More than 80% of Belarusians say the economy is in crisis, and most blame the president.

ECONOMIST: Belarus under fire

Nadia, one of my Belarusians, came through from the supper room and sullenly collected some glasses.

NEWYORKER: Fjord of Killary

Neither film was aired in Belarus, but a quarter of Belarusians found ways to watch them.

ECONOMIST: A media war of words breaks out between two supposed allies

That is barely a quarter as much as Belarusians, the world's champion potato-eaters, manage to chomp through.

ECONOMIST: Making the most of potato patrimony

Plenty more Belarusians sympathise with the demonstrators than are willing to face the temperatures and truncheons on the square.

ECONOMIST: Another meaningless victory for the president of Belarus

Four of the six Belarusians wore love bites on their necks as they sipped at their complimentary bottled Heinekens.

NEWYORKER: Fjord of Killary

But bread and an absence of war is enough for many rural Belarusians, accustomed to surviving winter on home-brew and pickles.

ECONOMIST: Belarus

As I trailed up the stairs, keeping to the rear of all my locals and Belarusians, I cast an eye back over my shoulder.

NEWYORKER: Fjord of Killary

Mr Lukashenka's propaganda ensures that he is popular with many Belarusians.

ECONOMIST: Another meaningless victory for the president of Belarus

The Belarusians carted boxloads of old curtains down from the attic to use as sops against the doorways, but the moment the last boxload reached the bottom of the stairs the doors popped and the waters entered.

NEWYORKER: Fjord of Killary