United States foreign policy abortion restrictions have seriously limited African NGOs’ efforts to reduce deaths associated with unsafe abortion procedures. A permanent ban of the Global Gag Rule would allow US foreign aid recipients in Africa to invest resources in safe abortion care without fearing a potential change in US foreign policy with each new administration

The current political impasse in Iraq is damaging to all parties involved. A National Salvation Government sponsored by the UN may be the only feasible way forward, says Mohammed Hussainy

Non-profits have suffered in the financial crisis no less than their counterparts in the private and public sectors. But could this be a 'Greenpeace moment': might philanthropic foundations support the creation of a civil society conscience for international finance?

In the first of a wide-ranging three part conversation, Anthony Barnett and Gerry Hassan discuss the state of British politics and democracy and how the left - weak and disorganised in the face of a resurgent neoliberalism - can propose and build alternatives to the dominant dogmas of the past thirty years

Pakistani and British officials meet ahead of Zardari visit to London. One killed as rockets fired from Sinai towards Israel and Jordan. President Obama confirms US combat troop withdrawal from Iraq. Iranian president calls for one-on-one television debate with US president. Chechen leader hands over leadership to younger comrade. Sudan makes UN peacekeeping forces report all movement within the country. All this and more in today's security briefing.

We lead this week the US House of Representatives passing two significant pieces of legislation meant to begin reforming the thoroughly broken US criminal justice system.

With the Coalition government rushing forward while simultaneously seeking to preserve and contain, what matters is not just whether there is a ‘yes’ or a ‘no’ vote in the AV referendum, but also the way in which the outcome comes about.

Petraeus's proposed Afghan militias risk restoring the conditions that led Afghanistan to civil war in the 1990s. This, the Kabul conference and other initiatives have no hope unless civilian command of the military mission in Afghanistan is asserted, argues Carlo Ungaro.

Now expected to enter politics, the Indian actress Khushboo and her tumultuous career exemplifies the challenges facing Indian women on and off the political and theatrical stage.

After bilateral talks between India and Pakistan, Medha Bisht analyses the underlying issues plaguing the negotiations.

As the move to appoint women judges in Muslim countries gathers pace, how far is this a guarantee of access to justice for women, especially in family law cases?

Russia’s sympathy after the Polish government air crash in April 2010 gave real hope that relations between them would improve. Publishing secret Soviet documents relating to Katyn was a good start, but there was political calculation too. Russia is still playing its old imperial game in which Poland’s EU activities and promotion of democracy in Belarus play no part, warns Rafal Wonicki

The current Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Bill proposed by the Indian government does not protect prospective victims in the eventuality of a nuclear accident caused by corporate negligence.

After years of the Thatcherite free market rhetoric has The Spirit Level turned things round? Not surprisingly things are a little less clear-cut than the thesis put forward by the authors.

The International Court of Justice ruling on Kosovo’s independence offers the European Union a vital opportunity to lead the process that must follow, says Engjellushe Morina in Pristina.

Court scrutiny of the British security services is to be welcomed; we can't debate properly our security needs without openness.

Young people today face a future of debt, joblessness and ecological disaster. But how to respond to the hardships and humiliations handed down by the older generation? Two young writers and activists discuss.

In theory, Russians can holiday abroad these days. In practice, most can't afford it. Still, there are the pleasures of summer days at the dacha. But what with falling water levels and paying beaches, things aren't what they used to be. It's hard work too, growing vegetables, grumbles Elena Strelnikova

Benjamin Zawacki of Amnesty International details the numerous human rights concerns raised by Myanmar's anticipated election.

Amid an increasingly competitive global environment where Europe's future aspirations on the world stage have been questioned, Fabrizio Tassinari argues that focusing on the finer issues could help Europe to colour the bigger picture.