Jeremy Bransten

Pakistan: Top Nuclear Scientist Takes Responsibility For Proliferation

Prague, 4 February 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Pakistan's nuclear proliferation scandal took a dramatic turn today when the man at the center of the affair, Abdul Qadeer Khan, publicly accepted responsibility for selling Pakistan's nuclear secrets abroad.

Ukraine: Parliament Votes Down Pro-Kuchma Proposal

Prague, 3 February 2004 (RFE/RL) -- Meeting in an extraordinary session this morning, Ukrainian parliamentarians voted to eliminate a controversial proposal, advanced by supporters of President Leonid Kuchma, to have the country's president chosen by legislators starting in 2006.

Russia: Powell's Trip To Address Growing Rifts In U.S.-Russia Relations

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell travels to Moscow for talks next week, following his visit to Georgia. In an interview this week, America's ambassador to Russia, Aleksander Vershbow, highlighted the growing rifts in the relationship between Moscow and Washington, which analysts say is coming under increasing strain.

Russia: Putin Launches Kid-Friendly Website For Future Voters

Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his new children's website this week, joining a trend among politicians and governments in many countries to reach out to their youngest citizens -- even though they won't be old enough to vote for many years to come.

U.S.: Will New Regulations Improve Security In The Air?

In recent weeks, the United States has issued a long list of new regulations aimed at improving flight security and preventing acts of terrorism. The measures include profiling air passengers before they board and requiring foreign airlines to place armed marshals on certain flights. One security expert tells RFE/RL that the U.S. precautions are valid. Another says they may be overkill.

Asia: Thai Attacks Raise Specter That Terrorists Are Broadening Their Reach In Region

Thai officials acknowledged today that the country faces a terrorist threat, following a series of coordinated attacks on 4 January against schools and an army camp in the south of the country. After years of denying terrorism existed in the country, this admission by Thai authorities has raised concerns that Muslim extremists may be broadening their reach in Southeast Asia.

North Korea: U.S. Delegation Begins Visit Following 'Bold' Concession To Washington

A delegation of U.S. experts began a five-day visit to North Korea today. During their stay, they are expected to tour the Yongbyon nuclear complex, marking the first time foreigners have been allowed into the site since United Nations inspectors were expelled a year ago at the start of the latest North Korean nuclear standoff. The visit comes as Pyongyang today offered to stop testing and producing nuclear weapons as part of what it called a "bold" concession to the United States.

Russia: Jury Acquits Scientist Accused Of Spying

Azerbaijan: Biography Of Deceased Former President Heidar Aliyev

2003 & Beyond: In Russia, Putin Solidifies Power As Chechen Conflict Festers

Russia: Analysts Weigh Effect Of Duma Vote on CIS Behavior, Russian Expansionism

Russia: Duma Elections -- Pro-Western Parties Get Run Out Of Parliament, But Is Their Influence Lost? (Part 2)

Russia: Education Ministry Doesn't Like What It Learned About Free-Thinking Textbook

Russia: Moscow Says It Won't Ratify Kyoto, But Supporters Are Hoping Moscow Will Warm To The Idea

Russia: Elections? What Elections? Voters Profess Little Or No Interest In Upcoming Duma Polls

U.K.: Judge Issues Harsh Condemnation Of U.S. Guantanamo Prison Camp

World: Violence Against Women -- NGOs Highlight A Growing Problem (Part 1)

Russia: Moscow Emerges As Leading 'Exporter' Of Asylum Seekers

U.S.: Rumsfeld Ends South Korean Visit Amid Questions About Military Presence

Russia: Foreign Investors Look To Kremlin For Signal On Future Business Climate