Russia Review - 9.29-22.16

MH17 Investigation - Google News 
-
-

How Russia Has Obscured the Facts In the MH17 Investigationby Simon Shuster

Thursday September 29th, 2016 at 11:26 AM

World – TIME

1 Share

It didn’t seem like the type of crime anyone could cover up. There were nearly 300 victims, 80 of them children, whose remains were scattered in fields of sunflowers for villagers and journalists to see.

Thousands of fragments of their passenger jet, a Boeing 777 en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, had fallen across nearly 20 square miles of farmland in eastern Ukraine. Dozens of witnesses had seen the murder weapon, a Russian-made BUK anti-aircraft battery, trundling along the backroads of the warzone where the plane went down. There was plenty of evidence for the investigators to build a case.

On Wednesday, when they presented their arguments in Holland after two years of painstaking investigation, what evidence they had was put on display. The investigative team stated that, “without any doubt,” the BUK missile system had come from Russia. After shooting down the plane on July 17, 2014, the weapon was taken back to Russia the next morning. Not everybody agreed the evidence was so clear cut. Asked to respond to these allegations, a spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin offered this curt phrase: “There is nothing to accept or to deny.”

This followed a familiar pattern. Armed with an array of media outlets, the prime suspect in the investigation – the Russian government – has long been able to maintain an element of doubt, at least enough to shift blame, confuse the facts and delay the dispensation of justice. Rather than addressing the evidence of Russian culpability, the Kremlin and its television stations have introduced a variety of alternative theories, many of them self-contradictory and some patently absurd – such as the claim that a Ukrainian fighter jet was trying to shoot down Putin’s plane when it mistakenly hit MH17 in the same airspace.

Among the Russian public, this strategy of obfuscation has been remarkably successful. Twonationwide surveys conducted in Russia by the independent Levada Center polling agency have found that only 2% of Russians believe that the downing of MH17 was the fault of their government or its military proxies in eastern Ukraine. Despite the wealth of evidence to the contrary, the vast majority of respondents in those surveys blamed the Ukrainian authorities. About a fifth of them accused the United States.

It isn’t hard to figure out why. Right after the Dutch-led team of investigators presented their findings on Wednesday, the Russian government’s official paper of record, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, published alengthy report rehashing the Kremlin’s various accounts of what happened. That report did not even bother to mention the investigation’s key finding: that the missile came from Russia. A report from the Kremlin’s main news network did at least acknowledge the accusation, but its headline suggested what readers should make of it: “Dutch MH17 investigation: Don’t expect any evidence, but the BUK was Russian.”

In reality there were troves of evidence, including intercepted phone calls, photos and videos of the BUK being transported and thousands of boxes of wreckage and shrapnel collected from the crash site. But in the conference hall where these findings were presented, in the Dutch city of Nieuwegein, reporters for Russian state television were on hand to accuse the investigators of bias. One of them, a journalist for state-run Channel One, suggested that Russia had “at least offered to give your team several documents” as evidence, but the investigators did not accept the Russian offers, he said, “because they did not support your scenario.”

One of the lead investigators, Wilbert Paulissen, replied that Russia had not provided any such material, even though his team had visited Moscow and repeatedly requested information from the Russian side. The head of the investigative team, Fred Westerbeke, added that Russia had only provided “partial answers” to some of the team’s questions.

Earlier that day, Westerbeke had the unenviable job of meeting with the families of the victims and explaining to them that, despite the progress in the investigation, they were still a long way from getting justice. “It’s impossible to state when it will be done,” he said. “So this morning I told the grieving relatives that I can’t make any promises.”

The official mandate of the investigation team – which includes officials from the Netherlands, Malaysia, Australia, Ukraine and Belgium – was extended this week until the beginning of 2018. But the investigators acknowledged on Wednesday that they have no idea when the evidence would be sufficient to name the suspects and bring criminal charges. Nor were they able to say what court might hear the case.

In order for them to make a real breakthrough, the investigators would need Russia to cooperate by addressing the evidence that the BUK missile came from Russian territory, and to explain what happened to this weapon once it was returned to Russia. They would also need to question witnesses or suspects in Russia, including military personnel who may have been involved in deploying that missile system to Ukraine.

But there is no sign that Russia is prepared to meet any of those requirements, let alone extradite potential suspects to stand trial in a foreign court. In his response to the investigators on Wednesday, Putin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told the BBC: “We cannot accept as a final truth what they say, and I bet you haven’t seen any proofs of their statements.”

Inside Russia, that would be a safe bet, because the vast majority of Russians get their information from the Kremlin’s media outlets. In order to maintain their cover up of this tragedy, it turns out Russia does not need to hide the facts of the case or the clues that were scattered in those fields of wheat and sunflowers in eastern Ukraine. It only needs to cloud the debate with alternative truths of its own invention.

Read the whole story

· · · · ·

Vladimir Putin’s Outlaw State - The New York Times

Thursday September 29th, 2016 at 8:45 AM

1 Share

President Vladimir Putin is fast turning Russia into an outlaw nation. As one of five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, his country shares a special responsibility to uphold international law. Yet, his behavior in Ukraine and Syria violates not only the rules intended to promote peace instead of conflict, but also common human decency.

This bitter truth was driven home twice on Wednesday. An investigative team led by the Netherlandsconcluded that the surface-to-air missile system that shot down a Malaysia Airlines plane over Ukraine in July 2014, killing 298 on board, was sent from Russia to Russian-backed separatists and returned to Russia the same night. Meanwhile, in Syria, Russian and Syrian warplanes knocked out two hospitals in the rebel-held sector of Aleppo as part of an assault that threatens the lives of 250,000 more people in a war that has already claimed some 500,000 Syrian lives.

Russia has tried hard to pin the blame for the airline crash on Ukraine. But the new report, produced by prosecutors from the Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Malaysia and Ukraine, confirms earlier findings. It uses strict standards of evidence and meticulously documents not only the deployment of the Russian missile system that caused the disaster but also Moscow’s continuing cover-up.

Ukraine’s foreign minister, Pavlo Klimkin, told The Times last week that his government is determined to bring both Russia and the individuals who fired the missile to justice.

Some Western officials have accused Russia of war crimes, charges that could be pursued through international channels, even if Moscow blocks a formal referral to the International Criminal Court. New sanctions against Russia also should be considered. Mr. Putin will undoubtedly fight any such action, using his veto on the Security Council, but whatever his response, the United States should lend its support to Ukraine’s quest for accountability.

There seems no holding Mr. Putin to account in Syria. For months he has pretended to negotiate on a political solution to a five-year-old civil war between his client, President Bashar al-Assad, and rebels backed by the United States and some Arab nations. But despite pleas from Secretary of StateJohn Kerry, who has spent an enormous amount of time and effort negotiating two separate (and short-lived) cease-fires, Russian and Syrian forces, backed by Iranian ground troops, have continued the slaughter.

Over recent days, Mr. Putin has again shown his true colors with air attacks that have included powerful bunker-busting bombs that can destroy underground hospitals and safety zones where civilians seek shelter. On Sept. 19, Russia bombed an aid convoy, which like hospitals and civilians are not supposed to be targeted under international law.

On Wednesday, Mr. Kerry threatened to withdraw an American team from Geneva where the two sides had established a center to collaborate on a cease-fire. But that is likely to have little effect, and Mr. Kerry has few, if any, diplomatic cards to play.

President Obama has long refused to approve direct military intervention in Syria. And Mr. Putin may be assuming that Mr. Obama is unlikely to confront Russia in his final months and with an American election season in full swing. But with the rebel stronghold in Aleppo under threat of falling to the government, administration officials said that such a response is again under consideration.

Mr. Putin fancies himself a man on a mission to restore Russia to greatness. Russia could indeed be a great force for good. Yet his unconscionable behavior — butchering civilians in Syria and Ukraine, annexing Crimea, computer-hacking American government agencies, crushing dissent at home — suggests that the furthest thing from his mind is becoming a constructive partner in the search for peace.

Continue reading the main story

Read the whole story

· ·

How Russia Wants to Undermine the U.S. Electionby Massimo Calabresi

Thursday September 29th, 2016 at 8:23 AM

World – TIME

1 Share

The leaders of the U.S. government, including the President and his top national-security advisers, face an unprecedented dilemma. Since the spring, U.S. intelligence and law-enforcement agencies have seen mounting evidence of an active Russian influence operation targeting the 2016 presidential election. It is very unlikely the Russians could sway the actual vote count, because our election infrastructure is decentralized and voting machines are not accessible from the Internet. But they can sow disruption and instability up to, and on, Election Day, more than a dozen senior U.S. officials tell TIME, undermining faith in the result and in democracy itself.

The question, debated at multiple meetings at the White House, is how aggressively to respond to the Russian operation. Publicly naming and shaming the Russians and describing what the intelligence community knows about their activities would help Americans understand and respond prudently to any disruptions that might take place between now and the close of the polls. Senior Justice Department officials have argued in favor of calling out the Russians, and that position has been echoed forcefully outside of government by lawmakers and former top national-security officials from both political parties.

Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. The President and several of his closest national-security advisers are concerned about the danger of a confrontation in the new and ungoverned world of cyberspace, and they argue that while the U.S. has powerful offensive and defensive capabilities there, an escalating confrontation carries significant risks. National Security Council officials warn that our critical infrastructure–including the electricity grid, transportation sector and energy networks–is vulnerable to first strikes; others say attacks on private companies, stock exchanges and the media could affect the economy. Senior intelligence officials even worry about Russia exposing U.S. espionage operations in retaliation. And while U.S. officials have “high confidence” that Russia is behind what they describe as a major influence operation, senior U.S. officials tell TIME, their evidence would not yet stand up in court.

And so with five weeks to go, the White House is, for now, letting events unfold. On one side, U.S. law-enforcement agencies are scrambling to uncover the extent of the Russian operation, counter it and harden the country’s election infrastructure. On the other, a murky network of Russian hackers and their associates is stepping up the pace of leaks of stolen documents designed to affect public opinion and give the impression that the election is vulnerable, including emails from the computers of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). Meanwhile, the FBI alerted all 50 states to the danger in mid-August, and the states have delivered evidence of a “significant” number of new intrusions into their election systems that the bureau and their colleagues at the Department of Homeland Security “are still trying to understand,” a department official tells TIME.

All of which makes Donald Trump’s repeated insertion of himself into the U.S.-Russia story all the more startling. Trump has praised Putin during the campaign, and at the first presidential debate, on Sept. 26, he said it wasn’t clear the Russians were behind the DNC hack. But the U.S. intelligence community has “high confidence” that Russian intelligence services were in fact responsible, multiple intelligence and national security officials tell TIME. Trump was informed of that assessment during a recent classified intelligence briefing, a U.S. official familiar with the matter tells TIME. “I do not comment on information I receive in intelligence briefings, however, nobody knows with definitive certainty that this was in fact Russia,” Trump told TIME in a statement. “It may be, but it may also be China, another country or individual.”

Russia’s interference in the U.S. election is an extraordinary escalation of an already worrying trend. Over the past 2½ years, Russia has executed a westward march of election meddling through cyberspace, starting in the states of the former Soviet Union and moving toward the North Atlantic. “On a regular basis they try to influence elections in Europe,” President Obama told NBC News on July 26. With Russia establishing beachheads in the U.S. at least since April, officials worry that in the final weeks of the campaign the Russian cybercapability could be used to fiddle with voter rolls, election-reporting systems and the media, resulting in confusion that could cast a shadow over both the next President and the democratic process.

Obama’s decision not to call out the Russian espionage operation has so far left the effort to educate Americans about it to lawmakers and national-security experts. On Sept. 22, the ranking Democrats on the Senate and House Intelligence Committees, California’s Senator Dianne Feinstein and Representative Adam Schiff, released an unusually blunt statement. “Based on briefings we have received, we have concluded that the Russian intelligence agencies are making a serious and concerted effort to influence the U.S. election,” they said. “At the least, this effort is intended to sow doubt about the security of our election.” Orders for Russian intelligence agencies to conduct electoral-influence operations, they added, could come only from very senior levels of government. “We call on [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin to immediately order a halt to this activity.” The statement, though not endorsed publicly by the Administration, was cleared with the CIA.

To understand why Putin would want to undercut the legitimacy of the U.S. election, it helps to step back from the long and ugly presidential campaign and remember why we’re voting in the first place. Elections are the ultimate source of authority in our democracy. Because Republicans and Democrats have agreed for decades that spreading democracy is good for everyone, America has pushed for free and fair elections around the world. And many nations have embraced them: peasants in the Balkans put on their Sunday best to go to the polls, and burqa-clad women in Afghanistan brave terrorist attacks to stand in line for hours to cast their ballots.

Not surprisingly, quasi-authoritarian rulers in the former Soviet Union, latter-day communists in China and medieval theocrats in the Middle East, among many others, see America’s sometimes aggressive evangelism about the benefits of liberal democracy as a direct threat to their own claims to authority. Putin has taken particular umbrage, accusing the U.S.–and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in particular–of meddling in Russia’s presidential election in 2012. He has publicly questioned the validity of past U.S. presidential elections, saying, on June 17, of the Electoral College, “You call that democracy?” Now, experts say, Putin is expanding his anti-American campaign into cyberspace. “More than any attempt to get one candidate or another elected, this [Russian influence operation] is about discrediting the entire idea of a free and fair election,” says Dmitri Alperovitch, co-founder and chief technology officer of CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity company that did the analysis of the DNC hack.

No one knows that better than Arizona secretary of state Michele Reagan. One day in June she was in her backyard in Phoenix when she got a call from her chief of staff. “Are you sitting down?” he asked. The FBI had been monitoring a corner of the so-called dark web, the network of hidden sites used by criminals to buy and sell drugs, pedophilic pornography and stolen identities. A group of hackers known collectively as Fancy Bear, which the U.S. government believes is controlled by Russian military intelligence, was trying to sell a user name and password that belonged to someone in an Arizona county election official’s office, which holds the personal data of almost 4 million people. “My first reaction was, Well, this is like the worst thing that you want to hear,” Reagan recalls.

Reagan and the FBI scrambled to figure out how the Russians had gotten into Arizona’s system and what needed to be done to secure it. It turned out that an election official in rural Gila County, pop. 54,000, had opened a Word document on her desktop computer that contained malicious software. Fortunately, while Fancy Bear had penetrated a local computer system, it hadn’t accessed the statewide registration database. Others weren’t so lucky. Fancy Bear’s electronic fingerprints were found on the hack into the DNC computers. In Illinois, the feds found that Fancy Bear had stolen 85,000 voter records from that state’s registration systems in mid-July. Later that month, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) revealed that it, too, had been hacked by Fancy Bear.

With other states now reporting intrusions of unknown origin, the government wants to reassure the public that the vote count itself is safe. “We have confidence in the overall integrity of our electoral systems,” Homeland Security chief Jeh Johnson said on Sept. 16. “It is diverse, subject to local control, and has many checks and balances built in.” Each of the U.S.’s more than 9,000 polling places uses machines not connected to the Internet, precincts count and report their results independently, and most have paper or electronic backups in case a recount is needed.

The Administration has a message for Russia too. The U.S. has privately warned that any effort to sway the election would be unacceptable, intelligence and other Administration officials tell TIME. Secretary of State John Kerry delivered the message to his counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, in Laos on July 27. During a 90-minute meeting with Putin on the sidelines of the G-20 meeting on Sept. 6, Obama pulled Putin aside and discussed the cyberconcerns one-on-one, with no aides present, a White House official tells TIME. In a press conference later, the President called for restraint on all sides in the use of cyberweapons and issued a veiled threat about America’s cyberpowers. “Frankly, we’ve got more capacity than anybody both offensively and defensively,” Obama said.

Putin’s history of using influence operations against opponents begins, appropriately enough, with himself. As he was rising quickly through the Kremlin ranks in 1999, one of his main opponents, Prosecutor General Yuri Skuratov, was caught on tape having sex with two women in a hotel room in what Skuratov later claimed was a Putin-run espionage operation traditionally known as a “honey trap.” Putin, who had risen from a Soviet-era KGB operative to head the country’s intelligence services, denied he was behind it but said on TV that his agents had confirmed that the man in the grainy video was Skuratov. Putin went on to win the presidency the next year. Skuratov, who ran against him, got less than 1% of the popular vote.

With the expansion of the Internet in the decade that followed, the Russians adopted cyberweapons as a standard tool of political meddling. Nowhere has their tactic of spreading chaos around a vote been clearer than in Ukraine, where three days before the presidential election on May 25, 2014, the computer systems of the Central Electoral Commission went dark. “The servers wouldn’t turn on. The links to the local election authorities were cut off,” says Victor Zhora, director of the cybersecurity firm Infosafe, which had been hired to defend the system. “Literally, nothing worked.”

As Zhora and his team worked successfully to restore the system in time for the vote, they became convinced that the collective behind the hack, known as CyberBerkut, was a front for Russian security services. The malware that crashed the system was not available on the market and had been built from scratch. And the effect of the attack supported Russia’s strategic goal of undermining the validity of the election. The hackers could have manipulated the outcome of the vote, Zhora says, but “their main goal was to take out the system itself, to destroy the data, to wipe out the hard drives before the elections started.” Moreover, the CyberBerkut efforts appeared to be coordinated with Russian state propaganda. Zhora and his team stopped a subsequent effort by CyberBerkut to post false voting results on the election commission’s website that would have showed a far-right militant ahead in the polls. But a screenshot of the fake web page appeared anyway on Russia’s main state-run news network as the vote was still going on.

Russia has also meddled in the elections of major U.S. allies that have imposed sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, and many of the Russian cyberoperations have benefited populist, anti-immigrant parties that oppose Western European unity in the face of rising Russian aggression. In August, a spear-phishing e-mail attack targeted German party officials, including some members of Chancellor Angela Merkel’s Christian Democrats. The emails contained malware that bore the signatures of Fancy Bear, according to Germany’s top cyberdefense official, Arne Schönbohm, who warned on Sept. 9 that the attack could be an attempt to manipulate parliamentary elections next year. Merkel had previously ordered German intelligence agencies to look into Russia’s peddling of a false story about a Russian girl raped by migrants in Germany–a story that has helped fuel the rise of the right-wing opposition party AfD. That party beat Merkel’s Christian Democrats in a regional ballot in the Chancellor’s home district in September.

Farther west, in France, a Russian bank with close ties to the Kremlin lent the far-right party of Marine Le Pen some 9 million euros in November 2014, helping it prepare for regional elections a year later, when it received its best results ever. Russia also tried a more subtle information operation designed to fuel the anti-immigrant and national-security fears that have contributed to Le Pen’s rise. In April 2015, the programming of the French broadcaster TV5Monde was blocked by unknown hackers, and for 18 hours the channel’s websites transmitted only the image of the signature black flag of ISIS. French intelligence officials and the British signals-intelligence agency, the GCHQ, found it was not ISIS but in fact Fancy Bear that was behind the hack, according to a Sept. 25 article by the London Sunday Times and U.S. officials.

Britain, too, has been targeted. The Times article quoted David Anderson, an independent watchdog appointed under British law, as saying the GCHQ had blocked a Russian attempt to disrupt the May 7, 2015, general election there. The Times said Fancy Bear planned to target government servers and major TV broadcasters. But not all stations were to be hit. In the fall of 2014, the pro-Moscow RT network, which is funded by the Kremlin, launched a 24-hour news network in the U.K. aimed at British viewers. The message, Russia experts say, is that Western democracy is not so hot. “It’s a cynical message: No one is democratic,” says Peter Kreko, an expert on the European right and a visiting professor at Indiana University.

The most pessimistic Kremlin watchers worry how far Putin will go with the combination of psychological manipulation and cyberwarfare. They view the pattern of Russia’s electoral meddling in the context of Putin’s recent embrace of what is known as the Gerasimov doctrine, a nontraditional approach to military conflict named after the chief of the Russian general staff, Valery Gerasimov, that relies heavily on cyberwar and influence operations. “A perfectly thriving state can, in a matter of months and even days, be transformed into an arena of fierce armed conflict,” Gerasimov posited in a now famous 2013 manifesto, through “political, economic, informational, humanitarian and other nonmilitary measures applied in coordination with the protest potential of the population.”

That is how Putin stoked a separatist rebellion in eastern Ukraine in 2014. But the current and former senior intelligence and national-security officials interviewed for this story agree that the principal benefit Putin gains from his Western European and U.S. meddling is the leg up it gives him with his own political and diplomatic challenges at home. “In the long run, if people start to question the integrity of our election system,” says one senior U.S. intelligence official, “potentially to Russia that’s a plus. But I would argue more strongly that this is as much about domestic constituents and his public,” the official says. The more chaos in Europe and the U.S., the better.

Putin has shown little sign of stopping, even when meddling is discovered. In April, the DNC suspected it had been hacked and called in the cyberforensics firm CrowdStrike, which was co-founded in 2011 by Alperovitch and employs a number of former government cybersecurity experts. CrowdStrike was familiar with Fancy Bear: it had previously found the group’s hacks in Canada, Japan and the former Soviet republic of Georgia. It identifies the group based on the Russians’ unique cybertradecraft, including nonpublic code in its malware, its infrastructure of servers around the world and the techniques that it uses to move and hide within the systems it penetrates. After inspecting the DNC computers, Alperovitch concluded that the hack was indeed executed by the Russians. And while CrowdStrike usually keeps its findings secret, the DNC told the company it was outraged that the Russians were trying to interfere with our political system, and “they wanted us to come forward,” Alperovitch says.

Twelve hours after the DNC break-in was revealed in June, a hacker who insisted he was Romanian and who called himself Guccifer 2.0 popped up online and tried to discredit CrowdStrike’s attribution to Russian military intelligence. Guccifer 2.0 started leaking information from the DNC hack in blog posts and on Twitter, but his professed identity wasn’t very convincing. When reporters reached out to him online, for example, the responses he sent in Romanian were riddled with errors. U.S. government officials privately confirm that they believe Fancy Bear and Russian military intelligence are behind the DNC and DCCC hacks.

The pace of leaks has accelerated as the election approaches, revealing a murky network of actors. Around the time of the DNC hack, a website called DCleaks.net was established by a group identifying themselves as “hacktivists.” By June the group began posting hacked documents, including emails from retired General Philip Breedlove, the former commander of NATO and U.S. forces in Europe, asking former Secretary of State Colin Powell how to persuade Obama to more forcefully oppose Russian meddling in Ukraine.

Initially, there was no evidence of a connection between DCleaks and Russian hackers, and even now it is not clear who is behind the site. In late June, however, Guccifer 2.0 contacted the website the Smoking Gun and provided it with a link to material from the DNC hack that DCleaks was preparing to publish. In recent weeks, DCleaks has published new emails belonging to Powell, which included damaging remarks about Clinton, even though the overall gist of his emails was supportive. And recently, the site published what purported to be a copy of Michelle Obama’s passport.

The leaks tend to favor isolationist policies over ones aimed at confronting Russia. The Breedlove leaks showed an embarrassing and unsuccessful effort to build U.S.-led pushback against Russia in Ukraine. The DNC documents, which made their way to WikiLeaks through unknown channels, weakened Putin’s old foe, Clinton, on the eve of the Democratic National Convention. And DCleaks claimed that its ability to obtain the First Lady’s passport demonstrated U.S. vulnerability to terrorism.

Putin has done what he can to maintain deniability. Asked by Bloomberg TV on Sept. 2 whether Russia was behind the DNC hack, he said, “I don’t know anything about that.” But he seemed admiring, if not proud, of Fancy Bear’s work. “They work so much like fine jewelers, so delicately, that they can leave their tracks, or someone else’s tracks, at just the right place and just the right time in order to camouflage their work and make it look like the work of some other hackers from somewhere else, some other country.”

In fact, it might take a real jewel thief–or an army of them–to rig the U.S. presidential election. Because they are not connected to the Internet and are controlled by thousands of independent precincts, U.S. voting machines are largely safe from meddling, says Merle King, executive director of Kennesaw State University’s Center for Elections Systems. The feds have pushed out patches for known vulnerabilities in state computers and offered security scans. America’s cyber and counterespionage forces will be looking “to see if there’s anything coming from overseas or even domestically that looks like an effort to target election offices,” says George W. Bush’s Homeland Security chief, Michael Chertoff. The FBI has opened a formal investigation into the DNC, DCCC, Arizona and Illinois hacks

But with the election fast approaching, some experts in and out of government say the Administration is moving too slowly to publicize the Russian influence operation and explain it to Americans. A bipartisan group of former national-security officials that included Chertoff and others called on Obama in July to name the perpetrators of the DNC hack. Alperovitch says the U.S. is misreading the battlefield in cyberspace. “The U.S. government for the last 20 years was so focused on how to achieve kinetic effects in cyberspace, how to produce what they call cyberbombs, because that’s what we’re used to,” he says. “But the Russians understand that the real power of this domain is in influence operations, psychological warfare, changing people’s perceptions of what’s truly going on.”

For much of the summer, Trump made casting doubt on the validity of the U.S. electoral system a prominent feature of his campaign. “I’m afraid the election’s gonna be rigged,” Trump said in Ohio on Aug. 1. ” I have to be honest.” Trump backers who sign up to be “Trump Election Observers” are told the campaign will “stop crooked Hillary from rigging this election.”

Asked at the first debate whether they would support the outcome of the vote, both candidates said they would. But Trump has a record of doing the opposite. As results came in on election night in 2012, he falsely tweeted that the Republican had won the popular vote and urged an uprising. “The phoney Electoral College made a laughingstock out of our nation,” Trump tweeted. “The world is laughing at us. More votes equals a loss … revolution! This election is a total sham and a travesty. We are not a democracy!”

Clinton has said Putin is trying to get Trump elected; there is no evidence of that. Trump does have some ties to Russia. Trump’s former campaign manager worked for Putin’s proxy in Ukraine until the pro-Western uprising there, and Trump, his family and a foreign policy adviser have done tens of millions of dollars of business in Russia. The exact amount is unclear, and Trump has declined to disclose details of his Russian business partners.

The links worry even rock-ribbed Republicans. Chertoff led the Senate Whitewater investigation of Bill and Hillary Clinton’s obscure Arkansas land deal in the mid-’90s and has been critical of the Democratic presidential candidate. But he is alarmed by Trump’s talk of a rigged election. “This business about talking about rigged elections is very dangerous,” Chertoff says.

On the ground in Arizona, Michele Reagan, a Republican, has been working to make the vote safe. She took the entire state voter database offline for 10 days after learning of the Fancy Bear hack to ensure the system was secure. In conversations with the FBI and her own cybersecurity team she has learned phrases like SQL injection and dual-factor authentication. “Yes, we believe we’re safe,” she now says.

That doesn’t mean she isn’t worried about Russian attempts to undermine the credibility of the vote. “We know there’s these bad actors out there that are coming in from other countries and they’re trying to scare us,” she says. “This isn’t about stealing information or altering information. The entire conversation I believe needs to be shifted to what this is really doing to the confidence of the American electorate.” Does she have a message for Americans on how to respond to Putin’s effort? “Our job is to try to encourage people to get involved and to be connected in government, to go out and vote.”

–With reporting by SIMON SHUSTER/BERLIN and TESSA BERENSON, HALEY SWEETLAND EDWARDS and MAYA RHODAN/WASHINGTON

This appears in the October 10, 2016 issue of TIME.

Read the whole story

· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·

Here's What Analysts Are Saying About the OPEC Deal

Thursday September 29th, 2016 at 8:11 AM

1 Share

Photographer: Eddie Seal/Bloomberg

Russia Says It Would Support 48-Hour Cease-Fire in Aleppo to Allow in Aid

Thursday September 29th, 2016 at 7:56 AM

1 Share

MOSCOW—Top Russian diplomats said Thursday that Moscow would support a 48-hour cease-fire to allow aid into the embattled Syrian city of Aleppo, but hit back at Washington over a warning that the U.S. was prepared to suspend its engagement with Moscow over a Russian and Syria offensive against the city.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow advocated a “48-hour pause” in the fighting to allow in aid, but added that a longer cessation of hostilities would allow militant groups arrayed against the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to reorganize, the Russian news agency Interfax reported.

“In order to ensure humanitarian access, we have repeatedly offered a 48-hour pause, but American counterparts, for reasons known only to them, but not to us, are totally fixated on the requirements of the seven-day pause,” Mr. Ryabkov said Thursday, according to Interfax. “A seven-day break is a sufficient period to ensure that terrorist groups can carry out activities to rearm, rest and regroup.”

The U.S. on Wednesday issued a threat to cut off Syria talks with Russia, after a U.S.-Russian cease-fire deal fell apart last week over the bombing of a humanitarian convoy near Aleppo and the launch of a fresh offensive by the Assad regime, which is backed by Russian air power. Officials in Washington said the Obama administration was reviving an internal debate over whether to give Syrian rebels more arms.

According to Interfax, Mr. Ryabkov described Washington’s reaction as an “emotional breakdown.”

A Wednesday briefing by State Department spokesman John Kirby also hit a nerve in Moscow. In a press conference, Mr. Kirby warned Wednesday that “Russia will continue to send troops home in body bags, and they will continue to lose resources—even, perhaps, more aircraft” if it doesn't change its position.

In comments on her Facebook FB 0.42 % page, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said an official reaction would be forthcoming, but added, “Doesn’t it seem that such ventriloquism about ‘bodies in bags’…and the ‘loss of aircraft’ sounds more like ordering a dog to attack, rather than a comment by a diplomat?”

Federica Mogherini, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, said Thursday that EU governments were discussing measures that could be taken to respond to the “massacre” in Aleppo, without giving details.

There are “measures that could possibly be taken by the European Union and the international community” over the attacks, she said at a press conference in Brussels. “There are discussions under way.”

A senior EU diplomat said that for now, the focus is on action at the United Nations Security Council in New York to stop the fighting. However, if that failed, there were options for “putting pressure” on those responsible.

—Laurence Norman contributed to this article.

Write to Nathan Hodge at nathan.hodge@wsj.com

Russia Review - 9.29-22.16

MH17: Buk missile system from Russia, says Dutch-led investigation – video | World news | The Guardian


How Russia Wants to Undermine the U.S. Election | TIME
Vladimir Putin’s Outlaw State - The New York Times

Ryabkov: US Pursues Policy of Threats, Blackmail – Al-Manar TV Lebanon

.:Middle East Online:::.

Here's What Analysts Are Saying About the OPEC Deal - Bloomberg

Russia Says It Would Support 48-Hour Cease-Fire in Aleppo to Allow in Aid - WSJ

Putin faces dilemma after vote win: How to prolong a system based on himself | Reuters

For Hillary Clinton and Vladimir Putin, the Mistrust Is Mutual - WSJ

Joint Chiefs Chairman Rejects Obama Plan to Share Syria Intel with Russia

Russian-born oil magnate gives big to Trump Victory | OpenSecrets Blog

Следствие: сепаратисты сбили малазийский Boing "Буком" из России - YouTube

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: "Increasingly, it also seems that the only way Moscow can reset ties with the West would be for Putin to stand aside." - Putin faces dilemma after vote win: How to prolong a system based on himself - Reuters | For Hillary Clinton and Vladimir Putin, the Mistrust Is Mutual - WSJ | Joint Chiefs Chairman Rejects Obama Plan to Share Syria Intel with Russia

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Anger at the un as russia and the west trade insults over syria - Daily Mail | Lavrov: U.S. military does not entirely obey commander-in-chief

Russia: Critical US, British Statements Could Hurt Situation in Syria

Russia accused of war crimes in Syria at UN security council session | World news | The Guardian

us russia syria - Google Search

Expert: Putin's Reported Plan to Restore KGB May Reflect Fear of Overthrow

Russia’s Opposition, While Repressed, May Be Its Own Worst Enemy - The New York Times

So now we know: Russia is as powerless in Syria as the West

The U.S. and Global Security Review: The Political and Geopolitical Games of Fear and Anger: Do mass shootings increase Trump's election chances?

Memory Lapse? Trump Seeks Distance From 'Advisor' With Past Ties to Mafia - ABC News

Trump Russia Adviser Carter Page Interview - Bloomberg Politics

Костин: богатство — не приоритет в жизни Путина — Rambler News Service

Ъ-Газета - ПАРНАС ищет новый состав

Ъ-Газета - Михаил Фрадков пошел на пересадку

poroshenko interview - Google Search

The Newsmakers: Interview with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko - YouTube

7 facts about Dmitri Shostakovich, composer of the ‘Leningrad’ Symphony | Russia Beyond The Headlines

World War 3 Warning: Retired NATO General Says If War Fought Today, Russia’s Naval, Air Superiority Would Render Europe Helpless

Russia, Jailer of Local Separatists, Welcomes Foreign Secessionists - The New York Times

Trump Suffers Another Bout of Russian Amnesia - ABC News

Зачем власти Афганистана решили легализовать одного из главных исламских радикалов - Газета.Ru

Putin party victory fails to mask...

In Syrian War, Russia Has Yet to Fulfill Superpower Ambitions - The New York Times

US, Russia Fail to Renew Syria Ceasefire Deal | Military.com

Russia: Syrian Opposition Must Separate from Nusra

Did Russia Hack The NSA? Maybe Not : Parallels : NPR

Russian secret service uses Wikileaks campaign - ABC Online

Focus: Вбросы компромата на WikiLeaks - дело рук «московской агентуры» / Baltnews - новостной портал на русском языке в Латвии, Прибалтика, сводки событий, мнения, комментарии.

China and Russia lead list of Yahoo hack suspects – but some doubt theory | Technology | The Guardian

andrew kuchins washington post - Google Search

That brief U.S.-Russia strategic partnership 15 years ago? New interviews reveal why it derailed. - The Washington Post

Шанс на стратегическое партнерство с Россией был упущен при Буше, — Washington Post | Русская весна

Clinton's Russia Fiction | The Daily Caller

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: In Syrian War, Russia Has Yet to Fulfill Superpower Ambitions

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Russia Review - 9.1 - 9.23.16: Putin Taps Duma Speaker As New Foreign Spy Boss In Latest Kremlin Shakeup

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Russia Blogs Review

Airstrikes Pound Aleppo Hours After Kerry Calls for End to Strikes

Russia Review - 2016

Russia Review - September 2016

Russia - 9.23.16

Russia's Vladimir Putin Again Reshuffles His Inner Circle - The New York Times

bne IntelliNews - STOLYPIN: Putin’s intelligence reforms may prove rather unintelligent

World War 3 News: Russia's KGB To Return For War, Obama Attacks Putin

Russian-Americans Don't All Back Trump - Bloomberg View

Inside the power struggle within the Russian elite | Russia Direct

Putin Taps Duma Speaker As New Foreign Spy Boss In Latest Kremlin Shakeup

fradkov ivanov - Google Search

фрадков иванов - Google Search

The Daily Vertical: From Trolling To Espionage

U.S. lawmakers accuse Russia of seeking to influence U.S. election | Reuters

Clinton seizing on Trump's Russian business ties

Top US officer: Russia bombed Syria humanitarian aid convoy | Fox News

Дмитрий Медведев о вариантах социально-экономического развития страны — Российская газета

10 features that define Russia’s economic crisis | Russia Beyond The Headlines

8.1.16 - Who will succeed Vladimir Putin?

4.1.16 - Russia Is Not Nine Feet Tall

Что стоит за уходом Сергея Нарышкина на пост главы Службы внешней разведки - Газета.Ru

Генерал-лейтенант КГБ СССР Николай Леонов - Google Search

Генерал-лейтенант КГБ СССР Николай Леонов - Google Search

Что стоит за уходом Сергея Нарышкина...

Анатомия слухов: роковая суббота

Как Путин "рокировкой" Нарышкина-Володина консолидировал власть. Новости мира | Depo

Коты в мешках, но уже не питерские / НГ-Политика / Независимая газета

Царь разведки Сергей Нарышкин / Политика / Независимая газета

Из парламента в разведку. Почему Сергей Нарышкин возглавил СВР

Не Дума красит человека. «Измельчит» ли Вячеслава Володина новая должность?

Срочно! Кремль "сливает" Путина - сценарий развития событий для Украины и России | УЖГОРОД - ОКНО В ЕВРОПУ - UA-REPORTER.COM

Россия и США подошли к новому рубежу войны в Сирии

К чем на этот раз ведет кадровое брожение в высших органах власти

Аналитик намекнул, что Путину грозит резкое ухудшение здоровья - Мир - Главред

Interview with Sky NEWS

Tsar Putin? Zhirinovsky Raises...

Russia's Vladimir Putin again...

Russia - 9.22.16

The Trump-Putin Nexus Is The Murkiest -- And Most Dangerous -- Campaign Issue

Beware the unholy alliance: Russia is working with radical Islam to undermine the West | Fox News

Fight Against Islamic State Looks Like A Cover For Russia's Imperial Gamble

U.S. Prosecutors Are Out to Crack Russia’s Crooked Money Machine - The Daily Beast

This Is How Russia Bombed the U.N. Convoy - The Daily Beast

Putin Has Finally Reincarnated the KGB | Foreign Policy

Встреча с Сергеем Нарышкиным и Михаилом Фрадковым • Президент России

Former Georgian PM Sentenced Again

The Ministry Of Putin Preservation

U.S. House Approves Lethal Weaponry For Ukraine

The Trump-Putin Nexus Is The Murkiest -- And Most Dangerous -- Campaign Issue

fradkov - Google Search

fradkov - Google Search

ВЕДОМОСТИ - ФOTO - Перегруппировка сил во власти

ВЕДОМОСТИ - Новая работа Вячеслава Володина

Putin appoints long-term ally as new intelligence agency boss | News | DW.COM | 22.09.2016

Russia contemplating KGB comeback? | Europe | DW.COM | 20.09.2016

Putin names ally Sergei Naryshkin as new foreign spy chief - BBC News

Russia - 9.20.16

Behind Mr. Putin’s Easy Victory - The New York Times

Top CIA analyst sees likely Putin re-election bid | Reuters

Russia has a years-long plot to influence Balkan politics. The U.S. can learn a lot from it. - The Washington Post

Probing Putin's Power

Bears with keyboards: Russian hackers snoop on West - BBC News

Putin's Meddling in the U.S. Elections | Foreign Affairs

Putin got what he wanted this time. But the rest is a recipe for collapse. - The Washington Post

The Election Is Over, So What’s Next for Putin and His New Duma?

FSB warns 2 Russians trying to sell fake military secrets to CIA | Russia Beyond The Headlines

The American Mission to Save Russia

Командующим войсками Южного военного округа назначен генерал-полковник Александр Дворников : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации

How a Russian Fascist Is Meddling in America’s Election - The New York Times

The Real Power of Putin by Benjamin Nathans | The New York Review of Books

Who Are Putin's New Members of...

The Morning Vertical, September 21, 2016

Евгений Шляхто - Google Search

Выражение лица Путина при посещении концерна «Калашников» взорвало Сеть | All News

Skeptical of Russia, Clinton seen going toe-to-toe with Putin | Reuters

Putin’s lesson for Obama in Syria - The Washington Post

Who killed Boris Nemtsov? We will never know | World news | The Guardian

Two openly gay men are running for parliament in Russia | The Independent

Russia stays loyal to Kremlin in election with record low turnout | World news | The Guardian

There is another Russia beyond Putin | Timothy Garton Ash | Opinion | The Guardian

Boris Nemtsov ally: Islamist speculation over murder ‘useful for Kremlin’ | World news | The Guardian

Russia - 9.19.16

Putin might be laying the groundwork for war - Business Insider

'Leaks over Nemtsov murder signal both dissent and democracy in Russia' | World news | The Guardian

President Obama arrives for UN General Assembly meeting amid tensions with Putin | Daily Mail Online

Ukrainian ambassador and Russian president clash at CIS summit

Референдум о доверии: выборы в Госдуму не принесли сенсаций | Forbes.ru

Эксперт: «Оппозиция выдвинула вождей из 90-х. Потому и проиграла»

Эхо Москвы :: Блоги / Михаил Ходорковский: «С властью есть только два способа диалога — на выборах или на баррикадах»

ВЗГЛЯД / Генштаб: «Умеренная оппозиция» и «Джебхат ан-Нусра» готовят совместное наступление

Порошенко рассказал о половине «агентов КГБ» в украинской армии: Украина: Бывший СССР: Lenta.ru

Ъ - Антон Носик готов к тюремному сроку за пост в соцсети

Russia - 9.18.16

Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin and the Thug Theory of Leadership - The Daily Beast

Experts Weigh In on What Trump-Putin Bond Could Mean - NBC News

Russian Hacking: Why the U.S. Isn't Retaliating - NBC News

The Poll Price of Putinism | The Diplomat

Russia's Defense Minister Fires Back At U.S. Counterpart

U.S.-led forces strike Syrian troops, prompting emergency U.N. meeting | Reuters

Pro-Putin party wins 44.5 percentt in parliament vote: exit poll | Reuters

Russia Review - 9.16-1.16

Russian hacking a question of revenge and respect - The Washington Post

Vladimir Putin ordered plot to seize half of Ukraine

Russia extends porn site ban - BBC News

As Russia reasserts itself, U.S. intelligence agencies focus anew on the Kremlin - The Washington Post

Possible Russian Meddling with US Elections Worries Key Defense Officials

Aligned with Russia in Syria, Pentagon awkwardly treads on new terrain | Reuters

Centcom commander: 'Trust deficit' with Russia - CNNPolitics.com

Former top Central Intelligence Agency official: Putin wants Trump to win

Donald Trump’s Putin Crush - The New York Times

Blocking Internet oversight transition a 'gift to Russia': Obama administration | Reuters

OPINION: Trump can never lead on foreign policy

Kremlin Media Mouthpieces Speak Volumes on Putin’s U.S. Pick - Bloomberg

New Documents Released From Hack of Democratic Party - The New York Times

How Clinton's Russia Conspiracy Theory Could Nullify the Vote

Kremlin: Obama's Trump criticism anti-Russian, won't foster better ties | Reuters

The Daily Vertical: Why Is The Kremlin Still Afraid Of Boris Nemtsov? (Transcript)

Trump loves Vladimir Putin. Could his tax returns explain why? - The Washington Post

Donald Trump looks at Vladimir Putin and sees himself - LA Times

Эдвард Сноуден о хакерах, слежке и коррупции - Газета.Ru

From exile, Snowden requests a presidential pardon

The Avalanche of Distrust - The New York Times

Why Russians like Vladimir Putin’s wars - The Washington Post

Details of Syria Pact Widen Rift Between John Kerry and Pentagon - The New York Times

U.S., Russia seal Syria cease-fire, new military partnership - Chicago Tribune

For US and Russia, War in Syria is Mainly in the Air | Military.com

Илюмжинов попросил Обаму предоставить...

House Intel chairman: Russians could “absolutely” be trying to influence U.S. election - CBS News

CIA Chief Says Russian Hacking Threatens U.S.

CIA Director John Brennan Warns of Russian Hacking - The New York Times

Head of Russia's anti-corruption agency is found with $122m in CASH in his house  | Daily Mail Online

How Putin is messing with American heads

Editorial: U.S. doesn’t need a Putin

Is Putin As Popular as Trump Says? - The Daily Beast

Putin's Propaganda Network Is Vast, and US Needs New Tools to Counter It | US News Opinion

bne IntelliNews - Russia builds on G20 success in push to shed sanctions

Russia-China Economic and Trade Partnership Falters - NBC News

Election brings whiplash on Russia | TheHill

'Media hostility' is the latest buzzword in Russia-West information war | Russia Direct

Former CIA chief says Vladimir Putin is playing Donald Trump as an 'unwitting agent' - Washington Times

Roots of Putinism in USSR’s fall - Opinion - The Times-Tribune

What is Putinism? | Huffington Post

Putinism Is an Aberration | Huffington Post

Is Syria the beginning of the end of Putinism? - The Washington Post

How America could slide towards Putinism

Our Russia Problem - The New York Times

Trump’s Love for Putin: a Presidential Role Model - The New York Times

Putin, Admired by Donald Trump, Emphasizes Strength as Virtue - The New York Times

For Russia, Donald Trump is a dream come true - The Washington Post

The Selling of Donald J. Trump - The New York Times

putin inside trump matryoshka doll - Google Search

Trump & Putin: Really Into Each Other | Dave's Ink Illustration

U.S. investigating potential covert Russian plan to disrupt November elections - The Washington Post

How Closely Are Paul Manafort and Donald Trump Tied to Vladimir Putin? - The Atlantic

Russia and the United States Reach New Agreement on Syria Conflict - The New York Times

U.S., Russia reach deal on cease-fire in Syria - The Washington Post

When only pizza & vodka will do: Lavrov treats tired journos to US-Russian snack after Syria talks — RT Viral

Blog: Putin leads. Obama leads from behind

Russia's Putin inaugurates $2 billion Moscow railway project | Reuters

Paul Ryan’s Russia position is closer to Hillary Clinton’s than Donald Trump’s - The Washington Post

Donald Trump caps off day of controversy over Putin praise with interview on Russian TV network

Hillary Clinton Rips Donald Trump for Lauding Vladimir Putin - The New York Times

Analysis: Abbas, the KGB and the world of Middle East espionage - Arab-Israeli Conflict - Jerusalem Post

Russia, a Broker With Its Own Agenda, Enters the Israeli-Palestinian Fray - The New York Times

Trump attacks U.S. foreign policy, political press corps on state-owned Russian television network - The Washington Post

How Russia could spark a U.S. electoral disaster - The Washington Post

Kerry tries for Syria deal with Russia as White House, Pentagon lose patience - CNNPolitics.com

Obama administration says deal with Russia over Syria at make-or-break moment - The Washington Post

U.S. Officials Warn Russia Over Alleged Hacks - WSJ

US and Russia's WAR in the skies: Moscow and Washington trade blows over 'offensive' jets | World | News | Daily Express

Almost everyone gets Russia wrong – apart from Obama | Trevor Timm | Opinion | The Guardian

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin hold 'blunt' meeting at G20

Обама встретился с оскорбившим его президентом Филиппин - Газета.Ru

Defense Secretary Warns Russia to Stay Out of U.S. Elections - NYTimes.com

Clapper: Russians hack U.S. 'all the time' - POLITICO

Ash Carter Warns Russia Against Interfering in ‘Democratic Process’ - WSJ

Ash Carter - Google Search

U.S. warns Russia against interfering with Western politics | Reuters

Russian jet carries out intercept of U.S. spy plane: U.S. officials | Reuters

Russia Offers to Host Abbas-Netanyahu Meeting

Sure, the U.S. and Russia often meddle in foreign elections. Does it matter? - The Washington Post

Зачем власти нужна независимая от государства социология - Газета.Ru

Window on Eurasia -- New Series: Video Blogs Emerging as Serious Independent Force in Russian Politics, Krasheninnikov Says

Russian Pollster: Authorities Want to Destroy NGOs

US Accuses Russia of Unsafe Aerial Intercept Over Black Sea

Soviet Document Suggests Mahmoud Abbas Was a K.G.B. Spy in the 1980s - The New York Times

Hillary Clinton Accuses Russia of Interfering With U.S. Election - The New York Times

Clinton voices concern about Russian interference in election | Reuters

Clinton suggests Russia working to elect Trump - POLITICO

Saudi Arabia, Russia sign oil pact, may limit output in future | Reuters

Ответы на вопросы журналистов • Президент России

Russian Polling Center Is Declared a ‘Foreign Agent’ Before Elections - The New York Times

Russia's Putin urges Karimov's successors to continue his tough style of rule | Reuters

Vladimir Putin's Presidential Chauffeur Killed In Horrifying Crash

News - Netanyahu and Abbas on talks in Moscow - Google Search

Palestine’s Abbas agrees to Moscow talks with Israel's Netanyahu - Al Arabiya English

Netanyahu and Abbas on talks in Moscow - Google Search

Netanyahu considering offer of talks with Palestinian president in Moscow | Reuters

Palestine's Abbas agrees to Moscow talks with Israel's Netanyahu: Ifax | Reuters

Israeli PM Netanyahu considering Putin’s offer to host Palestine talks in Moscow - statement — RT News

Intelligence community investigating covert Russian influence operations in the United States - The Washington Post

Report: U.S. officials investigating Russia's attempts to influence 2016 election - CBS News

US investigates if Russia may be trying to influence election – report | US news | The Guardian

Obama says he doesn't want 'wild West' cyberwar with Russia - Washington Times

Obama, Putin meet on sidelines of G20, vow to keep working toward Syria deal | Fox News

Obama and Putin tell diplomats to keep working on Syria argument | Reuters

Obama-Putin Talks on Syria 'Productive' But No Deal Reached

Al-Nusra Front Still Being Reinforced Through Turkish Border - Russian Diplomat

Встреча с Президентом США Бараком Обамой • Президент России

Rebranded Nusra Front Uniting Syria's Rebels

Саммит «Группы двадцати» • Президент России

Putin Aide Defied E.U. Sanctions to Make Pilgrimage to Greece

Don't Trust Putin

Putin says Russian economy stabilized, pledges budget deficit cuts | Reuters

Park, Putin agree firm stance against...

Uzbek president’s death puts a new spotlight on the strange story of the country’s ‘jailed princess’ - The Washington Post

In Karimov's Shadow -- A Look At Shavkat Mirziyaev

Clinton Accuses Putin Of Endorsing 'Foreign Interference' In U.S. Election

Britain, Russia hope to improve strained relations | Reuters

U.S. Strategy on Syria Is a Non-Issue in Washington and on Campaign Trail - The New York Times

In China, Obama struggles for elusive deal with Russia on Syria - LA Times

The Czars Return to Crimea - NYTimes.com

U.S., Russia Talk Syria, But Pentagon Ready to Walk | Foreign Policy

How Karimov's Death will Test Russia-China Relations | The National Interest Blog

Critic of Chechen Ruler Reported Missing

Ъ-Деньги - Все жульем поросло

Ъ-Weekend - «Печать Великой Руси повсюду»

Kurds Fear the U.S. Will Again Betray Them, in Syria - The New York Times

Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan strongman who exploited anti-terror fight, dies at 78 - The Washington Post

Встреча с Премьер-министром Японии Синдзо Абэ • Президент России

Nobody Wants to Join Putin's 'Dictators' Club' - Bloomberg View

From Tribe to Nation: Iraqi Kurdistan on the Cusp of Statehood | Wilson Center

Putin as spymaster - Posts and Reviews

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Commentary: Inside Putin's unburstable bubble - Reuters

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Clinton seizing on Trump's Russian business ties - USA TODAY

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Putin reshuffles senior staff in wake of election victory — FT.com

News Reviews and Opinions: What we are now seeing is the formation of a truly unholy alliance. Enemies of the West – including Russia, Syria, Iran, the Islamic State, and others – are working together – even if they are traditional enemies themselves such as Shiite and Sunni Muslims, or Russia and Iran – in order to destabilize the world and seize power for themselves. | » CONFERENCIA DE PRENSA GOBERNADOR 22/9/2016 22/09/16 07:29 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

iran russia intelligence cooperation - Google Search

News Reviews and Opinions: Putin Has Finally Reincarnated the KGB - BY ANDREI SOLDATOV - FP

Putin as spymaster - Google Search

multilayered intelligence services - Google Search

multilayered intelligence - Google Search

Paris attacks inquiry finds multiple failings by French intelligence agencies | World news | The Guardian

multilayered intelligence services in russia - Google Search

News - multilayered intelligence services in russia - Google Search

Vladimir Putin: "KGB Spymaster" - YouTube

Ex-CIA Chief Doubles Down: ‘No Doubt’ Putin Sees Trump as ‘Unwitting’ Russian Agent - YouTube

Trump, Putin, and Elections - from 9.21.16

From Russia With Trump: A Political Conflict Zone - ABC News

Mr. Trump’s Stupid Excuses on Taxes - The New York Times

Two Ex-Spies and Donald Trump - The New York Times

9.20.16 - Is Lying Trump’s Strategy? - The New York Times

Donald Trump, the Unsinkable Candidate - The New York Times

An Ugly Presidential Race Shows the World What It’s Missing - The New York Times

A Trump presidency would be ethically compromised - The Washington Post

Trump praises 'stop-and-frisk' police tactic | Reuters

Trump opposes plan for U.S. to cede internet oversight | Reuters

Donald Trump's file | PolitiFact

The Danger of Trump and Putin's Relationship - The Atlantic

Analysis : Putin Trump

Putin Trump

putin trump - Google Search

Poll: Nearly 70 Percent Have Concerns...

Pew poll: Most voters 'frustrated,' 'disgusted' with 2016 election - CNNPolitics.com

Why Hillary Clinton is losing the war - Macleans.ca

Poll: Clinton Keeps Lead Over Trump

CNN commentator Corey Lewandowski...

John Kerry Warns Russia to Stay Out of U.S. Election | US News

US points finger at Russia for aid...

Trump-Clinton debate expected to shatter records | TheHill

ВЗГЛЯД / Путин завоевывает Запад

Narcissistic personality disorder, in 45 seconds

Donald Trump’s Putin Crush - The New York Times

8.3.16 - Trump and Putin: A Love Story - The New Yorker

trump and russia ties - YouTube

trump and russia ties - YouTube

Trump vs Clinton: Debate Will Mark...

Wall Street Is Starting to Get Freaked Out About Trump

trump russia ties - Google Search

News - trump russia ties - Google Search

Ten reasons why a Trump-Putin relationship will be beneficial | TheHill

trump narcissism - Google Search

trump narcissist - Google Search

What the spies think about Trump  : Rutland Herald Online

Trump hints Obama to blame for Charlotte unrest - POLITICO

Psychological profiles and support for Trump, Duterte | Inquirer Global Nation

Trump and the Reassessment of the US-Russia relations - July - August 2016

Donald Trump Is One of the Greatest Threats of Our Time - Opinion - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Donald Trump Is a Threat to the US and World Peace - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Reassessment of US-Russia relations - August 2016

Main Articles - August 2016

8.28.16 - A Partnership Between Russia and the West? Here's Why It's Not Happening

Reassessment of US-Russia relations - Google Search

8.24.16 - The Sources of Russian Conduct | The National Interest

Thomas Graham Jr., diplomat - Google Search

8.18.16 - There will be no ‘reset’ with Russia - The Washington Post

Angela Stent - Google Search

8.18.16 - Russia is now a threat. The U.S. should treat it like one. - The Washington Post

David J. Kramer - Google Search

:: Russian Pundits Say 'Reset' With USA Over, Mull Future Of Bilateral Ties - RUSSIA, PU.S.-RUSSIAN RELATIONS :: JRL 3/6/12

Why We Need Kremlinology Again - The American Interest

kremlinology 2 - Google Search

News Reviews and Opinions: M.N.: The state of the US - Russia relations and the planning for their future need urgent, comprehensive and in-depth reassessment.

News Reviews and Opinions: Russia Review - August 19, 2016

News Reviews and Opinions: There will be no ‘reset’ with Russia - The Washington Post Russia is now a threat. The U.S. should treat it like one. - The Washington Post

Thomas Graham Jr. (diplomat)

Thomas Graham Jr. (diplomat) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

thomas graham russia - Google Search

Former Assistant to Bush Jr.: ‘Issue of U.S.-Russia relations is not of much concern to most American voters’ — RealnoeVremya.com

Reassessment of US-Russia relations - 8.17.16

June 2011 - Reset Regret: US Should Rethink Relations with Russia

June 2016 - New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty: Time to Stop the Damage to U.S. National Security

U.S.-Russian relations beyond Obama | Brookings Institution

The Future of U.S.-Russia Relations: Beyond 2012 - Carnegie

9.12.13 - The Confusing State of U.S.-Russia Relations | TIME.com

U.S. Russia Relations - huffingtonpost

Why Syria Won't Save U.S.-Russia Relations | The National Interest

8.9.13 - Obama says US will 'pause and reassess' relations with Putin and Russia | US news | The Guardian

Russia's Recurring Role in the 2016 Presidential Campaign - ABC News

Secret Ledger in Ukraine Lists Cash for Donald Trump’s Campaign Chief - The New York Times

Trump's embrace of Russia is very unusual - and it could cause future headaches | Election 2016 | stltoday.com

3 reasons Russia’s Vladimir Putin might want to interfere in the U.S. presidential elections | Brookings Institution

Trump invites Russia to meddle in the U.S. presidential race with Clinton’s emails - The Washington Post

Russia–United States relations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

US - Russia relations - Google Search

US - Russia relations reassessment - Google Search

The state of the US - Russia relations - Google Search

Reassessment of the state of the US - Russia relations - Google Search

the state of the US - Russia relations needs reassessment - Google Search

the state of the US - Russia relations needs assessment - Google Search

russia intelligence analysis - Google Search

Mr. Trump's and his assistants' Russian shenanigans - Google Search

bipartisan approach to Russia - Google Search

bipartisan approach Russia - Google Search

Russia as military threat

8.30.16 - How big a military threat is Russia, really? - CSMonitor.com

Russia as military threat - Google Search

russia is threat - Google Search

is russia a military threat - Google Search

russia becoming more aggressive - Google Search

russia becoming more intrusive - Google Search

russian aggression under putin - Google Search

US military: russia is threat - Google Search

US military: russia is military threat - Google Search

How to deal with russia as military threat? - Google Search

News - russia is threat - Google Search

russia threat - Google Search

Trump and Russia - July -August 2016

How Vladimir Putin Is Using Donald Trump to Advance Russia's Goals

GOP lawmakers seek information on Team Trump's Russia ties | MSNBC

From Trump to Clinton to Russia: These political cartoons go for the Olympic gold - The Washington Post

Ivanka Trump and Wendi Murdoch go sightseeing in Dubrovnik

Trump adviser Michael T. Flynn on his dinner with Putin and why Russia Today is just like CNN - The Washington Post

A Former General's Case Against Trump - Defense One

trump and russia - Google Search

trump and putin - Google Search

trump and counterintelligence - Google Search

Trump and Russia: A Threat to National Security?

manafort the kingmaker - Google Search

Manafort The (KGB) Kingmaker - Google Search

Clinton leads Trump by 5 points in Reuters/Ipsos poll | Reuters

national security officials and trump - Google Search

statement by former national security officials - Google Search

A Letter From G.O.P. National Security Officials Opposing Donald Trump - The New York Times

US fears over Donald Trump's connections with Vladimir Putin's Russia

Is Donald Trump Working for Russia? -- NYMag

Why Russia Supports Separatist Movements | NBC Bay Area

Transcript: Donald Trump at the G.O.P. Convention - The New York Times

russia is the greatest threat to US security - Google Search

Transcript: Donald Trump on NATO, Turkey’s Coup Attempt and the World - The New York Times

trump and russia - Google Search

melania trump - Google Search

melania trump and russia - Google Search

Melania Trump's extraordinary journey from Communist's daughter to potential First Lady | Daily Mail Online

trump business interests in russia - Google Search

trump as a threat to national security - Google Search

Trump's NATO comments 'unprecedented' - POLITICO

Donald Trump Sets Conditions for Defending NATO Allies Against Attack - The New York Times

Donald Trump: The candidate of the apocalypse - The Washington Post

Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn Appears on ‘Real Time’ and Asks Bill Maher, ‘Why Am I Here?’ | Video | TheBlaze.com

Lt. General Michael K. Flynn Goes on Real Time, Asks ‘Why Am I Here?’ - YouTube

Michael Flynn - YouTube

Does Trump have enough of the wrecking balls to be The Trump? - Google Search

Michael Morell's op-ed - Google Search

strategic intelligence assessments - Google Search

Strategic Intelligence: A Handbook for Practitioners, Managers, and Users (Security and Professional Intelligence Education Series): Don McDowell: 9780810861848: Amazon.com: Books

Trump urges Russia...

News Reviews and Opinions: "Russia, if you're listening, I hope you're able to find the 30,000 emails that are missing," Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, told reporters. Mother Russia responds: "O.K., sonny, I heard you; we'll do. We will do anything to get you elected, the whole world knows this. Don't you ever doubt me, my boy, yeah! Didn't I find a good new wife for you? And don't worry about the costs either, we will put it on your credit account, you can pay it back later, at our convenience... Because you are my kind!"

Trump urges Russia to find 'missing' Clinton emails, drawing ire | Reuters

Donald Trump Calls on Russia to Find Hillary Clinton’s Missing Emails - The New York Times

Trump invites Russia to meddle in the U.S. presidential race with Clinton’s emails - The Washington Post

Trump to Russia: Uncover, release deleted Clinton emails - AP

US election: Trump 'encourages Russia to hack Clinton emails' - BBC News

The other remarkable, pro-Russia thing that Donald Trump just said - The Washington Post

Republicans have a problem: Trump-Putin - The Washington Post

After Russia Email Remarks, Democrats Say Trump a Danger on National Security | US News

Donald Trump to Russia: hack and publish Hillary Clinton's 'missing' emails | US news | The Guardian

Russia Review - August 2016

1.1.16 - Current News: Restoring The Trust: Russification Of The West or Westernization Of Russia? - "[Mr. Putin] is on the lookout for levers to weaken Europe's ties with the US, our correspondent says, in the hope of one day turning Russia into Europe's main strategic partner." - Russia security paper designates Nato as threat - BBC News

News - russia ukraine - Google Search

russia ukraine - Google Search

News - The state of the US - Russia relations - Google Search

Russia international behavior - Google Search

News - Reassessment of the state of the US - Russia relations - Google Search

Russia and Presidential Elections of 2016 - Google Search

russia as mafia state - Google Search

Turkey and Russia - Google Search

no US-Russia deal - Google Search

Russia - 9.2.16

Russia's Putin: I have no idea who hacked U.S. Democratic Party - BBG | Reuters

Putin Denies Hacking DNC

Putin Vs. Putin

The_New_East-West_Discord_JSherr.pdf

Vladimir Putin Says DNC Hack Was Public Good, Denies Russia Link - Bloomberg Politics

Интервью международному информационному холдингу Bloomberg. Часть 4 • Президент России

Wikileaks documents disclosed by Julian Assange 'often benefit the Kremlin' | Daily Mail Online

‘Conspiracy, not journalism’: WikiLeaks blasts NYT story on ‘Russian intel’ behind DNC hack — RT News

Why there's "nothing to suggest" Russia killed ISIS leader, Abu Mohammed al-Adnani - CBS News

Infuriating News For Saudi Arabia, Russia Refuses To Play Oil Game

Rights Group: Situation in Chechnya Continues to Deteriorate

Russia - 9.1.16 Th

Russia Claims Credit for Killing Senior ISIS Leader in Syria - The New York Times

US Rejects Russia's Claim of Credit for ISIS Leader Abu Muhammad al-Adnani's Airstrike Death - Yahoo

U.S., Russia fight over who killed ISIL leader

Abu Mohammad al-Adnani

ANALYSIS: Why Would Russia Hack Voter Lists and What Should We Do About It? - ABC News

Oil Wars: Can Russia Hold Off Middle Eastern Oil In Eastern Europe | OilPrice.com

8.22.16 - Lawsuits Against Russia: Ukraine prepares lawsuits against Russia - foreign minister

8.22.16 - Ukraine opens criminal probe of top Russian officials - The Washington Post

8.22.16 - Amid rising tensions, Ukraine opens criminal probe of top Russian officials - CSMonitor.com

8.24.16 - Dueling Indictments As Russia, Ukraine Target Each Other's Military Leaders

8.24.16 - JURIST - Ukraine prosecutors file charges against 18 top Russia officials

Tensions mount between Russia and...

Promised Prosperity Never Arrived in...

Russia-Ukraine Crisis Prompts Meeting With Putin at G-20 Summit | Vestnik Kavkaza

the wiretapping of Putin's Adviser could be "leaked" to Ukraine from Russia | News from Crimea and Ukraine

Eton boys given private audience with Vladimir Putin - BBC News

Russia is the most unequal major country in the world: Study

Mysterious genealogy of Russian President Putin - PravdaReport

Путин был прав: как Шойгу превратил русскую армию в высокотехнологичные войска

Uzbek President Misses Independence Day Speech Due to Illness

Modern Ukraine is 25 yrs old, but is it actually independent? — RT Op-Edge

Ukraine marks 25 years of independence a riven nation despite the flags | World news | The Guardian

Ukraine's first president Leonid Kravchuk: Crimea is already part of Russia - UPI.com

U.S. imposes sanctions on 'Putin's bridge' to Crimea | Reuters

Russia - 8.31.16

RUSSIA and THE WEST - РОССИЯ и ЗАПАД: Russia Review - 8.31.16

Putin is the “grand godfather of this global brand of extreme nationalism” (H. Clinton) - Google Search

Russia's Got A New Iron Curtain, This Time With Missile Tech | The Daily Caller

Political issues weigh on upcoming G-20 summit in China | Fox News

The lurking Russian threat | TheHill

Kremlin blindsides Tokyo with premature announcement of Putin visit | The Japan Times

State Dept. 'not worried' about stronger Russia-Japan ties | Washington Examiner

France to become Russia's key European ally after presidential election - PravdaReport

Vladimir Putin and the Shiite Axis

Russian oil privatization saga points to limits of Putin's power | Reuters

Russia: Pre-election Crackdown in Chechnya | Human Rights Watch

Opposition Leader Calls Putin's United Russia Party 'Criminal'

Alexei Bayer: Obama’s legacy of fragile stability

Russia - 8.30.16

The Daily Vertical: Putin's Politics Of Extortion (Transcript)

Here's How Russia Turn Foreigners Against Their Governments | The Daily Caller

Tashkent Denies Death of President Karimov as Supposed Successor Reportedly Arrested

Ъ-Газета - Американские спецслужбы подошли к россиянину по прибору ночного видения

Russia is a serious threat. The US should treat it like one. - Chicago Tribune

Vladimir Putin Secret War: Ukraine, Syria - ValueWalk

Florida man Vladimir Putin arrested on trespassing charges

Russia Review - August 19, 2016 | Putin Rex and S. Ivanov's Resignation | Trump and Russia | Manafort

Russia - 8.29.16

Here is why Turkey launched its operation in Syria | Russia Direct

Ivanov: rustication with respect, from a good friend but a poor patron | In Moscow's Shadows

Ъ - Петр Порошенко поменял главу на переправе

Russia - 8.28.16 - Articles

A Powerful Russian Weapon: The Spread of False Stories - The New York Times

Ukraine Taking Russia To Court...Again

Russia - 8.27.16

The Strongman of Instagram - WSJ

May must explain Tory donor's links to Russia, says Labour MP | Politics | The Guardian

The Average Joe Accused of Trying to Sell Russia U.S. Secrets - The Daily Beast

Russia can no longer afford to alienate the EU | Russia Direct

Putin Is Building a Great Russian Firewall - Bloomberg

North Korea defection: Kim Jong-un's trade diplomat in Russia defects to South Korea | Daily Star

Recent Articles and Reviews on Russia

News Reviews and Opinions: What Is Really Going On in Vladimir Putin’s Head? - Newsweek | Is Russia hacking the US election? - BBC News | 'A very dangerous game': Russia vs. Ukraine showdown reaches risky new level - World - CBC News | Putin places troops along with armoured vehicles on Russia's border with the Ukraine | Daily Mail Online | » Russia ups the ante in Ukraine with eye on G20 18/08/16 11:19 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: Trump’s embrace of Russia is very unusual — and it could cause future headaches - The Washington Post | Trump shakes up struggling campaign | Reuters

News Reviews and Opinions: How Russia Saw Donald Trump’s Big Speech On Foreign Policy

News Reviews and Opinions: Chappatte on Trump’s Affinity for Putin | Ukraine's Savchenko Condemns Russian ‘Slave Mentality’ | Russia's Solitary Man | Vladimir Putin and Wendi Deng - Google Search | » Ivanka Trump Is On Vacation With Vladimir Putin’s Girlfriend | » путин и венди денг - Google Search 16/08/16 09:54 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: Vladimir Putin and Wendi Deng - Google Search

News Reviews and Opinions: Russia: Preparing an Offensive or Maneuvering for Easing of Sanctions? | » Secret Ledger in Ukraine Lists Cash for Donald Trump’s Campaign Chief 15/08/16 05:04 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: » Russia May Be Preparing New Offensive in Ukraine 14/08/16 07:47 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: The historical task of measuring The Fidel's Cigar | » Military Officials Distorted ISIS Intelligence, Congressional Panel Says 13/08/16 10:06 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: FBI Said to Have High Confidence Russia Behind Democratic Hacks - Bloomberg Thursday August 11th, 2016 at 2:52 PM

News Reviews and Opinions: Trump's Russia problem | Fox News | Laser technology fights unwanted geese in Canada Wednesday August 10th, 2016 at 7:38 AM

News Reviews and Opinions: Obama in tough spot with Russia | Trump campaign teeters on the brink - BBC News

News Reviews and Opinions: What is Donald Trump's connection to Vladimir Putin? | The Briefing | Yes, American Spies Really Think Trump Is Putin’s Guy | Observer

News Reviews and Opinions: » Donald Trump’s Many, Many, Many, Many Ties to Russia | TIME 03/08/16 15:35 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: Glenn Beck: ‘Russia Is Trying to Take Down Hillary Clinton’ to ‘Foment Revolution’ Here

News Reviews and Opinions: Russia's President Fights to Keep Control - STRATFOR

News Reviews and Opinions: Russia continues to shadow Trump | Donald Trump Long Sought a Real-Estate Foothold in Russia - WSJ

News Reviews and Opinions: The Kremlin factor in the White House race | Islamic State calls on members to carry out jihad in Russia | Reuters | » The Briefing: Putin’s Purge 01/08/16 08:14 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks

News Reviews and Opinions: Allen Christopher Ivanov, mass shootings, and video games as online manipulation and recruiting tool

Putin Rex and S. Ivanov's Resignation - 8.12-14.16

Putin’s incredible shrinking circle; Ivanov’s departure leaves few voices able to speak truth to Putin – Johnson's Russia List

Экс-глава администрации президента Сергей Иванов: досье | Справка | Вопрос-Ответ | Аргументы и Факты

News Reviews and Opinions: Putin Rex: S. Ivanov's resignation and the rise of Putin as "The Tsar" - by Michael Novakhov

putin rex - Google Search

Putin personal dictatorship - Google Search

сергей иванов - Google Search

sergey ivanov - Google Search

8.14.16 Su

Russia May Be Preparing New Offensive in Ukraine

Crimea tension: What is Russia's end game? - BBC News

Alleged Russian involvement in DNC hack gives U.S. a taste of Kremlin meddling - The Washington Post

Another DNC hack: Why Russia may want to influence the US elections - CSMonitor.com

Hack of Democrats’ Accounts Was Wider Than Believed, Officials Say - The New York Times

U.S. Marines, sailors flex their amphibious muscles in Russia's backyard

Eastman Police Department Officer Tim Smith Shot, Killed in Georgia - NBC News

Fires Burn in Milwaukee After a Fatal Police Shooting - The New York Times

Milwaukee violence after police shoot dead armed suspect | US news | The Guardian

Leaders of New York City mosque killed in daylight shooting - The Washington Post

Imam and second man killed after prayers in New York | World news | The Guardian

Once in control of their party, conservatives agonize over the election and beyond - The Washington Post

Once Skeptical of Executive Power, Obama Has Come to Embrace It - The New York Times

Why Ecuador is now letting Sweden question Julian Assange - CSMonitor.com

Karl Marx: Greatness and Illusion by Gareth Stedman Jones – review | Books | The Guardian

Силовик вне кланов: Сергей Иванов из преемника Путина превратился в клерка — Meduza

Время личнообязанных: Почему Путин сменил Сергея Иванова на Антона Вайно: Carnegie.ru — Meduza

Андрей Пионтковский: Путин теряет равновесие - Политический блог - Владимир Путин - Сергей Иванов - Россия | Обозреватель

S. Ivanov is not corrupted - Google Search

August 11, 2015 | The Ukrainian Weekly

How to Start a Russian Purge | Foreign Policy

The Kremlin's Game Of Thrones (UPDATED)

Putin 2: rise of the tsar - YouTube

czar putin - Google Search

recently purged russian elites - Google Search

Russia: Putin accepts Ivanov’s resignation as Head of the Presidential Administration - YouTube

Ivanov and Volodin - Google Search

Turkey and Russia - Google Search

slant - Google Search

Ivanov and Volodin - Google Search

National Guard activated after Milwaukee protests over suspect's death | Reuters

Putin Replaces Top Adviser In Major Kremlin Shake-Up

8.13.16 Sa

Ukraine joining NATO would trigger war with Russia

Stop Treating Marijuana Like Heroin - The New York Times

Trump says presidential campaign has boosted his business - The Washington Post

huffington post - Google Search

Puerto Rico Zika Crisis Prompts Public Health Emergency Declaration

Why Putin Fired His Chief of Staff and Longtime Ally

Ъ-FM - «Назначение практически неизвестного чиновника вполне в стиле нынешней власти»

Vladimir Putin dismisses his chief of staff Sergey Ivanov

Putin sacks Kremlin chief of staff Sergey Ivanov | Russia & India Report

Сергей Иванов может стать новым премьер-министром вместо Дмитрия Медведева - Русская планета

The Rise and Fall of Sergey Ivanov - The American Interest

Protester heckles Trump: 'You're Putin's b----' | TheHill

This Is Why Vladimir Putin Is Accusing Ukraine of Terrorism | TIME

DIA said thank you to Deputy Director Doug Wise at a farewell ceremony > Defense Intelligence Agency > Article View

Doug Wise dia - Google Search

Is Hillary Clinton Medically Unfit to Serve?

Fidel Castro's 90th birthday marked with 90-metre cigar - BBC News

90 m cuban cigar - Google Search

Vladimir Putin Fires His Chief of Staff Sergei Ivanov | TIME

On 90th birthday, Fidel Castro thanks Cuba, criticizes Obama - The Washington Post

FBI widens hacking probe as more are Democrats targted in wide-ranging cyber attack: reports - Washington Times

Hacker Releases More Democratic Party Documents - The New York Times

Putin gets new right-hand man as chief of staff exits | Reuters

Has Donald Trump hit bottom? - The Washington Post

Nothing Is True and Everything Is Possible: The Surreal Heart of the New Russia: Peter Pomerantsev: 9781610394550: Amazon.com: Books

Muslim cleric, second man killed in New York shooting | Reuters

8.12.16 F

Russia's Putin sacks chief of staff Sergei Ivanov - BBC News

Russian president Vladimir Putin FIRES his ex-KGB chief of staff Sergey Ivanov in dramatic Kremlin purge - Mirror Online

Ъ - Сергей Иванов сдал пост Антону Вайно

TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Putin sacks Kremlin chief of staff Sergey Ivanov

TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Putin says Russia’s political system needs new blood

Key Interview Confirms Sergey Ivanov, Putin's Chief of Staff Is Russia's #2

Putin, Security Council discuss security measures in Crimea — Kremlin | Russia & India Report

TASS: Russian Politics & Diplomacy - Sergey Ivanov: Don't think the Kremlin always decides everything, sometimes it doesn't

сергей иванов - Google Search

sergey ivanov - Google Search

Commentary: As Ukraine tensions soar, Putin is doing what Putin does best | Reuters

Incursion, Desertion, Skirmish: What Really Happened in Crimea?

Ukraine's president seeks talks with Putin, Western leaders amid tensions | Reuters

Solidifying behind Clinton, foreign policy establishment gins up a cold war with Russia/Iran – Mondoweiss

Donald Trump’s tone-deaf embrace of Russia - The Washington Post

Timothy Ash: What's behind Russia's escalation of conflict with Ukraine?

Ukraine troops on high alert amid growing tension with Russia - CNN.com

World Powers Call for Calm in Crimea After Russia Warns Ukraine - Bloomberg

Signs of Trouble in Ukraine Prompt Question: What’s Vladimir Putin Up To? - The New York Times

Сергей Иванов заявил о желании «так же активно» трудиться на новом посту :: Политика :: РБК

Shoigu at 60: The Man Who Would Be Russia's King?

Putin: 'Ukraine Is Choosing Terrorism'

Two Soldiers Dead in Crimea As Russia Alleges 'Terrorist' Activity

Largely Unnoticed, Full-Scale War May Be Returning to Ukraine

Seven Ukrainian Soldiers Killed in Clashes with Pro-Russian Separatists

Implementation of Minsk-2 Ceasefire Agreement 'Lamentable' — Kremlin

Ukraine troops on high alert as tension with Russia grows - BBC News

‘Chaos in Kiev’: Ukraine trying to distract attention from Donbass conflict, says Russia’s UN rep. — RT News

Russian military intervention in Ukraine (2014–present) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Latest: NATO concerned by Russia, Ukraine tensions | Fox News

Fears Mount of Full-scale Ukraine-Russia Clash

Canada security questioned after FBI tip thwarts attack | Reuters

Russia deploys advanced S-400 air missile system to Crimea: agencies | Reuters

Donald Trump’s ISIS-Obama Comments First Came From the Russians and Crazy People - The Daily Beast

GOP insiders: Trump can't win - POLITICO

Crimea tensions in Russia, Ukraine media - BBC News

The Rio Olympics are a distraction – Russia is positioning itself for further action against Ukraine

Military Officials Distorted ISIS Intelligence, Congressional Panel Says - The New York Times

Putin Dismisses Chief of Staff in Surprise Move - The New York Times

Turkey seeks 32 fugitive diplomats in post-coup inquiry | Reuters

Trump allies, WikiLeaks and Russia are pushing a nonsensical conspiracy theory about the DNC hacks - The Washington Post

Что может означать новое обострение в Крыму - Газета.Ru

Сергей Иванов: от ФСБ до администрации президента - Газета.Ru | Фото

Путин сменил главу своей администрации - Газета.Ru

соцсети [Россия] ^ MediaMetrics: свежие котировки новостей

Путин объяснил отставку Сергея Иванова

Владимир Милов. Чем провинился экс-глава администрации президента

New Crimean War in the making: Russia readies to break diplomatic ties with Ukraine - PravdaReport

Putin Dismisses a Strong Ally as Chief of Staff in Favor of a ‘Servant’ - The New York Times

Trump allies, WikiLeaks and Russia are pushing a nonsensical conspiracy theory about the DNC hacks - The Washington Post

Putin Dismissed His Chief of Staff. What Does It Mean for Russia? | Foreign Policy

Russia Hints It Might Hide Nukes in Syria | Observer

Biden urges Ukraine president to avoid escalating tensions with Russia: White House | Reuters

McCain Should Stop Meddling in the Bergdahl Case - The New York Times

Donald Trump’s Missteps Risk Putting a Ceiling Over His Support in Swing States - The New York Times

How Community Policing Can Work - The New York Times

Pieces of Silver - The New York Times

Trump demanded Obama’s records. But he’s not releasing his own. - The Washington Post

A massive new study debunks a widespread theory for Donald Trump’s success - The Washington Post

Trump allies, WikiLeaks and Russia are pushing a nonsensical conspiracy theory about the DNC hacks - The Washington Post

US Warns Russia Against ‘Provocative Rhetoric’ on Ukraine

Pakistan: Intelligence Cooperation Deal With Afghanistan Can Help Counter Terrorism

Ъ-Газета - Антон Вайно выбился из сильных

Ъ - Бывшего директора ФСИН отдали под суд

Почему Сергей Иванов ушел с поста главы кремлевской администрации. Все версии

Сергей Иванов: разведчик, министр, администратор и защитник леопардов | РИА Новости

ВЕДОМОСТИ - Сергей Иванов остался в измененном составе Совета безопасности

Сергей Иванов освобожден от должности главы администрации президента

Унижение Сергея Иванова

Ukraine Under Attack: Militants increase attacks, shell Ukrainian border guards positions

Fighting Intensifies as Putin Sends More Troops to Ukraine

Window on Eurasia -- New Series: Is Ivanov’s Dismissal Putin’s Leningrad Affair?

US Declares State of Emergency in Puerto Rico Over Zika

Shoigu - 8.15.16

Master of emergencies | The Economist

К переговорам по Карабаху подключился Сергей Шойгу? - ИА REGNUM

Resignation of Putin's chief of staff is just political routine | Russia Direct

shoigu - Google Search

сергей шойгу - Google Search

Russia, Iran, and Latin America - 8.23-29.16

Russia in Latin America.pdf

News - Iran, Russia, and Latin America - Google Search

Iran, Russia, and Latin America - Google Search

Reports: Iran Recruiting Jihadists, Sponsoring Terror Through Latin American Embassies - Breitbart

State Dept.: Hezbollah, Islamic State Maintain Presence in Latin America - Breitbart

Joseph Humire: Iran's Embassies in Latin America Function More as Intelligence Centers - ASHARQ AL-AWSAT

Iran Expanding Terror Network In Latin America

News Reviews and Opinions: Iran Expanding TerrorNetwork in Latin America - by Adam Kredo - Tuesday August 23rd, 2016 at 10:58 AM

Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America: Joseph M. Humire, Ilan Berman, Marta Lucía Ramírez, Leonardo Coutinho, Joel Hirst, Diego C. Naveira, Julián M. Obiglio, Adrián Oliva, Alex Pérez, Jon B. Perdue, Martin Rodil, Iván Witker: 9780739182666: Amazon.com: Books

News Reviews and Opinions: Iran's Strategic Penetration of Latin America

Iran's foreign minister begins Latin America tour with Cuba visit | TheHill

Tidd: Global Terrorist, Criminal Networks Southcom’s Biggest Threat > U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE > Article

iran and latin america - Google Search

News - iran and latin america - Google Search

Mohammad-Javad Zarif - Google Search

News - Mohammad-Javad Zarif - Google Search

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - Google Search

News - Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - Google Search

center for a secure free society sfs - Google Search

Joseph Humire - Google Search

Putin Rex

oedipus rex - Google Search

Oedipus the King - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

oedipus rex quotes - Google Search

Oedipus Rex Quotes by Sophocles

Historical determinism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Determinism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

putinism - Google Search

Putinism - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

12 Early Symptoms of Lupus - HealthLiving.today

Inside Russia’s intelligence services

Putin’s hydra: Inside Russia’s intelligence services | European Council on Foreign Relations

PUTIN’S HYDRA: INSIDE RUSSIA’S INTELLIGENCE SERVICES - Mark Galeotti.pdf

competitive intelligence - Google Search

competition between intelligence agencies - Google Search

Pike Commission - Google Search

poteyev - Google Search

Topic: Fifth Moscow Conference on International Security, MCIS - April 27-28, 2016

News - Moscow Conference on International Security, MCIS - Google Search

Moscow Conference on International Security, MCIS - Google Search

международная конференция по безопасности в москве - Google Search

О конференции : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации

MCIS-2016 participants' speeches : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation

Выступления участников : Министерство обороны Российской Федерации

Program : Ministry of Defence of the Russian Federation

Выступление Начальника Генерального штаба Вооруженных Сил РФ Валерия Герасимова - YouTube

Speech of the United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Peter Drennan - YouTube

Speech of the former President of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai - YouTube

Speech of the Defence Minister of Iran Hossein Dehghan - YouTube

Speech of the Minister of Defense of Pakistan Khawaja Muhammad Asif - YouTube

Ъ - Сергей Лавров и Сергей Шойгу предъявили Западу претензии России

Did a Chinese-Russian-Iranian coalition opposing NATO debut in Moscow? — RT Op-Edge

PressTV-‘Iran defense minister to visit Russia’

‘US is fighting terrorism in the wrong places’ - former Afghan President Karzai — RT Op-Edge

US Failed to Stop Afghanistan's Radicalization - Ex-President

karzai - Google Search

Iran, Russia draft military cooperation roadmap

Russian Military Intel: Some States Use Terrorists in Attempt to Oust Assad

General Sergey Afanasyev, deputy chief of the GRU - Google Search

Window on Eurasia -- New Series: 4500 ISIS Militants Now in Central Asia, Russia’s GRU Says

Primakov

Vitaly Primakov - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Yevgeny Primakov - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Topic: Russian elites' power struggle

Russian power struggle: Could Putin lose his leverage over Moscow elite? - World - CBC News

Stratfor: Cracks appear in Putin's...

NEWS: The World and Security Review: M.N.: Stratfor plunged into the irrelevance of historical parallels on the level of high school thesis and called it "strategic" and "forecast"... | Stratfor: Cracks appear in Putin’s Kremlin as the stress on Russia

Stratfor: Cracks appar in Putin’s Kremlin as the stress on Russia grows | Fabius Maximus website

Amid an Economic Crisis, Russia Contains Dissent | Stratfor

Can Putin Survive? | Stratfor

The Collapse of the Putin Regime in Russia | Foreign Affairs

Presidency of Vladimir Putin - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Russia’s political elite during Putin’s third presidency: « balticworlds.com

In Mix of Russian Sports, Politics and Business, a Bobsled Leader in Exile - The New York Times

Russia's economic crisis 'will end Putin regime'

Putin’s Quagmire and Other Fairy Tales About Syria

Putin’s Regime Under Pressure But Far from Doomed – Atlantic Sentinel

russian elites power struggle - Google Search

putin regime - Google Search

putin regime stability - Google Search

putin regime instability - Google Search

political corruption in russia - Google Search

examples of corruption in russia - Google Search

russia corruption ranking - Google Search

putin corruption network revealed - Google Search

is putin corrupt - Google Search

Russian big business elite - Google Search

Russian oligarchs most likely buyers in Putin's new privatization plan - Business Insider

big_business.pdf

russian organized crime - Google Search

russian organized crime history - Google Search

organized crime in russia today - Google Search

russian organized crime structure - Google Search

russian organized crime elites - Google Search

russian organized crime elites and putin - Google Search

russian military elites and putin - Google Search

russian security elites and putin - Google Search

russian administrative elites and putin - Google Search

russian political elites and putin - Google Search

putin as survivor - Google Search

The Putin Principle: How It Came to Rule Russia | World Affairs Journal

Is Everything We Thought We Knew About Russia Wrong? | The Nation

Russian Organized Crime | Stratfor

How Putin has turned organized crime into a tool of statecraft and war

The Survival Instinct band - YouTube

9.29.16 - Th

Obama addresses 'radical Islamic terrorism' omission - Business Insider

U.S. Election, El Cajon, Yahoo: Your Thursday Briefing - The New York Times

Posts - 9.29.16

The U.S. and Global Security Review: Vladimir Putin’s Outlaw State - The New York Times

News Reviews and Opinions: » How Russia Wants to Undermine the U.S. Election 29/09/16 08:23 from Mike Nova's Shared Newslinks