Afghan Exodus Precedes Expected Anti-Taliban Offensive

Hundreds of Afghan families have been fleeing Taliban-controlled territory in the southern Afghan province of Helmand ahead of an expected offensive by NATO and Afghan government troops. As many as 2,000 Taliban fighters reportedly are concentrated and fortifying themselves in and around the town of Marjah. More

People Living Longer Lives, But Not Better Ones

By the year 2050, one in five people will be over the age of 60. But getting older is getting harder; stigma and discrimination against the elderly is commonplace. More

Despite U.S. Conviction, Questions Still Swirl Around Case Of Pakistani Scientist

A New York jury unanimously convicted Pakistani neuroscientist Aafia Siddiqui earlier this week of attempted murder. But her family, Pakistani media, and right-wing political parties back home are not convinced of her guilt. They are protesting, saying it is an example of post-9/11 injustice against Muslims. More

Kyrgyz Official Fired Over Controversial Photo Exhibit 

Kyrgyzstan’s president has fired the chief of the state culture agency for permitting a controversial, Russian-born U.S. photographer to hold an exhibition in Bishkek. Sergei Melnikoff is known for his critical views of Russia, which he has called a “country of slaves.” Kyrgyz MPs from the ruling party insist Melnikoff’s exhibition would harm Bishkek’s relationship with Moscow. More

The 'Reset' At One Year: The View From Moscow

It's been a year since U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, said it was time to "press the reset button" with Russia. As this year's Munich gathering gets under way, how does the new U.S. policy look from Moscow? More

Disgust And Mistrust In Western Ukraine

If Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko stands any chance of winning the presidency in the country's runoff election this weekend, she'll have to rally support from the people who brought her to power in the Orange Revolution. But those who took to the streets five years ago are deeply disillusioned by their leaders' failure to deliver on their promises of bringing Ukraine closer to the West. FE/RL's Gregory Feifer reports from the Orange stronghold of Lviv in western Ukraine, where some say they're not even going to the polls this time. More

In Georgia, Crimes Of The Past Haunt The Present

The European Court of Human Rights has found Georgia guilty of denying financial compensation to a family that suffered Stalin-era repression. The landmark ruling could pave the way for other repression victims in Georgia to seek damages and raises difficult questions about the historical responsibility for Soviet crimes. More

In Ukrainian Election, A Battle For Orange Legacy  

Ukrainians go to the polls on February 7 in a runoff election for their first new president since the 2004 Orange Revolution. Many say there's little difference between the two candidates. But others believe Yulia Tymoshenko is the only hope of guaranteeing the country's democratic gains. More

Risks Seen In Afghan Anti-Taliban Tribal Uprising Plans 

Afghan and U.S. officials are encouraged by a recent deal in eastern Afghanistan under which a major tribe has agreed to keep the Taliban out of their territory in return for aid. But while the move might help in stemming the Taliban tide, some warn it could create more conflicts and bloodshed in the future. More