Chinese Dissident Gets 11-Year Prison Term

The punishment of Liu Xiaobo, for subversion, sent a message to others who might agitate for political reform.

Hard-Line Rise in Iran Alters View in West

Political turmoil has made it nearly impossible for anyone in Iran to support nuclear cooperation without being accused of capitulating to the West.

Woman Topples Pope at Mass, but He Isn?t Hurt

An ?unbalanced woman? jumped the barriers in St. Peter?s Basilica and knocked down Pope Benedict XVI as he walked down the aisle to begin Christmas Eve Mass.

Ex-Aides? Scandal Nags Japan?s Leader

Two former aides were indicted on charges of falsely reporting campaign donations, forcing Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama to make a televised apology.

Netanyahu Asks Rival to Join Government

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked Tzipi Livni to join his government, saying Israel faced existential choices that need a broad coalition.

Vietnam Is Refining Its Role on the Global Stage

Creating quality products like handicrafts or specialized clothing has not freed Vietnam from its dependence on the United States market.