Putin Quashes Japanese Hopes of End to Island Dispute Under pressure from nationalists, the Russian president backed off previous hints that he was ready to end a 73-year tussle over the Kurile Islands. Share: Facebook Twitter Google+ Stumble Digg Email ThisBlogThis!Share to XShare to Facebook Related Posts:Shutdown, Mattis, Markets: Your Friday Evening BriefingMongolia Dispatch: At 14, She Hunts Wolves and Takes Selfies With Cherished Eagle in MongoliaDouble Bombing Near Somalia’s Presidential Palace Kills at Least 13What Is Hungary’s ‘Slave Law,’ and Why Has It Provoked Opposition?British Forces Storm Cargo Ship After Stowaways Threaten CrewVideo of Tourist’s Killing in Morocco Is Most Likely Real, Norway Says