FUEL SHORTAGES THREATEN RUSSIA’S FAR EAST.

Russia’s Primorsky krai is facing a repeat of the energy shortages that plagued it during the summer — this time with winter on the doorstep. The mayor of the town of Bolshoi Kamen has appeared on local TV to warn the population of 30,000 to pack a suitcase of basic essentials and be prepared for the possibility that the whole town may have to be evacuated. He appealed to the Russian government for help. (Interfax, November 22)

Small Increase in Defense Spending Proposed.