When Dennis Rodman landed in Pyongyang, the isolated capital of the world’s most isolated country, he announced his arrival …
Troubles in the West Bank: Is There a Threat of a Third Intifadeh?
The alarms rang out lout over the weekend but the third intifadeh isn’t happening–yet.
Pope Benedict XVI’s Legacy: Most Europeans Say He Was ‘Not Influential’ in New Poll
As Pope Benedict XVI steps down today as head of the Roman Catholic Church, a new survey shows that most people across Europe feel that the outgoing pontiff has made little difference to their lives.
Venezuela’s Future: Whose Health Is Worse—Hugo Chávez’s or the Opposition’s?
President Hugo Chávez is reportedly holed up on the ninth floor of Caracas’ Dr Carlos Arvelo military hospital, where a giant poster of his face beams down from its manila-colored walls. But the portrait belies the deep …
Must-Reads from Around the World
Syria’s refugee crisis worsens, the Thai government agrees to hold peace talks with southern Muslim rebels and Shell Oil pauses drilling in Arctic seas
Did U.S. Special Forces Commit Atrocities in a Key Afghan Province?
The Karzai government has decreed that the American commandos cease operations in Wardak. But it isn’t quite clear what exactly happened there—and who is being accused.
Spring Sandstorms Add to China’s Bad Air Misery
This week the Chinese capital has been hit with an air quality disaster of a more ancient vintage: a sandstorm blowing out of the north.
Portuguese Prime Minister’s Personal Tax Number Leaked by Anti-Austerity Group
Thousands of fake bills bearing Pedro Passos Coelho’s personal tax number are pouring into revenue offices — and could prompt an investigation of the Prime Minister’s finances.
Stop the Presses: (Another) Strauss-Kahn Sex Book Challenged in Court
Ex-IMF chief and former French Presidential hopeful Dominique Strauss-Kahn has won court concessions against a kiss-and-tell book by a former mistress, but the lurid account appears destined for the best-seller list
Putin’s Ph.D.: Can a Plagiarism Probe Upend Russian Politics?
It’s an open secret in Russia today that many politicians and businessmen pad their resumes with fake diplomas, either plagiarizing their dissertations or paying someone to do it for roughly the cost of a midsize sedan. Since …
Bahrain Bans ‘V for Vendetta’ Masks
The Bahraini government has announed a ban on V for Vendetta or Guy Fawkes masks across the country
Missed Opportunity in Afghanistan: We Forgot to Pay the Preachers
Muslim preachers are a fount of influence in Afghanistan. Has the chance been lost to make them champions of moderation?
Must-Reads from Around the World
The Mexican government targets the powerful teachers’ union for education reform, Japan has a serious shortage of day care centers and Egypt has grounded all hot air balloon flights in the wake of Tuesday’s deadly crash