The family of former FBI agent Robert Levinson, who went missing during a March 2007 visit to the Iranian island of Kish, has released new photographs of him in captivity. In the photos, which were given to RFE/RL, Levinson is dressed like a prisoner at the Guantanamo Bay detention center and is holding various signs written in crude English. Levinson’s wife, Christine Levinson, spoke to RFE/RL correspondent Golnaz Esfandiari about the photos and her husband's case.
On January 9, 1863, the world's first underground rail journey took place between London's Paddington and Farringdon stations on the Metropolitan Railway. Within its first few months, the pioneering subway system was carrying 26,000 passengers a day. Today, that number tops 3.5 million.
Orthodox Christians around Europe and Russia celebrated Christmas on January 6 and 7 with liturgies, processions, and an array of local traditions to mark the holiday.
Wanted: A few good men to run for Iranian president. Candidates must have strong management skills and commitment to Islamic and revolutionary values. Applicants who are unwaveringly loyal and fully obedient to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, exhibit strong anti-Western leanings, and can present a documented history of hard-line political and religious views will receive preference. All entries will be vetted by the Guardians Council. Oppositionists need not apply. These are among the traits and qualifications expected of candidates who plan to run in Iran's June 14 presidential election, according to Iran observers and comments coming from within the supreme leader's inner circle. In November, the supreme leader's representative in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Hojatoleslam Ali Saeedi, listed management skills and revolutionary and Islamic values as prerequisites for "suitable and competent" candidates. Iran observers have narrowed the list further, saying the contest will essentially be waged among traditionalists and the new guard within the conservative camp. Reformists or figures close to outgoing President Mahmud Ahmadinejad are given virtually no chance to win, if they choose to throw their hats into the ring at all. As Washington D.C.-based political analyst Ali Afshari put its, the Islamic regime is looking for a more civilized Ahmadinejad -- that is, in the mold of the current president before he began challenging the supreme leader. There is a long way to go before a comprehensive and official candidates list can be compiled -- none is yet confirmed -- but names are already being floated. Eventually, according to Habibollah Asgarolad, secretary-general of Iran's Islamic Coalition Party, there will be 40 potential candidates, with 25 from the conservative camp. So, knowing the qualifications expected and the likely introduction of electoral reforms that could weed out many potential candidates --> http://www.rferl.org/content/iranian-election-reform-candidates-favoring-establishment/24790156.html , who is poised to contend? Here's a rundown. -- Golnaz Esfandiari
Some of the most compelling photographs from RFE/RL's broadcast region and beyond, including Orthodox Christmas festivities, continued fighting in Syria, Shi'ite Arbain celebrations, and New Year fireworks.
Flash floods engulfed parts of Baghdad on December 25-26 after some of the heaviest rains in 30 years. A week later, the Iraqi capital -- whose sewer system is not equipped for heavy precipitation -- is still dealing with the aftermath.
Some 50 Georgian families who were living on the streets or unable to pay their rent have found shelter in an abandoned building that was once Tbilisi's Railway Hospital. They have been given a little holiday cheer.
As snow and ice cover Kabul, families living in refugee camps are the hardest hit. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has been distributing emergency winter aid to thousands of displaced people living in the camps, many of whom are returnees from Pakistan and Iran. Photojournalist Sabawoon of RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan visited one camp in Kabul where families were anxiously waiting to pick up aid packages including warm children's clothing, blankets, and cooking supplies. (10 PHOTOS)
Some of the most compelling photographs from RFE/RL's broadcast region and beyond.
It's easy to get lost in Suren Manvelyan's eyes. Manvelyan, 36, is an Armenian photographer who's attracting quite a bit of attention for his sumptuous macro images of the human eye.
Russia's upper house of parliament has come under fire for unanimously approving a bill that bars U.S. citizens from adopting Russian children. But the storm of criticism sparked by the bill did not appear to spoil the festive mood in the Federation Council, where lawmakers held end-of-the-year celebrations -- including a concert and a clown show -- moments after endorsing the controversial bill. (6 PHOTOS)
The UNHCR has begun a winter assistance program for returnees from Pakistan and Iran, internally displaced persons, and others who are at risk from the winter weather.
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