MOSCOW: Twelve people have been killed in twin blasts in Russia's volatile North Caucasus region of Dagestan, one of which was caused by a suicide bomber, investigators said. Another 23 people were wounded.

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THE flavour of the tomato is most intense at summer's end, when the fruit is sun-ripened. Many are available, from field and roma to cherry and hydroponic, but heirloom varieties are increasing in popularity, thanks in part to the community's focus on quality produce. Heirloom refers to varieties grown and..read more

Turkish forces were called into Europe to resist the Tsar of Russia whose troops had occupied Moldavia and Wallachia the previous July. The Turks crossed the Danube in four places and established themselves at Kalafat. They then pushed forward, forcing the Russians to retreat at Slatma. Between Slatma and Krajowa,..read more

RUSSIA has attacked a US decision to site interceptor missiles in Romania, saying the move imperils President Barack Obama's much-vaunted "reset" of relations between the two countries and the final stages of nuclear arms reduction talks.