All Global News Blog
Beijing and US tense up over fresh South China Sea disputeA new Chinese city and base on a disputed South China Sea island have kicked up tensions, but it will likely end there. The last thing China wants to do is give the US a reason to get involved.
Olympics 2012: Among the top gold winners in London ... Kazakhstan?One of the world's least populated countries at around 15 million, Kazakhstan is No. 8 in gold medals at the London Olympic Games.
- London Olympics: To foreign eyes, NBC is all about U-S-A, U-S-A
I am a German following the London Olympics from Boston. Or trying to, anyway.
- Afghan war: Who's in charge, again?
A check point delay on a reporting trip in Afghanistan raises questions for Monitor reporter Tom Peter as to whether the phrase 'Afghan-led' is more mantra than an actual practice.
Why China is founding a new city on a coral reefThe new city of Sansha lies on tiny coral reefs in the Paracel Islands, one of the many disputed specks of land in the South China Sea.
Why has North Korea kept silent on Kim Jong-un's wife until now?The answer may be as simple as 'it was too risky.'
India's new president: focus is on prosperity, not terrorismPranab Mukherjee's acceptance speech highlights how India sees its sharpest threat as slower-than-expected economic growth, not Pakistan and its Islamic militant proxies.
Beijing floods unleash online criticism of governmentThe heaviest rain in six decades left at least 37 people dead and raised criticism online about Beijing's infrastructure.
On Mandela's 94th birthday, some South Africans express ambivalenceWhile many South Africans spent today celebrating former President Nelson Mandela's 94th birthday and his efforts to maintain political stability, others say he 'sold out' poorer blacks.
Got an appointment with Vladimir Putin? Better bring a book.It doesn't matter if you're a business leader, a prime minister, royalty, or even the pope: Russian President Vladimir Putin keeps everyone waiting, sometimes for hours.
- The tender poetry of... the Taliban?
Since the Soviet occupation, Islamist fighters have used poetry to express their passions, doubts, and determination. 'The Poetry of the Taliban' was released in the US this week.
- Talk on stolen Caravaggio resurfaces
A new book on Palermo's stolen Caravaggio reignites an old debate on art, the Mafia, and the inefficiency of Italian authorities.
Japan's low-profile military steps up during flood rescueJapan's army has taken over flood rescue and cleanup operations, drawing more positive reactions from Japanese formerly wary of praising the military.
Clinton to Myanmar: Keep up the reformsThough media laws have been relaxed in Myanmar, reporting on politics or sensitive subjects like ethnic unrest are still subject to censorship.
- Why is Romania's president facing impeachment vote?
The president faces impeachment for alleged abuse of power in a referendum next week, as Romania's prime minister is accused of undermining the country’s institutions for his own gain.
Why won't China sign the South China Sea code of conduct?China dodged signing a code of conduct this week at the East Asia Summit, a regional security meeting.
US eases sanctions on Myanmar in rare difference with Aung San Suu KyiLast month, Aung San Suu Kyi advised foreign companies not to invest in the state-run Myanma Oil and Gas Enterprise until it became more accountable and open.
- Taliban commander admits war cannot be won. What does that mean?
Taliban commander's comments, in interview with Afghan expert Michael Semple, suggest that Taliban might be ready for negotiation. But are the Taliban unified enough to act as one?
- What? US military pays $610 million in Afghan war 'late fees'
The US rented shipping containers for the Afghan war effort. Simply buying them would have been a lot cheaper.
What the anti-NATO protest signals for PakistanThousands turned out to protest the reopening of NATO supply lines through Pakistan, but most of the protest leaders do not command power at the ballot box.
