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The 5 most educated countries in the world

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development recently released its Education at a Glance 2012 report. Here are the five most educated countries in the world.

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Land of KGB shrugs over US-British G-20 spying claims

Russians say few surprises in Guardian revelations; that tapping was aimed at Dmitri Medvedev not Vladimir Putin lessens impact in Moscow.
Terrorism & Security As G8 kicks off, Snowden documents reveal snooping at past summit

The latest documents released by former NSA employee Edward Snowden reveal a broad range of surveillance rolled out during the 2009 G20 summit in London, targeting both allies and opponents.
In visit with Pope, Angela Merkel urges strong financial regulation

Two days after Pope Francis called for world finance reform, German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with him to discuss financial crises worldwide. She emphasized the need for tightening financial regulation.
At Kerry-Putin meeting, US-Russia relations thaw – a little

Secretary of State John Kerry sought to ease diplomatic tensions with Russia in preparation for meetings between Putin and Obama later this year. But Syria remains a major sticking point.
Southern Europe digs in against further austerity, as IMF calls for relief

But the EU has little room to give, as Europe waits for signals from September elections in Germany – the ultimate decider of Europe's economic direction.
Asian shares dip amidst slowing economic recovery

Worries about trends in global growth, drove down U.S. and European equities, commodities and Asian markets on Wednesday. Earnings forecasts continue to be revised downward, say analysts.
Global Viewpoint Why the US will fare better than Europe in economic recovery

In an interview, the former president of Chile, Ricardo Lagos, says that today’s global financial crisis is mainly a political failure rather than an economic one. The US will probably do much better in its financial recovery because its central bank, unlike Europe’s, has the powers it needs.
Falklands residents expected to give resounding 'yes' to staying British

Residents of the British-controlled Falkland Islands will vote in a referendum Sunday on whether to remain a British territory. Britain hopes the vote will end a diplomatic dispute with Argentina.
As euro strengthens, debate grows about setting a 'target' value

France has floated more intervention, which Germany rejects. The debate is framed by rising concerns over a 'currency war' if countries try to spur economic growth by devaluing their currencies.
The Monitor's View Making the world flat-out against corruption

The latest ranking of perceived corruption among nations doesn't show much change. But other evidence points to a grassroots rebellion against graft in hopes of a culture of honesty.
Fuel subsidies get scrutiny at Doha talks

Nations spend more than $500 billion to keep fossil fuel prices low, which is popular with voters but harms the climate. Removing fossil-fuel subsidies would lower carbon emissions by more than 10 percent by 2050, the OECD calculates.
Opinion How to give cooperative businesses more clout in the world economy

Against a backdrop of sluggish economic growth, rising wealth inequality, and high unemployment, cooperative businesses are telling an unexpected story of stability, growth, and value. They could do even more good if they received greater political and public support.
Energy Voices Biofuels and food shortage: Are government mandates making it worse?

The diversion of grains into fuel has exacerbated the food shortages caused by extreme weather, Finley writes. Now some countries are taking action.
Opinion Japan, China, South Korea island disputes threaten global economy (+ video)

Island disputes between Japan, China, and South Korea are threatening financial stability in East Asia, and with it, the global economy. The next US administration should push publicly and persistently for a solution.
Global News Blog How higher education may be easing the global recession

A new OECD report on education in the world's top economies highlights the importance of higher education, which includes vocational schooling, during an economic downturn.
The 5 most educated countries in the world

The Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development recently released its Education at a Glance 2012 report. Here are the five most educated countries in the world.
As grain prices rise, so does Germany's debate over biofuel

Two German cabinet members have squared off on whether biofuel production is contributing to higher food prices. Biodiesel and bioethanol provide about 6 percent of the overall fuel supply.
The Socialist, the Tory, and the queen: Hollande visits UK

France's President Hollande is on his first state visit to Britain, where he is talking eurozone strategy with the prime minister and chatting – en français – with the queen.
South Korea: If Japan can hunt whales, so can we

South Korea's bid to resume whaling may be designed more to attract a key voting bloc during an election year than to benefit science. It has been largely condemned by the international community.
Diplomacy or military intervention in Syria? 7 opinions from around the globe.

After 15 months of violence in Syria, President Bashar al-Assad announced yesterday that the country was facing a full-on civil war, a conflict he would do everything in his power to win.This adds increased pressure to the ongoing international question du jour: Is the answer to Syria’s conflict diplomacy or military intervention? Or something else entirely? From Thailand to Jordan, here are some opinions around the globe.
Germany vs. Italy: At eurozone meeting, the battle is over urgent action

As Europe's leaders meet in Brussels today, Germany is pushing hard for long-term reform. But Italy PM Monti says Europe faces disaster if high borrowing costs aren't addressed quickly.
Putin to Israel: Beware 'not that smart' wars, like ones in Iraq, Afghanistan

'To do something without knowing the final consequence isn't that smart,' Russian President Vladimir Putin said this week, citing US-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. He was in Israel, warning leaders there of risks of a military strike against Iran.
Syria's downing of Turkish jet unlikely to pull NATO into Syrian conflict (+video)

Military action is unlikely to get the support of either the UN Security Council or the Arab League, and outside intervention without the blessing of both of those bodies is all but unthinkable. And there is little appetite among the 28 NATO countries for another war in the Middle East.
Rio+20: 5 key takeaways

Here are some of the promising developments and bigger disappointments of the Rio+20 global sustainability conference, which ends today.
Russia warns that Iran nuclear talks too slow to forestall conflict

Russian is uniquely placed to mediate between Iran and world powers, but analysts say Moscow's role is limited in part by a lack of compromise from Washington and Tehran.