the world. Aside from negatively impacting the Ukraine, this act will most likely further the already declining international opinion of Russia.

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Ex-Yukos Manager to Get Treatment

"A gravely ill former top manager of Russia's disbanded oil giant Yukos is to be transferred from jail to a clinic, prison officials say." Previously, he was denied medical treatement outside of the prison and his former boss, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, claimed that it was a punishment for not testifying. Then, he went on a hunger strike in hope that Vasily Aleksanyan might get the treatment in order to survive his stay in prison. "Mr Aleksanyan's lawyers say he has developed serious health complications and is nearly blind."


"Aleksanyan is currently being tried in Moscow on charges of embezzlement. The move to transfer him to hospital follows pressure from human rights activists on Russia's prison service. It reverses Wednesday's court ruling, which said that Mr Aleksanyan should be treated in jail."


To read the article in its entirety, click here.


This shows that, even in Russia, protests and political pressure from unions and activists can create positive results. Now, Aleksanyan will remain in custody, but attain the medical help he needed to survive AIDS and his near blindness.

NOTE: Neither Aleksanyan’s lawyers nor his family have been informed of his location, nor have they received confirmation that he is receiving treatment for AIDS as required by repeated injunctions of the European Court of Human Rights. One of Aleksanyan’s lawyers, Drew Holiner said: “We are very concerned about Vasily. We have no idea where he has been taken, and this is particularly alarming given Vasily’s repeated statements that he has been placed under pressure to give false testimony by investigators."For more information, go to www.mka-london.co.uk


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Film on Putin's Life

"A new film purported to be based on President Vladimir Putin's normally very private life is soon to be released in Russia." Although it does not mirror the Putin's private life, it bears a strong resemblance. "Its fictional hero is a German-speaking St Petersburg Russian with a secretive job who marries a stewardess, has two daughters and rises to the presidency. The film was completed five years ago, but there has been speculation that the Kremlin delayed its release until now, weeks before President Putin leaves office."

"Very little is known of President Putin's private life. His wife Ludmila rarely appears in public, and there are very few pictures of his grown-up daughters Maria and Katerina. Some of the film's key scenes appear to recreate Vladimir Putin's first meeting with Ludmila, their marriage in 1983 and their move to Dresden in Germany where he worked for the KGB, reports say."

To see the article in its entirety, click here.

This article will provide a more personal look at Putin and it has the capacity to carry Russian pride and feeling of familiarity to bring an increased desire to see him become Prime Minister after the March elections. Although the Kremlin was not consulted about the film, it is apparently kind in its opinion to Putin, his family, and his politics.

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Are You Ready to Rumble?

The latest flare-up between Moscow and London over the future of the British Council in Russia was entirely predictable.

Both sides have dug themselves into heavily fortified positions over the past month from which they are refusing to shift.

The British Council has refused to close two regional offices. It has become a test of wills and it is now a question of who will blink first.

Or alternatively, whether the Russian government will decide to use force to close the British Council's office in St Petersburg.

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From this article we learn more about the strife between Russia and Britain. We learn about Russia's and Britain's diplomatic relations so that we compare them better.Could the escalation in this diplomatic battle lead to a real battle on a battle field?

Just When You Thought It Couldn't Get Any Worst

You may have thought that relations between Britain and Russia could not get any worse.

I thought relations between Britain and Russia could not get any worse. I was wrong.

Russia has decided to raise the stakes again, and the victim is the poor old British Council. You may have never heard of the British Council. Even if you have, you may have no idea what it does. Plenty of people do not.

Even the British Ambassador to Moscow seemed a bit confused as to whether the Russians were ordering the closure of the British Council or the British Consul.

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From this article we learn about the British Council. We also see the lengths Russia will go through to prove a "political point." It also gives a little history on Russia's bad tie with Britain. International interaction is an important part of political comparison.

Russia Calls on Iran to Freeze Uranium Enrichment

MOSCOW, February 5 (RIA Novosti) - Russia has called on Iran to freeze uranium enrichment until key issues in its nuclear program have been cleared up with the IAEA, a Russian deputy foreign minister has said.

In an interview posted on the Foreign Ministry's official website on Tuesday, Sergei Kislyak said Iran should freeze enrichment activity until all of its nuclear program's "complicated points have been worked out."

"I believe that all this is entirely achievable if the appropriate political decisions are taken. International concerns can be easily allayed to create more favorable conditions for Iran's extensive cooperation with other countries," Kislyak said.

Western countries, particularly the U.S., suspect Tehran is pursuing a covert weapons program. However, Tehran has consistently claimed it needs nuclear power for civilian power generation and is fully entitled to its own nuclear program.

The Russian official hailed Iran's cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog in clarifying all the outstanding issues over its nuclear program. "This is very important in the context of restoring confidence related to Iran's [nuclear] program."

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This article is significant because this event could lead to more tension between the countries involved. It makes sense that Russia would be concerned about Iran's nuclear intentions since they are in close proximity. Russia is not trying to abolish Iran's nuclear program, they just want to make sure that everything Iran is working on has been cleared.

OSCE to Sabotage Russia's Presidential Election

A top Russian diplomat stated that OSCE sabotaged Moscow’s suggestions on the norms to monitor presidential elections in Russia. The official added that the Russian administration was not going to change the format of the international monitoring of March 2 elections in the Russian Federation, Interfax reports.

The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe asked Russia’s Central Election Committee to revise the number of observers and the time of their arrival in Moscow. The official invitation from the committee said that observers were allowed to come to Russia from February 28. The OSCE believes that it would be too late.

“The OSCE continues to openly sabotage our suggestion on collective norms of election monitoring,” the director of the European Department for Cooperation of the Russian Foreign Affairs Ministry, Sergei Ryabkov stated Friday. “We fulfill our obligations, but we are not going to over-fulfill them,” he added.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry believes that the mission of OSCE’s observers will arrive on February 28 to observe the presidential elections in Russia.

“The OSCE tries to excite doubts regarding Russia’s readiness to fulfill its obligations in the field of democratic and transparent elections,” Ryabkov said.

Ryabkov said the OSCE "must chose: whether to join a constructive and clear movement to single election monitoring standards, or continue its political games, which we do not accept."

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This is important because it concerns the upcoming elections that are on everyone's mind. The OSCE could have an impact on this years elections. The OSCE is the world's largest regional security organization whose 56 participating States span the geographical area from Vancover to Vladivostok. 

Sechin For Rosneft Board

MOSCOW, Feb 5 (Reuters) - The Kremlin's deputy head of staff, Igor Sechin, will run again for the board of state oil champion Rosneft, the government said on Tuesday, dashing speculation the powerful official could lose his big oil job this year.

Market analysts closely follow government nominations for the boards of large state corporates as a sign of how management will change after Russia elects its new president on March 2. Sechin is the chairman of Rosneft.

President Vladimir Putin, hugely popular at home, has picked First Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as his preferred candidate, making Medvedev's victory virtually certain.

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The Rosneft board is one of the leading energy companies in the world, let alone Russia. From this article we learn about the Rosneft board and the people on it. It is a very important part of Russia's econmy.

Jeff

The Benefits of Outsourcing
By Brian Boland and Walter Block

http://www.fee.org/publications/the-freeman/article.asp?aid=2855

Human Betterment Through Globalization
By Dr. Vernon L. Smith
http://www.fee.org/publications/notes/notes/HumanBetterment.asp

Assessment Complete

Russian Space Glitch Caused by Faulty Cable

According to a report on Tuesday, A faulty control cable caused the glitch that subjected two Russian cosmonauts and Malaysia's first space traveler to a rough trip back to Earth. This caused the Soyuz capsule to come down at a steeper-than-usual descent trajectory. That increase upped the crew "to 8.5 times the force of gravity instead of the usual four times the force of gravity."

"It felt like an elephant pressing on my chest, but the Russians trained us very
well to handle a rough descent," Sheikh Muszaphar said shortly after the
landing.

Medical tests revealed that "the three cosmonauts were not injured during the descent, but it took them slightly longer than usual to adapt to Earth conditions."

To read the full story, click here.

This is simply a small glitch in Russia's space program, but it demostrates the training that the comonauts recieve as well as the fact that every mission retains the possibility of errors. Hopefully, this will be the only problem that RKK Energiya, the top spacecraft manufacturer in Russiam will encounter.

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The Pseudoelection

As the Russian elections get closer and closer, the true integrity has been greatly reduced. From the banning of Kasyanov, to the reduction of to the opposition being made up of radical or unknown figures, the election can hardly be called "fair."

The excuse of the Central Election Commission for not registering Mr Kasyanov is that 13% of the 2m signatures supporting his candidacy were invalid. Gathering so many signatures in a few weeks, as the rules demand of an independent candidate, is nearly impossible. But the joke is that the commission still registered Andrei Bogdanov, whose unknown Democratic Party took only 90,000 votes in December's parliamentary election.

Now, "Mr. Medvedev talk[s] of the importance of pluralism, freedom and justice. Property rights and free media were essential to building democracy. And Russia must follow the rule of law."

Mr Medvedev will become Russia's president after March 2nd, but may well not be
in charge. Indeed, a paradox is that despite its pre-determined result, the
election will not do its main job: the transfer of power from one person to
another. In this, as in other ways, it can hardly be called an election at all.

To read the story in its entirety, click here.

This article demostrates just how Putin has "arranged" for things to go as he planned. Starting with Medvedev having the highest percentage of support simply because of his willingness to hand over power. Although the author of this article had a bent against Putin and the coming elections, they porduced very good points that makes one question the validity of the process in Russia.

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Volga road trip: A dying industry

This article is a bit different. It is about a road trip that a BBC news reporter, Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, takes through Russia in an old Russian car to a Volga factory. He reports on the conditions of Russia’s car industry.

"I am going to go out on a limb here and make a prediction. Russia's indigenous car industry is finished. It may take many more years to finally die, but die it will.

The reason is simple - Russian cars are awful."

He goes on to say:

I have now taken delivery of an eight-year-old 1.5-tonne black monster. A day of driving it around the snowbound streets of Nizhny Novgorod, and I think I can safely say it has gone straight in at No.2 in my all time worst car list. The Volga was, possibly, an OK car when it first came out. But that was in 1970. My Volga was made 30 years later, and it is essentially exactly the same car. And they are still making them today! Its the equivalent of Ford still building Cortinas, or Vauxhall still making Vivas!

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This gives insight into Russia's economy. The car industry in Russia seems to be finished. The company that makes the Volgas is, however, privately owned and operated, which is better than some of Russia's other industries and companies. So I guess that any attempt at capitalism is better than no capitalism.

Russian Convict Denied Medical Transfer

"A court in Russia has ruled that a jailed former top manager of the disbanded oil group Yukos cannot be transferred to a clinic for treatment." Vasily Aleksanyan, placed in prison two years ago after being found guilty of embezelment, is reported to have AIDS. The Yukos founder, Mikhail Khodorkovsky, who is also in prison, said Mr Aleksanyan had been refused medication and deliberately placed in poor conditions refusing to sign false confessions. "He said he had no choice but to "abandon the legal framework" and start a hunger strike."

"I am facing an impossible moral choice: admit to crimes I haven't committed and save the life of a man, but destroy the fate of innocents who will be charged as my accomplices," Vasily Aleksanyan said. He also claims that he has developed serious health complications and is nearly blind. Mr Khodorkovsky's international lawyer Robert Amsterdam said Russia was "flouting not only international law but the norms of morality". "

To read the story in its entirety, click here.

This may become an issue with other nations if Vasily Aleksanyan dies in prison because he did not recieve proper medical treatment, which could, in turn, spur an international distrust towards Russia on top of their assistance to Iran's nuclear program. It may also draw questions on their justice system and the manner of punishment.

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