RFE/RL in the Media
# CNN and Reuters use RFE/RL Afghan Service video of aftermath of Taliban attack
# Joanna Paraszczuk, author of "Under the Black Flag" blog, interviewed by Syria Direct
# Read Golnaz Esfandiari in Informed Comment on Iranian unwed couples living together
Russia
# Russia looking for a way out of crisis behind the scenes?
# Infographics explore differences between Americans and Russians
# Russia's strategy for undermining West "working"; on Moscow's links with Europe's right
# The downfall of the ruble in one chart
Ukraine
# "Novaya Gazeta" claims Moscow trying to convince separatists to accept autonomy within Ukraine
# "Obama Playing the Long Game Against Putin in Ukraine" - Will Ritter, "Kyiv Post"
# Courtney Weaver explores Ukraine's separatist leadership
Eastern Europe
# Prominent journalist detained in Belarus
# "Moldova's Woes Make It Fair Game for Russia" - William Hill, "Moscow Times"
Iraq/Syria
# Iraqi officials want to retake Mosul this winter, despite U.S. warnings
# Gulf states set to form NATO-inspired military alliance
# IS fighters killing "faster than statisticians can count"
# "ISIS Has a Message. Do We?" - Jamie Dettmer, Daily Beast
Iran
# U.S. privately accuses Iran of breaking sanctions
# Sanctions monitors say photos of Soleimani in Iraq defy travel ban
Central Asia
# Kazakhstan involved in serious PPP bid for ring road in Almaty
# Kazakhs buying rubles for bargain-shopping along Russian border; but Tenge crunched
Afghanistan/Pakistan
# Combat mission ends after 13 years
# "The Brave Women Fighting for Afghanistan's Future" - Lyse Doucet, BBC
# Pakistan schools in crisis
# A Pakistani slave's path to freedom
Of Interest
# Release of CIA torture report expected today