First Muslim television channel launched;
Punk group becomes symbol of anti-regime protest

Tucked away in what is colloquially known as the “post-Soviet space,” the tiny, landlocked Central Asian republic of Tajikistan seems like an unlikely strategic prize. Yet a potentially significant geopolitical tug of war is brewing there between the United States and Russia. The stakes of this unfolding contest are high and involve continued Western access to Central Asia and, quite possibly, the political future of at least part of the region.

Russia’s religious minorities support punk group;
S-300 sales to Iran still being debated

Punk band discovers the high price of political protest; Kremlin jitters over Chinese influence in the Far East

Nuke subs for Arctic defense;
More delays for Magnitsky Act

Tatarstan's Islamic officials attacked; Russia and China "defend Assad to the bitter end"

Freedom and democracy don't come easily to a land that's known precious little of it over time. Often, a nation overthrows an authoritarian government and replaces it with a democratically elected one, only to see the new government subvert the rule of law and impose a new authoritarianism.

The Kremlin's crackdown on the opposition continues;Saudi Arabia turns the tables

New legislation takes aim at foreign-funded NGOs;Business as usual with Syria

Magnitsky Act passes Senate, but still faces hurdles;Fear and loathing toward NATO