Topic: Nauru

Ahead of Russian elections, quashed Ossetia vote embarrasses Moscow

The crushing of an apparently legitimate election victory in South Ossetia, a key client state of Moscow, could bring a fresh wave of unwanted attention to Russia's own problematic democracy.

Russia, Georgia remain in distrustful deadlock on anniversary of 2008 war

The US Senate this week called on Russia to stop its 'occupation' of two breakaway enclaves that were once part of Georgia. But both sides appear to be hardening their positions.

Christmas Island boat tragedy fuels debate over Australian policy on asylum seekers

Australia is struggling to balance humanitarian responsibilities to asylum seekers with national concerns about the economic impact of their migration.

Australia's Julia Gillard struggles to sell asylum center plan to neighbors

Illegal immigration has long been a political hot potato in Australia, which has a lot of foreign-born residents and an economy that is increasingly integrated with Asia. Australia's neighbors aren't biting on Julia Gillard's asylum center plan.

Why Russia's Medvedev is lashing out at Belarus's Lukashenko

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev slammed 'Europe's last dictator,' Belarussian leader Alexander Lukashenko, this past week for his increasingly anti-Russian rhetoric.

Josef Stalin statue dismantled in the middle of the night

Josef Stalin monument, displayed in his hometown of Gori, was dismantled before dawn on Friday.

World No Tobacco Day: Which countries smoke the most?

The percentage of female smokers is increasing, and the number of annual tobacco-related deaths is expected to rise at an alarming rate unless action is taken, the World Health Organization announced on World No Tobacco Day.

Abkhazia insists independence from Georgia assured after disputed election

Pro-Russian incumbent President Sergei Bagapsh won a crushing first-round victory this weekend with 59.4 percent of the vote critics say was fraudulent.

Sri Lanka boat people test Australia

The latest boat people are Sri Lankan refugees caught in Indonesia while fleeing to Australia highlights the tricky waters countries must navigate between offering asylum and stopping human traffickers.

Australia no longer to detain asylum seekers

As immigrants from Iraq and Afghanistan pour into the country, human rights groups praise the new policy. But critics say it will undermine national security.

Nauru scrambles as Australia closes island's detention center

The tiny Pacific island is losing a key source of income.

Reporters on the Job