U.S. OUTSTRIPS RUSSIA IN ARMS SALES.

In its annual report, released last week, the Congressional Research Service said that the U.S. in 1996 racked up $11.3 billion in total arms sales — more than double the amount of Russia, its nearest competitor. The advantage enjoyed by the U.S. accrued especially from sales to developing countries, which amounted to $7.3 billion. According to the report, Russia had total arms sales of $4.6 billion, of which $3.9 billion came from deals with developing countries. (AP, August 16)

Factional Fighting Rages in Tajikistan.