End to China media row dims reform hopes
Action by China's leaders to contain a row that saw rare protests against censorship shows there is no consensus for immediate change, analysts say, despite rising calls for press freedom and other reforms.
12 January 2013
Gun lobby takes aim at Biden's guns task force
The top US firearms lobby emerged from talks with Vice President Joe Biden on curbing violence Thursday saying he cared more about stamping out gun rights than protecting school kids.
Passions rise in France ahead of anti gay marriage protest
Passions and tensions are rising in France ahead of an expected giant weekend rally against the government's plan to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption that has angered influential Catholic and Muslim groups.
Kazakhstan zeros mobile phone import duties
The duties will remain unchanged for equipment and electronic devices, however, they will gradually go down for some goods starting from 2013: expert.
Turkey is yet to decide on use of land lots in Almaty and Aktau
Kazakhstan Parliament has approved the draft law On ratification of the protocol between the governments of Kazakhstan and Turkey on transfer of property in Kemer district of Antalya province, Turkey, into Kazakhstan ownership.
Obama signs law against Iran's influence in Latin America
President Barack Obama enacted a law Friday to counter Iran's alleged influence in Latin America, through a new diplomatic and political strategy to be designed by the State Department.
31 December 2012
Senate renews warrantless surveillance act
The Senate approved a five-year extension Friday of a George W. Bush-era surveillance law that allows US spy agencies to conduct wiretapping on foreign citizens without a warrant.
31 December 2012
Obama 'modestly optimistic' for fiscal deal
President Barack Obama said Friday he was "modestly optimistic" a last-minute deal was possible with Republicans to avert a "fiscal cliff" crisis that could spark a recession and rock global markets.
30 December 2012
Philippines seeks unity after birth control law signed
President Benigno Aquino's government called for reconciliation on Saturday after a "divisive" birth control act was signed into law despite bitter opposition from the influential Catholic church.
Russia set to advance ban on US adoptions
Russia's upper house of parliament was due Wednesday to vote for a bill barring Americans from adopting the country's children, in retaliation for a new piece of human rights legislation in the US.