Robert Gates recently proclaimed a dismal future for NATO if European leadeship does not increase defense spending.

An insider's view on how China is shaping the world.

Can you acknowledge dissenters as patriots? Can you dissent and still sing the national anthem wholeheartedly? Can you live in a middle ground?

A Russian tourist boat with 188 people on board sank in a reservoir on the Volga River amid wind and rain Sunday. Two bodies were recovered, and authorities said dozens of children were believed to be among the 101 people missing. (July 10)

The Syrian government is holding a two-day meeting with members of the ruling Baath party and its opponents.

Tony Guida takes a look at the humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa, where people are facing the worst drought in 60 years, massacres by Islamic militants and skyrocketing food prices.

Rebels in Misrata turn metal workshop into weapon repair site. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

Fears are growing that the growth of China's economy is slowing down rapidly, as inflation jumps to a three year high and domestic demand declines.

The top U.S. military officer began a visit to Beijing aimed at improving chilly military relations with an appeal Sunday for a peaceful settlement amid tensions in the disputed South China Sea. (July 10)

Al Jazeera's Rula Amin was in Damascus and was able to meet with some of the activists, including an old time opposition figure.  

  Leon Panetta claims that al-Qaeda is within reach of destruction.

Defense Secretary Leon Panetta delivers bold words to Afghanistan.

  The U.S. is withholding $800 million in aid to Pakistan.

Benjamin Pedley of HSBC Private Bank discusses rising inflation in China and the risk of a hard landing for Beijing.