Mitt Romney Calls Barack Obama 'Naive' on Russia and Vladimir Putin

THE GUARDIAN: • Losing 2012 candidate slams president for 'faulty judgment'
• Senator Durbin accuses Republican of 'political amnesia'

Mitt Romney said on Sunday that President Barack Obama is naive when it comes to Russia, has shown "faulty judgment" about Moscow's intentions and could have done more to try to deter its annexation of Crimea.

The 2012 Republican presidential nominee said Obama had not had the foresight to anticipate Russia's moves and should have been working earlier with allies to make clear the penalties that Russia would face if it moved into Ukraine. Romney did acknowledge that such steps might not have been enough though to hold back Russia's President Vladimir Putin.

"Had we communicated those things, there's always the potential that we could have kept them from invading a country and annexing it into their own," Romney said in an appearance on Face the Nation, on CBS. » | Associated Press in Washington | Sunday, March 23, 2014


Putin urged to make Transdniestria his next conquest »

Russia Ready to Annex Moldova Region, Nato Commander Claims

THE GUARDIAN: Philip Breedlove says large force on eastern border of Ukraine could easily move into Trans-Dniester if the decision was made

Nato's most senior military commander said on Sunday that Russia had amassed a large military force on Ukraine's eastern border, and warned that Moldova's separatist Trans-Dniester region could be the Kremlin's next target.

General Philip Breedlove, Nato's supreme allied commander, described the Russian force that began exercises 10 days ago as very, very sizeable and very, very ready.

"There is absolutely sufficient force postured on the eastern border of Ukraine to run to Trans-Dniester if the decision was made to do that. That is very worrisome," Breedlove said. » | Luke Harding in Donetsk | Sunday, March 23, 2014

Sharia Law in UK: Calls for Parliamentary Inquiry

THE SUNDAY TELEGRAPH: Calls for an inquiry into scale of Sharia law in the UK as Law Society insists it was responding to demand with its guidance

Calls for a Parliamentary inquiry into the scale of Islamic law in the UK are mounting after the body representing solicitors in England Wales issued formal guidance on making “Sharia compliant” wills.

The Law Society was accused of giving its stamp of approval to discriminatory practices after it published advice on writing wills which deny women an equal share and exclude “illegitimate” children or unbelievers.

The society denied promoting Sharia and insisted that it was simply responding to demand.

But MPs said the publication would be a “wake-up call” for those who support women’s equality. » | John Bingham, Religious Affaira Editor | Sunday, March 23, 2014

The Price of Failed American Leadership?

Mar. 22, 2014 - 6:38 - Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no signs of backing down from his Ukraine land grab

Sharia law Is Well and Truly Operating in the UK – Thanks to the Law Society

NATIONAL SECULAR SOCIETY: Sadikur Rahman, of the Lawyers Secular Society, fears a practice note issued by the Law Society could compromise the Code of Conduct for solicitors and increase the application of Sharia law in the UK.

It was with incredulity that I saw this practice note issued by the Law Society last week.

Lawyers will know that practice notes issued by the Law Society are guidance on best practice for specific topics or areas of law.

This practice note provides guidance to lawyers specialising in areas such as wills, succession and inheritance, and in particular how to accommodate the wishes of clients who want to ensure their assets are distributed according to 'sharia law principles' on their death.

I'm not a wills lawyer, but according to memory in the UK unless you draw up a will, on death your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestacy. I'm sure most lawyers will also say that clients can do whatever they want with their assets, and it has always been the case that a lawyer must follow the client's instructions on such issues.

But what this guidance does is legitimise discrimination towards women and "illegitimate children" – if that term still has any meaning in English law. In an astonishing few paragraphs the guidance states (at Section 3.6):

"The male heirs in most cases receive double the amount inherited by a female heir of the same class. Non-Muslims may not inherit at all, and only Muslim marriages are recognised. Similarly, a divorced spouse is no longer a Sharia heir, as the entitlement depends on a valid Muslim marriage existing at the date of death.

"This means you should amend or delete some standard will clauses. For example, you should consider excluding the provisions of s33 of the Wills Act 1837 because these operate to pass a gift to the children of a deceased 'descendent'. Under Sharia rules, the children of a deceased heir have no entitlement, although they can benefit from the freely disposable third.

"Similarly, you should amend clauses which define the term 'children' or 'issue' to exclude those who are illegitimate or adopted."

Now, of course a person has always been able to distribute their assets in any way they wish and a Muslim may completely legally have distributed their assets according to sharia principles, without letting the lawyer know the basis of the instructions. The difference now is that a solicitor could offer this service to a Muslim client and the Muslim client can say they want to distribute their assets in a certain way because of their religious requirement. » | Sadikur Rahman | Friday, March 21, 2014

Islamic Law Is Adopted by British Legal Chiefs

Under ground-breaking guidance, produced by The Law Society,
High Street solicitors will be able to write Islamic wills

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Solicitors told how to draw up Sharia-style wills penalising widows and non-believers

Islamic law is to be effectively enshrined in the British legal system for the first time under guidelines for solicitors on drawing up “Sharia[-]compliant” wills.

Under ground-breaking guidance, produced by The Law Society, High Street solicitors will be able to write Islamic wills that deny women an equal share of inheritances and exclude unbelievers altogether.

The documents, which would be recognised by Britain’s courts, will also prevent children born out of wedlock – and even those who have been adopted – from being counted as legitimate heirs.

Anyone married in a church, or in a civil ceremony, could be excluded from succession under Sharia principles, which recognise only Muslim weddings for inheritance purposes.

Nicholas Fluck, president of The Law Society, said the guidance would promote “good practice” in applying Islamic principles in the British legal system.

Some lawyers, however, described the guidance as “astonishing”, while campaigners warned it represented a major step on the road to a “parallel legal system” for Britain’s Muslim communities.

Baroness Cox, a cross-bench peer leading a Parliamentary campaign to protect women from religiously sanctioned discrimination, including from unofficial Sharia courts in Britain, said it was a “deeply disturbing” development and pledged to raise it with ministers.

“This violates everything that we stand for,” she said. “It would make the Suffragettes turn in their graves.” » | John Bingham, Religious Affairs Editor | Saturday, March 22, 2014

The Wolf Hunt Returns to France as Species Makes a European Comeback

Conservation groups furious as government allows limited hunting of protected grey wolf amid rise in attacks on farm animals

Read the Telegraph here | Henry Samuel, Caussols | Saturday, March 22, 2014

Freedom of Speech Is 'Universal' Right, Michelle Obama Tells China

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Amid a growing crackdown on Chinese dissidents, the US First Lady tells an audience in Beijing that the "questioning and criticism" of political leaders is crucial

Freedom of information, expression and belief should be considered "universal rights", Michelle Obama, the US first lady, told students in China on Saturday.

Speaking at Peking University on the second full day of a weeklong, bridge-building family tour of the country, Mrs Obama said: "It is so important for information and ideas to flow freely over the internet and through the media."

"When it comes to expressing yourself freely, and worshipping as you choose, and having open access to information - we believe those are universal rights that are the birthright of every person on this planet," Mrs Obama told an audience of around 200 students.

"My husband and I are on the receiving end of plenty of questioning and criticism from our media and our fellow citizens, and it's not always easy.

"But I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world." » | Tom Phillips, Shanghai | Saturday, March 22, 2014

Newsnight Economics Editor Duncan Weldon's 'Embarrassing' Fascist Past

Duncan Weldon is the TUC's chief economist but once
dabbled in far-Right politics

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Duncan Weldon admits to youthful 'flirtation' with fascism and once wrote about attending BNP demos

When a TUC official was hired by Newsnight as its new economics correspondent, the BBC faced familiar accusations of Left-wing bias.

But Duncan Weldon has admitted that he once had a brief, “witless” dalliance with fascism, having been an admirer of Oswald Mosley when he was a boy.

As a 19-year-old student, he wrote an article for his university newspaper headlined “I was a fascist”, in which he described attending British National Party meetings and taking part in a “violent” demonstration against asylum seekers.

Writing under the pseudonym Sam Healey in the Oxford University student newspaper Cherwell in 2002, he wrote that after attending several BNP meetings: “I was starting to consider myself a Fascist – a patriot – one of the few who understood that in order to regain what we once had, we may have to take distasteful methods.”

The hiring of Mr Weldon by the Newsnight editor Ian Katz, a former deputy editor of The Guardian, had already raised eyebrows because Mr Weldon has virtually no professional journalistic experience. » | Gordon Raynor, Chief Reporter | Friday, March 21, 2014

The Hand that Rocks the Cradle Cannot Rock the Boardroom

Allison Pearson took on a gathering of ferociously ambitious Chinese businesswomen to argue that you can't excel in the boardroom and be the perfect mother at home

Read and comment on the Telegraph article here | Friday, March 21, 2014
My comment:

I must confess that I find it hard to understand women’s obsession with having it all: a career, motherhood, and wifehood. It seems to me that they end up like the proverbial dog chasing its tail – always attempting to catch it, but never quite doing so.

Whatever happened to the concept of mothers putting baby first? Whatever happened to mothers tending to baby’s needs, first and foremost?

This obsession women have of being successful in their careers has led to an awful lot of trouble in society. To start with, the divorce rate has shot through the roof. Further, the house is often no longer the home. It was always said that the mother was the heart of the home; but with mothers being absent from the home for much of the day, they can no longer fulfil this rôle properly.

Then we come to the fact that all these working mothers have driven up the price of houses. So much so that it is now virtually impossible for many married couples even to entertain the idea that the wife might be better off staying home, rather than going out to the workplace.

But what have we gained in all this? Are people really so much better off? And what about the health of the mother? Are they really doing their long-term health any good by pushing themselves so much? And this, of course, ignores the long-term damage done to so many children, many of whom simply go off the rails.

I’d be interested to know if any others feel as I do. Am I really such a lone voice? – © Mark

This comment appears here too.

Ukraine : "Nous sommes au bord de la Troisième Guerre mondiale"

LE POINT: L'ancien colonel du KGB et ancien patron des services secrets ukrainiens, Igor Smeshko, estime que l'Ukraine doit répondre militairement à l'agression russe.

Ancien patron du SBU, les services secrets ukrainiens, et ancien colonel du KGB lorsque l'Ukraine appartenait encore à l'Union soviétique, Igor Smeshko connaît tous les secrets militaires des deux pays. Et c'est un homme en colère. Contre Poutine bien sûr. "Il fait prendre à l'Europe le risque de la Troisième Guerre mondiale", dit-il. Mais aussi contre l'actuel gouvernement ukrainien au pouvoir depuis la chute de Victor Ianoukovitch qui, selon lui, n'a rien fait pour éviter l'annexion de la Crimée par la Russie et pour montrer à Poutine que l'Ukraine était en mesure de se défendre. Un étonnant coup de colère dans un pays où le gouvernement de coalition tente justement de montrer que le pays est soudé. » | D’envoyé special du Point à Kiev, Romain Gubert | samedi 22 mars 2014

Putin Mocks US Sanctions, Vows Not to Strike Back

Vladimir Putin has mocked US sanctions imposed on Russia, saying he will open an account at US-sanctioned Rossiya Bank. During a meeting with the country's senior security officials he added that he won't introduce a visa regime with Ukraine

Moscow and Crimea Light Up Skies with Fireworks to Celebrate Reunion

Moscow and Crimea are celebrating their reunion, after the republic officially became part of Russia. The majority of Crimeans voted to leave Ukraine and join the Russian Federation last Sunday, and less than a week later, after all the legal procedures were wrapped up, Russia officially accepted the peninsula into its territoty. Crowds have gathered in the centre of Simferopol, Sevastopol and Moscow to join in the festivities.

Putin Orders Fireworks over Moscow as He Laughs Off US Sanctions

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Russian president painted events in victorious colours, ordering fireworks in Moscow and Crimea to celebrate the official annexation of the peninsula

Fireworks have been let off over Moscow on President Vladimir Putin’s orders as Russia celebrated the formal annexation of Crimea, in a front to the West.

Mr Putin laughed off the US sanctions that targeted his inner circle, promising the Russian government would “have the back” of those on the list, and even opening a personal account at a sanctioned bank as an act of solidarity.

“Far as I’m aware, it’s an average bank,” Mr Putin said on Friday of Bank Rossiya, the only institution on the list of sanctions targets released by the US Treasury Department on Thursday. “I don’t have a personal account there, but I’ll open on on Monday.”

And in what appeared to be a move to de-escalate tensions, he even said he had no intention of imposing answering reactions. “We should refrain from retaliatory steps,” he said. » | Roland Oliphant in Simferopol and Yekaterina Kravtsova in Moscow | Friday, March 21, 2014

Pope Francis: 'Hell Awaits' Mobsters Unless They Change Their Ways

Pope Francis delivers his speech during a meeting with relatives
of innocent mafia victims, in Rome's St. Gregorio VII church,
just outside the Vatican.

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: In a trenchant speech, the Pope railed against the mafia and donned a ceremonial garment once worn by an Italian priest killed by the mob

Pope Francis has warned Italy’s mafia they will go to hell unless they repent and reminded them they cannot take their “blood stained money and blood stained power to the next life.”

Speaking at an emotional vigil in Rome on Friday attended by around 900 relatives of people murdered by Italy’s mafia clans, Francis told mobsters to “please change your life”, adding: “We pray for you, I am asking you on my knees to convert, it is for your own good.”

Francis delivered his somber, strongly worded attack after the names of all 842 innocent people killed in Italy by the mafia since 1893 were read out at the Church of San Gregorio VII, close to the Vatican.

“This life that you live will not give you joy or happiness,” he said. “Convert, there is time before you finish up in hell, which is what awaits unless you change path,” he said. “You have a father and a mother – think of them and convert.” » | Tom Kington, Rome | Friday, March 21, 2014

Le pape aux mafieux: «changez de vie» »

Russland druckt neue Landkarte

TAGES ANZEIGER: In der Regel dauert in Russland die Produktion einer neuen Landkarte bis zu drei Jahre. Nun soll die Krim aber innert Monaten darauf Platz finden. Für viele Bewohner ist die Lage klar – sie besorgen sich russische Pässe.

Schon in wenigen Wochen sollen die neuen russischen Landkarten fertig sein – mit der Erweiterung um die Krim. «Wir brauchen keine besonderen Messungen. Das ganze wird höchstens ein bis zwei Monate dauern», sagte der Präsident der Staatlichen Universität für Geodäsie und Kartographie, Viktor Sawinych. » | mw/sda | Freitag, 21. März 2014

Le pape aux mafieux: «changez de vie»

24 HEURES: Le pape François a lancé un appel aux «hommes et aux femmes de la mafia» à «changer de vie, à arrêter de faire le mal, à se convertir».

Le pape François a lancé vendredi un appel aux «hommes et aux femmes de la mafia» à «changer de vie, à arrêter de faire le mal, à se convertir», lors d'une cérémonie en mémoire des victimes de la criminalité organisée à Rome. » | afp/Newsnet | vendredi 21 mars 2014

Türkischer Premier Erdogan: Der Staat bin ich

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Die Vorwürfe gegen den Premier der Türkei wiegen schwer: Bestechlichkeit, Einschüchterung, Größenwahn. Trotzdem gilt seine AK-Partei als Favorit bei den Kommunalwahlen Ende März. Was macht Erdogan so unverwundbar?

Istanbul/Rize - Alles muss spektakulär sein, wenn Recep Tayyip Erdogan erscheint, natürlich auch am Sonntag, wenn er in Istanbul buchstäblich Neuland betritt: Eine viele tausend Quadratmeter große Halbinsel wurde im Marmara-Meer geschaffen, mit Grünflächen und Parkplätzen für 2000 Autos und 1000 Busse. Erdogan will sie eröffnen, er will vor 1,5 Millionen Fans Wahlkampf machen. Kleiner geht es nicht.

Erdogan hat den Spruch "Versprich einem Türken eine Autobahn, eine Shoppingmall, einen Flughafen, und er wählt dich" verinnerlicht wie kein anderer türkischer Politiker. Bei vielen Wählern kommt der Größenwahn gut an. » | Von Hasnain Kazim | Freitag, 21. März 2014

Listening Post: Erdoğan: Control, Conflict, Conglomerates

In a special edition, we unpack the Turkish prime minister's relationship with the media landscape in which he operates.

US Government Giving Up Control of Internet

Mar. 17, 2014 - 3:12 - James Rosen reports from Washington, D.C.

The Foxhole: How Is US Diplomacy Viewed in the World Today?

Mar. 18, 2014 - 26:04 - American Enterprise Institute's Michael Rubin on how the US strategy of establishing a dialogue might not be our best course of action

Tit for Tat: Mocking Sanctions

Mar. 20, 2014 - 3:13 - Sanctions in Russia-US tension over Crimea mean nothing as both sides laugh off measures

Singing Nun Stuns Judges on Italy's The Voice

Sister Cristina Scuccia performs a version of Alicia Keys' song No One on Italy's The Voice. The nun, from Sicily, impresses the judges who unanimously opt to keep her in the TV talent competition. She has been quoted as saying she hopes to gain renown in her country which may lead to her meeting the Pope

Crimea, Sevastopol Officially Join Russia as Putin Signs Final Decree

Russia has finalized the legal process of taking Crimea under its sovereignty, as President Putin signed a law amending the Russian constitution to reflect the transition

THE GUARDIAN: Putin laughs off sanctions as he signs bills to transfer Crimea to Russia: President promises to open account at blacklisted bank as west signals intent to maintain pressure over Ukraine crisis » | Alex Luhn in Moscow | Friday, March 21, 2014

Inside Story: Oil and Gas: At What Price?

Regional power shifts and how they affect the supplies of gas and oil central to 21st Century life.

France Says Britain Must Extend Sanctions to Russian Oligarchs in London

Laurent Fabius, Foreign Minister of France

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: France's foreign minister Laurent Fabius tells William Hague oligarchs should suffer

Britain should target the assets of Russian oligarchs in London if more sanctions are adopted against Moscow over Ukraine, France’s foreign minister has said.

Laurent Fabius made the remarks as he said France might envisage suspending a €1.2billion (£1billion) contract to supply two warships to Russia.

The decision not to deliver two Mistral-class helicopter carriers, he said, could be part of a potential “third level” of sanctions if Russia did not respond to those imposed by the European Union and the US on Monday on a number of top Russian and Ukrainian figures.

But he insisted this could only take place “in the framework of general sanctions imposed by all countries”.

Mr Fabius went on to single out Britain, saying it must do “the equivalent with the assets of Russian oligarchs in London. Sanctions have to touch everyone”. » | Henry Samuel, in Paris and Bruno Waterfield in Brussels | Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Krim-Krise: Schulz warnt vor Krieg in Europa

EU-Parlamentspräsident Schulz bei der Ankunft in Brüssel:
"Wir reden vom Risiko eines bewaffneten Konflikts."

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Auf dem Gipfel in Brüssel suchen Staats- und Regierungschefs eine gemeinsame Haltung in einer der schlimmsten Krisen seit langem, dem Konflikt zwischen Russland und der Ukraine. EU-Parlamentspräsident Schulz warnt vor Krieg - und fordert drastische Sanktionen.

Washington - Der reguläre Gipfel der Staats- und Regierungschefs der EU an diesem Donnerstag und Freitag wandelte sich zum Krisengipfel. Schon wieder. Der zweite Krisengipfel in diesem Monat. In Brüssel sucht man nach einer gemeinsamen Haltung in der Krim-Krise. Wie scharf sollen weitere Sanktionen gegen Russland ausfallen?

Vor Beginn der eigentlichen Gespräche berieten sich die Gipfelteilnehmer mit EU-Parlamentspräsident Martin Schulz - und der konfrontierte sie mit drastischen Befürchtungen: "All diejenigen, die geglaubt haben, Krieg oder Kriegsgefahr wären kein Thema mehr, sehen sich eines Besseren belehrt", sagte der Sozialdemokrat. "Wir reden vom Risiko eines bewaffneten Konflikts." Das "sehr brutale Vorgehen" Russlands zur Annexion der ukrainischen Halbinsel Krim bedeute eine "neue Dimension".

Schulz äußerte nach einem Treffen mit den EU-Staats- und Regierungschefs Sorge, dass sich Russlands "Begehrlichkeiten" nicht auf die Krim beschränkten. "Und deswegen ist jeder weitere Schritt der russischen Regierung zu beantworten mit verschärften Sanktionen" bis hin zu einer "dramatischen wirtschaftlichen Konfrontation". Die EU müsse Moskau deutlich machen, dass sie ein Überschreiten der von Russland erreichten Grenze nicht akzeptiere, fügte Schulz hinzu. » | ler/dpa/AFP | Donnerstag, 20. März 2014

Répression: Le premier ministre turc veut «supprimer» Twitter

Après Facebook et YouTube, le premier ministre turc Erdogan
veut désormais supprimer Twitter.

TRIBUNE DE GENÈVE: Recep Tayyip Erdogan a menacé d'interdire Twitter après la publication sur les réseaux sociaux d'enregistrements d'écoutes téléphoniques qui le mettent directement en cause dans un scandale de corruption.

«Nous allons supprimer Twitter. Je me moque de ce que pourra dire la communauté internationale», a lancé Recep Tayyip Erdogan devant des milliers de partisans lors d'un rassemblement électoral à huit jours du scrutin municipal du 30 mars. «Ils verront alors la force de la Turquie», a-t-il ajouté.

Au début du mois, le chef du gouvernement islamo-conservateur avait déjà menacé d'interdire YouTube et Facebook. «Nous sommes résolus à ne pas laisser le peuple turc être esclave de YouTube et Facebook», avait-il déclaré lors d'un entretien télévisé, «nous prendrons les mesures nécessaires, quelles qu'elles soient, y compris la fermeture». » | afp/Newsnet | jeudi 20 mars 2014

Dutch Politician Wilders Accused of Discrimination

Geert Wilders said he had been "only referring to Moroccan
criminals" at the rally

BBC: A group representing Moroccans living in the Netherlands says it will file a complaint of discrimination against the populist politician, Geert Wilders.

At a local election rally in The Hague on Wednesday night, Mr Wilders asked supporters of his Freedom Party if they wanted more or fewer Moroccans there.

When they chanted "fewer" in response, Mr Wilders said: "We'll organise that."

The Dutch Moroccan Alliance (SMN) said he had crossed a legal boundary by targeting a specific group of people.

Video footage of the rally is being circulated on social media with some critics drawing comparisons between Mr Wilders and Adolf Hitler's call for the "irrevocable removal" of Jews from German life.

They accuse the outspoken politician of alluding to a promise of action that, taken to its literal conclusion, could resemble ethnic cleansing. » | Anna Holligan | BBC News | The Hague | Thursday, March 20, 2014

Crimea Will Return to Ukrainian Jurisdiction, Says Minister

BBC: Ukraine's Deputy Defence Minister Leonid Polyakov has said that Crimea has not been lost to Russia, and insisted it was just a matter of time before it came back under Ukrainian jurisdiction.

He also told the BBC's Chris Morris that they are still deciding whether to withdraw Ukrainian troops and their families from Crimea. (+ BBC video) » | Thursday, March 20, 2014

Anti-gay Westboro Baptist Church Leader Fred Phelps Dies

Phelps was an ordained Baptist minister, although his church
was not affiliated with any mainstream denomination

BBC: The former leader of a US church that was widely known for its inflammatory anti-gay protests has died, his family has said.

The Reverend Fred Phelps Sr, founder of the Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas, died on Wednesday evening at 84.

The church, made up mostly of his family, rose to international notoriety with its practice of picketing funerals of fallen US troops.

It claimed their deaths were punishment for America's tolerance of gays.

'Diabolical'

Their signs read "Thank God for dead soldiers" and "Thank God for 9/11" and the like, and bore messages offensive to gay and lesbian people. » | Thursday, March 20, 2014

West Creating 'Permissive Environment' for Vladimir Putin?

Mar. 20, 2014 - 6:22 - Reaction from Andrew Kuchins, director of the Russia and Eurasia program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies

Obama: US to Impose Additional Costs on Russia

Mar. 20, 2014 - 4:58 - President makes statement on Ukraine crisis

Tit for Tat: Russia Hits US Officials with Sanctions, as Obama Expands Penalties

FOX NEWS: The Russian government slapped sanctions on top U.S. officials on Thursday, moments after President Obama imposed penalties on 20 Russians inside and outside the government -- as diplomatic efforts over Ukraine unraveled into a long-distance tit for tat.

The newest sanctions would bar nine American officials from entering Russia. The list includes House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio; Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.; and Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

Just as Vladimir Putin's government shrugged off U.S. sanctions earlier in the week, so did the Americans targeted by Moscow.

"The Speaker is proud to be included on a list of those willing to stand against Putin's aggression," Boehner spokesman Michael Steel said in a statement.

McCain tweeted that he's "proud to be sanctioned by Putin."

As each side imposes sanctions, left unclear is whether any of them will have an effect on the standoff over Russia's widely challenged annexation of Crimea. (+ FoxNews video) » | FoxNews with The Associated Press | Thursday, March 20, 2014

Gay Atheist Goes to Town on Islam "How Are You Going to Put a PR Spin on That!"

Pat Condell: A Society of Cowards

We're getting what we deserve.

Worlds Apart: 'US Thinks Rules Are for Inferior Nations, It's In Their DNA' – Ex-Australian PM

Kosovo's secession demonstrated that international law is only as applicable as the force used to back it. But with Crimea now free on the wings of that precedent, the West cries foul. Why does the Western world fail to recognize parallels between Kosovo and Crimea? Is it a case of double standards or the result of decades of adversarial EU and NATO policies towards Russia? Oksana is joined by former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser to canvass these issues.

THE GUARDIAN: Ukraine: there's no way out unless the west understands its past mistakes: Western leaders mostly paint the whole dispute as totally one-sided: it is all Russia’s fault. But the Crimea crisis is directly related to the misguided steps taken after the Soviet Union’s fall » | Malcolm Fraser | Monday, March 03, 2014

THE WASHINGTON POST: How the Ukraine crisis ends » | Henry A. Kissinger | Wednesday, March 05, 2014

Obama Imposes New Sanctions, Warns Russia Against Further Escalation

LOS ANGELES TIMES: WASHINGTON — President Obama on Thursday announced new economic sanctions against Russian government officials, influential individuals and a Russian bank, threatening to come back with tougher penalties if Moscow does not deescalate the crisis in Ukraine.

“Further escalation will only isolate it further from the international community,” Obama said in remarks on the South Lawn of the White House. The U.S. is concerned that "Russia has positioned its military" in a threatening way, he added.

The president said the new sanctions would target additional senior Russian government officials, other individuals with "substantial resources and influence," and a bank. He also signed an executive order that would allow him to slap broader sanctions on sectors of the Russian economy, a move that “is not our preferred outcome,” Obama said, acknowledging that such sanctions could be “disruptive” to the global economy. » | Kathleen Hennessey and Christi Parsons | Thursday, March 20, 2014

You'll Never Guess Who Loves Putin

Vladimir Putin is getting all sorts of love from America. Republican hawks have been impressed with the Russian autocrat's machismo, while social conservatives can't help but tip their hat to his anti-gay policies. The latter category welcomed the evangelist Franklin Graham to its ranks this month. Graham, the son of Rev. Billy Graham, praised Putin...* What do other right wingers including Pat Buchanan have to say about this (versus what they have to say about President Obama)? The Young Turks host Cenk Uygur breaks it down.

'Abby Can Criticise But Cenk Uygur Lost His Job': Martin & A Young Turk

Host and founder of the Young Turks, Cenk Uygur, discussing why he left his job at MSNBC, the corporate media's superficial coverage of news events and the recipe for success in alternative media.

The Young Turks »

Nirgends ist die EU so russisch wie in Lettland

Nach dem politischen Anschluss der Krim baut Russland seine militärische Kontrolle über die Halbinsel aus. Nicht nur in der Ukraine, auch in anderen Staaten der ehemaligen Sowjetunion mit grossen russischen Minderheiten verfolgt man die Vorgänge auf der Krim intensiv. Zum Beispiel in der zweitgrössten Stadt Lettlands, in Daugavpils.

G8 stellen Russland aufs Abstellgleis

Klare Worte Richtung Moskau: Merkel sieht Russland gegenwärtig nicht mehr im Kreis der Top-Wirtschaftsnationen. Die sieben westlichen Industriestaaten dürften bald über einen Ausschluss entscheiden.

Nur eine einzige Stimme gegen Krim-Annexion

TAGES ANZEIGER: Das Parlament in Moskau hat mit überwältigender Mehrheit den Weg für die Aufnahme der Krim in die Russische Föderation freigemacht. Die Ukraine hat die Halbinsel aber noch nicht aufgegeben.

Das Unterhaus des russischen Parlaments hat heute erwartungsgemäss den Vertrag über die Aufnahme der Krim in die Russische Föderation ratifiziert. Das Abkommen wurde mit 443 Ja- und einer einzigen Nein-Stimme angenommen. Um wen es sich beim Nein-Sager handelte, ist gegenwärtig noch unklar. » | Donnerstag, 20. März 2014

Jihad: British Fighters in Syria Urge Others to Join Them

THE INDEPENDENT: Rebel group Isis have released a video urging British citizens' participation

A British citizen fighting with an extremist rebel group in Syria has issued a call for others to join the country’s civil war.

In a video posted online, a masked man speaking in a London accent says that “the doors of jihad are still open,” and claims that he has helped three other Brits make the journey to Syria.

The man is believed to be a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isis) – an extremist Islamist rebel group formerly affiliated with al-Qa’ida and similar in ideology. He has appeared in several other videos uploaded by a group called Rayat al-Tawheed, which claims to be the distributor of English-language materials for Isis.

The plea from the rebel fighter comes as UK authorities are becoming increasingly concerned at the number of British citizens travelling to Syria to join extremist groups in the three year old civil war. British and other non-Syrians travelling to Syria tend to gravitate towards al-Qa’ida-type groups that espouse global jihad. » | Richard Hall | Thursday, March 20, 2014

Angela Merkel: EU Prepared to Punish Russia with Sanctions over Ukraine

The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, tells German MPs that members of G7 will take economic sanctions against Russia during the EU summit which starts on Thursday. Leaders will discuss imposing travel restrictions on Moscow as well as the future of its relationship with Europe

Václav Klaus on Barack Obama, America

Václav Klaus, former Premier of the Czech Republic

"The danger to America is not Barack Obama, but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president. The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America. Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince. The republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president." – Václav Klaus, the former Premier of the Czech Republic [Source: Snopes.com] 2012

Russia Warns West It May Change Stance on Iran, in Retaliation over Sanctions

FOX NEWS: Russia reportedly is prepared to change its stand on Iran nuclear talks in a high-stakes gamble to counter expanded sanctions by the United States and the European Union over Crimea.

After the Obama administration on Monday hit 11 Russian and Ukrainian officials with sanctions -- a move criticized by Republican lawmakers as too timid -- Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted Wednesday by the Interfax news agency as saying the country may have to alter its position on the negotiations over Iran's nuclear program.

The statement is the most serious threat of retaliation by Moscow since the disputed Crimea region voted to join Russia over the weekend, and Vladimir Putin's government moved to annex the peninsula.

NATO and U.S. leaders say they're prepared to do more. (+ FoxNews video) » | FoxNews with contributions from the Associated Press | Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Yves Saint Laurent: Fashion on Film

Yves St Laurent was the original superstar designer

BBC: Yves Saint Laurent became head of one of the world's great fashion houses aged 21. Until his death half a century later in 2008, he was one of fashion's dominant figures. This year sees the release of two feature films about his tumultuous professional and private life. The first opens this week in the UK.

Earlier masters of Parisian couture such as Christian Dior or Cristobal Balenciaga shaped fashion around the world. But until Yves Saint Laurent, no designer found such personal fame with the public.

In the 1960s and 1970s he was a regular in gossip columns, photographed endlessly with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Andy Warhol and the most gorgeous models of the day.

Born in colonial Algeria in 1936, Saint Laurent became an extraordinary prodigy.

Always obsessed with fashion, as a painfully shy teenager he moved to Paris to work for Dior. Three years later, Christian Dior died and Saint Laurent took over as artistic director at just 21. Many in the fashion world were astounded but it was clear a star had arrived. » | Vincent Dowd | Arts Correspondent | BBC World Service | Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Putin führt uns die Schwäche Europas vor Augen

DIE WELT: Die Machtpolitik Russlands trifft auf einen schwachen Westen, der unfähig ist, in Traditionen der Realpolitik zu denken. Auch die Geheimdienste haben Moskaus Griff nach der Krim nicht vorhergesehen.

Europa hat auf Russlands Krim-Coup so ungläubig reagiert, als hätte es eine simple Tatsache schlicht vergessen: die Tatsache, dass Verträge nur solange wirksam sind, wie beide Seiten das Recht anerkennen. Diese Übereinkunft hatte das Kräftespiel der Staaten schon immer bestimmt, zumindest aber mitgeprägt. Kants Idee vom ewigen Frieden ist ein Licht, das von weiter, weiter Ferne her leuchtet. Und so schön und zivilisierend rule of law, die Herrschaft des Gesetzes, auch ist – sie endet da, wo ein Mitspieler sich nicht mehr an sie gebunden fühlt. Europas Stärke ist zugleich seine Schwäche – die vergangenen Wochen haben das auf blamable Weise offenbart. » | Von Thomas Schmid | Mittwoch, 19. März 2014

Has President Obama Weakened US Standing in the World?

Mar. 19, 2014 - 3:53 - Rep. Louis Gohmert weighs in

Ticking Timebomb: Moscow Moves to Destabilize Eastern Ukraine

SPIEGEL ONLINE INTERNATIONAL: It's not only in Crimea where Russian President Vladimir Putin is playing with fire, but also in eastern Ukraine. The majority of the people in the economically powerful region speak Russian and reject the new government in Kiev.

The pensioner Oxana Kremenyuk limps as she passes by the House of Culture in a small village in eastern Ukraine. As a young woman, she used to dance here. Today the stucco is crumbling and the windows are broken. "The people in Kiev are driving our country into civil war," she says. "These good-for-nothings should be slaving away the way we do here." Kremenyuk receives a pension of about €90 ($125) a month. In order to ensure there is food on the table, she keeps 10 chickens and a pig.

Kremenyuk's village of Maidan, with its three dozen homes, is a peaceful place in a gentle, hilly landscape. The village is 378 kilometers (235 miles) -- but also worlds apart -- from the Maidan in the capital city of Kiev, the Independence Square that has become known around the world since the start of the revolution. Most of the village's homes have fallen into a state of disrepair and young families moved away long ago. The people living here don't think much of the revolution taking place in the western part of the country. Read on and comment » | Uwe Klussmann and Matthias Schepp | Translated from the German by Daryl Lindsey | Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Whose Side Is This Codger On? 'US Thinks It's Superior, Rules Only Apply to Inferior Nations' – Ex-Australian PM

The US has been accused of double standards for supporting Kosovo's secession while calling Crimea's illegal. We talked to former Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Fraser, to clarify the contradiction in the US/EU positions on secession.

Pro-Russia Forces Enter Ukraine Naval Base

Crimean "self-defence" forces overtake Sevastopol base without using violence and raise Russian flags at the gates.

America Is in Danger

Mar. 18, 2014 - 8:23 - Talking Points 3/18

US Power Failure: A Price of Obama's Failed Leadership?

Mar. 18, 2014 - 3:11 - Karl Rove on Mitt Romney's op-ed on the consequences of alleged Obama's missteps in handling of Putin and the Ukraine and other world crises

U.S. Warns Russia: More Sanctions Coming due to Ukraine Crisis

Read the CNN article here

Inside Story: Reclaiming Crimea: Is It Legal?

President Vladimir Putin signs a treaty making the Ukrainian region part of the Russian Federation.

David Cameron Sends Shivers Down Putin’s Spine: “There Will Be Consequences”

Russian Officials Mock US Sanctions

Mar. 18, 2014 - 4:56 - President Obama making US look weak?

Putin Has Stuck Two Fingers Up to the West by Annexing Crimea, Says Sir Malcolm Rifkind

Sir Malcolm Rifkind

DAILY EXPRESS: VLADIMIR Putin has given the West “two fingers” by his annexing of Crimea and needs to be hit with punitive economic sanctions, former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind has argued.

The Conservative grandee, who is chairman of the Intelligence and Security Committee, said Russia was now treating the West with contempt and warned the situation is “the most dangerous we have faced.”

Today Foreign Secretary William Hague announced in the Commons that the EU was was ready to pursue trade and economic sanctions against Russia.

Sanctions announced by the EU and US so far have just focused on the assets and travel movements of a handful of Russian and Ukrainian officials – but this goes much further.

Speaking exclusively to Express Online, Sir Malcolm – who served as Foreign Secretary from 1995 to 1997 – welcomed the move after earlier arguing that the international community had so far been “pathetic in its response.”

He said: “The measures that have been announced by both the US and the EU have been treated, understandably in my view, with contempt by Russia.

"What is needed is financial economic sanctions. » | Owen Bennett | Political Editor | Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Saudi Cleric ‘Issues Religious Edict Banning against All-you-can-eat Buffets’

THE INDEPENDENT: Sheikh Saleh al-Fawzan says open buffets involve paying lump sum for ‘unknown’ quality and quantity of goods – which goes against Sharia law

A senior cleric in Saudi Arabia has reportedly issued a religious edict, or fatwa, banning all-you-can-eat style buffets.

According to Sheik Saleh al-Fawzan, such restaurants breach Sharia law by requiring customers to pay a set price for a product that is unknown and unquantified in advance.

The cleric, who is a member of the country’s highest religious body, the Council of Senior Scholars, announced the fatwa while appearing on the Saudi Arabia-based Quranic TV station, according to Al Arabiya news.

“Whoever enters the buffet and eats for 10 or 50 riyals without deciding the quantity they will eat is violating Sharia (Islamic) law,” Fawzan said. » | Adam Withnall | Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Libyen: Alltag in einem zerfallenden Land

Krim gehört zu Russland: Die Unterzeichnung des Vertrages

Die Schwarzmeerhalbinsel Krim und die Hafenstadt Sewastopol sollen neu zur Russischen Föderation gehören. Russlands Präsident Putin hat den Vertrag zusammen mit der pro-russischen Krim-Führung unterzeichnet. Die noch ausstehende Zustimmung des Parlaments gilt als sicher.

US-Vizepräsident Biden zur Krim-Annexion

Putin Approves Annexation of Crimea

Mar. 18, 2014 - 3:24 - Greg Palkot reports from Kiev, Ukraine

Putin Condemns Western Hypocrisy as He Confirms Annexation of Crimea

THE GUARDIAN: Russian president makes speech laced with bluster and anger at west, saying Russia has been 'cheated again and again'

Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Crimea on Tuesday in a searing speech to assembled political elites in Moscow shot through with angry rhetoric about western aggression and hypocrisy.

The Russian president summoned the federal assembly, which includes both houses of parliament and all key political leaders, for an extraordinary session in the Kremlin's St George Hall.

Putin delivered an hour-long speech laced with patriotic bluster and anger at the west, whose politicians he said "call something white today and black tomorrow".

He was frequently interrupted by applause and at the end of the speech signed documents together with the de facto leader of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov – who came to power after seizing the local parliament at gunpoint last month – to absorb the territory into Russia.

Putin recognised Crimea as an independent state late on Monday evening, making it easier to incorporate into the Russian Federation than if it were still Ukrainian territory. Kiev has said it will never give up its claim to Crimea, but is unable to respond to Russia militarily due to the huge disparity in their respective martial forces. » | Shaun Walker in Simferopol | Tuesday, March 16, 2014

Celente: Sanctions against Russia over Crimea Are Toothless

More than two dozen Russian and Crimean officials have been sanctioned with travel bans and asset freezes in the US and Europe. But, few seem to be happy with that. Lawmakers in Washington say it's not enough, while Russia's furious at being handed any sanctions at all, given the overwhelming show of support in Crimea. Gerald Celente, publisher of the Trends Journal says there was little choice in the restrictions placed on the officials.

Watters' World: Russians in America Edition

Mar. 17, 2014 - 3:47 - Watters heads to one of the largest Russian communities in the US

Russia TV Host: Russia Could Turn USA into Radioactive Ashes

A Russian TV host has threatened the United States with a nuclear strike in his news broadcast. The remarks made by Dmitry Kiselyov were broadcast at the same time as the polls closed in the disputed Crimean referendum about secession from Ukraine. With a picture of a nuclear explosion behind him and words "Into radioactive ashes" written across the screen, Kiselyov said: "Russia is the only country in the world that is really able to turn the USA into radioactive ashes. He also referenced an official Russian government article published in January and urged US officials to read it as it "very clearly explained in detail how our system of guaranteed nuclear revenge works. It is called 'Perimeter'. In the USA it was nicknamed 'Dead Hand'. Actually I advise you to read it." Kiselyov is seen as a loyalist of Russian President Vladimir Putin who has been awarded a friendship medal and made the head of the Russia Today news agency. Report by Ashley Fudge.

THE INDEPENDENT: State television presenter warns Russia could 'turn the US into radioactive dust': TV presenter says Obama won't stop calling Putin and living in fear of the Russian president is making his hair go grey » | Maria Tadeo | Monday, March 17, 2014

Bolton: 'Embarrassing How Weak' Obama's Russia Sanctions Are

Mar. 17, 2014 - 6:20 - Former US ambassador to the UN sounds off on president's sanctions on Putin's inner circle over Crimea and questions about the politics of missing Malaysia plane's pilot

Diese Sanktionen beeindrucken Wladimir Putin sicher nicht

Wladimir Putin

DIE PRESSE: Die EU hat nach dem Anschluss-Referendum auf der Krim pflichtschuldig Strafmaßnahmen verhängt. Russland wird deshalb sein Verhalten nicht ändern.

Vielleicht ist ja schon erstaunlich, dass Europa irgendeinen Finger gegen Russland rührt. Doch bei Licht betrachtet sind die Sanktionen der EU ähnlich furchteinflößend wie eine paar aufblasbare Plastikkrokodile im Kinderschwimmbecken. Ob nun acht prorussische Krim-Führer und 13 zweitrangige Politiker aus Russland nach Europa reisen und dort auf, möglicherweise ohnehin inexistente, Konten zugreifen dürfen oder nicht, wird das Kalkül des russischen Präsidenten kaum verändern. Jedenfalls werden diese „Strafen“ Wladimir Putin nicht davon abhalten, den Anschluss der Krim an Russland zu vollziehen. Das war auch gar nicht mehr Ziel des Beschlusses der EU-Außenminister. Jean Asselborn, mitteilsamer Chefdiplomat Luxemburgs, hat die Wahrheit ausgesprochen: Der Status quo ante auf der Krim werde sich auch mit schärfsten Sanktionen nicht mehr herstellen lassen. » | Von Christian Ultsch | Die Presse | Print-Ausgabe | Dienstag, 18. März 2014

Die neue Eiszeit

Menschen feiern nach dem Referendum auf der Krim.

TAGES ANZEIGER: Die russisch-amerikanischen Beziehungen glichen zunehmend der Fahrt auf einer Achterbahn. Nach der russischen Annexion der Krim ist Schluss.

Wozu Wladimir Putin fähig ist, zeigte er schon 2008 beim Angriff auf Georgien. In Washington freilich erlosch selbst damals nicht die Hoffnung, der Mann in Moskau werde sich doch noch als verlässlicher Partner erweisen. Nach Putins gesetzlosem Vorgehen auf der Krim ist davon nichts geblieben: Washington sammelt die Scherben einer Politik ein, die niemals wirklich wusste, wer Wladimir Putin war und ist. Und je mehr sich der Russe als amerikanischer Buhmann empfiehlt und Erinnerungen wachruft an die Zeiten des Kalten Krieges, desto intensiver wird in der amerikanischen Hauptstadt seine psychische Befindlichkeit hinterfragt. » | Von Martin Kilian, Washington | Montag, 07. Müarz 2014

Independence from Rome! Venice Floating Away Unnoticed as Crimea Steals Show

While the Crimean referendum tops world media headlines, an attempt at secession is going on in Veneto, Italy, with its major city Venice. But as it is being virtually ignored by media, people in Europe are hardly aware of what's happening next door.

EU and US Impose Crimea Sanctions on Russia

Obama entraîné dans une nouvelle guerre froide

LE FIGARO: Bousculé par une agressivité qu'il était loin d'avoir anticipée, le président américain a durci le ton en annonçant « un élargissement des sanctions » à plusieurs membres du gouvernement russe.

Barack Obama avait rêvé d'une présidence centrée sur la reconstruction de la nation américaine. D'une politique de sécurité du «XXIe siècle» à «l'empreinte légère» qui mettrait l'accent sur la diplomatie. Mais le voilà forcé, bien malgré lui, de s'engager ainsi que ses alliés dans une confrontation avec la Russie qui commence à ressembler furieusement à une nouvelle guerre froide. » | Par Laure Mandeville | lundi 17 mars 2014

From a Country Which Has Just Legalised Marijuana, This BS!

Paris Car Ban Starts After Pollution Hits High

BBC: Hundreds of police are monitoring traffic in Paris after pollution levels prompted the French government to impose major restrictions.

Only motorists whose cars have odd-numbered registration plates are allowed to drive.

On Tuesday, if the restrictions remain in place, it will be the turn of those with even-numbered plates.

Ministers acted after air pollution exceeded safe levels for five days running in Paris and surrounding areas.

The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing. (+ BBC video) » | Monday, March 17, 2014

Putin erkennt Krim als souveränen Staat an

ZEIT ONLINE: Der nächste Schritt für einen Beitritt zu Russland ist getan: Präsident Putin hat die Halbinsel Krim trotz westlicher Warnungen als unabhängigen Staat anerkannt. » | Quelle: Zeit Online, dpa, AFP, Reuters, tis | Montag, 17. März 2014

Crimean Referendum: Mr Putin and the Threat of a New Cold War

THE GUARDIAN – EDITORIAL: Through a series of interventions in civil liberties, Mr Putin is turning a soft autocracy into a highly repressive state

The referendum that took place in Crimea is both irrelevant and deeply significant. Irrelevant because it has no standing in the law of the country to which it applies, and because it took place while the autonomous region was under military occupation. International bodies are unlikely to recognise its outcome: the UN security council voted by 13-1 to condemn it on Saturday, with only Russia voting against. The referendum is significant, however, because it represents a giant step on the road to Russian annexation, and because it reveals a little more of the nature of that country's president, Vladimir Putin. » | Editorial | Sunday, March 16, 2014

Earthquake Strongly Felt Across Los Angeles

Mar. 17, 2014 - 1:55 - William La Jeunesse reports

Christian Values Under Attack At Home and Overseas?

Mar. 17, 2014 - 3:15 - Reaction from Ralph Reed, chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition

Will US Sanctions Deter Russian Expansion?

Mar. 17, 2014 - 3:15 - Michael Singh, managing director of The Washington Institute, weighs in

Obama to Russia: 'Further Provocation Will Do Nothing': Sanctions Imposed

FOX NEWS: Is it enough? Obama imposes sanctions on Russian officials over Crimea: WASHINGTON – Faced with calls for a swift and stern reaction to Russia's threatened annexation of Crimea, President Obama wielded his executive pen Monday morning, slapping seven in Vladimir Putin's inner circle -- but not the Russian president himself -- with sanctions freezing their U.S. assets. » | Monday, March 17, 2014

Galloway: West Created Frankenstein Monster in Ukraine

Ukraine's Right Sector members stormed and torched government buildings - and attacked unarmed police squads. They also consistently rejected the concessions offered by the Yanukovich administration, when it was trying in vain to calm the unrest. And now, they have become arguably one of the most influential groups in Ukraine. British MP George Galloway says the West needs to recognize the dangers it poses.

The Changing Face of America? Jewish Convert to Islam Does Pilgrimage to Plain of Arafat

Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra inside the streem of pilgrims heading to Mount Arafat in Mecca, a journey that millions of Muslims do every year.

Pro-Russia Protesters in Donetsk Want Referendum

BBC: As the voting took place in Crimea, in eastern Ukraine in the city of Donetsk, hundreds of pro-Russian protesters stormed government buildings, demanding their own referendum on whether to become part of Russia.

Steve Rosenberg reports. (+ BBC video) » | Sunday, March 16, 2014

UN Report on North Korea Finds 'Atrocities Like WW2'

BBC: The UN human rights council is due to discuss a report on human rights violations in North Korea.

The authors say the infringements resemble the worst atrocities of World War Two and suggest North Korea should be referred to the International Criminal Court.

A number of people who managed to escape from North Korea have travelled to Geneva for the meeting.

Imogen Foulkes reports. (+ BBC video) » | Geneva | Monday, March 17, 2014