Obama takes oath of office to begin second term
US President Barack Obama took the oath of office Sunday to begin his second term at a simple ceremony stripped of the hope and historic promise that greeted his inauguration four years ago.
21 January 2013
New Iraq parliament up in air amid political row
For weeks, Iraqi MPs have been locked in a political crisis that has stalled progress on key decisions including one affecting their own offices in a future parliament complex.
21 January 2013
Clinton stands by Japan on China island row
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton issued a veiled warning Friday to China not to challenge Japan's control of disputed islands as Tokyo's new government vowed not to aggravate tensions.
20 January 2013
Japan says will sign child abduction treaty
Japan's foreign minister said Friday his country's new government would sign a treaty on child abductions, addressing one of the few rifts in relations with its main ally the United States.
20 January 2013
Confusion over fate of foreigners held in Algeria
An American hostage was confirmed dead Friday amid uncertainty over the fate of other foreigners held at an Algerian gas plant, with their captors demanding a prisoner swap and an end to French military action in Mali.
20 January 2013
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China ships in waters around disputed islands: Japan
Three Chinese government ships Saturday entered Japanese territorial waters around disputed islands, Japan's coastguard said, hours after a veiled US warning to Beijing not to challenge Tokyo's control.
20 January 2013
Palestinians brace for new rightwing Israeli govt
The Palestinians are bracing for a new right-wing government that Israel's election is expected to produce, hoping that international and domestic moves will strengthen their position.
African diva aims for 'Marilyn moment' at Obama inauguration
South Africa's Lira will be one among many performers at Barack Obama's inaugural celebrations Monday, but she is determined to be remembered for a performance to rival Marilyn Monroe's wooing of John F. Kennedy.
19 January 2013
Obama unveils sweeping gun control measures
President Barack Obama Wednesday demanded an assault weapons ban and universal background checks for gun buyers as part of sweeping gun control measures in response to the Newtown school massacre.
Israel's voting system breeds pluralism but instability
Israel's voting system reflects the many different political currents in society, but it has also been behind the repeated failure of governments to form stable coalitions.