Russia Warns Against UN Vote On Syria (Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:12:00 -0500) Russia's foreign minister sternly told Washington that any attempt to put a draft resolution to vote at the United Nations would lead to "scandal," a blunt warning that Moscow is prepared to use its veto power. The Security Council is expected to meet Saturday morning to take up a Syria resolution.
Near Syria's Capital, The Evidence Of Heavy Fighting (Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:26:00 -0500) Fighting between rebel forces and the Syrian government has been taking place in many areas, including the eastern suburbs of Damascus. The rebels actually took control of some suburbs, but a visit by a journalist found that the government forces had regained control after fighting that caused considerable damage.
Afghans View Peace Talks With Hope, Suspicion (Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:18:00 -0500) The surprise announcement that the U.S. and the Taliban could soon begin peace talks in Qatar may have increased the chances of a negotiated settlement in Afghanistan. But some Afghans wonder whether such talks are about stabilizing Afghanistan ??? or just helping U.S. troops leave.
In Egypt, Military Blamed For Targeting Soccer Fans (Fri, 03 Feb 2012 15:00:00 -0500) Violent protests continued for a second day in Egypt in response to the deadly riot at a soccer match earlier this week. Many of the protesters claim authorities chose not to stop the soccer riots as retaliation against fan groups ??? known as Ultras ??? who had a hand in the country's political uprisings last year. Melissa Block talks with Adel Iskandar, Lecturer in media studies at Georgetown University, about the role of the Ultra football fan clubs in Egypt's politics.
Russian Communists Court Discontented Youth (Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:50:00 -0500) Two decades after communist rule ended in Russia, dissatisfaction with Vladimir Putin's ruling United Russia party is growing. Now, the Communist Party is trying to capitalize on the political ferment, especially among the young. But some say the party's Soviet-era leader is an impediment.
Officials: Two American Women Freed In Egypt (Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:03:00 -0500) NBC News and al-Jazeera are reporting that police in Egypt say two American women and an Egyptian tour guide have been released by gunmen who kidnapped them earlier today near the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Egypt Roiling: Deaths At Protests; Two Americans Reportedly Kidnapped (Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:20:00 -0500) Many Egyptians are angry about authorities' failure to prevent a riot after a soccer game earlier this week. Meanwhile, gunmen in the Sinai peninsula are reportedly demanding ransom for two American women.