The sexual-assault charges against former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn have prompted some to question whether France has been too willing to turn a blind eye to politicians' indiscretions.

While these groups have links with Al Qaeda, the bigger danger to the US is their ability to trigger a major crisis for nuclear-armed Pakistan, including a war with India.

Richard Bernstein, a Wall Street veteran, thinks that Chinese stocks should be avoided and Europe might surprise us. Should we be listening?

AP - The spiritual mentor of Iran's president has harshly criticized him for his role in an internal power struggle that has split the country's hard-liners, indicating that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's own support base is badly fraying.

AP - In his first comprehensive response to revolts across the Arab world, President Barack Obama is doling out punishment and praise, targeting Syrian President Bashar Assad for attacking his people but also promising fresh U.S. aid to nations that support democracy. Obama is also trying to erase any doubt that the U.S. supports the call for change.