Russian General Takes Bush’s Bait

Staff / Truthdig Aug 15, 2008 With the worst timing imaginable, the U.S. and Poland announced a missile shield deal on Thursday, which prompted a Russian general to strut like a peacock and threaten to punish the land of pirogi. The proposed missile shield has been a go-to irritant for President Bush to use on old friend Vladimir Putin, and for an obvious reason: It works. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

U.S.-Russian Tensions Rise Over Missile Shield Plan

Staff / Truthdig Jul 9, 2008 Forging an agreement with the Czech Republic to host the radar for the United States' planned missile shield project represents, according to Condoleezza Rice, a way of making the missile defense system "transparent to the Russians." Officials in Moscow, however, are inclined to take this latest move as a hostile gesture that could provoke military retaliation. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Was It the Pope — or the Cute Beatle?

Staff / Truthdig Oct 18, 2007 No offense to those Catholics who were heartened by the prospect of Pope John Paul II's image appearing in a commemorative bonfire in Poland last April, but the UK's Times Online has helpfully offered some other possibilities as to who else, besides the departed pontiff, may have materialized in that mystical blaze. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Believers See Pope John Paul II’s Image in Bonfire

Staff / Truthdig Oct 16, 2007 At a gathering in southern Poland to mark the second anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death on April 2, 2005, one Gregorz Lukasik took pictures of the commemorative bonfire lit at the memorial and found a striking image when he saw the photos after the event. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Bush and Putin Still on the Outs

Staff / Truthdig Oct 13, 2007 George W. Bush and Vladimir Putin used to have a loving relationship, but the two have grown cold and distant in recent years. Bush blames Russia's deteriorating democratic process, while Putin is upset because the U.S. wants to build a missile shield on his doorstep. Bush's friend Condi stopped by Moscow to try to smooth things over, but it looks like it didn't go too well. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Putin Blasts Missile Shield Scheme

Staff / Truthdig Apr 26, 2007 Russian President Vladimir Putin took a moment during his final parliamentary address to make it eminently clear that he disapproves of a U.S. plan to create a missile shield in Eastern Europe, vowing to put a hold on Russian compliance with a key European military treaty in retaliation. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

No Tampon Ads During the Papal Visit

Staff / Truthdig May 29, 2006 The Polish town of Wadowice has banned ads for alcohol contraceptives, lingerie and tampons during Pope Benedict's visit You won't believe why Read on. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )