The US is no longer the biggest greenhouse gas producer in the world. And Obama's aggressive new plan would only reduce global carbon levels by around one percent. So why is it being hailed? Because it could spur the rest of the world into action.
Turkey's government has been rocked by a corruption scandal this week, and protesters are calling for the prime minister's resignation. While the details remain murky, a former US Treasury Department analyst says the problems are tied to Turkey's involvement with Iran in a sanctions-busting scheme uncovered last year.
President Vladimir Putin is in a gracious mood this holiday season. And why not? He snubbed the US by taking in Edward Snowden, he kept the US and its allies out of Syria, and prevented Ukraine from drifting westward. Maybe that's why he's pardoning so many high-profile opponents.
As world leaders gathered to remember Nelson Mandela, many would like to forget their countries' history of supporting apartheid.
It's often the small signals that matter in diplomacy. And today had a doozy. President Obama greeted Cuba's President Raul Castro, as Obama was making his way to the podium to speak at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela. Did it mean something?
The Pentagon moved quickly to challenge a newly-declared Chinese security zone in the East China Sea. On Tuesday, two US B-52 bombers flew near a chain of Pacific islands claimed by both China and Japan.
Gay rights may seem to be primarily an issue touching on culture and justice. But in eastern Europe, laws banning gay activities are part of the political tug-of-war between the EU and Russia.