How the Israeli Prime Minister’s bid for early elections could backfire
China Celebrates Author Mo Yan’s Nobel
The writer is not the first Chinese person to win a Nobel — think dissident Liu Xiaobo and the Peace Prize — but, with their sleight of hand, elated Beijing authorities are celebrating him as the first Chinese citizen to win …
Must-Reads from Around the World
On deck for Thursday: The world’s biggest money manager says the Chinese economy will improve after the leadership transition, Burma turns to Japan for investments, and Lance Armstrong’s problems go from bad to worse.
Is the Glass Half Full for Syria’s Assad?
He may no longer control huge swathes of Syrian territory, but his forces appear nowhere near collapse. Over the past 18 months, at least, the dictator has beaten the odds
Bringing Down ‘Watch Brother’: China’s Online Corruption-Busters Tread a Fine Line
For a government that prizes stability, using online fervor to bring down corrupt individuals can be a dangerous exercise.
Brazil’s Largest Corruption Trial Yields Its Most Important Guilty Verdict
José Dirceu, one of Brazil’s most powerful political figures, has been convicted in the wide-ranging mensalão scandal trial, which is considered a key test of the nation’s modernization
Why Libya—and Not The Hague—Will Try Gaddafi’s Son
A hearing at the international court appears to indicate that the ICC and the Libyan government see eye-to-eye on the prosecution. But Saif’s defense cries foul
British Conservatives: Not Very Conservative By U.S. Standards
After the Conservative party conference, a reminder how different Britain’s Tories are from their right-wing American counterparts
Obama’s Iran Policy: Why Diplomacy Remains the Likely Course
The Israelis may be trying to make military action seem more palatable to the Administration, but diplomacy and sanctions will likely remain Washington’s focus well into next year
Syria’s Tribes Will Rise Again: An Exiled Chief Remains Unbowed
The leader of the 1.2 million strong Baggara believes in an eventual resurgence despite the Assad regime’s systematic destruction of the underpinnings of tribal society
Must-Reads from Around the World
On deck for Wednesday: The Italian government fires an entire city council for suspected ties with the mafia, the IMF lowers its global growth forecast, and the U.S. military reportedly gets more involved in the Syria crisis.
Who Will the Tribes Back in Syria’s Civil War?
Tribes dominate the rich agricultural belt that is now a huge prize in the battle for Syria. Can they affect the tide of battle?
A Kinder, Gentler Merkel Comes Calling in Athens
The German Chancellor hasn’t given up on her austerity push, but she isn’t about to show Greece the E.U. door