Focus of This Week

Somalia, A political paradox

-- A political paradox. Years of clan violence and an Islamist insurgency give Somalia the reputation of a country without a government.

Related story: Somali gov´t declares state of emergency

A farewell to arms?

-- A farewell to arms? The US and Russia thrash out issues of nonproliferation and the balance of power.

Related story: New START deal may be drafted prior to Obama´s visit, says Kremlin

Italy´s embattled prime minister

-- Italy´s embattled prime minister. Silvio Berlusconi thrives amid sex scandals, business investigations, and bad jokes.

Recent Highlight

Democracy, Iranian-style

-- Democracy, Iranian-style. Controversy continues in the wake of a presidential election that saw record voter turnout.

Related story: Iran protests U.S. statement on presidential election

China´s third excavation of terracotta army site

-- Marching through the ages. As a new dig begins for China´s ancient terra cotta army, scientists look for ways to keep the soldiers in top condition.

Related story: China to begin third excavation of terracotta army site

Gordon Brown´s survival

-- Going nowhere. After a bruising week of minister desertions and election losses, is British Prime Minister Gordon Brown hanging tough or facing a dead end?

Related story: Gordon Brown promises to hand power back to parliament

Wake up call

-- The deadly skies. As the hunt goes on for the black boxes of Air France Flight 447, questions fly about airline safety commitment.

Related story: Air France pilots battled for 15 minutes to save doomed flight AF 447

Gay pride month

-- A cause to espouse. Gay activists call for same-sex marriage and the same rights and respect for all people.

Election fever in Iran

-- Election fever in Iran. Incumbent Mahmoud Ahdmadinejad and a former prime minister face off in a presidential race between conservatives and reformists.

Related story: Iran´s Ahmadinejad defends his policies in TV debate