Latest from International Politics

Berlusconi's deal for dodgers

Silvio Berlusconi has backed an amnesty for tax dodgers despite accusations that he was buying votes with his promises of €4 billion ($6.4 billion) in tax rebates just weeks ahead of elections.

Labor dives as ministers go

South Korea moves to introduce covered bonds

South Korea's decision to allow the introduction of covered bonds will help to diversify the Asia-Pacific regional covered bond market.

Rambo: Who needs assault weapons?

Sylvester Stallone says no civilian should have access to the big guns his characters use in action movies.

Election date puts pressure on opposition

Government frontbencher Peter Garrett says the prime minister's decision to name the 2013 election date puts the pressure on the opposition to deliver more than just slogans.

McCully pays tribute to Clinton

FBI intensifies war on whistleblowers

Europe hails Kerry's clout

The confirmation of John Kerry as United States Secretary of State is raising smiles in Europe, stirring memories of the days when America the Worldly-Wise engaged in European concerns and placed them at the top of its foreign agenda.

Gwynne Dyer: North Korea - a risk worth taking

If North Korea's new leader, Kim Jong Un, wanted to end the brutal and destructive tyranny his father and grandfather imposed on the country, he would need support from abroad.

Lupe Fiasco kicked off inauguration stage

Lupe Fiasco has been rushed off stage at a pre-inauguration concert for Barack Obama after performing an anti-war song telling the audience he did not vote for the President.

Beyonce anthem steals show

Beyonce stole the show at President Barack Obama's inauguration with an impressive rendition of the US national anthem.

Pumped-up Obama takes tougher line

When firebrand Republican senator Ted Cruz went on conservative Laura Ingraham's radio show last week, the topic of conversation swiftly turned to Barack Obama.

Peter Whitmore: Immediate action needed to reduce carbon emissions

The Minister of Climate Change, Tim Groser, (<i>NZ Herald</i>, December 20) says it makes sense for New Zealand to drop out of the Kyoto Protocol and work towards an agreement with broader international support.

Editorial: Obama finally in position to deliver on his vast potential

Jack Tame: Election won, it's time to knuckle down to work

If ambitions are unfettered by political nitty-gritty and his dreams are as big as his talk, Obama has the opportunity to instil change that will cement his political greatness.

Outlook bleak for Afghan women