If completed, these projects would bring large amounts of Russian natural gas to Western Europe at a time when regional supplies are in decline.

Mining is the country's biggest contributor to total export revenue and to government revenue via taxes on those exports and on industry income.

Production of commodities, such as iron ore and soybeans, has outgrown Brazil's transportation infrastructure over the past two decades.

The men accused of the Boston Marathon attack are from Chechnya and also reportedly lived in Dagestan and Kyrgyzstan.

Islamabad has launched a new counterjihadist offensive in the tribal areas.

Law enforcement and government officials have already begun their investigation into the April 15 bombings.

Two years after taking power, Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara's efforts to pacify the country have not succeeded.

Dagestan's complex terrain and ethnic diversity make it uniquely suited for militant activity.

Recent security incidents have highlighted the ability of opposition parties to threaten government efforts to develop resource-rich areas of the country.

China has taken a much more proactive stance on the new virus than during the 2003 SARS outbreak.