A Russian President whose popularity is declining needs a ‘national idea’ to rationalize his rule. And it’s in the traditions of the pre-Soviet church-state relationship that he hopes to find it
Must-Reads from Around the World
A closer inspection of Greece’s austerity program, controversial take on U.S.-Pakistan relations and Mexico’s Supreme Court pleases human rights activists
Defending Assange, Ecuador’s President Kindles a Controversy over Defining Rape
The decision to help keep Assange out of Sweden shines light on Latin America’s problematic attitude toward rape
“Unfortunately, we are passing through the eye of a Pakistani storm that is almost sure to whip up again in 2013, if not sooner.”
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India’s Northeast: How a Troubled Region May Be a Global Flashpoint
In the world’s largest democracy, recent fears of pogroms and ethnic violence have highlighted just how fractious and febrile India’s social makeup is.
Must-Reads from Around the World
American ideals versus interests in Ethiopia, Apple and Foxconn told to do more on labor conditions in Chinese factories and François Hollande faces criticism over treatment of the Roma
As South Africa Reels from Mine Shootings, Social Inequality Threatens to Undo the Post-Apartheid ‘Miracle’
To the extent that the ANC becomes identified with injustice, rather than emancipation, the ruling party is in deep, deep trouble.
When the Chips Are Down: U.S. Casinos Discover Macau’s Murky Side
The American operators that entered China’s gambling mecca in the past decade took big gambles. Despite years of record revenue, they remain risky ventures
How an Indian Patent Case Could Shape the Future of Generic Drugs
On Wednesday, the Indian Supreme Court will hear a landmark case that could limit Indian companies’ right to make inexpensive generic drugs.
Must-Reads from Around the World
Today’s required reading: reports on and from inside Syria, Burma’s slow march towards media freedom and Chinese scorn for U.S. military moves in Asia.
The Strongman Who May Be Missed: Meles Zenawi, 1955-2012
The Ethiopian Prime Minister of 21 years leaves behind a mixed legacy of economic gain and repression — and a giant hole in African politics.