a Russian victory in the vote would have been the equivalent of a judge calling on a murderer to investigate his crime alongside a police officer. In short, a Russian way of giving London a two-fingered salute.

On the diplomatic side, a vote in Russia’s favor would have allowed Putin to claim that the international community is in his favor and thus a foundation for Russian propaganda efforts to discredit British claims of Russian culpability. The great lie of Putin’s propaganda is that it is Russia who abides by international norms and seeks peace and tranquility, while the West conspires against it. A win at the OPCW would have served that end effectively.

Yet, the diplomatic incentive here is especially great for the Kremlin in that it has been surprisedAn endearing experience

Rahul Kharbanda, who was eliminated from India's Magic Star, speaks to us about his experience on the show and what he learned

Magician Rahul Kharbanda, who was eliminated from India’s Magic Star last week, says that it was a great experience to be part of the show. He maintains that he feels doubly lucky that along with being part of such a wonderful experience, he was also blessed with a daughter. He recollects how Jackie Shroff chose him as the performer of the day and gave him a hamper. He also discusses his interaction with Franz Harary on and off the show and how he has grown as a magician during the tenure that he was on the show. We caught up with Rahul, after he was