Syria: Could the country break-up?

Deputy oil minister Abdo Hussameddin's defection to the Opposition might start a wider split.

Falklands: Is Penn mightier than the sword?

Or has the ink run dry in the actor's argument?

World Property: Could house prices tumble soon?

Can Merkel's moves improve Obama's re-election chances and prevent a property meltdown?

Pakistan: Could Imran Khan clean up politics?

Khan's party, the PTI, gains momentum. The ex-cricket ace turned politician has spent 15 years on the campaign trail. Is this his time?

China: Sovereign wealth to the rescue of the West?

As Europe and America face a double-dip recession, the Chinese propose investing in infrastucture projects.

America: Recession risk now 50% says top fund manager

The US stares a contracting economy in the face, at a time when the nation is already hurting badly.

Asia: Slowing down

The economies of Asia are beginning to slow. How fast and for how long?

America: World leader in incarceration

US prisoners exceed 2.3 million, or equivalent to the entire population of Latvia. Is anyone discussing this?

World Politics: The rise of the Greens

Green parties move into the mainstream. Although not yet a global phenomenon, the Green movement is coming of age.

Russia: Strange alliances

With problematic consequences.

World Politics: The emergence of the banker-turned-politician

In the age of popular aversian to corporate greed.

World Economy: The rise of the E7

Hot on the heels of the G7.

America: The banal Republican race

Yet again Americans must feel underwhelmed. Has Romney got it in the bag?

Turkey: Could the Turks intervene in Syria?

NATO and the US won't get embroiled in the Syrian political quagmire, but could the Turks?

Syria: The brutality of Bashar

All on camera as people are felled. Should the world intervene?

Iran: Whatever happened to the Zoroastrians?

Once the Persian state religion, but what of Zoroastrianism now in the world's most powerful Shia-dominated country?

Myanmar: ASEAN beckons

And chairing by 2014?

Niger: After Gaddafi, where now?

Democratising Libya to the north, rapid development south in Nigeria, and political uncertainty west in Mali, what course for poor, landlocked Niger?

World Politics: Should reparations be paid for colonialism?

Some UK-based Africans and Indians believe they rightfully profit from Britain in payment for prior 'rapes' of their countries. Is that right?

Singapore: Can its private banking hub survive?

Was it wise for Singapore to build the Marina Bay wealth management hub, given mounting public disquiet over tax havens?