Ghazi al-Harbi has spent the last seven years locked up as a political prisoner. He is now readjusting to the life he was taken away from
Must-Reads from Around the World
South Korea is dubbed the “Republic of Samsung,” atheists around the world suffer from persecution and Romanian elections stoke a political feud.
Women’s Rights at Odds in Egypt’s Constitution Wars
The political battle raging on Cairo’s streets is focused on President Mohamed Morsi’s autocratic actions in his efforts to rush through his draft constitution, but the anxiety of those on the street are equally based on the …
Ceremony for Returning Troops Closes French Combat Mission in Afghanistan
France took a major step toward winding down its activities in the NATO-led mission in Afghanistan on Dec. 8 with a ceremony for 153 returning combat soldiers — part of President François Hollande’s pledge to bring the …
Morsi Under Siege: Will His Concession Calm Egypt?
In a late night announcement, the Egyptian president modifies the controversial decree that granted him new powers and brought protesters into the streets. But will it satisfy the opposition and the occupiers of Tahrir Square?
If You Thought Benghazi Was Bad, Watch Syria
A New York Times exposé suggests U.S. allies armed Libyan extremists, raising troubling questions over Syria’s rebellion
The Problem of Clichy: After 2005 Riots, France’s Suburbs Are Still Miserable
Seven years after Clichy-sous-Bois errupted in rioting that spread across France, TIME returns to see whether billions in spending, years of policy debate, and national soul-searching has improved life in the blighted banlieues. …
Hamas Leader Speaks on Violence, Negotiations and Peace
Moussa Abu Marzook, the deputy leader of the radical Palestinian movement, in an interview, says that he’s ready to accept a Palestinian state – but still won’t recognize Israel
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The former Thai prime minister faces murder charges for his handling of the 2010 protests, Somali pirate attacks dropped dramatically in 2012 and Hillary Clinton arrives in Belfast, Northern Ireland
Behind the Story: TIME’s Aryn Baker Discusses Imran Khan’s Chances of Becoming Pakistan’s Prime Minister
As Pakistan prepares for a spring election, TIME’s Aryn Baker talks about whether former cricketer Imran Khan has the makings of a leader
Why India’s FDI Fight Is Far from Over
India’s beleaguered coalition government prevailed in two key votes that will allow foreign multibrand retailers like Walmart and Tesco to open shop in the country. But the debate will likely continue
China’s Nobel Laureate Mo Yan Defends Censorship
At a press conference in Stockholm Mo Yan defended the need for censorship and also declined to repeat earlier comments in support of Liu Xiaobo, the imprisoned Chinese Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
The Swiss Afterlife of Yasser Arafat
Why were there traces of toxic polonium in the late Palestinian leader’s effects? A forensic lab hopes to find more clues after gathering samples from an exhumation