Free Republic

Mothers and wives of slain Russian soldiers were left furious after controversial President Vladimir Putin allegedly staged a meeting with a group of ultra-loyalist women claiming to have lost loved ones in the war. Putin is believed to have specifically chosen a group who would not complain or ask him difficult questions, while many Russian women were left heartbroken and wanting answers about their fallen relatives. During the televised meeting, Putin insisted their country "will achieve" their goals "in the end," accusing Ukraine of attempts to "devalue, [and] compromise" Russia's war tactics. However, shortly after the conference, Russian media was...

BAGHDAD, Iraq - In the vast Baghdad slum of Sadr City, Shiite militiamen direct traffic, search cars, set up roadblocks and even claim to make arrests. Photo AP Photo Special Coverages Latest headlines: · US warplanes strafe Najaf as world oil prices go through the roof AFP - 49 minutes ago · U.S. Forces Wage Major Offensive in Najaf AP - 55 minutes ago · Iraq Militants Claim They Seized 3 Arabs AP - 55 minutes ago Special Coverage On Wednesday, there were no police in sight, as the fighters set tires ablaze to melt the road's asphalt, apparently to...