Russia
![After their joint press conference in Moscow, Russia, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov share a laugh over mentions of Team USA's loss to Russia at the World Hockey Championship on May 7, 2013. [State Department photo/ Public Domain]](http://www.undispatch.com/un-content/uploads/2013/05/Screen-shot-2013-05-09-at-1.17.50-PM-465x335.png)
Russia’s Cynical Ploy on Syria
Behind the scenes at the Security Council reveals sharp divisions on Syria.
Obama’s Syria Delaying Tactic
In a press conference earlier today, President Obama very cautiously addressed the question of whether or not Assad crossed the chemical weapons “Red Line.” His conclusion? We don’t yet know, but if we do find out conclusively it would be a “game changer.”
Why Russia Matters
Without Russian support, or at least acquiescence, it is difficult to see how more robust policies of aiding Syrian rebels; or of direct military intervention can succeed
In Russian Journalist’s Death, A Glimpse of Oppression
Vladimir Putin promised to investigate the beating of Mikhail Beketov last year. He never did. In all likelihood, he never will. Journalist murders in Russia rarely get investigated – they’re seen almost as a favor to the establishment. Without national leadership to end them, these murders will just continue.
Why Aren’t the Sochi Olympics Moderating Russia’s Human Rights Crackdown?
In contrast, during the lead up to the 2008 Olympics China adopted a striking ameliorative tone on the issue of Sudan.
Why Russian Authorities Raided Amnesty International’s Moscow Office
Russian prosecutors and tax officials demanded the Moscow offices of Amnesty International provide records for a surprise audit. It is part of a larger series of crackdowns on NGOs here that has accelerated after Vladimir Putin resumed the presidency last year.
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The SC; HRC; DPRK; South Sudan
The SC: The Security Council today held its last consultations under the Council Presidency of ROK. Tomorrow, Russia will take over the rotating Presidency of the Security Council for March under Ambassador Vitaly Churkin.
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The SG; Mali; Middle East; Palestine
The SG: At the Fifth Global Forum of the UN Alliance of Civilizations in Vienna, Austria today, the SG emphasized the role of youth in ensuring a “prosperous, equitable and peaceful future.”
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The SG; DRC; HRC; Palestinian Prisoner
The SG: In Ethiopia over the weekend, the SG is now in the United Arab Emirates. Today he met with Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, where the two discussed developments in the region, including Syria, Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan, and in the Middle East Peace Process.
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