Topic: Royal Institute of International Affairs

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Greek parliament sworn in and dissolved as caretakers take over

The parliament couldn't form a government; a 16-member caretaker cabinet will guide the country to new elections next month.
French presidential elections will be referendum on Sarkozy, the man

The first round of French presidential elections are Sunday. Incumbent Nicolas Sarkozy is facing the lowest approval ratings of a modern president, largely due to distaste with his style, not platform.
EU leaders agree on need for more money - just not how much

Some European leaders want to give the permanent bailout fund as much money as possible, but others say that will do nothing to deter a repeat of the current debt crisis.
As Greece awaits bailout, southern Europe seethes

European governments are expected to sign off on a second bailout for Greece today. But conditions set on rescue money have fueled populist unrest in southern Europe.
Iran to Europe: Want oil? Meet these demands.

Iran has threatened to cut off its oil exports to Europe unless European countries agree to a series of economic concessions that would go against recently approved sanctions.
Iran oil embargo: How tough are the EU sanctions?

Europe's Iran oil embargo is unprecedented. But the EU may have left the door open for adjustments that could ease pressure on Tehran.
What's behind Europe's tough stance on Iran?

European powers have agreed in principle to embargo Iranian oil, the lifeblood of Iran's economy, adding to tough sanctions already in place.
Rajoy, Spain's new PM, warns of tough economic road ahead

Spain's new prime minister Mariano Rajoy was sworn in today amid muted optimism that he can make the tough economic reforms that the eurozone wants.
Kenya's Somalia operation hits at humanitarian aid

Kenya's military is having battlefield success against Somali militants Al Shabab, but it is hindering access for humanitarian aid groups in the midst of worst famine in 30 years, aid groups say.
Grenade attack shows risks of Kenya's Somalia war coming home

A grenade attack early Monday on a Nairobi bar injured 14 and underscores the dangers Kenya may face after launching attacks in Somalia in response to kidnappings of foreign tourists in Kenya.
Turkey warns 'other powers' it sees behind deadly PKK attack

Militants loyal to the Kurdish Workers Party (PKK) launched attacks on Turkish soldiers and police Wednesday, killing at least 24. Turkish forces responded by launching raids and airstrikes against the group in northern Iraq.
Second tourist kidnapping raises alarms on Kenya coast (video)

A second tourist kidnapping near Lamu, on the Kenya coast, raises concern that Somali criminal groups, pirates, or Islamists may have found a new soft target. Retired French journalist Marie Dedieu was seized Saturday.
Denmark's election a litmus test for Europe's far-right politics

Denmark's election Thursday is the first national poll in northern Europe to gauge appeal for radical politics since the Norway killings carried out by far-right extremist Anders Behring Breivik.
Could NATO's Libya mission be its last hurrah?

With the austerity gripping Europe and a new generation of leaders not shaped by cold-war politics, NATO's future is increasingly in question.
Somalia famine could cause militant Al Shabab group to splinter

The Somalia famine has exacerbated divisions within the Islamist militant group Al Shabab, whose more pragmatic leaders want to allow Western food aid into the areas they control.
Africa Monitor
West Africa Rising: Visits by Cameron, Merkel speak to Africa's growing economy

British Prime Minister David Cameron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have been touring the region – and oil-rich Nigeria in particular – to boost free trade and energy partnerships.
Wen spreads China's billions in Europe but can't buy goodwill

On tour through Europe, which ended today in Germany, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao inked deals worth billions, but also faced questions on human rights abuses.
Africa Monitor
West Africa Rising: Liberia aims to tap riches, wean itself off aid by 2021

After guiding Liberia to stability after years of civil war, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf hopes to take advantage of the country's natural resources to transform it into a middle-income nation.
UK, France build case for UN resolution against Syria

Europe is again taking the lead for international response in another chapter of the Arab Spring, arguing for a UN resolution against Syria. Unlike in Libya, it's not calling for military action.
Africa Monitor
West Africa Rising: Why Indian firms are bidding to buy up Nigeria's decrepit electrical grid

More than 200 companies – including India's Tata Group, New Jersey's Honeywell Energy, and Nigerian conglomerate Dangote Group – have signed up to own a rusty piece of Nigeria's grid.
Obama's Europe visit: redefined ties and a touch of 'political Beatlemania'

European leaders warmed to President Obama's emphasis on pragmatism and mutual values. Playing ping-pong and visiting Moneygall, Ireland, didn't hurt his popular image, either.
Obama in London: Ping-pong diplomacy and pomp bolster 'special relationship'

President Obama, on a three-day state visit to London, is stressing what he and Prime Minister Cameron call an 'essential relationship' between the UK and the US.
Why bin Laden killing won't dampen Afghan fight

Even though the Taliban has ties with Al Qaeda, the Afghan militants are focused on fighting a national insurgency, not waging global jihad.
While world focuses on Osama bin Laden's death, Afghan war heats up

The death of Osama bin Laden is a major victory for the US, but experts say it's unlikely to have any immediate impact on the ground in Afghanistan.
Persistence over bin Laden may reverse Europe's image of a US in decline

In the strike on Osama bin Laden, and in the Arab spring, some analysts see hope for the end of a chapter of global violent jihad – and the possibility of a larger swing toward democratic values.