NPR People: Lawrence Sheets http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101166&ft=1&f=2101166 Lawrence Scott Sheets has been NPR's Moscow bureau chief since 2001. He covers the countries of former USSR, including Russia, Central Asia, and the Caucasus region. Sheets also covered the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan during 2001 and 2002, including the bloody Taliban uprising at a fortress in Mazar e Sharif. His reports can be heard on NPR's Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. Copyright 2009 NPR - For Personal Use Only NPR API RSS Generator 0.93 Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400 http://media.npr.org/images/podcasts/thumbnail/npr_generic_image_75.jpg Lawrence Sheets http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=2101166&ft=1&f=2101166 yes Georgian Forces Launch South Ossetia Offensive A battle has begun on the border between the Republic of Georgia and Russia. Georgian forces backed by warplanes have launched a full-scale internal offensive in the region of South Ossetia. They're fighting with Russian-backed separatists over control of the breakaway region. Madeleine Brand talks with Lawrence Sheets about the fighting. Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93420257&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=93420257&ft=1&f=2101166 A battle has begun on the border between the Republic of Georgia and Russia. Georgian forces backed by warplanes have launched a full-scale internal offensive in the region of South Ossetia. They're fighting with Russian-backed separatists over control of the breakaway region. Madeleine Brand talks with Lawrence Sheets about the fighting. 0 no A battle has begun on the border between the Republic of Georgia and Russia. Georgian forces backed by warplanes have launched a full-scale internal offensive in the region of South Ossetia. They're fighting with Russian-backed separatists over control of the breakaway region. Madeleine Brand talks with Lawrence Sheets about the fighting.

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]]> Georgia, Russia Square Off in a State of Emergency Relations between Russia and Georgia have declined further after the Georgian president imposed a state of emergency in his country Wednesday. The Georgian government blames what it calls "Russian agitators" for the weeklong protests demanding new elections. Thu, 08 Nov 2007 19:40:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16126301&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16126301&ft=1&f=2101166 Relations between Russia and Georgia have declined further after the Georgian president imposed a state of emergency in his country Wednesday. The Georgian government blames what it calls "Russian agitators" for the weeklong protests demanding new elections. 0 no Relations between Russia and Georgia have declined further after the Georgian president imposed a state of emergency in his country Wednesday. The Georgian government blames what it calls "Russian agitators" for the weeklong protests demanding new elections.

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]]> Georgia Reports an Attempt to Smuggle Uranium Georgia says its security services have foiled an attempt by a Russian smuggler to sell weapons-grade uranium. Georgia's Interior Ministry says the man was arrested as he tried to sell a few ounces of highly enriched uranium for $1 million to a Georgian agent. The man said he had access to much more uranium. Thu, 25 Jan 2007 16:44:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7022263&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=7022263&ft=1&f=2101166 Georgia says its security services have foiled an attempt by a Russian smuggler to sell weapons-grade uranium. Georgia's Interior Ministry says the man was arrested as he tried to sell a few ounces of highly enriched uranium for $1 million to a Georgian agent. The man said he had access to much more uranium. 0 no Georgia says its security services have foiled an attempt by a Russian smuggler to sell weapons-grade uranium. Georgia's Interior Ministry says the man was arrested as he tried to sell a few ounces of highly enriched uranium for $1 million to a Georgian agent. The man said he had access to much more uranium.

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]]> Turkmenistan Rudderless After President's Death The death of Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi, or "Father of all Turkmen," leaves a power vacuum in an energy rich nation built around a cult of personality. Niyazov died at age 66, after more than two decades in power. Fri, 22 Dec 2006 11:52:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6663346&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6663346&ft=1&f=2101166 The death of Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi, or "Father of all Turkmen," leaves a power vacuum in an energy rich nation built around a cult of personality. Niyazov died at age 66, after more than two decades in power. 0 no The death of Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov, also known as Turkmenbashi, or "Father of all Turkmen," leaves a power vacuum in an energy rich nation built around a cult of personality. Niyazov died at age 66, after more than two decades in power.

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]]> Tensions Rise Between Russia and Georgia In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, clashes have broken out between government forces and paramilitaries loyal to a local warlord. Georgia claims the rebellion is inspired by its neighbor Russia as a plot to destabilize the country. Russia denies the claim. Wed, 26 Jul 2006 11:10:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5582927&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5582927&ft=1&f=2101166 In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, clashes have broken out between government forces and paramilitaries loyal to a local warlord. Georgia claims the rebellion is inspired by its neighbor Russia as a plot to destabilize the country. Russia denies the claim. 0 no In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, clashes have broken out between government forces and paramilitaries loyal to a local warlord. Georgia claims the rebellion is inspired by its neighbor Russia as a plot to destabilize the country. Russia denies the claim.

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]]> Chechen Rebel Was Proud of Attacks on Russians The Russian government says the man who claimed responsibility for the bloody Beslan school siege is dead. Officials say Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev was killed Monday by Russian special forces. Reporter Lawrence Sheets met Basayev while covering Chechnya and talks to Steve Inskeep about the man. Tue, 11 Jul 2006 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5548014&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5548014&ft=1&f=2101166 The Russian government says the man who claimed responsibility for the bloody Beslan school siege is dead. Officials say Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev was killed Monday by Russian special forces. Reporter Lawrence Sheets met Basayev while covering Chechnya and talks to Steve Inskeep about the man. 0 no The Russian government says the man who claimed responsibility for the bloody Beslan school siege is dead. Officials say Chechen rebel leader Shamil Basayev was killed Monday by Russian special forces. Reporter Lawrence Sheets met Basayev while covering Chechnya and talks to Steve Inskeep about the man.

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]]> Georgia Seeks U.S. Help in Russian Conflicts As President Bush hosts the president of the former Soviet republic of Georgia in Washington, D.C., the Georgian government faces several conflicts with Russia. Wed, 05 Jul 2006 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5535341&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5535341&ft=1&f=2101166 As President Bush hosts the president of the former Soviet republic of Georgia in Washington, D.C., the Georgian government faces several conflicts with Russia. 0 no As President Bush hosts the president of the former Soviet republic of Georgia in Washington, D.C., the Georgian government faces several conflicts with Russia.

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]]> Russia Debates Shipping Stalin Home to Georgia After Nikita Khrushchev's denunciation of Joseph Stalin, the late Soviet dictator's remains were unceremoniously removed from a mausoleum and re-buried next to the Kremlin wall. Now, some Russian politicians have demanded he should be returned to his native Georgia. Tue, 06 Jun 2006 06:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5453519&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5453519&ft=1&f=2101166 After Nikita Khrushchev's denunciation of Joseph Stalin, the late Soviet dictator's remains were unceremoniously removed from a mausoleum and re-buried next to the Kremlin wall. Now, some Russian politicians have demanded he should be returned to his native Georgia. 0 no After Nikita Khrushchev's denunciation of Joseph Stalin, the late Soviet dictator's remains were unceremoniously removed from a mausoleum and re-buried next to the Kremlin wall. Now, some Russian politicians have demanded he should be returned to his native Georgia.

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]]> Russia Bans Wine Imports from Neighboring Georgia Russia has banned wine imports from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Officials with Russia's health ministry says the wines often contain unhealthy levels of chemicals and heavy metals, but Georgia's government says the ban is politically motivated and designed to punish the nation for pushing for closer ties to the European Union and the United States. Tue, 16 May 2006 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5408613&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5408613&ft=1&f=2101166 Russia has banned wine imports from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Officials with Russia's health ministry says the wines often contain unhealthy levels of chemicals and heavy metals, but Georgia's government says the ban is politically motivated and designed to punish the nation for pushing for closer ties to the European Union and the United States. 0 no Russia has banned wine imports from the former Soviet Republic of Georgia. Officials with Russia's health ministry says the wines often contain unhealthy levels of chemicals and heavy metals, but Georgia's government says the ban is politically motivated and designed to punish the nation for pushing for closer ties to the European Union and the United States.

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]]> Kidnapping Custom Makes a Comeback in Georgia In some rural parts of the Republic of Georgia, an old custom is experiencing a revival. Women are being kidnapped and held for a night by men who want to marry them, thereby making eventual nuptials a necessity, according to local traditions. Some families say they fear letting their daughters go out into public, lest they be "forced" into unwanted marriages. Activists are speaking out against the "tradition," but they concede it may be hard to change attitudes. Sun, 14 May 2006 13:54:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5403695&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5403695&ft=1&f=2101166 In some rural parts of the Republic of Georgia, an old custom is experiencing a revival. Women are being kidnapped and held for a night by men who want to marry them, thereby making eventual nuptials a necessity, according to local traditions. Some families say they fear letting their daughters go out into public, lest they be "forced" into unwanted marriages. Activists are speaking out against the "tradition," but they concede it may be hard to change attitudes. 0 no In some rural parts of the Republic of Georgia, an old custom is experiencing a revival. Women are being kidnapped and held for a night by men who want to marry them, thereby making eventual nuptials a necessity, according to local traditions. Some families say they fear letting their daughters go out into public, lest they be "forced" into unwanted marriages. Activists are speaking out against the "tradition," but they concede it may be hard to change attitudes.

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]]> Black Sea Plane Crash Kills 113 An Armenian passenger plane crashes in stormy weather off Russia's Black Sea coast as it heads in for landing, killing all 113 people on board. Wed, 03 May 2006 09:41:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5378817&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5378817&ft=1&f=2101166 An Armenian passenger plane crashes in stormy weather off Russia's Black Sea coast as it heads in for landing, killing all 113 people on board. no An Armenian passenger plane crashes in stormy weather off Russia's Black Sea coast as it heads in for landing, killing all 113 people on board.

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]]> Georgia Boosts Troop Commitment to Iraq Coalition Many countries that sent soldiers to Iraq when the U.S. led an invasion to oust Saddam Hussein three years ago have since pulled some or all of their troops out. But not the former Soviet republic of Georgia, which has actually increased its troop commitment. Mon, 03 Apr 2006 13:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5319768&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5319768&ft=1&f=2101166 Many countries that sent soldiers to Iraq when the U.S. led an invasion to oust Saddam Hussein three years ago have since pulled some or all of their troops out. But not the former Soviet republic of Georgia, which has actually increased its troop commitment. 0 no Many countries that sent soldiers to Iraq when the U.S. led an invasion to oust Saddam Hussein three years ago have since pulled some or all of their troops out. But not the former Soviet republic of Georgia, which has actually increased its troop commitment.

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]]> Territorial Tensions Build Between Russia and Georgia Relations between Russia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia have reached dangerous new lows. Georgian officials suspect that Russia wants to annex two areas of their republic. Observers say a worst-case scenario would involve a direct war between Russia and Georgia over the territory. Fri, 31 Mar 2006 06:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5314506&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5314506&ft=1&f=2101166 Relations between Russia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia have reached dangerous new lows. Georgian officials suspect that Russia wants to annex two areas of their republic. Observers say a worst-case scenario would involve a direct war between Russia and Georgia over the territory. 0 no Relations between Russia and the former Soviet Republic of Georgia have reached dangerous new lows. Georgian officials suspect that Russia wants to annex two areas of their republic. Observers say a worst-case scenario would involve a direct war between Russia and Georgia over the territory.

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]]> Freezing Georgia Tussles with Russia Over Gas Prices The former Soviet republic of Georgia is enduring its coldest winter in a decade, and it's also locked in a battle with Russia over natural gas prices. Georgia is refusing to pay higher prices set by Russia -- and to make matters worse, an unexplained pipeline explosion in Russia cut off supplies to a shivering Georgia last week. Georgia president Mikhail Saakashvili cut short a trip to the World Economic Forum on Thursday to deal with a country in crisis. Thu, 02 Feb 2006 13:00:00 -0500 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5185478&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5185478&ft=1&f=2101166 The former Soviet republic of Georgia is enduring its coldest winter in a decade, and it's also locked in a battle with Russia over natural gas prices. Georgia is refusing to pay higher prices set by Russia -- and to make matters worse, an unexplained pipeline explosion in Russia cut off supplies to a shivering Georgia last week. Georgia president Mikhail Saakashvili cut short a trip to the World Economic Forum on Thursday to deal with a country in crisis. 0 no The former Soviet republic of Georgia is enduring its coldest winter in a decade, and it's also locked in a battle with Russia over natural gas prices. Georgia is refusing to pay higher prices set by Russia -- and to make matters worse, an unexplained pipeline explosion in Russia cut off supplies to a shivering Georgia last week. Georgia president Mikhail Saakashvili cut short a trip to the World Economic Forum on Thursday to deal with a country in crisis.

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]]> 'Patriot Camps' Cause Concern in Former Soviet Republic In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, thousands of young people have been attending voluntary patriot camps. The government says the camps help to counter cynicism among young Georgians. But the camps feature basic military training, and have been criticized by Georgia's political opposition. Wed, 12 Oct 2005 00:00:00 -0400 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4955289&ft=1&f=2101166 http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4955289&ft=1&f=2101166 In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, thousands of young people have been attending voluntary patriot camps. The government says the camps help to counter cynicism among young Georgians. But the camps feature basic military training, and have been criticized by Georgia's political opposition. 0 no In the former Soviet republic of Georgia, thousands of young people have been attending voluntary patriot camps. The government says the camps help to counter cynicism among young Georgians. But the camps feature basic military training, and have been criticized by Georgia's political opposition.

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