Iran is facing ominous rhetoric and deadly explosions as the United States, Israel and Saudi Arabia step up efforts to open Iran's nuclear facilities to inspection. Tehran is gauging its support from abroad. Syria, a longstanding ally, is in turmoil and Hezbollah in Lebanon would be of only limited help.

• December 12, 2011

According to Statistics Estonia, in October 2011 compared to the same month of the previous year, exports of goods grew by 23% and imports by 26% at current prices. The trade with Russia influenced the increase of exports as well as imports the most.

• December 12, 2011

RUSSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's spokesman says the results of contested parliamentary polls will stand despite massive street protests and a probe by the election authorities.

• December 12, 2011

Thousands of people have attended the biggest anti-government rally in the Russian capital Moscow since the fall of the Soviet Union.

• December 10, 2011

A draft interstate Ukrainian-Russian 'gas' agreement foresees the creation of two joint ventures jointly with OAO Gazprom (50% and 50% stakes) on the basis of the Ukrainian gas transportation system, according to the Dzerkalo Tyzhnia Ukraine weekly, with reference to its own sources.

• December 10, 2011

Chinese telecommunications equipment maker Huawei Technologies says it will cut back its business in Iran, where it aids state-run telecom operators, due to the "increasingly complex situation" there.

• December 10, 2011

The Kyrgyz Energy Ministry and Russian energy company Inter RAO UES will discuss the construction of the Kambarata hydroelectric power station-1, Kyrgyz Energy Minister Askarbek Shadiev said at a press conference in Bishkek on Friday, KirTAG reported.

• December 9, 2011

Security is being stepped up ahead of an opposition rally in Moscow on Saturday expected to draw 30,000 people.

• December 9, 2011