Brainwashing, surveillance, fear: daily fare in N.Korea
Brainwashed from birth, under constant surveillance, cowed by the all-embracing state and facing the spectre of disappearing forever in its vast network of camps if they step out of line.
18 February 2014
Philippine Supreme Court says law on online libel constitutional
The Philippine Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a controversial cybercrime law penalising online libel is constitutional, amid claims it is intended to curb Internet freedom in one of Asia's most freewheeling democracies.
18 February 2014
Iran, world powers seek 'comprehensive' nuclear deal
Nuclear talks between Iran and world powers move to the next level as negotiators begin work on an ambitious lasting accord to silence for good fears about Tehran's atomic ambitions.
18 February 2014
Head of Baikonur resigns
Ms. Irina Zubareva, spokeswoman of the Roskosmos Head, confirmed his resignation. She elaborated the decision “was taken for personal reasons”.
Defiant Thai protesters besiege government headquarters
Thai opposition demonstrators besieged the seat of government Monday in defiance of authorities who have vowed to reclaim the zone this week so Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra can return to work at her headquarters.
17 February 2014
Kerry slams Russia for 'enabling' Assad to stay in power
US Secretary of State John Kerry slammed Russia on Monday for "enabling" Syria's President Bashar al-Assad to stay in power in the war-torn country, after Geneva peace talks broke off without result at the weekend.
17 February 2014
Ukraine protesters granted amnesty in opposition win
Protesters arrested during months of anti-government unrest in Ukraine were granted amnesty on Monday after the opposition agreed to end their occupation of Kiev city hall and other public buildings.
Italian PM Letta to resign, Renzi poised to step in
Italian Prime Minister Enrico Letta will resign on Friday in a lightning political crisis and his 39-year-old leftist challenger Matteo Renzi is poised to win the nomination to replace him.
14 February 2014
'Letter bombs' sent to British military recruiters
The British government held an emergency meeting Thursday after a string of crude but potentially viable explosive devices were mailed to armed forces recruitment offices.
14 February 2014
Belgium gives ill children of any age the right to die
Belgium has become the first country to allow euthanasia for terminally ill children of all ages, after a heated debate in which critics questioned a child's ability to make the decision to die.