Detention Of Generals Accelerates Turkey’s Political Showdown
Turkey's Islamist-rooted ruling party has dramatically upped the stakes in its showdown with the secularist establishment by detaining more than 50 current and former military commanders. For decades, the military has been considered the guardian of the secular order established by the republic founder and revered army officer, Mustafa Kemal.

EU Ministers Warn Belarus, Condemn Passport Theft In Dubai Killing
Belarus has received another slap on the wrist -- but no more for the time being -- for its crackdown on independent leaders of its Polish minority. The issue was raised by Poland, which, diplomats said, used today's meeting of EU foreign ministers to brief other governments about its concerns.

Last Tsar’s Murder Probe Raises Divisive Questions About Bolshevik Crimes
A Moscow court is due to start hearings today into a dispute pitting the self-proclaimed heir to Russia's imperial throne against the Prosecutor-General's Office. Grand Duchess Maria Vladimirovna, who styles herself as the head of the Romanov imperial line, filed suit last month after prosecutors closed a probe into the murder of Russia's last tsar, Nicholas II, and his family, shot dead by the Bolsheviks in 1918.

Belarusian Crackdown On Polish Minority Puts EU Relations At Risk
The continued Belarusian crackdown against activists from its Polish minority is now likely to be discussed by EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels next week, officials in Brussels say. The current standoff between the authoritarian regime in Belarus and the independent leaders of its Polish minority has angered EU member state Poland and is threatening to develop into a serious test of the EU's belief in the redemptive powers of dialogue.

Google Launches Virtual Trans-Siberian Trip
Ever dreamed of riding Russia's Trans-Siberian Railway, but never found time for the weeklong trip? Google has the solution for you: a virtual journey aboard the legendary train, taken from the comfort of your own home.

Are US Taxpayers Bailing Out Greece?
Ron Paul
Last week we were reminded that ours is not the only country suffering from severe economic turmoil. The Greek government is the latest to come close to default on their massive public debt. Greece has insufficient funds in their treasury to make even the minimum payments that are now coming due. Their debt level is about 120 percent of their gross domestic product and their public sector absorbs what amounts to 40 percent of GDP.

Mediterranean Debt Crisis Rocks EU
The mounting public debt crisis in southern Europe is on the top of the agenda of an informal EU summit in Brussels that opens today. With the Greek government facing imminent bankruptcy, there are fears the crisis could topple other heavily indebted economies and threaten the stability of the euro itself.

French-Russian Warship Deal Making Waves Among NATO Allies
The French daily "Le Monde" broke the news on February 9: Paris had "agreed in principle" to negotiate the sale of one or more Mistral-class ships to Russia. If the sale goes through, it will be the first deal of its kind between a member of NATO and Russia.