VISUAL REPORTS
THE POWER VERTICAL: Beware The Kremlin's Next Big Idea
Russia's political spin doctors are looking for ways to boost interest in next year's presidential elections.
Treats For Cleaners On Women's Day In Azerbaijan
Volunteers in Baku handed treats out to female street cleaners to mark International Women's Day on March 8.
'Equal Rights Are Not For Us,' And Other Thoughts On Women's Day
On International Women's Day, observed on March 8, RFE/RL's Tajik Service asked people in Dushanbe whether women and men enjoy the same rights in the country.
OTHER NEWS
Top U.S. General Says Russia Deployed Banned Missiles To Threaten NATO
The vice chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff says Russia has deployed a land-based cruise missile that violates the "spirit and intent" of a Cold War-era nuclear arms control treaty -- and that it did so to "pose a threat to NATO."
Germany Says Russian Missiles In Kaliningrad A 'Setback' For European Security
Germany has said a decision by Russia to permanently station Iskander missiles in Kaliningrad, its enclave on the Baltic Sea, would mark a setback for European security.
In Moscow, German FM Warns Of Danger Of New Arms Race With Russia
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel has warned Russia about the danger of a new arms race triggered by the conflict in eastern Ukraine, and called for reducing the number of conventional weapons.
Huntsman Reported To Be Trump's Choice For U.S. Ambassador To Russia
U.S. media are reporting that the White House has asked former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman to become the next U.S. ambassador to Russia.
Kremlin To Welcome Any U.S. Envoy Committed To Dialogue
The Kremlin says Russia will welcome any U.S. ambassador who displays a "firm commitment to the idea of establishing a dialogue" between Washington and Moscow.
Bankruptcy Proceedings Begin Against Russia’s Richest Deputy
A bankruptcy case against Andrei Palkin, a State Duma deputy for the United Russia party, has begun in an arbitration court in Russia’s northern Arkhangelsk region. Palkin's tax debts exceed 147 million rubles, or approximately $2.5 million, making Palkin the Duma’s richest member. (Russian Service)
Calls For Boycott Hang Over Russia's Eurovision Entry
Some Russian lawmakers and a leading pop star are calling for Moscow to boycott the song competition Eurovision 2017, set to be staged in Ukraine's capital of Kyiv in May.
IMF And Ukrainian Government Agree On A Fourth Transfer Of Funds
The agreement, reflected in a memorandum, requires pension reform and of agrarian land. (Ukrainian Service)
Belarus President Suspends Collection Of 'Parasite' Tax On Jobless People
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka says the collection of a controversial tax on unemployed people will be suspended for one year.
Georgian Prosecutor Accuses Senior Priest in Murder Plot
The Georgian Prosecutor's office said on March 8 that a high-profile priest planned to assassinate the Georgian Orthodox patriarch's personal secretary last month in a scandal that has rocked the country’s dominant church.
Kosovo Says 'No Turning Back' On Army
Kosovar President Hashim Thaci says there is "no turning back" from his plan to transform the Balkan country's lightly armed security force into a national army, brushing off strongly voiced concern from NATO and the United States.
Kazakh President Mansplains How To Treat The Ladies
On International Women’s Day on March 8, President Nursultan Nazarbaev told an audience at the presidential palace, "If she is beautiful, tell her she is intelligent. If she doesn't look good, tell her she is beautiful. If she is neither, then tell her she's lost weight.”
ANALYSIS: Macedonia's Ruling Party 'Playing With Fire' Amid Political Crisis
The key to the current political crisis convulsing Macedonia might just be a single phrase heard on one of the leaked wiretap recordings that shook the Balkan country two years ago.
COMMENTARY: Is Russia Outside The International Court’s Jurisdiction?
Speaking to RFE/RL Vladimir Gladyshev, a Russian specialist in international law, endorsed Russia’s claim that the International Court of Justice at The Hague lacks jurisdiction to issue an order sought by Ukraine to halt Moscow's support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, saying UN conventions “do not provide what the Ukrainian side wants.” But he added that tactically, “the more of these protests and petitions Ukraine declares, the greater its chance to defend its positions in the future since, according to international law and arbitration, if don’t claim your position, sooner or later you lose. Silence gives consent.” (Russian Service)