Richard Solash

Moldova Appeals To U.S. On Conflict

Moldova’s ambassador to the United States says Washington should give higher priority to resolving the separatist conflict in Transdniester in its relations with Moscow.

Global Index Charts Year Of Continued Setbacks To World Peace

The world became slightly less peaceful in the past year, punctuated by violent uprisings in North Africa and the Middle East, but also marked by successes in countries like Slovenia and Georgia.

Obama: U.S., Israel Have 'Differences' On Peace Plan

U.S. President Barack Obama says he sees a moment of opportunity and "perils" in the Middle East, after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

U.S. Senator: Progress In Pakistan Ties

Libyan Opposition Leader Outlines Post-Qaddafi Plans During Visit To Washington

The interim prime minister of Libya's opposition Transitional National Council has presented a "transitional roadmap" to a democratic government for the North African country to be carried out if the regime of Colonel Muammar Qaddafi falls. Mahmud Jibril presented his ambitious plan in Washington on the eve of a meeting with White House officials to push for recognition and financial support.

U.S. Senate Queries Ties With Pakistan

U.S. lawmakers held a hearing in Congress to reassess the United States' relationship with Pakistan -- one that was strained well before the death of Osama bin Laden threw into jeopardy years of diplomatic progress.

U.S. Afghan Mission Under Scrutiny After Bin Laden’s Death

When the United States invaded Afghanistan in October 2001, the primary purpose of the mission was to eliminate Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and crush his terrorist network. Now, bin Laden’s death is prompting some in Washington to review U.S. goals in Afghanistan. That issue, as well what effect bin Laden’s death with have on Afghan politics, was the subject of a hearing today on Capitol Hill.

U.S. State Department Reaches Out To The World Online

The U.S. State Department has recently expanded its presence across the social-media landscape, launching Twitter accounts in a host of languages and soliciting feedback on its Facebook page. The push comes amid popular uprisings across the Arab world, where social media have helped activists coordinate demonstrations and spread news of street protests.

Congressmen Question U.S. Broadcast Role

Lawmakers ask whether U.S.-funded international broadcasting is doing enough to promote Washington's interests and fight repressive governments.

Protest In Washington Against Russia

On Thursday in Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russian authorities arrested opposition members taking part in regularly scheduled "Strategy 31" rallies in favor of the right of free assembly. Meanwhile, protesters in Washington staged their own rally against Russian civil rights abuses, but there were no police in sight

Nagorno-Karabakh Tries To Make A Mark In Washington

The breakaway Azerbaijani region of Nagorno-Karabakh unilaterally declared independence in 1991, a move not recognized by any country to date. But in hopes of raising its profile, the territory's de facto government has opened an office in Washington to push for official recognition.

Controversy Surrounds Congressional Hearing On Radicalization Of American Muslims

Republican Representative Peter King says he's protecting the country from a growing threat. Critics say it's one man's witch hunt, which will officially condone Islamophobia.

Proposed U.S. Budget Trims Assistance To Caucasus, Central Asia

While the State Department isn't experiencing the same belt-tightening pressure as other branches of the U.S. government, an effort to cut corners -- and to free up funds for Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan -- has resulted in a proposed reduction in funding for assistance programs in Central Asia and the Caucasus in 2012.

Clinton Urges Internet Freedom

In a major foreign policy speech on the power and perils of the Internet, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton detailed the U.S. approach to safeguarding Internet freedom worldwide.

Senator Wants Moldova Sanctions Lifted

A senior U.S. senator has introduced legislation in Congress that would lift a set of U.S. trade restrictions on Moldova that were imposed in 1975.

Modern Science Proves Nabokov's 65-Year-Old Butterfly Theory Correct

Vladimir Nabokov, the author of classic novels in both Russian and English, also led a parallel life as an expert on butterflies. Now, scientists have proven that Nabokov's far-flung theory on butterfly migration, first proposed 65 years ago, is pure nonfiction.

UN Looking Into Case Of Russian Lawyer's Prison Death

The United Nations has appointed independent experts to look into the high-profile death of Russian anticorruption lawyer Sergei Magnitsky under torturous conditions in jail. In doing so, it joins the European Union, the United States, and other countries in taking action on a case in which Russian officials have officially charged no one.

Protesters, Advocates Press Human Rights Concerns During Hu's U.S. Visit

Arriving in Washington for what observers called the most significant China-U.S. summit in decades, Chinese President Hu Jintao was greeted on January 19 at the White House with red carpets, a 21-gun salute, and a lavish state dinner.

Wikipedia, Knowledge Trove And Monument To The Times, Turns 10

Fans and organizers in 100 countries will hold events commemorating a project of an equally global nature: Wikipedia, the user-generated, free online encyclopedia that has become an indispensable source of knowledge for millions.

Daughter Of Jailed Belarusian Presidential Candidate Seeks European Support

The daughter of jailed Belarusian presidential candidate Uladzimer Nyaklyaeu, who was severely beaten by police on his way to an election-day protest last month, has embarked on a tour of European capitals to seek support for the country's opposition and an international response to the government's crackdown.