POLITICS-U.S: Hawks’ ‘Hot Pre-emption’ Invokes George Shultz

For geo-strategists here, the hot new phrase in the U.S. war on terrorism is ''hot pre-emption.''

AGRICULTURE-EUROPE: Food Safety of Paramount Concern

With BSE and foot-and-mouth diseases still a threat, food safety is becoming a paramount concern among EU nations. And as the European Union embarks on speedy enlargement, there is a growing anxiety over lower food safety standards in Eastern European countries due for accession and others trading with the group.

POLITICS-COLOMBIA: Uribe Victory Strengthens U.S. Hardliners

Hardliners in the Pentagon and Vice President Dick Cheney's office, who favour intensifying Colombia's war against leftist rebels, have been strengthened by Alvaro Uribe's unprecedented first-round victory in the presidential elections Sunday.

POLITICS-SUDAN: Whither U.S. Policy?

Three days after the release of a long-awaited report by U.S. Special Envoy John Danforth on prospects for peace in Sudan, experts here say they are unsure of the direction of U.S. policy toward Africa's longest-running civil war.

/CORRECTED REPEAT/POLITICS-TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Manning’s Woes Multiply

It's going to be a long hot summer for the administration of Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

POLITICS-TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO: Manning’s Woes Multiply

It's going to be a long hot summer for the administration of Prime Minister Patrick Manning.

POLITICS-CARIBBEAN: Escapee’s Broadcast Signals Rising Unrest

Thursday's televised showing of a five-minute address by an escaped gang leader is a further sign of increasing lawlessness and growing tension between groups of blacks and Indians here.

/CORRECTED REPEAT/BURMA: Suu Kyi Wins Freedom, But Democratic Change Another Hurdle

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's release Monday from 19 months of house arrest breaks the political deadlock between her and the military junta, but its real impact in prodding the country down the road to democracy remains up in the air.

BURMA: Suu Kyi Wins Freedom, But Democratic Change Another Hurdle

Burmese opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi's release Monday from 19 months of house arrest breaks the political deadlock between her and the military junta, but its real impact in prodding the country down the road to democracy remains up in the air.

POLITICS: Le Pen, Anti-Semitism, Israel Add to U.S.-Europe Divide

European criticism of Israel's military offensive and National Front leader Jean-Marie le Pen's surprise second-place in the first round of French presidential elections are fuelling anti-European opinion on the eve of the semi-annual U.S.-European Union (EU) summit here.

POLITICS-U.S.: Evangelical Christians Lobby for Israel’s Sharon

When the White House tapes were finally released last month, people were stunned.

POLITICS-U.S.: Green Lights, Mixed Messages and Alternative Realities

If foreign observers are increasingly confused about U.S. foreign policy under President George W. Bush or even whether it occupies the same planetary space as the rest of the world, they are not alone.

ASIA: Tamil Tigers Have Tough Lessons to Learn from East Timor

Sri Lankan Tamils have every reason to feel envious of the East Timorese: While the Timorese are savouring their journey to independence on May 20, the Tamils are a many more miles away from such a historic juncture.

POLITICS-SRI LANKA: This Time, Peace Talks are More Promising

The first round of face-to-face peace talks between the Sri Lankan government and the Tamil Tigers, due to start in Thailand early May, will be distinct from the previous peace talks for a key reason: the absence of an agenda for a political solution.

POLITICS: Hawks Setting U.S. Mideast Policy Despite Mixed Signals

The confusing signals from the office of President George W. Bush over the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflect the ongoing struggle between the radical hawks of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Realpolitikers, led by Secretary of State Colin Powell.

POLITICS: Hawks Setting U.S. Mideast Policy Despite Mixed Signals

The confusing signals from the office of President George W. Bush over the escalating Israeli-Palestinian conflict reflect the ongoing struggle between the radical hawks of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and the Realpolitikers, led by Secretary of State Colin Powell.

POLITICS-U.S.: Bad Week for the Hegemonies

It was a bad week for the aspiring global hegemonies around U.S. President George W. Bush.

POLITICS-ZIMBABWE: Partial Suspension Is A Symbolic Blow

The partial suspension of Zimbabwe from the Commonwealth will have little material effect, but it deals a symbolic blow to President Robert Mugabe.

BURMA: Strange Political Show Unfolds after Arrest of Ex-dictator

Burma's military rulers have stunned the world in recent days by arresting members of the nation's supposedly untouchable elite -- the family of former Burmese strongman, General Ne Win.

POLITICS-INDIA: Temple-building Row Defused – for Now

Overwhelming troop presence in northern India on Friday prevented Hindu fanatics from getting near the site where they demolished a 16th century mosque 10 years ago, avoiding the risk of communal violence, but the row over the holy site is far from over.

POLITICS-U.S.: The Axis of Incitement

White House speechwriter David Frum, who coined the incendiary ''axis of evil'' moniker used by President George W. Bush, is leaving Bush's employ for the neo-conservative American Enterprise Institute (AEI). It seems the perfect fit.