Section: US & Canada
Germany Warily Assumes Greater Global Role
Germany has taken the lead in trying to solve the European financial crisis and to stop the war in Ukraine. But is Berlin ready to play a larger international role? VOA’s Jela de Franceschi examines the extent and limits of German power. …read more Source: Voice of...
Russia, Separatists Criticize Ukraine Bill On Autonomy
Russia and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine have criticized a Ukrainian draft law granting the rebel-held areas special status. …read more Source: Radio Free Europe / Radio...
Iranian Delegation Raises Concerns Over ‘Ill-Advised’ Letter From Republican Lawmakers As U.S. Demands ‘Tough Choices’
* Not clear if end-March deadline can be met-U.S. official * Says Iran has to make “very tough and necessary choices” * Iran’s Salehi: “I’m very optimistic.” (Adds Iranian oil minister) By Lesley Wroughton and Parisa Hafezi …read more Source: The Huffington...
Putin’s Nuclear Warning Suggests Russia Won’t Back Down from Crimea
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was mysteriously absent for about 10 days, apparently was ready to exercise the country’s nuclear option last year over tensions in Ukraine, which suggests that Moscow will not give up on its plans. “We were ready to do it. I talked with colleagues and told them that this (Crimea) is our historic...
Why Lithuania is preparing for a Russian invasion
The three Baltic States are fearful of a possible Russian invasion, although Lithuania may have particular reason for concern. Wedged between Russian ally Belarus and the Russian Baltic Sea exclave of Kaliningrad, Lithuania is worried that it could be the next target of Russian aggression following invasions in Georgia in 2008 and Crimea and...
How ISIS Succeeds on Social Media Where #StopKony Fails
A map of the top 50 Twitter PR presences in the UK and their respective followers ( Porter Novelli Global/Flickr ) Social networks offer an incredible tool for tapping into the collective unconscious, a virtual Jungian arena in which competition might be expected to amplify the critical values and anxieties of millions of people in real time. In...
Hard Power Gestures From Russia and the West
After reappearing triumphantly following a mysterious absence, Vladimir Putin ordered a massive military drill during which personnel will be on high alert. Bloomberg News reports: Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered troops placed on full combat readiness in snap drills in western Russia, as Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu warned the country...
Russian Official Dismisses 2018 World Cup Boycott Call
Russia will stage the 2018 soccer World Cup and will host it well, the Russian Football Union’s honorary president told Reuters on Monday, dismissing calls by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko for his country’s allies to boycott the event. Vyacheslav Koloskov, a former FIFA vice-president, said attempts to disrupt the tournament...
Russian TV doc on Crimea send a clear message: Putin is in charge
(Photo by Sasha Mordovets/Getty Images) MOSCOW — Even while Vladimir Putin was still mysteriously absent, Russian TV delivered a clear message for Russians and foreigners alike: Putin is firmly in charge, and ready to use his country’s military power to safeguard the interests of Russia and Russians. A lavish 2 1/2-hour documentary on...
Russian TV doc on Crimea leaves little doubt that Putin is in charge
MOSCOW – Even while Vladimir Putin was still mysteriously absent, Russian TV delivered a clear message for Russians and foreigners alike: Putin is firmly in charge, and ready to use his country’s military power to safeguard the interests of Russia and Russians. A lavish 2 1/2-hour documentary on Russia’s annexation of Crimea aired...
