US shooting revives debate over mental health care
The deadly US shooting rampage last week has revived debate about access to mental health care -- a tough issue as state funds dry up and laws make it difficult to treat people against their will.
Obama wants concrete gun proposals within a month
President Barack Obama put ending an "epidemic" of gun violence at the top of his second term agenda Wednesday, denying he was "on vacation" on the issue before last week's school massacre.
Russia negotiates union with ex-Soviet states
Russia sought Wednesday to expand its influence over former territories during integration talks that Washington has cast as a bid to "re-Sovietise" the region.
20 December 2012
US inquiry slams 'grossly inadequate' Benghazi security
A long-awaited inquiry into a deadly militant attack on the US mission in the Libyan city of Benghazi late Tuesday slammed State Department security arrangements there as "grossly inadequate."
Hopes for stronger ties as Hollande visits Algeria
President Francois Hollande arrives in Algeria on Wednesday seeking to end simmering resentment over French colonial rule and bolster ties with the OPEC country.
19 December 2012
South Koreans vote in presidential election
South Koreans cast their votes Wednesday in a tight and potentially historic presidential election that could result in Asia's fourth-largest economy selecting its first female leader.
'You need me': Berlusconi on new election run
Italy's indefatigable former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi appeared on television Tuesday for the third time in as many days to vow a return to political life.