China Japan territorial spat over a fishing boat flares

Even though China is Japan's largest trading partner, a fishing boat row between China and Japan this week highlights tender relations when it comes to disputed territory.

Marines recapture ship held by Somali pirates

U.S. Marines from the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit's Maritime Raid Force recaptured the Magellan Star from Somali pirates who had seized the cargo ship on Wednesday.

Australia's Julia Gillard forms new government on shaky ground

Australia's Julia Gillard barely squeaked into power. But her slim majority means that passing any legislation will be tricky.

Petraeus: Dove World Outreach Center's 'Burn a Koran Day' endangers troops

The Dove World Outreach Center's plans to burn Korans has prompted protests in Kabul and elsewhere around the globe.

Fast food takes off in China

The popularity of US fast food chains in China has prompted the Chinese to launch some of their own chains, serving everything from dumplings to American burgers.

As Iraq combat operations end, US forces try to cement gains

While Iraq combat operations are over, the 50,000 remaining US soldiers in Iraq are looking to cement their achievements by sending out small groups of advisers to help improve Iraqi Army performance.

Top issue in Israeli-Palestinian talks: When will real negotiations begin?

Before Mideast peace talks Thursday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton warned the two sides in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that they have nothing to gain by waiting to tackle thorny issues.

Strikes in South Africa could have long-term economic consequences

In South Africa, 1.3 million striking public service workers refuse government offers, further disrupting schools and hospitals and posing long term economic problems.

Why most Palestinians don't support Israeli-Palestinian talks - or another intifada

Only 1 in 3 Palestinians are in favor of the Israeli-Palestinian talks that open today in Washington, but hardly anyone showed up to a Ramallah protest - signaling apathy.

Russian protesters defy Putin warning - and meet tough response

Hundreds of young Russians protested Tuesday in support of their constitutional right of free assembly, despite Prime Minister Putin's warning against unsanctioned political rallies.

In Egypt, more people call for civil instead of religious marriage

Controversial cases in Egypt have spotlighted a legal system that leaves regulation of marriage and divorce to religious institutions, limiting individuals’ freedom to make personal decisions.

German banker comments raise concerns about new 'intellectual racism'

German banker and Bundesbank member Thilo Sarrazin caused a stir yesterday with remarks widely perceived as anti-Semitic. This comes on the heels of his disparaging comments about Muslim immigrants.

Energy and security issues in the Red Sea transforming as the "Age of Gas" begins in earnest

Major new energy issues are about to transform still further the strategic balance of the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea, with foreseeable consequences for the global energy market over the coming decade.

International Sanctions Inflicting Pain At Gas Pump, Stalling Energy Projects

Although the Iranian government insists that countries like China and Russia can make up lost Western investment in the petroleum sector, rising gas prices and stalled energy projects are signs that the regime is beginning to buckle under international sanctions.

Chile miners have country rallying around hope of rescue

Up and down the capital of Santiago, drivers honked their horns as news emerged that the 33 trapped Chile miners remain alive. Helping the miners persevere mentally may now be the greatest task, as rescue efforts could stretch to Christmas.

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