Institute of the USA and Canada
Deputy Director of the Russian Academy of Sciences at the Institute of the USA and Canada, based in Moscow
PROFILE
Viktor Kremenyuk
Guest
FROM Viktor Kremenyuk
To the Point
American Spy Removed from Russia in Strange Caper The State Department is not talking, but Russians are slapping their thighs about Ryan C. Fogle, officially third secretary of the political department of the US Embassy in Moscow. He's persona non grata after showing up at a meeting with what appeared to be spying gear amateurish enough to embarrass James Bond. Video released by the Russians first shows Fogle face down as a Russian agent pins his hands behind his back, then, later, being questioned by a Russian official with other US diplomats standing by.
Which Way, L.A.?
Russian Spies in American Suburbs: Shades of the Cold War? The accused paymaster of what the FBI calls Russia's "deep cover" spy ring in the United States skipped bail in Cyprus today. US officials reportedly were astonished when Christopher Metsos was released on bail in the first place. But that's not all that is hard to explain about a collection of 10 Russians who lived like ordinary Americans, including parents with children, for more than 10 years.
To the Point
Russian Spies in American Suburbs: Shades of the Cold War? Ten Russians posing as ordinary Americans, including parents with children, have been arrested as "deep cover" spies after seven years of investigation by the FBI. Their alleged paymaster was picked up in Cyprus. US officials reportedly were astonished when Christopher Metsos was released on bail in the first place. Both countries say the incident won't damage relations, but a lot of questions remain. What were the agents doing here decades after the Cold War? Why have they been arrested now? If they posed a danger to national security, why don't they face more serious charges? Does the US have its own spy rings in Russia? We hear from a former CIA agent, a Russian scholar and others.
To the Point
How Does Obama's Victory Look to the Rest of the World? Barack Obama 's historic win has been cause for celebration among many Americans, including African Americans who thought they might never see the day a black man would come so close to the White House. Obama's grandmother was watching from Kenya, and so was the rest of the world. What does his historic primary victory mean to people outside of the United States? Is his primary victory causing America's friends and foes to see the country in a new light? Would a President Obama worry old allies or help create new ones? Who's rooting for John McCain ?
To the Point
View from Around the World Satellites, cable TV and other communications technologies have made America's presidential process more accessible than ever before. On Super Tuesday, as Americans turn out for caucuses and primaries in 24 states, the rest of the world is watching. Will America choose a black man or a woman ? Will the world's most powerful country be led by a businessman , a military veteran or a former preacher ? As Democrats and Republicans perform their civic duty, we talk to a wide range of foreign observers. What do they think of George W. Bush? Who do they want in the White House next?
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To the Point
The Trump agenda: where's the beef? President Trump says big things are happening. After celebrating a House bill on health care, he doesn’t yet have Senate agreement. With James Comey’s public testimony scheduled tomorrow, the President today tweeted his selection of a new FBI Director. Is the Chief Executive all style and no substance? Later, terror attacks in Iran and conflicting claims about who’s behind them.
To the Point
White House budget proposal slashes and burns President Trump's first budget request is considered dead on arrival in Congress — a familiar development in Capitol Hill. We hear what it reveals about the priorities of the new administration. What's likely to die… and what might survive?
To the Point
What is Trump's plan for Middle East peace? On his first foreign tour, President Trump has promised "peace" between Israel and the Palestinians. Are there any details for re-starting talks that have been stalled for the past three years?
To the Point
Is the threat from Russia missing from the Russia meddling probe? There's much being made about the Trump administration's possible ties with Russia. But the bottom line is Russia's effort to influence American democracy. Do the President and his aides care enough to take action before voters go back to the polls?