All World
- Egypt 'necrophilia law'? Hooey, utter hooey.
'Necrophilia law'? Don't believe everything you read on the Internet, kids. At least until there's like, you know, some proof.
Israel legalizes three more West Bank settlement outpostsThe decision, which is part of a broader settlement expansion, could pave the way for similar legalizations. Prospects for meaningful peace talks just grew dimmer.
Good Reads: On America's limits, Middle Eastern feminism, Indian authorsSome of the best long-form journalism this week deals with America's foreign policy limitations, sexual politics in the Middle East, African stereotypes, and an Indian publishing boom.
Pakistan's top court convicts prime ministerPakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's conviction is triggering turmoil in a government already struggling with major economic and security challenges amid tense US relations.
Adel Imam, Egypt's favorite funnyman, dodges a bulletAdel Imam, arguably Egypt and the Arab world's most famous comedic actor, had his conviction for 'insulting Islam' overturned today. But another was upheld earlier this week.
The hawkish bits of VP hopeful Marco Rubio's foreign policy speechSenator Marco Rubio's foreign policy speech yesterday, taken by many as part of a campaign to be Mitt Romney's running mate, points to a politician who favors foreign interventions.
Medvedev's legacy in Russia: small victories in Putin's shadowsDespite making little headway on corruption or human rights, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev did change Russia. 'The ice began to melt and Putin won't be able to refreeze it,' said one expert.
- Latin American indigenous groups fight technology with technology
Skype and social media are becoming key tools for indigenous groups in their fights against mining, dams, and other unwanted development, says a guest blogger.
With US money, El Salvador to begin wiretapping to stop organized crimeThe US has given a $5 million grant to make the wiretapping possible, writes a guest blogger.
Leaning on US, Philippines boldly pushes back on China in sea disputeThe Philippines, a normally quiet claimant in South China Sea disputes, is mounting unusually bold resistance against China as it edges in on Manila’s maritime interests.
Looking for a few good boomers to help othersRetiring baby boomers are proving to be valuable volunteers. 'A part of paying for our spot on earth is to help those who need help,' says one.
Why new North Korea missiles are fakesThe new North Korea missiles - carried on the biggest mobile launchers ever seen - are fakes, say arms control experts. The KN-08 missiles, displayed during a parade, raised false concerns that North Korea may be getting closer to building intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Charles Taylor, former Liberian president, found guilty of war crimesCharles Taylor: A guilty verdict against the former Liberian president – including charges of murder, rape, use of child soldiers – sets precedent for holding sitting heads of state to account.
Taiwan set for Chinese invasion - of investorsTaiwan's economy is poised grow significantly this year as the island relaxes barriers to investment from its old rival, mainland China.
Breivik slam on 'Rainbow' song an insult too far for NorwegiansAnders Behring Breivik said in testimony last week that a popular Norwegian song promoting tolerance is a Marxist brainwashing tool, but 40,000 Norwegians turned out today to reject that.
Rare success story for Egypt's revolution: ending military trialsAfter the revolution, some 12,000 Egyptians faced military trials, which were as short as five minutes and denied them basic rights. But a grass-roots group intervened, with surprising success.
Syrian regime fights on, but is running out of moneyThe Arab League called an emergency meeting today to debate next steps, amid reports that Syria is violating a UN cease-fire. Some advocate staying the course, as sanctions start to pinch.
- What's the Israel-Azerbaijan connection?
Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman's visit to Azerbaijan underscores growing ties, including a $1.6 billion Israeli deal to supply Iran's neighbor with a wide range of military equipment.
Syria: Why only 15 UN observers on the ground so far?The UN says it will take a month to get the full 300-member observer mission on the ground, due to logistical difficulties. The delay could scuttle UN envoy Kofi Annan's peace plan.
Progress WatchUS air pollution hits 10-year low, report findsA report by the American Lung Association finds that air pollution has fallen to its lowest levels since the group began collecting data in 2000. The ALA credits the Clean Air Act.
