Topic: Tony Blair

Jamie Oliver gets rude awakening in LA

Jamie Oliver had smashing successes in England and Huntington, W. Va., where he has hosted his 'Food Revolution' show in past seasons. This season he's in LA, and the city has yet to embrace him. Will a dejected Jamie Oliver give up on the City of Angels?

The Monitor's View: Wisconsin protesters can win, but not as they might think

In Wisconsin, and now Ohio, public unions are on the defensive over collective bargaining 'rights.' Both sides need to see the larger picture to find common ground.

After nuclear talks fail, Iran rails at 'enemies' – and leaves door open for new round

Iran responded to the failure of nuclear talks last weekend with dual-track rhetoric, saying that 'there is hope' but accusing the West of 'blocking progress.'

David Cameron's spin doctor Andy Coulson quits over phone hacking scandal

British Prime Minister David Cameron's spokesman, Andy Coulson, resigned today amid growing controversy over his role in a phone hacking scandal while he was a British tabloid editor.

Ten best movies of 2010

Even middling years can yield marvelous movies. Despite all the frazzled franchises and star-studded misfires of 2010, there were still wonders to behold –historical dramas of the finest intelligence, animation of great wit and delicacy, documentaries that brought out the human drama behind the headlines, and small, independent movies that showcased the emerging artists of tomorrow. If you haven't yet seen any or all of my top 10, listed here alphabetically, I envy what awaits you.

God's fundamental goodness

A Christian Science perspective.

Risks to US in gambit to keep the Middle East peace talks alive

The Obama administration's plan to clear the hurdle of new Israeli settlements is a risky leap, analysts say. Whether Middle East peace talks continue would hang on a 90-day window.

Waterboarding and other 'Decision Points' in Bush's war on terror

Former President George W. Bush has returned to political life with today's release of his new memoir, 'Decision Points.' Controversial decisions during his tenure as commander-in-chief have also returned to public scrutiny, with the 43rd president talking openly in interviews this week about his choice to approve waterboarding and other questionable acts in the war on terror.

Bush 'not telling truth' in 'Decision Points' memoir, says German ex-chancellor

George W. Bush's 'Decision Points' memoir is attracting global scrutiny. Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder disputes that he initially offered support for the invasion of Iraq.

Big British defense cuts weaken Pentagon's top military partner

As other European allies have dialed back military spending, Britain has been America's most reliable and capable security partner. But the British defense cuts announced Tuesday will affect Britain's 'long-term ability to fight alongside the US.'

If Proposition 23 passes, will other greenhouse-gas laws fall?

California's 2008 law to limit greenhouse-gas emissions is seen as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's biggest achievement. If it is undone by Proposition 23, other similar laws could follow, experts say.

Condoleezza Rice admits mistakes, but not in memoir

Condoleezza Rice, National Security Advisor and Secretary of State in the Bush administration, says 'mistakes' were made. But her new book, 'Extraordinary, Ordinary People,' covers her life prior to Sept. 11, 2001.

And the favorites for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize are ...

The director of the Peace Research Institute Oslo tips Afghan women's rights crusader Sima Samar as his favorite for the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize, but there are 237 candidates.

Best political books of 2010

There have been plenty of political titles this year – from the left and the right. But which were best?

Can Fox News be 'fair and balanced' if News Corp. gives to Republicans?

News Corp., the parent company of Fox News, has donated $1 million each to the Republican Governors Association and the US Chamber of Commerce, both of which work to defeat Democrats.

Bestselling books the week of Sept. 30, 2010, according to IndieBound*

Opinion: UN report on Rwanda genocide threatens stability in Central Africa

The leaked report accuses Rwanda's leadership of mass murdering Hutu refugees in Congo. Once seen as heroes for ending the 1994 genocide – they're now billed as villains. But oversimplified claims don't serve justice, and may have dangerous consequences for regional progress.

Bestselling books the week of 9/23/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Iran’s limited enrichment plan can work: the West should take it seriously

Alastair Crooke, a former MI6 agent in the Middle East, explains why the West needs to adjust its approach to Iran's nuclear ambitions.

Pope terror plot broken up with six arrests by British authorities

Pope terror plot allegedly involved five street cleaners who were picked up by police before dawn Friday in London. A sixth individual, implicated by authorities in the pope terror plot, was arrested later in the day.

Can ignoring Hamas lead to Israeli-Palestinian peace?

Hamas, the Islamist movement that controls Gaza, is being ignored in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Some think that's a big mistake.

Bestselling books the week of 9/16/10, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America. • Published Thursday, September 16, 2010 (for the sales week ended Sunday, September 12, 2010). Based on reporting from many hundreds of independent bookstores across the United States. For information on more titles, please visit IndieBound.org

Journey: My Political Life

Tony Blair’s engaging memoir lauds George W. Bush and defends the difficult decisions that politicians must make.