A brief look at the stories making headlines in the Russian-language press

I remember the first time I saw Aishada Abakarova, some 10 meters up in the air, high above the stage of the Reno Hilton.

In the past year or so, we have increasingly heard the argument that a growing clash between ""values"" and ""interests"" is leading to policy dilemmas for Europeans and Americans when dealing with Russia. According to this argument, the erosion of democratic institutions and re-assertion of state control over strategic economic sectors raises questions about Russia's commitment to becoming a market democracy closely aligned with Western interests.

I can predict with a high degree of certainty that the terrorists responsible for derailing a passenger train on its way from Grozny to Moscow on June 12 will be caught. Acts of terrorism are solved in Russia all the time, after all.

The Expats' Over 30 Soccer League raises donations for a fund for orphans and a canine assistant program.

Israel arrests 52 members of Islamic Jihad on the eve of Ariel Sharon's meeting with Mahmoud Abbas.

Senate Democrats on Monday again blocked the nomination of John Bolton as UN ambassador, raising the possibility that U.S. President George W. Bush may seek to bypass lawmakers and put him in the job without a confirmation vote.

Iran's inner leadership circle struck back Monday at one of its own, rebuking a candidate for president and senior adviser for his charges that the election had been rigged.