U.S. presidential race on the minds of many Afghans. Read more from FRONTLINE/World

Iranians make clear distinction between American people and American policies. Read more at FRONTLINE/World

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Dmitry Medvedev

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has signed a decree to recognize the breakaway regions of Georgia, - Abkhazia and South Ossetia - as independent states. In an exclusive interview with the BBC's Bridget Kendall at his residency in the Russian city of Sochi on the border with Abkhazia, Medvedev was asked why Russia had signed the decree in the face of international opposition.

Matthew BellCheck out Matthew Bell's blog

Today on The World: Western condemnation for Russia, after the Kremlin recognizes Georgia's breakaway regions as independent states; Also, the first-ever American Muslim Democratic Caucus is held at the Democratic National Convention in Denver; and the South Korean government takes on the country's new online media.

Russia's president today recognized the breakaway Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia as independent states. The move heightens tensions between Russia and the West. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Aleksander Darchiyev, Charge D'Affaires at Russia's embassy in Washington, to find out more about Russia's intentions.

Interview with Russian President Medvedev

South Ossetians celebrate Russia's move

Lisa Mullins speaks with the BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse about reaction among South Ossetians to the news from Russia today.

Russia compares its recognition of Georgia's two breakaway regions with Western recognition of Kosovo. The World's Katy Clark examines the parallels.

The government of North Korea says it has stopped disabling its nuclear facilities. It says the U.S. has violated a disarmament deal. Anchor Lisa Mullins speaks with Dr. John Park, Direcor of the Korea Working Group at the US Institute of Peace.