South America is now in the front line for drug law liberalisation, with Uruguay taking a potentially far-reaching step.
Author: Charles Richardson
Stalemate in Ukraine
Ukraine's opposition has held its ground in the streets of Kiev; meanwhile, the government and the EU are talking again.
It’s a deal! (US budget edition)
Democrats and Republicans reach agreement on the US budget. It might not be much, but any agreement is an important step away from fiscal and political disaster.
High Court just doing its job
The Australian High Court strikes a blow for federalism, but same-sex marriage in the ACT is a casualty.
Italy’s left gets a leader
The new leader of Italy's Democratic Party is said to be a moderniser. His party certainly needs some work.
Dissolution in Thailand
It's not clear that fresh elections will help resolve matters in Thailand, but at least it's worth a try.
Britain, freedom and the EU
David Cameron's Britain is getting cold feet about free movement of people. Is it really the EU bureaucrats who are anti-freedom?
Luxembourg shifts leftwards
Chalk up another win for the European centre-left, as a new three-party coalition takes office in Luxembourg.
A hero for the world
Nelson Mandela, 1918-2013. Rest in peace.
No Austrian government, either
Austrian coalition talks seem to be proceeding even more slowly than those in Germany did. The centre-right is holding out for more aggressive debt reduction.
The World is Not Enough 