Russia
Russian Orthodox Church stakes out assertive role on social issues
Russia's Orthodox Church is trying to become more relevant in Russian society. Though some 70 percent of Russians say they believe in the Orthodox Church, less than one percent go to church even once a month.
Russian court grants reprieve to one member of Pussy Riot band
The Russian band Pussy Riot ignited a storm of controversy for its protest performance in a Russian cathedral. Arrested and eventually convicted, a trio of band members were sentenced to two year in prison. But Wednesday, a Russian court suspended the sentence of one woman.
Russian band Pussy Riot, convicted of hooliganism, given two-year sentences
Maria Alyokhina, 24, Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, and Yekaterina Samutsevich will spend the next two years in prison after a Russian judge determined they had offended the sensibilities of religious people with an anti-Vladimir Putin protest performance in an Orthodox Cathedral.
According to history, world politics always on display during Olympics
A total of 38 world records were broken and 962 medals handed out at the London Olympics this year. The Games start and ended without a hitch, despite early concerns about security. But author and historian Kenneth Davis says that while the Games avoided any sort of incident, the tensions of international politics were still visible.
World powers battle for influence over Central Asia
Central Asia has long been the focus of tense geopolitical battles between world powers. The latest one started more than a decade ago, when the United States turned the region into a primary staging ground for its war in Afghanistan. A three-way struggle has since emerged between the U.S., China and Russia.
VIDEO: Syria in civil war as heavy weapons flow into region
Syria is increasingly wracked by violence. Government forces are using increasingly powerful weapons against rebels who are getting their own more powerful weapons. United Nations officials say the country has descended into full-fledged civil war.
VIDEO: Internet sensation 'Mr. Trololo' dies in Russia, age 77
Among a certain generation of Internet user, the perfect response to a well-played trick is simply "trololo" -- a reference to a very specific Soviet-era singer who became famous again when his video made it to YouTube. That man, Eduard Khil, died on Monday at the age of 77.
Regina Spektor's new album has old roots
Regina Spektor's anticipated new album, "What We Saw From the Cheap Seats" was released Tuesday. Spektor was born in Moscow and emigrated with her family to the Bronx when she was nine. She said her newest album carries old Russian influences.
In Ukraine, middle class hopes built up by Orange Revolution, fade with time
The Ukrainian people took to the streets in 2004, demanding free and fair elections in what became known as the Orange Revolution. They got what they wanted then, but over time things have reverted to the way they were. That has some in the middle class a bit disillusioned.
Secret Service scandal widens with misconduct allegations in El Salvador, Argentina, Russia
The Secret Service is under fire because of allegations that 11 of its agents caroused with prostitutes immediately before President Barack Obama's visit to Colombia earlier this month. Now comes word of a similar incident in El Salvador in 2011 and other questionable incidents in Argentina and Russia last decade.
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(21 May, 2013 08:58:54)Stop moaning everyone - unbelievable and endless queue of worlds biggest collection of all minded moaning Minnie's -
PUdden N Tane (20 May, 2013 09:40:50)Take her crayons away then put her in the corner. How could anyone even 'think' they are doing right by the picture when they make ...
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Womprat (20 May, 2013 02:50:44)There were no swamp rats. There were Womprats, though.
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Jonathan (20 May, 2013 11:59:28)You're quite right. Sorry about that! Jonathan Kealing PRI.org
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My Other Car's the Tardis (20 May, 2013 11:37:03)I think you dropped a letter in the album's title: "Ela" is "she"--not "he"--in Portuguese.