Belarus's

Europe's longest-ruling president, Belarus's Alexander Lukashenko, took office for a fourth term, facing threatened Western sanctions for his disputed, violence-tainted re-election and unexpected pressure from Russia.

World Watch 2011

Belarus's hard line toward opposition politicians has forced EU governments to rethink previous efforts to engage with Mr. Lukashenko's administration.

Dissent Hits Belarus via Warsa Gordon Fairclough 2011

In comments reported by the state news agency, Vadim Zaitsev, the head of Belarus's KGB, which still goes by its Soviet-era name, said the explosion may have been a "revenge" attack for a crackdown on dissidents that followed the December demonstrations.

Belarus Detains Three in Bomb Blast James Marson 2011

Belarus's Soviet-style economy is facing the worst crisis in more than a decade after Russia cut off energy subsidies and the budget deficit ballooned following heavy state spending ahead of December's presidential elections.

Belarus Mulls Sale of Potash Producer Alexander Kolyandr 2011

Agence France-Presse/Getty Images Belarus's metro employee helps men injured in a blast at a metro station in downtown Minsk.

Blast Kills at Least 11 in Belarus James Marson 2011

Belarus's security services said they had detained three unidentified people in connection with the rush-hour blast, but were still hunting for their chief suspect.

Belarus Detains Three in Bomb Blast James Marson 2011

Belarus's security services said they had detained three unidentified people in connection with the rush-hour blast, but were still hunting for their chief suspect.

World Watch 2011

The ruble has come under pressure as Belarus's foreign reserves dwindled after the government boosted spending ahead of presidential elections in December and Russia cut crucial oil and gas subsidies.

Belarussian Leader Hints at Devaluation James Marson 2011

Some analysts and opposition figures said Mr. Lukashenko, who is also struggling with serious problems in Belarus's domestic economy, could seek to use the blast to expand his crackdown on political opponents, although there were no clear signs of that Tuesday.

Belarus Detains Three in Bomb Blast James Marson 2011

The blast sent panicked and injured passengers pouring from the entrance to the Oktyabrskaya metro station in downtown Minsk, roughly 145 meters from the offices of Belarus's authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko.

World Watch 2011