The Afghan ministry of defence has announced plans to treble the size of its army. The ministry said this was to dissuade Afghanistan’s neighbours, Iran and Pakistan, from interfering, as well as to provide better internal security.

MOSCOW (Reuters) – Turnout in Russia’s parliamentary election is likely to be more than 60 percent, higher than last time, the electoral commission said on Sunday.

MOROZOVKA, Russia (Reuters) – Voters looked on in amazement when a group of Russia’s most beautiful women turned up to cast their votes in Sunday’s parliamentary election.