Caucasus
Chechnya Shocked by Maskhadov Killing
The republic is tense after the killing of the rebel president.
Fire Menace Threatens Cities
Fire services ill-equipped to deal with spate of blazes that caused millions of dollars of damage to shops and homes.
Karzai's Biggest Gamble
By dropping a minister of defence as his first vice president, President Hamed Karzai has made the job of winning re-election and keeping the peace in the country even harder.
Tajikistan: Villagers Held Hostage by Afghans
Tajiks living near the border with Afghanistan are falling prey to drug dealers who are taking desperate measure to recover debts.
Dostum Denies Hoarding Customs Cash
Finance minister plans to go to northern Afghanistan to investigate why billions of afghanis worth of tax proceeds have not been sent to Kabul.
Abkhaz Premier Escapes With His Life
Proof that the powerful new head of the Abkhaz government has many enemies.
Moscow, Tbilisi Clash Over Bases
Talks are bogged down on the closure date of two Russian bases on Georgian soil.
Russia Takes War Crimes Education Lead
Chechen conflict triggers Russian debate on the rights and wrongs of war.