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
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.
19 January 2013
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.
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.
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.