Tokyo Assembly Victory Boost for Japan’s Prime Minister
A big win for Shinzō Abe’s Liberal Democrats in the capital may invigorate his economic reform effort.
Britain’s Economic Divide Could Yet Be Mended
If the north of England is revitalized, it would become less dependent on both the south and public spending.
Obama’s Second-Term Priorities Are Not Public’s
Whereas Americans care about jobs, their president is working on climate change and gun control.
Sarkozy Seen Plotting Return to French Presidency, Party Divided
The former president may be the only man who’s able to unite conservatives. What will they do without him?
Japan’s Abe Takes Risk by Delaying Reforms Ahead of Election
The premier doesn’t want to hurt his party in the election but postponing reforms could do just that.
Britain to “Stick” to Spending Plan, Labour Equivocal
Britain’s chancellor says he can “turn this country round” if it sticks to his economic plan.
England’s North-South Divide Starts to Look Irreversible
The north of England is averse to voting Conservative whereas Labour struggles in the south.
Netherlands Seek to Halt “Creeping” EU Competencies
One of the bloc’s founding members believes the time of ever-closer union is over.
Florence Mayor Carves Out “Third Way” for Italy’s Democrats
Likely prime ministerial candidate Matteo Renzi seeks to imitate Tony Blair’s centrist socialism.
Breakdown in Afghan Security, Taliban Peace Talks Predictable
While the United States are concerned about the war, Afghans, including the Taliban, look toward the peace.
Putin Promises Infrastructure Spending, Investors Skeptical
Russian economic policy seems increasingly statist under Vladimir Putin’s third term.
Leftists Pull Out Greek Coalition Over Public Broadcaster Row
Conservative prime minister Antonis Samaras is left with a three-seat majority in the legislature.
Kyrgyzstan Demands Americans Vacate Air Base Next Year
The Central Asian country ends the United States’ lease on a transit center that is critical to the Afghan war effort.
Europe, United States Cautiously Optimistic About Rouhani’s Win
The relatively moderate cleric may improve Iran’s relations with the rest of the world.
Dutch Move Toward Final Decision on F-35 Fighter Jet
The coalition government is reportedly close to a compromise on replacing its F-16s.