Peace And Plenty Surround

Caspian Sea States On Course For Naval Arms Race

The flotilla, which already has 148 vessels, boasts the most powerful frigate in the sea, the frigate "Tatarstan." By the end of this year, he said, two new missile ships and three landing ships will join the flotilla. He also vowed that the government would soon provide Russia's Caspian fleet with new shore-based supersonic antiship missiles. Russia's plans mark the latest episode in the militarization of the Caspian, which is either -- depending on whom you ask -- the world's biggest lake or the world's biggest inland sea. That definition, it turns out, is anything but academic. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the five countries that abut the Caspian -- Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, and the two Central Asian states of Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan -- have been sparring over how to divide it up among them. Despite all the positive rhetoric, the latest conference in Moscow, officially known as the 29th session of the Caspian Working Group, demonstrated that the five countries are not that much closer to resolving the issue than they were after the collapse of the U.S.S.R. two decades ago. And that is inspiring some of them to seek insurance in the form of a heftier military presence. After Russia, Iran is the second-largest power in the Caspian, with a force of 90 vessels in the sea. Tehran announced earlier this year that it intended to add another 75 missile ships to its fleet, to be built either in its Caspian shipyard or transported north from the Persian Gulf. In June, the commander of the Iranian Navy, Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari, stressed Iran's determination to safeguard its interests in the Caspian: "We have full control over Iran's 20 percent share of the sea." Iran subscribes to the view that the sea should be shared equally between the five states. Oil-rich Kazakhstan, meanwhile, is also trying to boost its maritime defenses on the Caspian.

Articles 20VN | Take a Sensory Tour of Cape Town | Cape Town

Cape Town, the jewel in South Africa's crown, is a prime tourist destination. When you visit the city, there are so many sounds, sights and smells that it can often seem overwhelming, and any holiday spent here will provide you with a truly memorable experience. Start the adventure here with a sensory tour of Cape Town.

See - Table Mountain
Table Mountain is a spectacular sight to behold, and one that is visible from every part of Cape Town so you couldn't miss it even if you tried. Admire the unique formation of the mountain that towers above the city as long as you like, and then take a trip to the very top, where you'll find a spectacular view of the city and the two oceans below.

Hear - Music
Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lucky Dube, Paul Simon - just a few of the world-famous acts to come out of South Africa over the years. South Africa is all about rhythm and music, and you can't escape it even if you wanted to. In Cape Town, a mix of cultures and backgrounds creates a truly unique sound that you can explore in a number of ways. Whether you visit a night club, check out a jazz bar or even visit the summer music concerts in Kirstenbosch Gardens, there's always something going on to keep you entertained.

Taste - Food
South African cuisine boasts a rich variety of flavours and ingredients, and in Cape Town you will be able to experience the whole lot. From the freshest fish caught that morning to traditional meat dishes to make the mouth water, you'll be able to experience the whole spectrum of South African cuisine in the city. On top of that, Cape Town's reputation as a fantastic tourist destination means there is plenty of choice when it comes to international cuisine, and you will be able to find restaurants to suit all budgets. Head to the V&A Waterfront for the best restaurants, and keep your eyes peeled as you explore the city as there are plenty of great restaurants dotted around waiting for you to find them.

Crime and punishment

CRIME AND PUNISHMENT N an exceptionally hot evening early in July a young man came out of the garret in which he lodged in S. Place and walked slowly, ...

War and peace

WAR AND PEACE PART THE TWELFTH I In the upper circles of St. Petersburg society there was just then going on a battle, more acrimonious than ever, ...

Romeo and Juliet

o Romeo and Juliet BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEAKE CASSELL and COMPANY, Limited LONDOit, PARIS $ MELBOURNE 1890. ...

And Then There Were None

This novel concerns a group of ten strangers who have all been invited by a Mr. U. N. Owen to spend a brief vacation at a small, somewhat secluded island off ...

Nickeled and dimed

The sharp social critic and author of Blood Rites looks underneath the illusion of American prosperity at poverty and hopelessness in America.