German poll kicks off do-or-die year for Merkel alliance
German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces her first test at the polls in a general election year Sunday with a state vote that could prove even more decisive for her flailing coalition partners.
IAEA experts back in Iran for fresh nuclear talks
Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived in Tehran early Wednesday to try resolve long-running differences with Iran over its controversial nuclear programme.
17 January 2013
British PM gambles with risky Europe speech
British Prime Minister David Cameron gives a long-awaited speech in the Netherlands on Friday that could push his country towards the European exit door and put his own position at risk.
17 January 2013
US official warns N. Korea against nuclear test
The top US diplomat for East Asian affairs warned North Korea on Wednesday against any "provocative" act, as concerns grow that Pyongyang might be preparing a nuclear test.