LA Times News

LA Times News

Russian opposition figure takes dim view of anti-Putin movement

Posted: 24 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

A recent rally shows how momentum has faltered, says Vladimir Milov, chairman of the Democratic Choice party.

MOSCOW — The long months of political protest in Russia last winter and spring against the rule of Vladimir Putin were followed by a summer of relative quiet from the opposition. Even the recent return of demonstrators to the streets during a Sept. 15 rally left many wondering if the movement to oust Putin that looked potent early this year is in crisis.

Libya says all unauthorized militias will be disbanded

Posted: 23 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

The Libyan military takes over abandoned militia bases in Benghazi after Friday's clashes with protesters angry over the killing of J. Christopher Stevens.

CAIRO — Libyan authorities announced late Saturday that any armed groups not authorized by the state would be disbanded, and the Libyan military took control of militia bases in Benghazi that had been abandoned during clashes between paramilitary groups and protesters demanding the dissolution of the groups.

Louvre's new Islamic wing provides tonic at time of tension

Posted: 23 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

As a new Islamic wing opens with 2,500 vintage artifacts at the Louvre in Paris, visitors find a welcome respite from recent TV images of angry protests in the Muslim world.

PARIS — In the midst of the furor in the Muslim world over negative Western depictions of the prophet Muhammad, the Louvre on Saturday opened a new Islamic wing chock-full of 2,500 vintage ceramics, tapestries and other treasures from Islamic cultures stretching from Spain to India.

Free Syrian Army will shift headquarters from Turkey to Syria

Posted: 23 Sep 2012 12:00 AM PDT

It's unclear how significant the rebel group's move, which is meant to bolster its standing among fighters and international supporters, will be on the battlefield in Syria.

BEIRUT — The rebel Free Syrian Army said Saturday that it was shifting its command headquarters from Turkey to Syria, a move meant to bolster its standing among fighters in the country and supporters abroad.