Moscow Vote A ‘Small Revolution’ For Russian Opposition
Russia’s opposition is claiming success after a grassroots campaign led by Kremlin critic Dmitry Gudkov helped dissenters win a rare toehold in the capital in weekend elections. "There has been a revolution in [the voter's] mind," Gudkov told RFE/RL's Russian Service, referring to his coalition’s capture of majorities in more than a dozen district councils, finishing second overall to President Vladimir Putin's United Russia party.
Expert Contacts:
Sergey Khazov-Cassia, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
Khazov-CassiaS@rferl.org , Location: Moscow, Russia
Mikhail Sokolov, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
sokolovmi@rferl.org, Location: Moscow, Russia
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Supply And Demand Meet At The Estonian - Russian Border
A vigorous import/export market has developed along Russia’s border with Estonia, spurred by a ban declared by Russia on food imports from the EU after the bloc imposed sanctions following Moscow’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Residents from both sides are exploiting the five-kilogram limit to trundle cheese, meats and other scarce products across the Narva bridge.
Expert Contacts:
Sergey Khazov-Cassia, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
Khazov-CassiaS@rferl.org , Location: Moscow, Russia
Mikhail Sokolov, Correspondent of RFE/RL’s Russian Service
sokolovmi@rferl.org, Location: Moscow, Russia
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ICRC Halts Operations In Northern Afghanistan
The International Committee of the Red Cross has announced the full suspension of its operations in northern Afghanistan after a staffer was gunned down and killed in a planned attack in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif on Monday.
Expert Contacts:
Hamid Mohmand, Bureau Chief of RFE/RL’s Afghan Service
mohmandha@rferl.org, Location: Prague Headquarters
Hasham Mohmand, Director of RFE/RL’s Afghan Service
mohmandh@rferl.orf, Location: Prague Headquarters
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International Cricket Returns To Pakistan After Long Isolation
With cricket teams arriving from England, Australia, West Indies, South Africa, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and New Zealand, big-time cricket returns to Pakistan with the first matches planned for today in the eastern city of Lahore. The new series marks the return of international competition after it was suspended over security concerns following a deadly 2009 attack that targeted a visiting team from Sri Lanka.
Expert Contacts
Daud Khan, Editor of RFE/RL’s Radio Mashaal,
khand@rferl.org, Location: Prague Headquarters
Khana@rferl.org, Location: Islamabad, Pakistan