Depardieu granted Russian citizenship
![Depardieu granted Russian citizenship](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2013/01/03/Web-Resampled/2013-01-03/516234245--90x60.jpg)
Putin makes the move after the actor said he wanted to leave France because of high taxes.
Russian foreign minister calls Syrian crisis deadlocked, blames opposition
![Russian foreign minister calls Syrian crisis deadlocked, blames opposition](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/29/Foreign/Images/Russia_Syria-0c6eb.jpg)
Moscow will not press Assad to step aside; Brahimi visit produces no shift in Kremlin’s stance.
Top French panel rejects 75 percent tax
![Top French panel rejects 75 percent tax](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/22/Foreign/Images/2012-12-19T103433Z_01_BTE01_RTRIDSP_3_FRANCE-DEPARDIEU-EXILE.jpg)
Law that had driven some wealthy people to leave France was ruled unconstitutional on technicality.
Putin signs law banning U.S. adoptions
![Putin signs law banning U.S. adoptions](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/27/Foreign/Images/2012-12-27T102423Z_01_ROS09_RTRIDSP_3_RUSSIA-USA-ADOPTION.jpg)
Retaliatory measure frustrates American families waiting to complete process and bring home children.
Al-Qaeda group warns France not to intervene in Mali by training soldiers
![Al-Qaeda group warns France not to intervene in Mali by training soldiers](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/26/Foreign/Images/516118774.jpg)
Extremists say French hostages’ lives are at risk, urge French government to negotiate their release.
In small-town France, opposition to same-sex marriages grows louder
![In small-town France, opposition to same-sex marriages grows louder](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/22/Interactivity/Images/CROP-516041650.jpg)
In tradition-heavy society, debate largely ignores religious and political lines.
Jobs in Germany? Sign up the Spaniards
![Jobs in Germany? Sign up the Spaniards](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rw/sites/twpweb/img/blogs/spacer.gif)
Stream of migrants from struggling countries tests E.U. promise of open borders as tensions emerge.
Russians scoff at war on corruption
![Russians scoff at war on corruption](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://img.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/2010-2019/WashingtonPost/2012/12/18/SocialIssues-Religion-Immigration/Images/516060452.jpg)
Several weeks of high-profile probes leave many thinking those at the top are only getting back at one another.
In debt-burdened Europe, separatism on the rise
Breakaway groups in Spain, Scotland, Italy and other nations have strengthened their call for independence as Europe’s economies continue to suffer.
Latest Headlines
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- Italy's Monti off and running: Unveils symbol, plan to ensure ticket's candidates are clean
- US begins basing troops, equipment for Patriot missiles in Turkey
- Thomas Schaeuble, brother of German finance minister and also a prominent politician, dies
- Excavators head to Myanmar to find alleged stash of buried WWII British Spitfire planes
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Elsewhere in World
Africa
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/africa-86x56.jpg)
- Islamist group in northern Mali withdraws its cease-fire, criticizes talks with govt
- A look at why quick intervention happened in Central African Republic rebellion but not Mali's
- Nigeria police: Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. paid $187K to free abducted South Koreans workers
- Serbia in Hopman Cup final after singles wins by Djokovic, Ivanovic; will face Spain for title
Middle East
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/middle-east-86x56.jpg)
- Government airstrikes on rebel-held suburbs show limits of opposition push to take Damascus
- South Sudan proposes binding international arbitration to resolve border disputes with Sudan
- Iraqi Shiite cleric al-Sadr visits church, Sunni mosque as anti-government protests rage
- Saudi's top cleric warns against gender mixing ahead of appointment of women to advisory body
The Americas
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/americas-86x56.jpg)
- Venezuelan VP: Ailing Hugo Chavez could be sworn in later before Supreme Court
- Small plane with 6 on board, including 4 Italian tourists, missing near Venezuelan archipelago
- Colombia police probe report computers stolen during party at Honduran embassy
- Mexico's 'grand warlock' draws a crowd despite spotty prediction record
National Security
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/web/20130105051150im_/http://www.washingtonpost.com/rf/image_90x60/WashingtonPost/Production/Digital/Pages-Web/global/_module-content/Standing_Art/national-security-86x56.jpg)
- Correction: Obit-Schwarzkopf story
- Clinton to return to work at State Department next week after treatment for blood clot in head
- US Army major pleads guilty to accepting thousands of dollars in gratuities from contractors
- 3 star general O'Reilly, accused of bullying, allowed to retire without demotion