Russia proposes adoption ban

Russian lawmakers are still prepared to introduce a measure that would cut off adoptions of children from Russia to the United States, even after criticism of the move. Russia’s human rights community was upset, accusing the ban’s authors of playing "politics" with the lives of orphans. The issue also appeared to weaken relations between top Russian officials and members of the ruling United Russia party, which proposed the ban.

Epic weekend-long traffic jam in Russia stretched 125 miles

Russia's major highway between St. Petersburg and Moscow that spans 125 miles was backed up to a speed of 3-6mph. Drivers set up tents of the side of the road and government sent out meal trucks for the unfortunate drivers. Psychiatrists were brought on to the seen to help people who were unable to handle the
 nerve-wracking situation.

Former Georgian minister charged with torture

Georgia is charged with false imprisonment and torturing Russian military members. Reports said they were held in unheated cells without food for three days. They were also abused physically and verbally. The Georgian minister, Bacho Akhalia said he was "horrified" at the treatment of the prisoners. Akhalia will be held in custody until the trial starts.

Iraq cancels arms deal with Russia

Iraq cancels the $4.2 billion deal made last month, in which Russia would deliver attack helicopters and mobile air-defense systems to Iraq. Iraq's prime minister stated after a trip to Russia there may be corruption in various government businesses. Russia has stated that the corruption allegations are not a justified reason to end the deal. Some people speculate that U.S. may have affected their decision to cancel, but Iraq has stated that there "was absolutely no pressure by any side. Iraq's sovereignty must be respected."

Russia meets with Envoy to discuss Syrian truce

Russia meets with International envoy to discuss Syrian cease fire that didn't last very long. Both Russia and China have refused to back UN attempts to stop presidential rule from Al-Assad's regime. Russia stated that they would like Syria to create their government based on the people's interest. With neither side of this civil war backing down, those hopes seem a little far fetched.


Source:http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/29/world/meast/syria-civil-war/index.html?iref=allsearch

Russia nuclear partnership not dead, State Department insists

 Russia has reported that the arsenal of weapons acquired from the Soviet Union era is not dead yet. All of the weapons that have been accumulated over a 10 year period have been deactivated. The missiles are to keep peace only. An agreement needs to be made to safeguard the 7,500 nuclear warheads. A report came out of Moscow that the agreement needs "more legal framework."

Russian-made Cluster Bombs Found in Syria

Russia attacks a report from Syria stating that the Syrian Government is using Russian-made cluster bombs. These bombs were claimed illegally according to Russia. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, "There is no confirmation to this. ... There are loads of weapons in this region, including in Syria and other countries of the region, and arms are supplied there in large quantities and illegally." It hasn't been confirmed either way yet so further investigation should be done to find the truth on the issue.

Source: http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/10/15/russia-fights-claim-that-syria-is-using-russian-made-cluster-bombs/?iref=allsearch