US Aims To Warm Ties With Cuba Before Seeking Imprisoned American's Release
While American citizen Alan Gross spends his third year in Cuban custody, a delegation of U.S. lawmakers is in Cuba aiming to thaw relations with Havana in an effort to eventually secure his release.
Havana's Smear Campaign Against Cuban Blogger Yoani Sanchez Follows Her To Brazil
Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez has been met with protest in Brazil by supporters of the Cuban government, which she believes is coordinating an international smear campaign against her as she embarks on a world tour.
Ecuador's President Rafael Correa Given Mandate With Sweeping Re-Election
Correa handily won re-election, with wide public support for his government’s social welfare programs and leftist economic policies.
Aliens, Death Rays And Sci-Fi Missile Shields Litter Russian Meteor Conspiracy Theories
Conspiracy theories have sprouted since a meteor exploded over Russia, including claims that aliens or the U.S. military were behind it.
Chavez Quietly Returns To Venezuela Amid Health Uncertainty
Hugo Chavez returned from Cuba 10 weeks after undergoing a fourth operation related to his undisclosed form of cancer.
Climate Change Threatens US Agriculture: USDA Report
American farmers and ranchers will face increasing challenges due to climate change, a government report warns.
2013 World Press Photo Awards: First-Prize Winners
See the first-prize winners of the 2013 World Press Photo awards.
Russia's Other 'Meteor Crash': The Mysterious 1908 Tunguska Event
The mid-air explosion of a meteor over Russia echoes another extraterrestrial encounter that occurred more than a century ago known as the Tunguska Event.
Myanmar Police Used White Phosphorus Against Protesters, Human Rights Lawyers Say
Police in Myanmar used white phosphorous grenades to disperse civilians protesting outside a controversial copper mine in November, a group of U.S. and Burmese lawyers claim in a new report.
Indian Businessman Secures Release of 17 Countrymen On Death Row In UAE
Seventeen Indian men on death row in the UAE for the murder of a Pakistani man returned home this week after an Indian businessman paid $1 million to secure their release.
Roof Collapse At Chernobyl Nuclear Plant Sparks Fear Of Radiation Leaks
Part of the roof has collapsed at Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear plant, where an explosion and reactor meltdown occurred in 1986.
OK, You Were Here First: Australia Moves To Recognize Aboriginals As 'First Inhabitants'
The Australian government is moving forward with legislation to formally recognize the indigenous Aboriginal people as the country’s first inhabitants.
Russia Sending Arms To Conflict-Ridden Syria And Mali
Though supplying weapons may exacerbate the armed conflicts in both countries, Russia confirmed its arms shipments.
Women Account For Bulk of Human Trafficking Cases: UN Report
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has released its 2012 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, examining the crime of human trafficking around the world.
Kuwait's Stateless Bidun People Beaten And Ignored By Government: Human Rights Watch
The stateless Bidun people in Kuwait are facing increasing marginalization and discrimination as a result of political dysfunction and the state security forces’ violent suppression of public protest.
Attacks On Female Activists In Egypt Go Unpunished
A culture of impunity surrounding sexual violence in Egypt is leading to an escalation of such crimes, according to Amnesty International.
Children With Guns: Stronger UN Arms Trade Treaty Needed To Stop Use Of Child Soldiers, Amnesty Says
A stricter arms trade treaty among U.N. members must be adopted, human rights group Amnesty International said Monday.
The First Black Pope: Will Pope Benedict XVI's Successor Come From Africa?
The Catholic Church's future growth has become increasingly dependent on the developing world, including Africa.
US Holds Off On Keystone XL Decision Pending Review
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry discussed the controversial Keystone XL pipeline with his Canadian counterpart on Friday.
Zimbabwe's New Hangman Sparks Criticism Of Death Penalty
The appointment of Zimbabwe’s new hangman after a seven-year vacancy has raised concerns among human rights advocates that executions will resume inside the country.
Cocaine Blues: Colombia's Farc Rebels Want Some Drug Crops Legalized
The Farc rebels in Colombia called for the legalization of some narcotic plant crops during peace negotiations with the Colombian government in Cuba.
How Brazil Turned Ethanol Into A Unique Success
Brazil's ethanol industry has been a unique success, helping it achieve energy independence, but its sustainability remains a question.
Haitian Court To Decide On Trying Ex-Dictator Duvalier For Crimes Against Humanity
A Haitian court began legal proceedings Thursday to decide whether former dictator Jean-Claude “Baby Doc” Duvalier should be tried for alleged human rights violations and embezzlement during his rule from 1971 to 1986.
It's Not Only China: Russian Jets Heighten Tensions Over Territorial Dispute With Japan
Japan’s government said two Russian fighter jets entered the country’s airspace Thursday, to which it responded by scrambling its own aircraft.
Last Call: Russia Aims To Sober Up With Proposal To Raise Drinking Age
The Russian parliament is considering a new bill that would raise the drinking age from 18 to 21 amid a nationwide campaign to cut down on alcohol consumption.
Russia's Olympic Venues Built By Exploited Migrant Workers: Human Rights Watch
Russia, the 2014 Winter Olympics host, is under fire for widespread exploitation of migrant workers, raising concern about human rights abuses.
German Cities Say Unskilled Immigrants Threaten Social Stability As Country Faces Labor Shortage
German cities have expressed concern over increasing immigration from Romania and Bulgaria and their ability to handle the influx of low-skilled workers.
Brazil Developing Unmanned Aircraft With Israeli Defense Firm
Brazilian and Israeli defense contractors are collaborating to develop an unmanned aircraft program for Brazil’s military.
Nyet! Russia May Ban Adoption For Gay Couples In Britain, France
Russian said that moves by the UK and France to approve same-sex marriage will preclude couples of such unions from adopting Russian orphans.
Fidel Castro Emerges To Vote In Cuba's One-Party Elections
Cuba’s aging Communist patriarch Fidel Castro appeared in public for the first time in several years to vote in the parliamentary elections.