Caucasus Emirate sets its sights on Sochi;

Putin takes a more distant approach to the U.S.

More friction over missile defenses in Europe;

A more independent role for the Russian Duma?

Kremlin targets social vices with new taxes;

USTR takes aim at Russian intellectual property threat

U.S. Congress seeks human rights penalties on Russian officials;

Amnesty for at least some political prisoners

An unlikely champion for Russia's opposition;

Kremlin jitters over post-Coalition Afghanistan