Sunday, February 24, 2013


Many experts say the country is ready for immigration reform.

'Earned Citizenship' At Center Of U.S. Immigration Reform Push

What to do about the 11 million illegal immigrants who live in the United States? That's the question at the heart of the current debate in Washington on immigration reform, and many are backing a path to “earned citizenship.” More

Ector County Sheriff Mark Donaldson says of Max Shatto: "This kid's a Texas kid. He lived in Texas. He lived in my county. And my interest here is the death of that child and to find out what happened."

All Eyes On Texas Town At Center Of Russian Adoption Drama

Max Shatto, a 3-year-old Russian adoptee, died in the small town of Gardendale, Texas, last month under uncertain circumstances, touching off an international scandal. While much remains a mystery, local officials now say a medical ruling on the boy's death is imminent. That comes as details about the day the child died, as well as accounts of his adoptive mother, begin trickling in. More

Outgoing Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov waves to supporters outside the parliament in Sofia on February 21. It is unclear who will replace him following the elections.

Bulgaria On The Brink

The government of Bulgaria has resigned. In the wake of the problems in Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, is Bulgaria the next EU problem child? More

"Buzkashi Boys" director Sam French (center) and 14-year-old Afghan actors Fawad Mohammadi (left) and Jawanmard Paiz upon their arrival at Los Angeles International Airport on February 21.

Video Afghan 'Buzkashi Boys' Make It To Hollywood

The teenage Afghan actors who starred in the Oscar-nominated short film "Buzkashi Boys" have made it to Hollywood. Reuters tracks their arrival in Los Angeles to take part in this year's Academy Awards, which take place on February 24. More

Dunja Mijatovic

Interview: No Security Without Free Expression

Authoritarian governments often argue that too much freedom of speech compromises security and stability. RFE/RL asks Dunja Mijatovic, the representative on freedom of the media for the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), how she answers the charge. More


Recent Features

Pakistan's Beleaguered Hazara Minority Caught In Regional Crossfire

After enjoying a peaceful existence in southwestern Pakistan for more than a century, a tiny Shi'ite community finds itself caught up in a broader regional conflict.
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Russian Children’s Ombudsman Campaigns Against Foreign Adoptions Case By Case

The Kremlin's children’s rights ombudsman, Pavel Astakhov, loves the limelight. And he has been getting a lot of it in recent weeks after claiming his office was combing foreign media reports, looking for evidence of crimes against Russian adoptees.
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Interview: History Shows You Invade Afghanistan At Your Peril

"Return Of A King: The Battle for Afghanistan 1839-1842" is a new book that draws on Afghanistan's violent history to provide lessons for its future. RFE/RL correspondent Abubakar Siddique spoke with the book's author, Scottish historian William Dalrymple.
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Wanted by Interpol, Iran’s Ex-Intelligence Minister To Run For President

One of the most feared figures of Iran’s Islamic establishment has announced his candidacy in the country's June 14 presidential vote.
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My Cotton Picking Life: Computer Game Highlights Uzbek Child Labor Practices

How would you feel if you were forced to pick cotton in Uzbekistan as a child laborer? You can find out by playing an online game whose goal is to make you bored and frustrated.
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Reports Of Adoptee’s Death In U.S. Prompt Firestorm Of Outrage In Russia

A firestorm of outrage has erupted among Russia’s political elites and state media after the country’s children’s rights ombudsman announced the death of a Russian child who had been adopted by an American couple.
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How Social Networks Are Dealing With Terrorists

With terrorist organizations taking to Twitter and Facebook, social-network operators are coming under increased pressure from governments to shut down their accounts. But activists -- and the social networks themselves -- are worried about the implications on free speech.
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Pakistan's Hazara Killings Bring Sunni Extremist Group Into Focus

Pakistan's inability to stop a hard-line Sunni faction from systematically killing Shi'ite Muslims has put its determination to act in question.
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St. Petersburg's New Mariinsky Theater Gets Mixed Reviews

The second home of St. Petersburg's prestigious Mariinsky Theater was unveiled to the public in late January following a decade-long construction saga. But the vast glass-walled building has upset many St. Petersburg residents, who say it spoils the city's unique architecture.
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How Safe Are Electronic Cigarettes?

Many people think electronic cigarettes are a safe alternative to smoking. Are they?
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More Features