The rich and powerful's 'free market' manipulation to their own advantage is a threat to Western democracy, writes Bryan Gould.

After his jaunt with royalty, Prime Minister John Key will return to business with a thud tonight.

Scientists will this week issue their starkest warning yet about the mounting dangers of global warming.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that he could not be sure attempts to persuade Syria to surrender its chemical weapons would succeed.

Like it or not, Prime Minister Tony Abbott will have to face gay marriage as his new Government launches into its already controversial agenda.

Hassan Rouhani, Iran's new President, has pledged he would "never" develop nuclear weapons as part of a series of overtures to the West.

John Key has some high-level support in his quest to get the UK to lift new visa restrictions on Kiwis. While London's mayor is on board, the British PM is not.

Prime Minister Tony Abbott's new assault on people smugglers and asylum seekers will begin today after his Government is sworn in by Governor-General Quentin Bryce.