Topic: Annual Reports

Restart of talks uncertain as Palestinian prime minister skips Israeli meeting

Salam Fayyad did not attend a scheduled meeting Tuesday with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Other senior Palestinian officials delivered a letter to Netanyahu with a list of demands before talks can resume.

South Korea opens door to talks with North Korea

South Korean Foreign Minister Kim Sung-Hwan said, the South was 'open to dialogue with North Korea.'

European Union: Kosovo stands between Serbia and EU membership

In its annual report, the European Commission recommended that Serbia become a formal candidate for EU accession. But a diplomatic deadlock over Kosovo's sovereignty is a major impediment to moving forward.

Airline stocks fall after volcano; Ryanair, after cuts

Airline stocks in Europe: Budget carrier Ryanair initiates first cutbacks ever, saying it's cheaper to ground 80 planes than fly them. Other airline stocks fell because Iceland's volcanic eruption could disrupt traffic.

Mexican press tagged 'not free' amid drug war violence, self-censorship

Freedom House, in its annual report released today, says that Mexico is facing one of the world’s most radical declines in press freedom. A media pact to not publish grisly photos complicates the situation.

How Colombia's President Santos made peace with the judiciary

Colombia's legal reforms are key for securing passage of a new US-Colombia free trade agreement. President Juan Manuel Santos is meeting today with President Obama to discuss the issue.

Taiwan press freedoms are eroding, critics say

For the past two years, Freedom House has downgraded Taiwan’s rating in its annual report on global press freedom. Critics say it's common for government propaganda to masquerade as 'news.'

Poverty rate climbs to 14.3 percent, 15-year high

Poverty rate: The ranks of the working-age poor climbed to the highest level since the 1960s as the recession threw millions of people out of work last year.

Iraqi schools, once renowned, still reeling from war

The US has rebuilt and resupplied Iraqi schools. But amid continued sectarian violence and attacks on educational institutions and teachers, the system still needs security and hope.

Plunging Dow, consumer confidence: signs of 'double dip' recession?

Investors worldwide have grown more cautious about the outlook for the economy and corporate profits.

Top 10 military spending nations; oil countries post biggest jumps this decade

Despite a global recession, worldwide military spending increased in 2009 by its fastest pace since 2003, according to a new report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Chad boosted spending by 663 percent. The US still has the biggest defense budget.

UN: Latin America undermining drug war by decriminalizing drugs

The UN, in its annual report released today, said Latin America is undermining the drug war by decriminalizing small amounts of drugs.

Italian court sentences 23 CIA agents in attack on rendition

An Italian court sentenced 23 US CIA agents in absentia to prison for the abduction and 'extraordinary rendition' of Muslim cleric from Milan in 2003.

Obama: 'Buy American' hasn't hurt trade

Geithner to G-20: Stay the course

'Substantial' fiscal and monetary moves across the globe will get traction, US Treasury secretary says.

North Korea warns of war over 'satellite test' interference

The move comes as South Korea and the US begin a large-scale joint military exercise.

Drug violence in Mexico presents threat at US backdoor

At least 35 people were killed in 24 hours in the worst spate of bloodshed yet this year.

African countries improve their governance, study shows

The Mo Ibrahim Index announced this week that 31 of 48 countries are run better.

Bombing suggests Al Qaeda remains a threat in Algeria

Counterterrorism efforts by the Algerian government and the US are failing to stem terrorism in the region.

A global war on inflation

Many nations have begun to tighten their credit reins in an effort to curb rising prices.

Pentagon report eyes China's cyberwarfare, antisatellite programs

Chinese authorities say assessment of Chinese military distorted facts.

How 'green' are the world's banks?

The top-ranked bank was HSBC. Citigroup and Bank of America rated highest among US institutions.