Australia's 'macho' PM points finger at sexismAustralia's Prime Minister Tony Abbott, who was famously accused of misogyny by former leader Julia Gillard suggested sexism was behind criticism of his female chief-of-staff.
The year Putin tore up the rule bookPutin upended the global rules with considerable chutzpah, sowing just enough uncertainty to keep the world unsure of his intentions or his next move .
Key quotes from CIA chief on torture reportCIA chief John Brennan acknowledged some of the US intelligence agency's interrogators went too far in their treatment of detaineesю
Japan's Abe set to win powerful majority: pollJapan's ruling coalition headed by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to sweep elections this weekend, retaining its unassailable two-thirds majority.
11 December 2014
Hong Kong police haul away protesters from rally siteHong Kong police began dismantling the city's main pro-democracy site and hauling off a hard core of protesters who nevertheless vow that their struggle lives on.
Russia charms Uzbekistan with massive debt writeoffRussia's President agreed to write off most of the debt owed by Uzbekistan in an apparent bid to steer the Central Asian country towards joining the Eurasian Economic Union.
11 December 2014
Afghanistan's Ghani condemns CIA's 'inhumane actions'Afghanistan's new President condemned CIA torture detailed in a US Senate report, saying the United States' actions violated "all accepted norms of human rights".
Mexico leader opens summit amid security crisisFacing a security crisis shaking his administration, Mexico's embattled President Enrique Pena Nieto turned to diplomacy as he hosted a summit of Latin America.
09 December 2014
Raul Castro blasts 'unfair' globalized worldCuban President urged a Caribbean summit to embrace deeper economic and political integration, and pressed for action against an "unfair" globalized world.