-- A political paradox. Years of clan violence and an Islamist insurgency give Somalia the reputation of a country without a government.
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-- 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. Silvio Berlusconi thrives amid sex scandals, business investigations, and bad jokes.
-- 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
-- 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.
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-- 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?
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-- 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
-- A cause to espouse. Gay activists call for same-sex marriage and the same rights and respect for all people.
-- 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