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Russia’s population will stop declining in two years – Medvedev ~ Medvedev said Russia’s population may stabilize at the level of some 143 million people in two years ... Interfax 11.29.12; JRL 2012-212

Russia Hopes Climate Change Maximizes Arctic Shipping ~ Russian pride in the Arctic is so high that there is a movement afoot in Moscow to rename the waters off Russia’s 7,000 kilometer shoreline: the Sea of Russia ... James Brooke, Voice of America 11.29.12; JRL 2012-212
Pussy Riot Clip Classified as Extremist ~ A city court has declared Pussy Riot’s "punk prayer" video extremist, meaning that media outlets can face closure for publishing it in Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral; it also means that hosting platforms like YouTube must remove the video for Russian users and that national Internet providers will have to block access to websites featuring it ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.30.12; JRL 2012-212
Russia’s Misery Loves U.S. Company ~ For many Russian conservatives who still mourn the collapse of the Soviet Union, the “secession” movement in the U.S. has offered some misguided comfort, if not schadenfreude ... Michael Bohm, Moscow Times 11.30.12; JRL 2012-212
Russia’s Agenda Creates Unnecessary Friction With U.S.: Interview With Ariel Cohen ~ "The tragedy is that there is part of the elite that thinks that in order to consolidate its power in Russia they need an external enemy and such an enemy can only be the largest superpower in the world" .... RFE/RL/Ariel Cohen 11.25.12; JRL 2012-208

Back to the Future: 2012 U.S.-Russia Relations Echo 1832 ~ The U.S. Ambassador labored to get Congress to ratify a trade treaty that would grant "favored nation" status to Russia. Washington’s leading newspaper harshly criticized Russia for human rights violations. Russia’s secret police were reading all the Ambassador’s mail. The Czar was convinced that Washington was fomenting democracy rebellions inside his empire ... James Brooke, Voice of America 11.24.12; JRL 2012-208

Putin’s New Internet Initiative: More Money, More Problems ~ Despite President Vladimir Putin’s newfound appreciation of the internet as a useful tool to fight Russia’s "brain drain," experts question how fair his proposed funding scheme will actually be, and whether his new proposal to help finance online start-ups may be little more than a cash cow for government-friendly initiatives ... Dan Peleschuk, RIA Novosti 11.26.12; JRL 2012-208
Court Ruling Ramps Up Pressure on Internet Providers to Block Content ~ A recent Supreme Court decision increases pressure on Internet providers to block websites without direct state interference ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.26.12; JRL 2012-208
Russia’s oldest NGO asks public for aid as ‘foreign agent’ law takes effect ~ Russia’s oldest NGO, the Moscow Helsinki Group (MHG), has called upon Russians to make donations for human rights projects as the law on "foreign agents" came into force ... Interfax 11.25.12; JRL 2012-208

NEWSLINK: Freed scientist finds little change or hope in Russia ~ Reuters interviews Russian physicist Valentin Danilov after his release from a Siberian penal colony, where he was previously jailed on allegations of espionage.  Danilov sees little change in Russia’s political or ethical climate, blaming Russian voters at least in part ... JRL Newslink Blog, covering Reuters article 11.26.12; JRL 2012-208

NEWSLINK: Medvedev wants to sharply toughen responsibility for violation of traffic rules ~ ITAR-TASS covers Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev’s apparently controversial proposal to change the penalties for drunk driving in various locales ... JRL Newslink Blog, covering ITAR-TASS article 11.26.12; JRL 2012-208
Corruption, corruption, corruption ~ Russia’s higher education institutions are popularly assumed to be among the most corrupt in the country. Augusto Come considers how the perceptions and realities of corruption in education will eventually impact Russia’s youngest generations ... Augusto Come/ opendemocracy.net 11.29.12; JRL 2012-212

JRL Simple: mobile & more -JRL Simple headlines - click here
> Prison Revolt Yields More Questions Than Answers - MT 11.29.12
> Russia Ranks Dismally in Rule of Law Index - MT 11.29.12
> Russia's highest-paid top managers work in state companies — Forbes - MN 11.19.12
> Food for thought ­ Stalin documentary to be released this week - MN 11.19.12
> Georgia won't close Soviet Occupation Museum in Tbilisi - Interfax 11.19.12
> Russian human rights activists boycott Law on Foreign Agents - Interfax 11.19.12

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Government, Politics, Elections, Protests - archive
Rumors about Putin’s back are highly exaggerated, president’s ability to work unaffected – Peskov ~ Putin continues to participate in sports as usual and the rumors about his back problems do not affect his ability to work, the president’s press officer claimed ... Interfax 11.29.12; JRL 2012-212
TRANSCRIPT: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev gives an interview to France Presse and Le Figaro ~ Medvedev fields questions from the French press on a wide range of subjects ... premier.gov.ru 11.26.12; JRL 2012-208

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Politics, Government, Protests
> Interview: Legendary Russian Journalist Says 'People On Top Are Scared' - RFE/RL 11.17.12
> Blue skies, clear thinking: Russian democracy in the Cloud - Fyodor Krashenninikov, Leonid Volkov/opendemocracy.net 11.16.12
> Gorbachev is pessimistic about future political situation in Russia - Interfax 11.19.12
> Putin's Power Stirs Russians Watching 'Julius Caesar' - Bloomberg 11.19.12
> Medvedev Scolds Government for Inaction on Court Rulings - RIAN 11.19.12

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Economy, Business, Trade, Investment - archive
No major successes in improving Russian investment climate yet, says Medvedev ~ No substantial improvement in Russia’s investment climate has yet come about, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has said ... Interfax 11.29.12; JRL 2012-212

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Economy, Business, Trade, Investment
> Russia's highest-paid top managers work in state companies — Forbes - MN 11.19.12
> Putin Backs Russian Pension Revamp Opposed by Finance Ministry Ilya Arkhipov, Olga Tanas - Bloomberg 11.14.12

External Newslinks - Economy, Business, Trade, Investment
:: Russian Federal Law 83-FZ, or Austerity by Other Means - seansrussiablog.org 8.9.12
:: IMF urges Russia to tighten fiscal and monetary policy - Reuters 8.2.12

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Energy, Oil, Gas - archive
Russia could try hand at shale gas production ~ The Russian Energy Ministry proposes taking the first steps towards developing the country’s shale gas resources ... Interfax 11.22.12; JRL 2012-207

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Oil, Gas, Energy
> IEA Report: U.S. to be World's Top Oil Producer by 2020 - VOA 11.15.12
> Problems ahead for Gazprom: U.S. gas exports are set to start, but there are bigger threats to the monopoly's dominance - MN 9.11.12
> Gazprom Strikes Back at EU Panel - MT 9.6.12

External NewsLinks - Oil, Gas, Energy
:: Next cold war? Gas drilling boom rattles Russia - AP 9.30.12
:: Giving up oil dependence - RBTH 10.1.12
:: NEWSLINK: Siberia placed to be the new Middle East - AT 9.24.12
:: Only Low Oil Prices Will Oust Putin - Dmitry Travin/Moscow Times 7.25.12
:: Russian Energy: Struggle for Control - Chatham House 7.18.12

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Military - archive
Oboronservice case is biggest recent corruption scandal in Russia – poll ~ The Oboronservice case and the consequent dismissal of Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov are the most high-profile corruption scandals Russia has had lately, sociologists told Interfax ... Interfax 11.22.12; JRL 2012-207
U.S. ready to discuss modernization of conventional weapons control in Europe with Russia ~ "CFE [Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty] remains important," U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller said on her Twitter page ... Interfax 11.19.12; JRL 2012-205
Magnitsky-linked official under spotlight over Defense Ministry scandal ~ An official linked to the suspicious imprisonment and death of corporate lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, is reportedly entangled among those being investigated over the unfolding Serdyukov military corruption scandal ... Alina Lobzina, Moscow News 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
Shoigu Inherits Armed Forces at Crossroads ~ When Sergei Shoigu took the reins of the Defense Ministry on Thursday, he officially inherited a military at a crossroads, torn between tradition and the half-completed reforms of his disgraced predecessor ... Alexander Bratersky and Jonathan Earle, Moscow Times 11.9.12; JRL 2012-198
NEWSLINK: Russian defense minister’s sacking suggests political infighting; Anatoly Serdyukov is mired in a corruption scandal, but some experts say that he was driven out by conservatives unhappy with his military reforms ~ The Christian Science Monitor covers Russian President Vladimir Putin’s dismissal of Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdyukov ... JRL Newslink Blog, covering Christian Science Monitor article 11.8.12; JRL 2012-197

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Military
> Controversial journalist Mamontov films defense-scandal documentary - MN 11.14.12
> Magnitsky-linked official under spotlight over Defense Ministry scandal - MN 11.14.12
> Shoigu Inherits Armed Forces at Crossroads- MT 11.8.12
> Putin Fires Defense Minister Amid Scandal [replaces Serdyukov with Shoigu] - MT 11.7.12

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U.S.-Russian Relations - archive
Amid Crackdown on NGOs, U.S. Group Moves Staff Out of Russia ~ The National Democratic Institute, or NDI, a U.S. based nonprofit that promotes democratic development, has moved its Russia country director and other senior staff to Lithuania, amid an unpredictable and increasingly hostile climate for NGO workers in Russia ... Jonathan Earle, The Moscow Times 11.23.12; JRL 2012-207
US Magnitsky Bill Collides With New Russian Nationalism ~ the U.S. Senate is taking up the Magnitsky Act, a bill to ban visas and freeze bank accounts for about 60 Russian officials believed to have been involved in the arrest and death of corporate lawyer and anti-corruption whistleblower Sergei Magnitsky ... VOA 11.21.12; JRL 2012-207
Former U.S. State Dep't Official Pifer Asks, 'Are The Russians Ready To Reengage?' ~ Ties between Washington and Moscow have seemed to stagnate somewhat since the “reset” of 2009-10 and the return to the Kremlin of Vladimir Putin ... RFE/RL 11.19.12; JRL 2012-205
U.S. ready to discuss modernization of conventional weapons control in Europe with Russia ~ "CFE [Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty] remains important," U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller said on her Twitter page ... Interfax 11.19.12; JRL 2012-205
Sandy’s Victims to Get Help from Russia ~ The Russian Emergency Situations Ministry will dispatch two airplanes’ worth of necessities to victims of the hurricane Sandy; two Il-76 cargo jets will depart for New York from Moscow’s Ramenskoye Airport on Monday, carrying more than 50 tons of humanitarian aid ... RIA Novosti 11.11.12; JRL 2012-199
Duma Lawmaker Slams U.S. Vote as ‘Unfair’ ~ A prominent State Duma lawmaker who made efforts to observe the U.S. presidential election accused his hosts of holding a vote that was "systemically unfair" and riddled with organizational shortcomings ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.9.12; JRL 2012-198
McFaul to Focus on Economic Ties ~ "The basic strategy will not change," Ambassador McFaul said of the Obama administration’s "reset" policy of engagement with Russia, which he is credited with crafting; economic ties will be the embassy’s priority, he told The Moscow Times ... Jonathan Earle, Moscow Times 11.8.1; JRL 2012-197
INTERVIEW: Michael McFaul: U.S. wants to further relations with Russia, but “it takes two to tango” ~ "Well, from our perspective 'perezagruzka' was always about engaging with the Russian government and Russian society to achieve our concrete national interests. We assumed that the Russian government would do the same with us and would never cooperate on an issue unless they thought that it was in their national interests as well ..." Interfax 11.8.1; JRL 2012-197
U.S.-Russian Reset Likely to Lose Momentum ~ Obama’s re-election aside, opposition leaders and analysts cautioned that the much-touted "reset" in relations would hardly continue in its present form ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.8.1; JRL 2012-197

JRL Simple: mobile & more - U.S.-Russian Relations
> IEA Report: US to be World's Top Oil Producer by 2020 - VOA 11.15.12
> Magnitsky Act 'Law by New Year' - MT 11.19.12
> Moscow forestalled U.S. Magnitsky Act by its own law on NGO as foreign agents — analyst - Interfax 11.19.12
> Two opposing lobbies behind proposed US Congress bill – senior Russian MP - Interfax 11.14.12
> U.S.-Russian Reset Likely to Lose Momentum - MT 11.8.12
> Russian pundits differ on future relations with USA - Interfax 11.8.12
> INTERVIEW: Michael McFaul: U.S. wants to further relations with Russia, but “it takes two to tango”
- Interfax 11.8.12
> McFaul to Focus on Economic Ties - MT 11.8.12
> Obama And The Russians: Moving On To The 'Post-Reset'– RFE/RL 11.7.12

> Putin Sees Positive Aspect in Romney's Blunt Remarks About Russia - Interfax 9.12.12
> U.S. Allows Russians 3-Year Visa - MT 9.11.12
> Putin Ready to Work with Next U.S. President - RIAN 9.5.12
> Five Russia-Related Issues to Watch this Semester - Josh Wilson/SRAS 9.6.12
> ONLINE POLL: U.S.-RUSSIAN COOPERATION: What issues are most important to U.S.-Russian relations? - 7.27.12

Newslinks - U.S.-Russian Relations
:: There is no need for Mitt to bait the old Russian bear - FT.com 8.10.12
:: Russia trade and humans rights bills delayed until after election - foreignpolicy.com 8.1.12

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Assassinations, Beatings, Prison Deaths - archive
Magnitsky-linked official under spotlight over Defense Ministry scandal ~ An official linked to the suspicious imprisonment and death of corporate lawyer Sergei Magnitsky, is reportedly entangled among those being investigated over the unfolding Serdyukov military corruption scandal ... Alina Lobzina, Moscow News 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
Rights activists says torture still used in Russia ~ According to human rights activists, torture is still practiced in Russia and people complain of ill-treatment received at detention centres, police, army and mental hospitals ... Interfax 11.8.12; JRL 2012-199
Investigators Wrap Up Politkovskaya Case ~ Investigators announced Tuesday that they have wrapped up a second inquiry into the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya and charged five suspects with murder and illegal possession of weapons ... Moscow Times 10.16.12; JRL 2012-182
Preliminary Probe in Politkovskaya Case Over — Spokesman ~ Russia's Investigative Committee has finished a preliminary investigation into ex-policeman Dmitry Pavlyuchenkov's suspected complicity in the 2006 assassination of Russian investigative reporter Anna Politkovskaya ... Interfax - 9.6.12 - JRL 2012-162

JRL Simple Mobile & More - Assassinations, Beatings, Prison Deaths
> Magnitsky-linked official under spotlight over Defense Ministry scandal - MN 11.14.12
> Preliminary Probe in Politkovskaya Case Over — Spokesman - Interfax 9.6.12

External NewsLinks - Assassinations, Beatings, Prison Deaths
:: Russian prosecutors say 5 suspects in killing of Muslim cleric, wounding another, detained - AP 7.20.12

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Georgia - archive
Georgia will not mark Rose Revolution anniversary ~ Another holiday will be marked in Georgia this year instead of the Rose Revolution anniversary ... Interfax 11.22.12; JRL 2012-207
NEWSLINK: Georgian tycoon expects NATO entry after poll victory ~ Russia will deliver attack helicopters and mobile air-defense systems to Iraq in arms deals worth $4.2 billion ... JRL Newslink Blog, covering Reuters article 10.9.12; JRL 2012-177
Putin Confirms the Invasion of Georgia Was Preplanned
The fourth anniversary of the Russo-Georgian War has been marked by a seemingly open spat between the supporters of Putin and Medvedev ... Pavel Felgenhauer, Eurasia Daily Monitor 8.9.12; JRL 2012-146
[Response to Felgenhauer's "Putin Confirms the Invasion of Georgia Was Preplanned"] ~ "Anyone who is familiar with, for example, how the U.S. Pentagon functions knows that all sorts of planning and training goes on for conflicts that don't occur. And for some that do. ..." David Johnson 8.10.12; JRL 2012-146

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Georgia
> Public Support For Including Abkhazia, S. Ossetia In Russia Growing — Poll - Interfax 8.8.12
> Putin Confirms the Invasion of Georgia Was Preplanned - EDM 8.9.12
> [Response to Felgenhauer's "Putin Confirms the Invasion of Georgia Was Preplanned"] - David Johnson 8.10.12
> Does Russia-Georgia War Film Signal A Rift Between Putin And Medvedev? - RFE/RL 8.10.12
> Medvedev Defends Role in Georgia War - MT 8.10.12

External Newslinks - Georgia
:: Was Putin in charge during Georgia war? Medvedev begs to differ - CSM 8.10.12
:: Under US-educated reformer Saakashvili, Georgia's opposition alleges repression - AP 8.10.12

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Central Asia, Afghanistan - archive
Russia Wants Clarity About U.S. Plans Regarding Afghanistan — Deputy Defense Minister ~ Russia is urging its U.S. partners to clarify plans regarding their military presence in Afghanistan after 2014 ... Interfax 8.9.12; JRL 2012-146

JRL Simple - mobile & more - Central Asia, Afghanistan
> Russia Wants Clarity About U.S. Plans Regarding Afghanistan — Deputy Defense Minister - Interfax 8.9.12
> Congress Reviews Central Asia (Part One): Security Issues; U.S. security role in Central Asia after Afghan War remains unclear - EDM 8.1.12

External Newslinks - Central Asia, Afghanistan
:: Asian Exodus: The Logistical Nightmare of Leaving Afghanistan - NEWSLINK - Der Spiegel 4.3.12
::U.S., NATO fail have failed to form efficient coalition in Afghanistan in 10 years – Russian Analyst - NEWSLINK - Interfax-AVN 1.2.12

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Ukraine - archive
Controversial Language Law Enters Force in Ukraine ~ A new law granting the Russian language official status in about half of Ukraine's regions has come into force ... RIA Novosti 8.10.12; JRL 2012-146

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Ukraine
> Controversial Language Law Enters Force in Ukraine - RIAN 8.10.12
> Linguistic Future: Ukrainians Who Do Not Speak Russian?- VOA 7.26.12
> Language Wars: A New Bill in Ukraine May Elevate the Russian Language While Stirring the Political Pot - RP 7.4.12

External Newslinks - Ukraine
:: NEWSLINK: Russia, Ukraine look to avert New Year gas row - Reuters 12.26.11
:: NEWSLINK: Ukraine not to contest 2009 gas contracts with Russia - ITAR-TASS 10-27-11/JRL 2011-194
:: NEWSLINK: Medvedev criticizes Ukrainian "friends" for gas dispute - ITAR-TASS 9-9-11/JRL 2011-163

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Media, Internet -  archive
There is no censorship in Russia – culture minister ~ Russian Culture Minister Vladimir Medinsky said there is no censorship in Russia; “There are no restrictions. There is no censorship in any form ... Interfax 11.23.12; JRL 2012-207
Despite Putin’s 'Promise,' Anti-Treason Law Comes into Force ~ A controversial law on state treason initiated by the FSB , that critics fear could be used to stamp out political dissent, came into force in Russia just two days after Putin told human rights workers he would "review" it ... Marc Bennetts, RIA Novosti 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
Internet Censorship Faces Obstacles ~ As the number of websites banned or blocked under the new Internet law continues to grow, the country’s media watchdog backpedaled Tuesday by acknowledging that censoring content was technically and legally difficult, and it promised to remove popular sites from the blacklist. The Mass Media Inspection Service said ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
Russian Watchdog Strikes 21 Entries Off Blacklist ~ Russia’s telecoms watchdog, Roskomnadzor, has struck 21 entries off its “blacklist” in three days, the agency said ... RIA Novosti 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
RuNet, hate crime and soft targets: how Russia enforces its anti-extremism law ~ The internet is a tool that can be used for good, but it can also be manipulated by fanatics preaching violent hate propaganda; whilep olicing is never going to be easy, Russian police inflate their statistics by choosing soft targets and ignoring the truly dangerous criminals ... Natalia Yudina/opendemocracy.net 10.30.12; JRL 2012-192
Working Group Supports Closing Entire Websites ~ Officials are also advocating giving broader jurisdiction under the internet restrictions law to government agencies and making the government’s blacklist of websites partly classified ... Rachel Nielsen, Moscow Times 10.1.12; JRL 2012-171
Russians' Main Source Of News Still TV, Though Trust In Internet Growing — Poll ~ Russians' trust in the internet is growing at a record rate, but television remains their main source of information ... Interfax 8.2.12; JRL 2012-141

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Media, Internet
> Interview: Legendary Russian Journalist Says 'People On Top Are Scared' - RFE/RL 11.17.12
> Controversial journalist Mamontov films defense-scandal documentary - MN 11.14.12
> Despite Putin Promise, Anti-Treason Law Comes into Force - RIAN 11.14.12
> Internet Censorship Faces Obstacles - MT 11.14.12
> Media law criticized: Legislation aimed at protecting children causes concern - MN 9.3.12
> Media freedom in the Russian regions? You must be joking ... - Galina Arapova/opendemocracy.net 8.24.12

External Newslinks - Media, Internet
:: Russian digital diplomacy: clicking through - RBTH 9.6.12

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Activists, Nonprofits, NGO's - archive
Amid Crackdown on NGOs, U.S. Group Moves Staff Out of Russia ~ The National Democratic Institute, or NDI, a U.S. based nonprofit that promotes democratic development, has moved its Russia country director and other senior staff to Lithuania, amid an unpredictable and increasingly hostile climate for NGO workers in Russia ... Jonathan Earle, The Moscow Times 11.23.12; JRL 2012-207
Interfax: NGOs don’t need to re-register due to changes in rules governing use of word ‘Russia’ in name – Justice Ministry. ~ Nongovernmental organizations (NGO) using the words “Russia” or “Russian Federation” in their names will not need to re-register due to the new rules governing the use of these words ... Interfax 11.22.12; JRL 2012-207
Activists Scoff at NGO Law ~ Amendments for nongovernmental organizations go into force Wednesday, but do not expect foreign-funded NGOs to rush to re-register as “foreign agents” with the Justice Ministry; prominent rights activists have announced they would boycott the new law, which they have lambasted ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.20.12; JRL 2012-205
Despite Putin’s 'Promise,' Anti-Treason Law Comes into Force ~ A controversial law on state treason initiated by the FSB , that critics fear could be used to stamp out political dissent, came into force in Russia just two days after Putin told human rights workers he would "review" it ... Marc Bennetts, RIA Novosti 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
Stricter NGO Rules to Apply to Transparency International, Golos ~ Of about 230,000 non-governmental organizations operating in Russia, tens of thousands receive money from abroad; about 1,000 of those involved in "political" activity will be forced to register under the new law, according to a Kremlin source cited by RIA Novosti ... Moscow Times, 7.2.12; JRL 2012-118

JRL Simple: Mobile and More - Nonprofits, NGO's, Activists
> Moscow forestalled U.S. Magnitsky Act by its own law on NGO as foreign agents — analyst - Interfax 11.19.12
> "Foreign agents" under Russia's NGO Law and its US doppelganger - RAPSI 7.27.12
> Campaigners' Letter Requesting Explanation Whether They Are U.S. Agents Referred to White House - Interfax 7.26.12

JRL Simple: Mobile and More - Nonprofits, NGO's, Activists
:: NGO law affects Russia's civil society - RBTH 8.10.12
:: The Kremlin Wants to Mute Our Golos - Grigory Melkonyants/Moscow Times 7.25.12

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Corruption, Law, Police, Crime - archive
Oboronservice case is biggest recent corruption scandal in Russia – poll ~ The Oboronservice case and the consequent dismissal of Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov are the most high-profile corruption scandals Russia has had lately, sociologists told Interfax ... Interfax 11.22.12; JRL 2012-207

JRL Simple Mobile & More - Corruption, Law, Police, Crime
> Controversial journalist Mamontov films defense-scandal documentary - MN 11.14.12
> Magnitsky-linked official under spotlight over Defense Ministry scandal - MN 11.14.12
> Corruption - Patrick Armstrong/RUSSIAN FEDERATION SITREP 11.15.12

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Religion - archive
Real Russians Are Orthodox ­- Poll ~ A growing number of Russians consider the Russian Orthodox Church to be a necessary feature of their national identity ... RIA Novosti 11.23.12; JRL 2012-207

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Religion
> Islam, Islamism, and Politics in Eurasia Report (IIPER), No. 60- from Gordon Hahn 8.31.12
> Church will increase spiritual influence on authorities, society — Patriarch Kirill - Interfax 9.5.12
> Former Kremlin Strategist Sees Pussy Riot Poll As Evidence Of Split In Society - Interfax 8.30.12

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North Caucasus, Chechnya Tragedy - archive
One Chechen's Cry From A Russian Jail — 'Do These People Have Hearts?' ~ The prosecution against Imran, tortured while in custody, was based largely on testimony given by an adolescent who recanted his evidence at trial, saying he himself had been tortured; Imran was convicted anyhow, and the "witness" jailed as a co-conspirtor; the office of Chechnya's human rights ombudsman says 20,000 Chechens have been sent to prison in other parts of Russia for "security reasons," while independent activists say the figure is more like 30,000 ... Amina Umarova - RFE/RL - 7.23.12 - JRL 2012-133

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Chechnya, North Caucasus
> Backdrop of violence: The Caucasus conflict belies Putin's pleas for calm as it spreads to Tatarstan - MN 9.3.12
> Imagine Kadyrov in Charge of the North Caucasus - MT 8.24.12
> Caucasus strongman spat uncovers regional tensions - MN 8.6.12
> One Chechen's Cry From A Russian Jail — 'Do These People Have Hearts?' - RFE/RL 7.23.12
> Iran War Threat Rattles Nerves in Caucasus - MT 4.13.12
> NGO's Legal Woes Threaten Pursuit Of Justice For Chechens - RFE/RL 4.11.12
> Chechen Leader Says Less Than 50 Militants Left In Chechnya - Interfax - 12.31.11

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Sports, Olympics, World Cup - archive
Olympic Medalists Set To Cash In At London 2012
Since amateur status was no longer mandatory in most Olympic sports, athletes have been allowed to accept cash awards from their governments, national Olympic committees, or private foundations ... Ron Synovitz, RFE/RL, 7.21.12; JRL 2012-133

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Olympics, World Cup, Sports
> Russia Is No China To Have Sports Under State Control — Kremlin Chief Of Staff - RIAN 8.9.12
> Olympic false start: Team Russia is hoping for a storming finish after a sluggish beginning in London - MN 8.6.12
> Olympic Medalists Set To Cash In At London 2012 - RFE/RL 7.21.12
> [TRANSCRIPT: Putin] Meeting with members of Russia's Olympic team - kremlin.ru 7.22.12

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Middle East, Syria - archive
Russia Protests Grounding of Syria-Bound Plane ~ The Turkish Foreign Minister did not say if weapons had been found, but Turkish media reported that military communication equipment had been removed from the plane ... RIA Novosti - 9.11.12 - JRL 2012-179
Iraq PM Confirms $4 Bln Arms Deal With Russia ~ Russia will deliver attack helicopters and mobile air-defense systems to Iraq in arms deals worth $4.2 billion ... RIA Novosti 10.9.12; JRL 2012-177
Russia Could Lose Last Arab Ally as Assad Regime Teeters ~ The day after a bomb decapitated Assad's security command, Putin is caught on the wrong side of the Arab Spring as the threat to Assad's regime raises the prospect that Russia may be left with Iran as its only friend in the region ... Henry Meyer, Bloomberg, 7.19.12; JRL 2012-132

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Middle East, Syria
> Iraq PM Confirms $4 Bln Arms Deal With Russia - RIAN 10.9.12
> Russia Protests Grounding of Syria-Bound Plane - RIAN 10.11.12
> Five Russia-Related Issues to Watch this Semester - Josh Wilson/SRAS 9.6.12
> Russian Experts Mull Prospect Of Syrian Conflict Prompting Civil War In Lebanon - RIAN 8.24.12
> Russia Could Lose Last Arab Ally as Assad Regime Teeters - Bloomberg 7.19.12

NewsLinks - Middle East, Syria
:: Another Pandora's Box? - NYT 8.16.12
:: Rumored killing of Russian general in Syria proves media canard - ITAR-TASS 8.9.12
:: Presence of Russian warships near Syria is a powerful deterrent - valdaiclub.com 7.26.12
:: Russia’s chief concern in Syria is to deny west a victory - Financial Times 7.18.12
:: RF, US presidents did not discuss Assad future - ITAR-TASS 7.19.12
:: Why Russia Won't Yield on Syria - Bernard Gwertzman, Dmitri Simes/Council on Foreign Relations - 7.16.12
:: Why Russia Doesn't Hold the Keys to Syria - David Kramer, Lilia Shevtsova/The American Interest 7.11.12
:: Putin's Got America Right Where He Wants It - Michael Weiss/Foreign Policy Magazine 6.28.12

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Terrorism - archive
Tatarstan Attacks Spark Fears That Islamist Threat Is Spreading ~ Tatarstan's dual attacks on July 19 are a deeply unwelcome surprise for both local and federal officials; and the high-profile assassination plots have raised concerns that the Kremlin might tighten security controls on a region that previously had enjoyed a degree of freedom from federal scrutiny ... Daisy Sindelar - RFE/RL - 7.19.12 - JRL 2012-132

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Terrorism
> Backdrop of violence: The Caucasus conflict belies Putin's pleas for calm as it spreads to Tatarstan - MN 9.3.12
> Impossible to combat Islamism in Russia without restricting certain rights and liberties — expert - Interfax 8.31.12
> Senior Russian Priest Calls Pussy Riot, Anti Clerical Stunts 'Velvet Terrorism' - Interfax 8.27.12
> As Putin Urges Ethnic Peace, Violence Persists - RIAN 8.28.12
> Dagestan almost fully under Wahhabi influence — expert - Interfax 8.29.12
> In a First, Muslim Leaders Attacked in Tatarstan - MT 7.19.12
> Tatarstan Attacks Spark Fears That Islamist Threat Is Spreading - RFE/RL 7.20.12

External NewsLinks - Terrorism
:: Russian prosecutors say 5 suspects in killing of Muslim cleric, wounding another, detained - AP 7.20.12
:: Top Muslim cleric shot dead in Russia's Tatarstan - AP 7.19.12
:: Global Jihadism Comes to Russia’s North Caucasus - Fair Observer 7.12.12

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Espionage, Security Services, Spy Allegations - archive
Activists Scoff at NGO Law ~ Amendments for nongovernmental organizations go into force Wednesday, but do not expect foreign-funded NGOs to rush to re-register as "foreign agents" with the Justice Ministry; prominent rights activists have announced they would boycott the new law, which they have lambasted ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times 11.20.12; JRL 2012-205
Physicist Convicted of Espionage Gets Parole ~ Siberian physicist Valentin Danilov, jailed on charges of espionage and treason amid a spying frenzy during Putin’s first term, was granted parole and could be freed next week; human rights campaigners say his imprisonment was improper to begin with ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
:: Spy vs. Spy: Wiretapping On The Increase In Russia ~ Wiretapping has nearly doubled in Russia over the past five years, but the bugging of opposition figures accounts for only a portion of the increase; the main driver of the rise, analysts say, involves Russia's myriad rival security services spying on each other — something made easier by advances in bugging technology and the easing of bureaucratic hurdles to obtain wiretap permits ... Tom Balmforth, RFE/RL, 7.16.12; JRL 2012-130

JRL Simple Mobile & More - Spies, Spy Allegations, Security Agencies
> Moscow forestalled U.S. Magnitsky Act by its own law on NGO as foreign agents — analyst - Interfax 11.19.12
> Physicist Convicted of Espionage Gets Parole - MT 11.14.12
> Despite Putin Promise, Anti-Treason Law Comes into Force - RIAN 11.14.12
> Putin Sets Tasks Before Russian Security Agencies - Interfax 7.18.12
> Catch Me If You Can: Intimidation-for-Hire and Disclosure of Private Information Makes Russians Feel Someone Is Always Watching - RP 7.18.12
> Spy vs. Spy: Wiretapping On The Increase In Russia - RFE/RL 7.16.12

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Education - archive
:: Medvedev Asks Russia's Richest To Teach The Young How To Become Rich
Medvedev intends to propose that Russian businessmen whose wealth exceeds 1 billion dollars should teach lessons at schools ... Interfax; JRL 2011-157, Sept. 1, 2011
:: Teachers fret over racism in schools
One-quarter of Russian high school students support ultranationalist and fascist views ... Lidia Okorokova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Education
> Russian Teens Find Surprises in U.S. Schools - MT 8.31.12
> Education Reform Inching Forward - MT 8.31.12
> U.S. Cultural Tip: Don't Wear a Speedo. Ever. At a pre-departure orientation for high school students going to the U.S. on the FLEX program, the participating teens received a jarring crash course on how Americans live. - MT 7.18.12
> Parenting triumphs and disasters: Russian mothers are moving away from Soviet-style parenting — but ought to learn more from their French counterparts - MN 7.12.12
> State to Sponsor Students Abroad, With a Catch - MT 7.11.12
> How Many Kids Are in Institutions? No Way to Know - MT 3.29.12
> HAVE FUN WITH RUSSIAN: RIA Novosti launches new educational project [teaching Russian language] - from A.Nadezhkina/RIAN - 2.1.12

NewsLinks - Education

:: How to improve Russia’s secondary education - RBTH 9.6.12
:: Russia Moves to Improve Its University Rankings - NEWSLINK - NYT 3.26.12
:: I loved, they loved, you will love TV English - NEWSLINK - Mark H. Teeter/MN 2.21.12
:: Bribery charge perplexes Moscow school - NEWSLINK - Washington Post 10-26-11/JRL 2011-193
:: My Family’s Experiment in Extreme Schooling- NEWSLINK - New York Times 9-18-11/JRL 2011-165

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JRL Digest - Pulse of Russia
JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia, Aug. 9, 2012 ~ Radical Islam and violence in Tatarstan, military spending, Chinese migrants in the Far East, Syria, new law on demonstrations, Pussy Riot, YUKOS Lebedev release, London Olympics, Russo-Georgian War, corruption, and more ... 8.9.12 covering JRL 2012-145
JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia, Aug. 8, 2012 ~ Russian sleeper spies, Congress, Magnitsky Act, Jackson-Vanik, Syria, APEC, Pussy Riot, YUKOS Lebedev release, London Olympics, Russo-Georgian War, Arctic, economic crisis, social media, and more ... 8.8.12 covering JRL 2012-134
JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia, July 24, 2012 ~ election fraud, oil industry reconfiguration, southern gas pipeline, Syria, media foreign agents labels, WTO, budget, doing business in Russia, flood disaster scapegoating, China, U.S.-Russia trade, and more ... 7.24.12 covering JRL 2012-134
JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia, July 20, 2012 ~ Syria teeters, Muslim cleric assassination, Magnitsky Bill, U.S. defense contract, Pussy Riot jailed, foreign agents labels, media, Putin meeting with Duma leaders, WTO, energy sector, and more ... 7.20.12 covering JRL 2012-132
JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia, July 19, 2012 ~ Floods, Syria, U.S-Russian Relations, Trade, Magnitsky Bill, Islam, Jihad, NGO bill, libel bill, protests, elections, Putin power, economy, FSB, foreign agents, media, and more ... 7.19.12 covering JRL 2012-131
JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia, July 16, 2012 ~ Floods, Syria, Saudi Arabia, military bases, Olympics, assassinations, Congress and the Magnitsky Bill, NGO bill, libel bill, protests, elections, Putin power, economic downturn, business schools, Russian Far East, migrants, and more ... 7.16.12 covering JRL 2012-128

JRL Simple: mobile & more

> JRL Russia Digest: Pulse of Russia - Aug. 9, 2012 - 8.9.12, covering JRL 2012-145
> JRL Digest: The Pulse of Russia July 20, 2012 - 7.19.12 addressing JRL 2012-131

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Population Disaster, Demographics - archive
Duma looks into bill that administers prison term for abortion ~ Duma bill would require waiting-period "week of quiet" to reconsider an abortion; informed, voluntary consent, including information about negative consequences to the woman; and a prison term for abortions resulting in grave consequences to the woman's life and health ... 7.12.12, reporting on ITAR-TASS article - JRL 2012-125
:: Russian military has 'no one left to draft'
The conscript service crisis is mainly due to demographic decline, bullying and brutal treatment of conscripts ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-208, Nov. 17, 2011
:: Pensions hit by demographic crisis
The Pension Fund's deficit in 2012 will increase by half to 1.75 trillion rubles, or 3 percent of GDP, as rhe number of pensioners rises by half a million, while the social tax levy actually falls ... Evgeniya Chaykovskaya, Moscow News; JRL 2011-198, Nov. 2, 2011
:: 'Voters I Shrunk the Nation' — A Slogan for Russia's Elections?
Abortions outnumber live births in Russia, and last July the CIA's World Factbook published a population estimate of 138.7 million, representing a 4.4 percent population fall in one decade ... James Brooke, Voice of America; JRL 2011-197, Nov. 1, 2011
:: Three Russians Vie to Be 7 Billionth Person
The global population officially topped 7 billion on Monday, and a worldwide fight immediately erupted over which lucky baby was the first to reach the milestone ... Lukas I. Alpert, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-197, Nov. 1, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Population Disaster, Demographics
> Immigration Drives Russian Population Increase - RIAN 8.20.12
> Who'll stop the brain drain? Enticing Russian professionals to stay in the country is a priority ­ and a challenge - MN 7.23.12
> Duma looks into bill that administers prison term for abortion: JRL NEWSLINK BLOG - 7.12.12, reporting on ITAR-TASS article; JRL 2012-125
> Emigration Urge in Russia Hits Record Low — Poll - RIAN 3.26.12
> Young people, Prokhorov supporters want to leave Russia — poll - Interfax 3.26.12
> Putin's Ponzi Scheme: Russia's Demographic Imbalance May Lead to Prolonged Fiscal Problems for the Kremlin - RP 3.13.12
> Putin Plan Targets Population Drop - MT 2.13.12
> Putin Reports Best Russian Demography Figures For Nearly Two Decades - Interfax 1.20.12
> Until Death Do Them Part: Russia's Demographic Crisis May Compel Russian Women to Bear Equal Economic Burden with Men - RP

:: Russian Demographics Update: Reports of the Bear's Death Have Been Greatly Exaggerated - NEWSLINK - Forbes 2.21.12

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Disasters - archive
:: The Blame Game: Deadly Flooding in Southern Russia Is the Latest Incident to Have Galvanized Anger at the Authorities ~ The destructive floods that wreaked havoc in southern Russia this weekend, killing more than 170 people, have set off a characteristically Russian blame game — local residents are blaming authorities for failing to warn them, and even for instigating the flood, while authorities look for scapegoats, with the event becoming especially politicized amidst the government's ever-sliding popularity ... Dan Peleschuk, Russia Profile, 7.9.12; JRL 2012-124
Krymsk Residents Question Reasons for Flooding, Deaths, Lack of Warning ~ "The rain might cause the river to flood but it cannot suddenly produce a shock wave that according to witnesses' estimate reached 7 meters in height ...." 7.10.12 reporting on Nezavisimaya Gazeta article; JRL 2012-124

JRL Simple: Mobile & More - Disasters
> Putin Says Heads to Roll Over Slow Flood Warning - RIAN 7.18.12
> More help needed for flood-stricken area - MN 7.16.12
> Russian Volunteers Suspicious of New Regulations - RIAN 7.16.12
> A hard rain in south Russia: Catastrophic alienation' between residents and officials is revealed in flooded Krymsk - MN 7.12.12
> Russia Floods Trigger Civil Activism Boom - RIAN 7.11.12
> Minister Acknowledges Flood Mistakes - MT 7.10.12
> Crowdsourcing helps ordinary Russian aid victims of Krymsk flooding tragedy - BusinessNewEurope 7.10.12
> The Blame Game: Deadly Flooding in Southern Russia Is the Latest Incident to Have Galvanized Anger at the Authorities - MT 7.10.12

:: NEWSLINK: Detentions ordered after Russian riverboat sinking - Reuters 7-15-11/JRL 2011-126
:: NEWSLINK: Corruption, negligence plague former power Russia - Reuters 7-14-11/JRL 2011-125
:: NEWSLINK: Russia says 128 may be dead in Volga river accident - Reuters 7-11-11/JRL-121

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Regions - archive
:: The death of the Russian village - In so many places in the Russian North, village life has all but disappeared; the land, once busy with cows and tractors, is now uncultivated, overgrown, reclaimed by bog and forest; the villages themselves are now ghostly, almost totally empty — beautiful houses, schools and exquisite churches all collapsed or collapsing ... Matilda Moreton, opendemocracy.net 7.3.12; JRL 2012-120

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Regions
> Vlad in Vlad: Forging Russia's First Hot City on the Pacific Rim - VOA 9.11.12
> Most Russians resent Moscow — survey - RIAN 9.5.12
> The death of the Russian village - Matilda Moreton/opendemocracy.net 7.3.12
> Flowers on a dung heap: markets, politicians and the demise of Russian rural life - Roman Yushkov, Vassily Moseyev/ opendemocracy.net 1.26.12

External links - Regions
:: Shoring up Putin in Russian countryside - WP 9.30.12

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Opportunities - archive
:: [JOB OPENING: Editor (English)] Russia Beyond the Headlines job
International media project Russia Beyond the Headlines seeks a full-time native-English-speaking editor to edit texts for English-language website; work can be performed remotely ... from Lara McCoy, 7.2.12; JRL 2012-118

JRL Simple Mobile & More
> [JOB OPENING] Russia Beyond the Headlines job - from Lara McCoy 7.2.12

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Environment - archive
Putin’s last crane returning to Russia ~ A Siberian white crane from the project backed by President Vladimir Putin has been sent from Borovoye in the Kazakh northern Akmola region to Russia ... Interfax 11.22.12; JRL 2012-207
Medvedev Mulls Ending Kyoto Role ~ Medvedev has ordered a review of Russia’s involvement in the Kyoto Protocol, raising the possibility that the country could finally “wave goodbye” to the climate treaty altogether ... Moscow Times 10.18.12; JRL 2012-184
Russians Abroad. The Lure of the Mediterranean. ~ "I see that what I've written here looks like a cross between a promotional booklet and a report on a trip to paradise ...." Sergei Roy 8.21.12; JRL 2012-151
Canadian Government Does Not See A Military Threat in the Arctic, Says Canadian Department of National Defence ~ "The Government of Canada is committed to protecting Canada’s security and exercising its sovereignty in the North, including in Canada’s Arctic internal waters ..." JRL Newslink Blog 8.21.12; JRL covering The Ottaw Citizen 2012-150
:: Two for the River Run, or: Up Upper Vetluga!
"Escape — and head for the stillness of the wilderness and the society of birds, fishes and other God's creatures — minus one species ..." Sergei Roy, 6.23.12; JRL 2012-116
:: A Pilgrim on the Volga: A Memoir from the '90s
Probably the nicest thing about the wilds of Russia is that they're always just 'round the corner ... Sergei Roy; JRL 2011-196, Oct. 31, 2011

JRL Simple: Mobile & More - Environment
> Russians Abroad. The Lure of the Mediterranean. - Sergei Roy 8.21.12
> Russian Scientists, Military Return to Arctic - MT 6.5.12
> Russian president endorses environmental development policy - Interfax 4.30.12
> Welcome to The Shelf, But No Trespassing - Interfax 4.25.12
> Scientist tells Putin about future ice age - Interfax 4.20.12
> TNK-BP targeted: Accusations of environmental violations against TNK-BP are politically motivated, analysts say - MN 4.24.12
> Arctic Cold War heats up - MN 3.29.12
> Ice extent in Barents Sea less than half of average - BNE 3.19.12
> Kara Sea is ice-free, according to satellite imagery - BNE 2.16.12
> Global Warming In Russia Worse Than World's Average - Ministry - RIAN 1.16.12
> Kyoto Protocol Fails to Meet Declared Goals - Moscow - Interfax
> Russia Believes Continuation Of Kyoto Protocol Is 'False Goal' - Official - RIAN

JRL External NewsLinks - Environment
:: Russian City on Watch Against Being Sucked Into the Earth - NEWSLINK
:: Global warming affects Russia more than others – meteorologists - NEWSLINK - RT 4.5.12
:: What does the weather mean for Russian agriculture? - NEWSLINK - RBTH 3.29.12
:: NEWSLINK: In scientific coup, Russians reach Antarctic lake - AP 2.8.12
:: NEWSLINK: North Sea Route is another corridor from Europe to Asia – Levitin - ITAR-TASS 10-28-11/JRL 2011-195
:: NEWSLINK: The Vanishing Arctic - Moscow Times 10-28-11/JRL 2011-195

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Events, Calls for Papers, Lectures - archive

JRL Simple - mobile & more
> BBG ROUNDTABLE: New Russian Laws ­ Tightening the Noose on Free Speech? [Sept. 19, 2012 in Washington, D.C.] - from RFERL_Communications 9.19.12 event
> CSIS CONFERENCE: Religious and Ethnic Tolerance in South Caucasus and Central [Sept. 11, 2012, in Washington, D.C.] - from Mihaela David, CSIS 9.11.12 conference
> ARA National Convention in New York on May 6 - American Russian-Speaking Association for Civil & Human Rights 5.3.12 communication about 5.6.12 event
> EVENT: Putin, Russia, and the West: War [March 26 in Washington, D.C.] - CEIP 3.26.12 event
> EVENT: Memorial Performance for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, FDR [March 16 in Washington, D.C.] - Eurasia Center
> ASN 2012 PRELIMINARY PROGRAM NOW AVAILABLE! [event in New York City, April 19-21] - from Dominique Arel

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Nuclear, Missile Defense - archive
Russia Walks Out of Nunn-Lugar Agreement ­- Paper ~ Moscow is to abandon participation in a decades-old program with the United States aimed at dismantling weapons of mass destruction ... RIA Novosti 10.10.12; JRL 2012-177
:: Putin Voices Pessimism on Missile Defense
President Vladimir Putin said he does not believe that the United States and Russia will manage to resolve their disagreements regarding the U.S. missile defense shield in Europe no matter who the U.S. leader is ... Moscow Times 6.20.12; JRL 2012-111
:: Putin Says Modernizing Nuclear Forces 'Asymmetric Response' To US ABM Plans
Speaking at a meeting with brigade and division commanders, Putin said that his strategic military priorities are "the strategic nuclear forces, Aerospace Defence Troops, aviation, space systems and complexes, as well as equipment for reconnaissance, electronic warfare, communications and automatic control systems" Interfax

JRL Simple: Mobile & More - Missile Defense
> Putin Reaffirms Russia's Commitment to Nuclear Disarmament - Interfax 8.24.12
> Moscow insists on legal guarantees that European missile shield not targeted against it — diplomat - Interfax 7.12.12
> U.S. State Dept. Urges Russia to Cooperate on Missile Defense - RIAN 7.4.12
> Putin Voices Pessimism on Missile Defense - MT 6.20.12
> Russia's Putin Promises 'Appropriate Reaction' To European Missile Shield - Interfax 6.14.12
> NATO Bigwig Headed to Moscow for Missile Defense Talks - MT 4.24.12
> Russia, USA Can Discuss Tactical Nukes Only From Equal Positions — Lavrov - Interfax 4.19.12
> Senior Russian MP Says Moscow Can't Take NATO At Its Word On Missile Defence - Interfax 4.11.12
> Russia Concerned With US Missile Defence Plans Outside Europe Too — Top Diplomat - Interfax 4.2.12
> Can Putin and Obama Make a Deal on Missile Defense? - RP 3.30.12
> TRANSCRIPT: Medvedev news conference following the Nuclear Security Summit - kremlin.ru 3.29.12
> Russian Military Rules Out U.S. Sharing Sensitive Missile Defense Info With Russia - Interfax 3.28.12
> Missile Issue Will Not "freeze" All Relations With U.S. — Lavrov - Interfax 3.21.12
> Putin Says Modernizing Nuclear Forces 'Asymmetric Response' To US ABM Plans - Interfax 2.22.12
> Russia to oppose European missile shield plans unless offered cooperation - Medvedev - Interfax 2.22.12
> Lack of Progress in Missile Defense Hinders New Level of Russia-NATO Relations - Foreign Ministry - Interfax 2.14.12

External NewsLinks
:: Putin pushes nuclear, space defense reform — Russia Today 7.26.12
:: Russia-NATO discussion of missile defence gains positive character - ITAR-TASS 7.20.12
:: [Missile Defense] Obama to Russia: More flexibility after elections - NEWSLINK - AP 3.26.12

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Life in Russia, Culture, Arts - archive
:: The Bolshoi gets its groove back
After six years, $730 million spent on renovations and copious delays, the Bolshoi Theater's storied main stage is finally set to reopen ... Joy Neumeyer, Moscow News; JRL 2011-193, Oct. 26, 2011

from the email newsletter 6/7/12 - "DJ: Here's the best thing you can do today. Watch this Youtube video of a wedding-party flash-mob in Moscow dancing to Irving Berlin's song Puttin' on the Ritz:"

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Life in Russia, Culture, Arts

> Forget Batman. Russians Get Own Superheroes - MT 7.31.12
> Moscow: Turning Europe's Largest City into Eurasia's World Class City - VOA 7.3.12
> VIDEO: Wedding Party Flash-Mob in Moscow Dancing to Irving Berlin's "Puttin' on the Ritz" - youtube 6.7.12
> Russian on Verge of Moral 'catastrophe" — Filmmakers - Interfax 4.16.12
> Lenfilm on the rocks - MN 4.17.12
> French beat Russians for title of world's rudest people - MN 3.13.12
> Google Launches Street View in Russia - RIAN 2.22.12
> Vysotsky As We Knew Him - Sergei Roy 2.13.12
> Russians Divided on St. Valentine's Day Celebration - RIAN 2.13.12
> Orphans' Difficulties Stubbornly Unrelenting - MT 2.20.12
> Experts Should Help Investigate Wave in Child Suicides in Russia - Prosecutors - Interfax - 2.16.12
> Nation Ticked Off After a Winter of Summer Time - MT 2.9.12
> Fishing: Russia's other civil battlefront - Oleg Pavlov/ opendemocracy.net 1.10.12
> Russia Abroad: Banya Finds an Appreciative New Audience - MT 1.10.12
> Russian provincial life: to be or not to be ... single - Elena Strelnikova/ opendemocracy.net 1.2.12

:: Why a Midnight Call Trumps a Morning Class | Opinion - NEWSLINK - Marilyn Murray/MT 4.3.12
:: I loved, they loved, you will love TV English - NEWSLINK - Mark H. Teeter/MN 2.21.12
:: NEWSLINK: Putin's Unruly Children: A New Generation Aims to Revitalize Russia - Der Spiegel 2.9.12
:: NEWSLINK: Why Cold War Is Back at the Movies in The Iron Lady, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy & Mission Impossible - Moviefone 1.16.12
:: NEWSLINK: Russia's Bolshoi Theatre reopens after historic refit - AFP 10-28-11/JRL 2011-195
:: NEWSLINK: The Bolshoi Theatre on YouTube - YouTube/JRL 2011-193
:: NEWSLINK: Bolshoi reopening live on YouTube - Russia Today 10-26-11/JRL 2011-193
:: NEWSLINK: Russia to keep daylight saving time, inconveniences to be minor - ITAR-TASS 10-26-11/JRL 2011-193

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NATO - archive
U.S. ready to discuss modernization of conventional weapons control in Europe with Russia ~ "CFE [Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty] remains important," U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller said on her Twitter page ... Interfax 11.19.12; JRL 2012-205
NEWSLINK: Georgian tycoon expects NATO entry after poll victory ~ Russia will deliver attack helicopters and mobile air-defense systems to Iraq in arms deals worth $4.2 billion ... JRL Newslink Blog, covering Reuters article 10.9.12; JRL 2012-177

JRL Simple: Mobile & More
> Averting a new NATO-Russian arms race - Hall Gardner/opendemocracy.net 5.28.12

> NATO Bigwig Headed to Moscow for Missile Defense Talks - MT 4.24.12
> Moscow May Skip NATO Summit - MT 4.20.12
> Lavrov Assails NATO on Eve of Key Talks - MT 4.19.12
> Russia Should Abstain From New Arms Race With NATO — Pundit - Interfax 4.17.12
> Russia-NATO Council still has a lot of potential — Russian diplomat - Interfax 4.16.12
> Putin to NATO: Yankees, Please Stay in Afghanistan - VOA 4.14.12
> Moscow Does Not Expect CFE Treaty Talks To Begin in the Near Term - RIAN 4.5.12
> Senior Russian MP Says Moscow Can't Take NATO At Its Word On Missile Defence - Interfax 4.11.12
> NATO Flight Plan Awakens Russians' Ire - MT 4.11.12
> NATO Base in Russia 'Pragmatic Decision' — Analysts - RIAN 3.21.12
> USA, NATO Not Planning Attack But Still Pose Risk To Russia — Foreign Minister - Interfax 3.21.12
> Over Half Of Respondents Believe Russia Facing No Real Military Threat - Poll - Interfax 2.21.12
> Russians Growing More Wary Of USA, NATO - Survey - Interfax 2.22.12
> NATO thanks Moscow for transiting cargo to Afghanistan - Interfax 1.31.12> Half of Russians See NATO as Aggressive Alliance - Poll - Interfax 1.25.12
> NATO-Russia Summit Prospects Largely Depend on Reaching Missile-defense Deal - Ministry - Interfax 1.26.12
> Russians' support for cooperation with NATO growing - poll - Interfax

:: Russians fear NATO eastward enlargement - poll
The percentage of Russians surveyed who are certain that NATO's eastward enlargement is no threat to Russia has increased, but NATO's enlargement still worries the majority of the Russian population ... Interfax; JRL 2011-215, Nov. 30, 2011

:: Asian Exodus: The Logistical Nightmare of Leaving Afghanistan - NEWSLINK - Der Spiegel 4.3.12
:: U.S., NATO fail have failed to form efficient coalition in Afghanistan in 10 years – Russian Analyst - NEWSLINK - Interfax-AVN 1.2.12
:: Russia responds to NATO with radar station in Kaliningrad region - NEWSLINK - TASS 11-30-11/JRL 2011-215

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Public Health, Epidemics, Alcohol, Tobacco - archive
Cigarette Makers Wage Final Battle to Tame Russian Bill ~ Cigarette makers including Philip Morris International Inc. and British American Tobacco Plc are fighting a last-ditch battle against a smoking crackdown in Russia due in three weeks ... Henry Meyer and Stepan Kravchenko, Bloomberg 10.11.12; JRL 2012-179
:: Free Health Care Not So Free Anymore
In Russia, public health care since the collapse of the 3 Union has been underfunded, understaffed and underequipped ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-212, Nov. 25, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Health
> Cigarette Makers Wage Final Battle to Tame Russian Bill - Bloomberg 10.11.12
> Russians Do More to Stay Healthy — Survey - Interfax 8.10.12
> Russia to Ban Smoking Indoors - RIAN 4.20.12
> How Many Kids Are in Institutions? No Way to Know - MT 3.29.12
> Experts Should Help Investigate Wave in Child Suicides in Russia - Prosecutors - Interfax - 2.16.12

External NewsLinks - Health
:: Duma offers to increase fines for smoking at unauthorized places - NEWSLINK - ITAR-TASS 4.4.12
:: Women Talk: Smell Flowers, Not Smoke - NEWSLINK - Svetlana Kolchik/RIAN 4.3.12
:: NEWSLINK: Russia wants to increase life expectancy to 75-80 years by 2025 - ITAR-TASS 2.7.12

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History, Soviet Union - archive
Vyatlag: the Gulag then and now ~ Many of the Soviet Gulag camps are now deserted, but Vyatlag is still in operation, though now most of the prisoners are there for criminal rather than political offences ... Ekaterina Loushnikova, opendemocracy.net; 11.9.12; JRL 2012-202
:: Thesis Survey Distribution [Survey on Usability of Russian Historical Archives]
"I am seeking researchers, professors, authors, graduate students, and other professionals who have utilized state archives, the private archives of the Memorial Society, or both ... I would be very grateful if scholars who have done research in this field would take a few minutes to complete this brief, 15-question survey I have designed ..." From Kristen Kennedy; JRL 2011-208, Nov. 17, 2011
:: NEW BOOK: The Craft of Political Analysis for Diplomats
"My book, The Craft of Political Analysis for Diplomats, has just been published by Potomac Press ..." from Raymond Smith; JRL 2011-207, Nov. 16, 2011

JRL Simple Mobile & More - History, Soviet Union
> PUTIN TRANSCRIPT: Celebrations marking the 200th anniversary of the battle of Borodino - kremlin.ru 9.2.12
> New Book on Soviet-Japanese War of 1939 - from Wayne Merry 8.15.12
> Grand Celebrations Begin for 1812 Battle - MT 8.2.12
> Medvedev Decorates Gorbachev With Highest Russian Order - Interfax 5.3.12
> Notebook Sparks Fury Over Stalin's Legacy - MT 4.10.12
> Church calls for Lenin's works to be scrutinized for extremism - MN 4.2.12
> NEW BOOK: Keeping Faith with the Party: Communist Believers Return from the Gulag - from Laura J. Baich/Indiana University

JRL External NewsLinks
:: Russia and the Napoleonic War - Valdai Club 9.6.12
:: Alexander Herzen: A man of the era of awakening - NEWSLINK - RBTH 4.11.12
:: The Ultimate Survivors of a Century of Trauma - NEWSLINK - MT 3.28.12
:: NEWSLINK: Why Cold War Is Back at the Movies in The Iron Lady, Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy & Mission Impossible - Moviefone 1.16.12

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Iran - archive
:: Russia and China Side With Iran over IAEA Nuclear Report
The report marks the first time the IAEA directly linked Iran's nuclear program, which Teheran claimed was purely civilian and energy-related, to weapons production ... Vladimir Frolov, Vladimir Belaeff, Alexander Rahr and Ira Straus, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-209, Nov. 18, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Iran
> Analyst Questions Kremlin's Threats Against Iran - MT 8.20.12
> Russian Experts Sceptical About Outcome Of 5+1 Meeting On Iran In Moscow - Interfax 6.18.12
> Putin Prepared to Play Iran Peacemaker - MT 6.7.12
> RIA NOVOSTI: Russian Experts Believe Nuclear Iran Could Bring Stability To Middle East - RIAN 4.6.12
> Russia and Iran: Uneasy Neighbors - Since the 16th Century - VOA 1.23.12
> Russian Experts Say EU Sanctions Will Not Be 'Fatal Blow' For Iran - RIAN 1.25.12
> The war of nerves around Iran - RIAN 1.12.12

External Newslinks - Iran
:: Russia and Iran: Heading toward a political earthquake? - RT 8.15.12
:: Russia and Iran: Heading for divorce court? — RT 8.10.12
:: How Moscow Is Helping to Solve the Iran Problem - NEWSLINK - NYT 4.11.12
:: Hotheads in Middle East provoking Iran, Russia says - NEWSLINK - RT 4.3.12
:: Will Russia protect Iran? - NEWSLINK - RT 1.13.12
:: 'Iran enrichment move low, but West at fault too' - NEWSLINK - RT 1.17.12

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Commonwealth of Independent States - archive
:: Most Russians In Favour Of Ex-USSR Reintegration - Opinion Poll
The majority of Russians support the idea of creating an association on ex-USSR territory through reintegration ... Interfax; JRL 2011-207, Nov. 16, 2011
:: Russia: Rebuilding an Empire While It Can
Russia's ultimate plan is to re-establish control over much of its former territories, inevitably leading Moscow and Washington back into confrontation ... Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor.com; JRL 2011-197, Nov. 1, 2011

JRL Simple: Mobile & More
> Eurasian Economic Union mulls the "Rurozone" - bne 7.5.12
> Webinar: By the Numbers: Quantitative Data Sources in Eurasian Studies - Feb. 10, 2012, 2 PM ET - Social Science Research Council 1.27.12
> Happy New Mini-USSR: Russia Is Recreating the Soviet Union, One Little Step at a Time - RP 1.5.12

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Russia and the West - archive
:: Putin's De Gaulle moment
There is plenty of evidence that Putin cares what the West thinks about Russia — just as he watches opinion poll results extremely carefully to check his popular mandate at home ...
Tim Wall, Moscow News; JRL 2011-206, Nov. 15, 2011
:: Russians More Positive About EU Than About US - Poll
Russians surveyed in a recent poll are better disposed towards the EU than towards the United States ... Interfax; JRL 2011-188, Oct. 18, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Russia & the West
> Putin Design for Russia May Intensify Tensions With West - Bloomberg 3.7.12

External Newslinks - Russia & The West

:: West's depiction of Putin's woes is nothing more than wishful thinking - Vancouver Sun 9.24.12
:: Key change in ballad of East versus West? - RT 9.7.12
:: THEY ARE STILL AT IT: MSM CONTINUES TO DISTORT RUSSIAN REALITY - NEWSLINK - ROPV 3.28.12
:: West 'takes note' of Putin win - NEWSLINK - AFP 3.6.12
:: No new Cold War, but Putin says is not West's yes man - NEWSLINK - Reuters 2.24.12

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Foreign Policy, Security, Visas - archive
:: Russia: Rebuilding an Empire While It Can
Russia's ultimate plan is to re-establish control over much of its former territories, inevitably leading Moscow and Washington back into confrontation ... Lauren Goodrich, Stratfor.com; JRL 2011-197, Nov. 1, 2011
:: Russian Military Intelligence Expects Struggle For Resources To Intensify
Russia's GRU is issuing a warning about new challenges and threats relating to the struggle for natural resources, proliferation of nuclear technologies and man-triggered disasters ... RIA-Novosti; JRL 2011-198, Nov. 2, 2011

JRL Simple: Mobile & More - Foreign Policy, Security

> Panel — get rid of visas - RIAN 7.13.12
> [TRANSCRIPT: Putin] Meeting with Russian ambassadors and permanent representatives in international organisations - kremlin.ru 7.9.12
> Putin Tells Diplomats to Improve Russia's Image - MT 7.10.12
> Russian Minister Says No Major Changes In New Foreign Policy Blueprint - RIAN 7.9.12

> Russians Want Their Country to Be Leading World Power — Poll - Interfax 6.9.12
> Putin's Foreign Policy Goes on the Road - MT 6.1.12
> Does Russia Have a Strategy for Breakaway States? - RP 4.27.12
> World respects but fears Russia - poll - Interfax 3.29.12
> Is Russia's Foreign Policy Set to Change? - John Lough 3.1.12
> Is Putin Preparing Russia for War? - RP 3.2.12
> Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets with editors-in-chief of leading foreign media outlets - premier.gov.ru 3.2.12
> Over Half Of Respondents Believe Russia Facing No Real Military Threat - Poll - Interfax 2.21.12
> Russians Growing More Wary Of USA, NATO - Survey - Interfax 2.22.12
> More Than Half Of Russians Concerned About Foreign Military Threat - Survey - Interfax 2.21.12

JRL External Newslinks - Foreign Policy, Security

:: TRANSCRIPT: Sergei Lavrov interview by Charlie Rose - MFA 9.28.12
:: Collective Security Treaty Organization: What Is Involved - NEWSLINK: ValdaiClub.com 6.28.12
:: Canada Can Help Russia With Northern Sea Route - NEWSLINK - Michael Byers/MT 6.8.12
:: Medvedev's foreign policy paid off - NEWSLINK - RBTH 4.16.12
:: Simplistic portrayals of Putin as Bond villain cripple diplomacy - NEWSLINK - independent.ie 4.15.12
:: Lavrov comes to Washington for G8, Quartet, bilateral meetings - NEWSLINK - ITAR-TASS 4.11.12
:: No new Cold War, but Putin says is not West's yes man - NEWSLINK - Reuters 2.24.12
:: Putin’s National Security Vision - NEWSLINK - CEIP 2.23.12
:: Why is Russia anti-American? - NEWSLINK - RT 2.24.12
:: Strengthening the international legal system - NEWSLINK - RBTH 2.24.12
:: Russian foreign policy: challenges for Moscow - NEWSLINK - Valdai Club 1.31.12

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Europe, EU - archive
U.S. ready to discuss modernization of conventional weapons control in Europe with Russia ~ "CFE [Conventional Armed Forces in Europe Treaty] remains important," U.S. Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Rose Gottemoeller said on her Twitter page ... Interfax 11.19.12; JRL 2012-205
Spokesman Denies Putin Will Skip Russia-EU Summit ~ Putin will attend a Russia-EU summit next month, his spokesman said Monday, denying a report that Putin might send Medvedev instead ... Moscow Times 11.9.12; JRL 2012-199
Russians Abroad. The Lure of the Mediterranean. ~ "I see that what I've written here looks like a cross between a promotional booklet and a report on a trip to paradise ...." Sergei Roy 8.21.12; JRL 2012-151
:: Russia Ready to Offer Europe $10 Billion in Aid Through IMF
Russia is prepared to help Europe with its debt crisis by making as much as $10 billion available through the IMF, and possibly offering bilateral help to EU nations ... Lyubov Pronina and Scott Rose, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-196, Oct. 31, 2011

JRL Simple: Mobile & More
> Putin and Merkel Trade Barbs in Kremlin Talks - MT 11.19.12
> EU Loses Out to East at Economic Forum - MT 6.22.12
> Putin: Visa Deal Key for EU-Russia Relations - MT 6.4.12
> Moscow Does Not Expect CFE Treaty Talks To Begin in the Near Term - RIAN 4.5.12
> The Police International vs Russia's football fans - Irina Borogan, Andrei Soldatov/opendemocracy.net 1.4.12

:: NEWSLINK: Europe's Debt Problems Cannot Be Ignored - Martin Gilman/MT 2.8.12

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Science - archive
Physicist Convicted of Espionage Gets Parole ~ Siberian physicist Valentin Danilov, jailed on charges of espionage and treason amid a spying frenzy during Putin’s first term, was granted parole and could be freed next week; human rights campaigners say his imprisonment was improper to begin with ... Natalya Krainova, Moscow Times 11.14.12; JRL 2012-201
:: Nanotech to Play Big Role in Modernization Plans
Medvedev's modernization committee will review the status of the nanotechnology sector, including plans to invest in more than 13 domestic factories and develop local expertise via a partnership with MIT ... Justin Varilek, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-193, Oct. 26, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Science
> Physicist Convicted of Espionage Gets Parole - MT 11.14.12
> Russian Academy of Sciences reform long overdue - Interfax 8.7.12

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Human Rights - archive
Rights activists says torture still used in Russia ~ According to human rights activists, torture is still practiced in Russia and people complain of ill-treatment received at detention centres, police, army and mental hospitals ... Interfax 11.8.12; JRL 2012-199
Why the Foreign Ministry Should Keep Quiet ~ Those nostalgic about the Soviet Union got a nice treat on Oct. 22 when the Foreign Ministry released its report on U.S. human rights violations ... Moscow Times 11.2.12; JRL 2012-193

JRL Simple: mobile & more - Human Rights

> Alexeyeva Takes Aim at Putin on Her Birthday - MT 7.23.12
> Russia Will Become Truly Democratic No Earlier Than in 5-10 Years — Alexeyeva - Interfax 7.23.12

> Strasbourg Seeks To Limit Russia Cases, But Rights-Watchers Say That's A Good Thing - MT 6.18.12
> Rights NGO Reports On Detention Of Over 4,000 Activists In Russia In 2011 - Interfax 1.26.12
> Reporters Without Borders Downgrade Russia Freedom Rating - RIAN 1.26.12
> Europe's Rights Chief Offers Advice on Russia - MT 1.25.12

:: Human Rights Ombudsman Calls Russia Democracy With Reservations
"Some countries have less democracy and some more. As for us, we perhaps have less of it. ..." Interfax; JRL 2011-193, Oct. 26, 2011

:: The Ultimate Survivors of a Century of Trauma - NEWSLINK - MT 3.28.12
:: Torture has become standard practice in Russian police - NEWSLINK - ITAR-TASS 3.28.12
:: Russia Jolted Into Action on Police Brutality - NEWSLINK - NYT 3.29.12
:: NEWSLINK: The Yahoos and Bullies Who Wear White Coats [re: patient abuse] - Transitions Online 10-27-11/JRL 2011-194
:: NEWSLINK: Russian activists decry failure to denounce Stalin - AP 10-26-11/JRL 2011-194

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YUKOS, Khodorkovsky - archive
Russian Court Orders Release of Khodorkovsky Partner in 2013 ~ Lebedev and his associate Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man and YUKOS CEO, were sentenced for fraud and tax evasion in 2005 and convicted again on related charges to extend their sentences; Khodorkovsky says he was targeted by Putin for financing opposition parties, an accusation the Kremlin denies ... Henry Meyer and Jason Corcoran, Bloomberg 8.8.12; JRL 2012-144
:: Support Growing For Khodorkovsky Release on Parole - Poll
Among Russians surveyed, Khodorkovsky's sympathizers have grown in number in recent months, while those who trust the government charges against him have decreased ... Interfax; JRL 2011-192, Oct. 25, 2011
:: Khodorkovsky May Be Investigated for Money Laundering
German investigators reportedly found accounts under Khodorkovsky's name worth between 15 million euros and 20 million euros, by accident, during a tax evasion raid ... Khristina Narizhnaya, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-187, Oct. 17, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - YUKOS, Khodorkovsky
> Court Cuts Prison Sentence of Khodorkovsky's Partner - MT 8.8.12
> Khodorkovsky: Law Enforcement in Russia Should Be Cut, Motivated to Fight Real Crime - Interfax 4.17.12
> One In Ten Russians Describe Ex Yukos Chief As Political Prisoner - Poll - Interfax 4.9.12
> Khodorkovsky Pardon Won't Need Guilt Admission, Council Says - Bloomberg 3.15.12

External NewsLinks - YUKOS, Khodorkovsky
:: Medvedev refuses to pardon Khodorkovsky without petition - NEWSLINK - ITAR-TASS 4.3.12

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Far East, China, Japan, Koreas - archive
New Chinese Leadership Needs Moscow ­- Analysis ~ The new generation of Chinese leaders is prepared to maintain Beijing’s partnership with Moscow and may even seek closer ties should the geopolitical standoff with the United States in the Asia-Pacific intensify, Russian analysts argued ... , RIA Novosti 11.8.12; JRL 2012-198
Putin Looks East for Growth as Indebted Europe Loses Sheen ~ Faced with a debt crisis in Europe, its top trading partner, Russia is pivoting east for the trade and investment Putin needs to meet economic targets, including an oil refinery on the Pacific coast ... Ilya Khrennikov and Scott Rose, Bloomberg 9.7.12; JRL 2012-162

JRL Simple: mobile & more
> Vlad in Vlad: Forging Russia's First Hot City on the Pacific Rim - VOA 9.11.12
> Russia Is No China To Have Sports Under State Control — Kremlin Chief Of Staff - RIAN 8.9.12
> Russia to Stem Chinese Migrant Flow to Far East - RIAN 8.9.12
> Islet of Discontent: Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's Visit to the Kuril Islands Poses More Questions Than Answers - RP 7.6.12
> Putin Pushes Investment on China Trip - MT 6.6.12
> Crouching Bear, Hidden Tiger: Putin's New Foreign Policy Eyes China to Boost Russia's Economy as the Eurozone Crisis Deepens - RP 6.6.12
> No irritants in Russia-China relations — Putin - Interfax 4.26.12
> Russian Gov't Plans 'Far Eastern Republic' — Paper - RIAN 4.20.12
> Russia to create 'parallel government' in Far East - MN 4.20.12
> Chinese expansion to Russia should not be feared — Romodanovsky - Interfax 3.21.12
> Kim's Death 'Won't Hurt' Ties - MT
> Expert Malashenko doesn't expect radical reforms in North Korea - Interfax

:: Putin Says Russia Near China Deal on Supplying Natural Gas
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia is nearing an agreement with China to supply natural gas to the world's biggest energy consumer ... Bloomberg; JRL 2011-183, Oct. 11, 2011
:: Russia Seeks to Diversify Trade With China During Putin's Trip
A total of 17 agreements may be reached during Putin's visit ... Lyubov Pronina and Henry Meyer, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-182, Oct. 10, 2011

:: NEWSLINK: Kremlin turns its face to eastern frontier - Globe and Mail 1.23.12
:: NEWSLINK: Last stand for Russia in China gas talks - Reuters 10.13.11

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[click on graphic to
view larger image]Baltics - archive
:: Latvia Strikes Blow to Corruption by Voting Out Oligarchs: View
Building a successful democracy requires more than holding multiparty, regular elections; and capitalist economics is more than just privatization ... Bloomberg; JRL 2011-168, Sept. 20, 2011
:: Out of Harmony: Pro-Russian Parties Are Consolidating Support in the Baltic States, but Have Yet to Prove They Can Work in Coalition
Latvia leads the way in terms of pro-Russian politics among the Baltic states, although gains have also been made in Estonia ... Rosemary Griffin, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-168, Sept. 20, 2011

:: NEWSLINK: NATO plans to defend Baltics from Russia - AP 12-7-10/JRL 2010-227

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Twitter Revolutions, Mass Uprisings - archive
:: Russia to Fortify Military Ties With Allies to Preempt Revolts
Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Armenia agreed last year to re-equip a rapid-reaction force and set up "peacekeeping units" to target potential uprisings, particularly after seeing UN-authorized foreign troops carry out strikes against Khadafi loyalists in Libya ... Ilya Arkhipov, Bloomberg; JRL 2011-160, Sept. 6, 2011

:: NEWSLINK: Russia asserting itself against West, this time over Syria regime change - WP 1.28.12
:: NEWSLINK: No Reason to Fear Arab Spring in Russia - Moscow Times 10-27-11/JRL 2011-194

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Space - archive
:: The Final Frontier: Roskosmos' Budget Is Adequate to Develop Russia's Space Program as Long as It Doesn't Overextend Itself, Note Experts
Following a shake-up in the leadership at Roskosmos, the Russian space agency, its new head announced a major restructuring ... Andrew Roth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-149, Aug. 18, 2011

JRL Simple - mobile & more
> Nebulous Future Weighs Down Space Program - MT 3.22.12

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Belarus - archive
:: Belarus gas deal could be a warning to Ukraine
Ukraine is still a favored gas route to Europe, prompting Russia to renew its attempts to gain influence over Kiev's pipelines ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-147, Aug. 16, 2011

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Germany
:: Putin Snub, Visas Top Medvedev's Trip
Medvedev and Merkel also discussed gas trade in light of Germany's recent commitment to phase out nuclear power ... Anatoly Medetsky, Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-129, July 20, 2011
:: Germans Snub Putin Before Medvedev Visit
Medvedev's visit to Merkel this week could prove awkward, after a German nonprofit dropped plans to honor Putin ... Alexander Bratersky, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-127, July 18, 2011
:: Too Special A Friendship: Is Germany Questioning Russia's Embrace?
The Kremlin was cultivating European dependence on Russian, partly by collecting stakes in European energy companies, before the global financial crisis diminished energy consumption, compounding other developments threatening to undermine Moscow's strategy ... Gregory Feifer, RFE/RL; JRL 2011-123, July 12, 2011

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Poland - archive
:: Washington to send U.S. servicemen to maintain airbase in Poland
Washington and Warsaw have agreed to create a permanent deployment of U.S. Air Force assets in Poland that would service F-16 fighter jets, Hercules transport planes, and land personnel periodically visiting Poland for the military exercises ... RIA Novosti; JRL 2011-103, June 13, 2011

:: NEWSLINK: Leaders of Russia and Poland mark first anniversary of Polish plane crash as tensions simmer - AP 4-11-11/JRL 2011-64

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Arms Trade - archive
:: Russian Arms Exporter Lost 'Billions' In Profits In Libya Sanctions - Official
According to Isaykin, Rosoboronexport will resume sales to Libya once the s anctions have been lifted ... Interfax; JRL 2011-85, May 12, 2011

:: Arms Sales High, But Hard Times Loom - NEWSLINK - Ruslan Pukhov/MT 4.5.12

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History, Soviet Union - archive
:: Nearly 60% of Russians Think Independence Is Good For Country - Poll
The percentage of respondents, who believe that independence is good for the country, has doubled since 2000 ... Interfax

:: NEWSLINK: Only Communists mark Lenin birthday, most Russians for his burial - ITAR-TASS 4-22-11/JRL 2011-73
:: NEWSLINK: Survivors' History - Dissent Magazine Spring 2011/JRL 2011-60
:: NEWSLINK: Moving Lenin's body won't cut Russia's ties to its Soviet past - Washington Post 2-6-11/JRL 2011-21

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Race, Extremism, Xenophobia - archive
Putin Faces Anti-Migrant Tide as Opponents Tap Resentment ~ Putin’s opponents are looking to take advantage of a dip in his approval rating by latching on to rising anti-immigration sentiment ... Ilya Arkhipov and Henry Meyer, Bloomberg 11.6.12; JRL 2012-196
:: Case Predates Nationalist Rally
Tensions are rising ahead of an annual nationalist rally next week, with a former co-organizer facing two criminal cases for inciting ethnic hatred and riotous statements ... Alexander Bratersky,Moscow Times; JRL 2011-193, Oct. 26, 2011
:: Teachers fret over racism in schools
One-quarter of Russian high school students support ultranationalist and fascist views ... Lidia Okorokova, Moscow News; JRL 2011-155, Aug. 30, 2011
:: Putin talks multi-culturalism with religious leaders
Putin met with religious leaders sympathetic to his People's Front to address multiculturalism ... Tom Washington, Moscow News; JRL 2011-129, July 20, 2011
:: Kremlin condemned over nationalist violence
Hitler's birthday is soon to come, when police, embassies and universities warn foreigners to steer clear of the streets ... Tom Washington, Alina Lobzina, Moscow News; JRL 2011-68, April 15, 2011

JRL Simple: mobile & more - extremism
> Church calls for Lenin's works to be scrutinized for extremism - MN 4.2.12

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Far East, China, Japan, Koreas - archive
:: Moscow Set Out Ambitious Asian Policy Goals
The Russian government has reiterated its pledges to spend billions of rubles in government funding to speed up the development of the country's Far East in a bid to create a gateway to the booming Asia-Pacific Region ... Sergei Blagov, Eurasia Daily Monitor; JRL 2011-128, July 19, 2011
:: A Chinese Game: Russia and China Set Aside Their Differences in Pursuit of Greater Economic Goals
Some analysts said China's decision to start paying off its debt shows that it may have caved in to the legal pressure ... Tai Adelaja, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-97, June 3, 2011
:: Fukushima Jackpot: Russia's Ambitions to Export Nuclear Technologies Will Not Buckle in Light of Japan's Nuclear Crisis, Say Analysts
Despite its status as a growing exporter of nuclear power plants, Russia looks set to weather the storm and even emerge a winner from Japan's disaster ... Tom Balmforth, Russia Profile; JRL 2011-53, March 23, 2011
:: Moscow Trusts in Quake Diplomacy
Officials in Moscow are hoping for a rapprochement with Tokyo as Russia is focusing on sending humanitarian aid to its eastern neighbor, struck by a massive earthquake and tsunami and is now facing a growing nuclear disaster ... Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2011-50, March 18, 2011

:: NEWSLINK: After Chernobyl, Russia’s Nuclear Industry Emphasizes Reactor Safety - New York Times 3-23-11/JRL 2011-53
:: NEWSLINK: Russia set to profit from Libya, Japan crises - AP 3-22-11/JRL 2011-53

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Yeltsin - archive
:: Democratic hero or drunken buffoon?
With Medvedev unveiling a Yeltsin monument in Yekaterinburg and a large-scale photo-exhibition in Moscow chronicling Russia's faltering steps away from Communism in the 1990s, the country's first president is firmly back on the agenda ... Andy Potts, Moscow News; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Transcript: Prime Minister Vladimir Putin speaks at a gala reception in honour of the 80th birthday of Boris Yeltsin
"The full extent of President Yeltsin's personality is yet to be evaluated by history and future generations ..." premier.gov.ru; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Yeltsin's Correspondence Published With Medvedev's Preface
This book will help better understand Russia's current foreign policy, Medvedev writes in the preface ... Interfax; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Monument to Russia's first President Boris Yeltsin unveiled in Yekaterinburg
Dmitry Medvedev and Naina Yeltsina took part in the unveiling ceremony ... kremlin.ru transcript; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011
:: Boris Yeltsin - symbol of Russia's humiliation?
"Perhaps, Yeltsin loved democracy a lot. However, it did not stop him from committing the most horrible terrorist act in Russia's history - the artillery attack on the legitimately elected parliament ..." pravda.ru; JRL 2011-19, Feb. 3, 2011

:: NEWSLINK: Boris Yeltsin: Ups and downs in the eyes of the world - Russia Beyond the Headlines 2-3-11/JRL 2011-21

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Wikileaks - archive
:: WikiLeaks Joins Forces With Billionaire Lebedev
Anastasia Ustinova, Bloomberg; JRL #2010-234, Dec. 22, 2010
:: Russia "doesn't give a damn" about Wikileaks revelations
RIA Novosti; JRL #2010-234, Dec. 22, 2010
:: Putin Bristles Over Leaked U.S. Cables
Nikolaus von Twickel, Moscow Times; JRL 2010-228; Dec. 10, 2010

:: NEWSLINK: PICKYPEEKS — RUSSIAN SECRETS WITHOUT THE EMBARRASSING LEAKS - Business Insider 2-18-11/JRL 2011-30
:: NEWSLINK: Wikileaks about Saakashvili’s talk with Vershbow - Times (Armenia) 2-17-11/JRL 2011-30

[Image adapted from apparent screenshot, reproduced at www.rferl.org; rferl.org materials copyright (c) 2010. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036]

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Children
:: Re: treatment of children in Russia
From Robert Belenky; JRL #2009-219, Nov. 30, 2009.
:: RAS #45 ~ Special Issue, November 2009: CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE USSR AND POST-SOVIET RUSSIA
Editor's introduction to the issue :: Vladimir Sirotin: a brief sketch of my life and thought :: A monster of pedagogy: my objections to Makarenko and the Soviet education system :: A manifesto for children's and adolescents' rights :: A few observations on the situation of children and adolescents in the USSR / Russia
:: THE HIV EPIDEMIC AMONG STREET YOUTH: Rights Based Approaches and Replicable Solutions From Russia [Dec. 1 event in Washington]
From Bobby Argabrite; JRL #2009-214, Nov. 23, 2009.

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JRL Research & Analytical Supplement - archive
:: RAS #45 ~ Special Issue, November 2009
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE USSR AND POST-SOVIET RUSSIA
Editor's introduction to the issue :: Vladimir Sirotin: a brief sketch of my life and thought :: A monster of pedagogy: my objections to Makarenko and the Soviet education system :: A manifesto for children's and adolescents' rights :: A few observations on the situation of children and adolescents in the USSR / Russia

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G-8, G-20 - archive
:: [Medvedev] News Conference following G20 Summit
Kremlin transcript; JRL 2009-178, Sept. 28, 2009.
:: Russia to Play Supporting Role at G20 Summit
By Alex Anishyuk, from The Moscow Times; JRL 2009-178, Sept. 25, 2009.
:: Russia's diminishing role in G20 calls for new allies, say pundits
From Russian (government) Information Agency Novosti; JRL #2009-179, Sept. 28, 2009.

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Moldova - archive
:: Moldova Enters Post-Voronin Era -- Or Maybe Not
From Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; JRL #2009-164, Sept. 4, 2009.

:: Why Moldova Has Turned Its Back on Russia - Ander Aslund/Moscow Times
:: NEWSLINK: Biden in Moldova: The U.S. Veep Ruffles Moscow Nicely - Time 3-12-11/JRL 2011-146
:: NEWSLINK: Europe's poorest nation chooses between east, west - AP 11-28-10/JRL 2010-220

[image adapted from original copyright (c) 2010 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036 http://www.rferl.org]

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Transdniester

> Unfrozen Conflict? Will Regime Change in Transdnestr Help Thaw the Frozen Conflict? - RP 1.6.12
> Berlin, Washington Call For Demilitarization of Dniester Security Zone - Interfax 1.6.12

:: No End Of Frozen Conflict In Moldova's Transdniester
By Gregory Feifer, from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty; JRL #2009-154, Aug. 19, 2009.

[image copyright (c) 2009. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036]

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Support the JRL - funding page
:: Timely Message About Johnson's Russia List
Special Message from David Johnson, e-mailed Dec. 9, 2009.
:: Another chance: Important Information About Your Subscription to Johnson's Russia List
Special Message from David Johnson, e-mailed to e-mail subscribers on Sept. 16, 2009.
:: JRL Funding Page
... including options for online gifts, gifts by telephone or mail, credit card, check, and more ...

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Support the JRL - funding
:: David Johnson: Navigator of Russian Media
 David Johnson interview in The Moscow News; JRL 2007-93, April 20, 2007.
:: Appeal from David Johnson
 From JRL #2007-Special Appeal, Autumn 2007.

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JRL Research & Analytical Supplement - archive
:: RAS #45 ~ Special Issue, November 2009:
CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN THE USSR AND POST-SOVIET RUSSIA
Editor's introduction to the issue :: Vladimir Sirotin: a brief sketch of my life and thought :: A monster of pedagogy: my objections to Makarenko and the Soviet education system :: A manifesto for children's and adolescents' rights :: A few observations on the situation of children and adolescents in the USSR / Russia

 

 

 

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