‘Foreign policy does not imply isolationism’ – Putin

In an address to Russia’s diplomat corps, President Vladimir Putin touched upon a number of issues, including Russia’s image abroad, US plans for missile defense, and the deadly flood that struck Russia’s southwest on Sunday.

Libya freezes rewards for ex-rebels over mass fraud

Libya’s National Transitional Council has suspended a multi-million-dollar payout program to former anti-Gaddafi rebels after admitting it was steeped in fraud. Officials cited duplicate payouts, and claims from impostors and even the dead.

Libya’s ‘non state’: Tribal war claims 50 lives

50 have been killed and dozens injured in Libya as tribal groups are fighting in the country’s south. After the overthrow of Muammar Gaddafi, Libya is left in a condition which some residents call a ‘non state’.

Sarkozy fury over ‘Gaddafi millions for 2007 campaign’ – RT

Nicolas Sarkozy lashed out at journalists and rejected claims he took €50 million from Muammar Gaddafi to fund his 2007 presidential campaign before backing an insurgency against him, as documents alleging a money-trail between the two emerged.

US, UK warn Israel against ‘premature’ attack on Iran

Laaska News Feb. 20, 2012.

British Foreign Secretary William Hague. (Reuters / Mike Hutchings) 

The US and Britain have urged Israel not to attack Iran’s nuclear sites. And while the West shares Israel’s unfounded belief that Tehran is developing nukes, top officials say a direct military response would be unwise – at this point in time.

New UN resolution unlikely to change Russia and China’s minds on Syria – RT

Laaska News  Feb. 12, 2012

Syria’s Ambassador to the UN Bashar al-Ja’fari on the floor before a vote on a resolution on Syria. (AFP Photo / Don Emmert)  – RT

A week after vetoes from Russia and China put an end to a UN resolution on Syria its supporters are coming back with another draft.

SYRIA:Fighting reported in north Damascus

Laaska News Feb. 11, 2012

There has been fighting reported between government forces and opposition groups in the north of Damascus. According to eyewitnesses, there are dead and wounded.

Russia:Assad ready for talks, ‘fully commits’ to end violence – Lavrov

Laaska News  Feb. 8, 2012

Photo: EPA

Syria’s President Assad has agreed to talks with the opposition and will follow the Arab League’s roadmap, increasing the number of observers in the country, even in the most hostile areas in Syria.

Facts from fiction: What’s really happening in Syria?

Laaska News  Feb. 7, 2012

(Skyline of Homs, February 6. AP video still)

The diplomatic standoff around Syria seems to be reaching endgame as the US and UK withdraw their ambassadors and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov flies to Damascus for talks with the Assad government.

Libya Conflict:Pro-Gaddafi forces capture Bani Walid, 5 NTC troops killed – report

Files picture dated September 22, 2011 shows Libyan National Transitional Council (NTC) fighters launching a rocket towards Bani Walid from their outpost at the entrance of the city. Photo: AFP  

Fighters loyal to late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi have clashed with revolutionary forces in the former-regime stronghold of Bani Walid, taking control of the city in the process.