Finally a definitive conviction is recorded against Silvio Berlusconi. Italy's politicians need to learn to live without him, but it's not clear that they are up to the task.
Category: Europe
Another swing to the left
A swing to the centre-left in Turkish Northern Cyprus raises modest hopes for a renewed peace process.
One weekend, four elections
The weekend's four elections, in Kuwait, Cambodia, Northern Cyprus and Mali, make an interesting set of contrasts.
David Cameron channels Stephen Conroy
David Cameron commits himself to a compulsory internet porn filter, à la Stephen Conroy and Kim Beazley. It doesn't make any sense, but for certain sorts of policies, that doesn't seem to be an obstacle.
Luxembourg loses a prime minister
Luxembourg's Jean-Claude Juncker becomes the second EU prime minister for the year to resign over a spy scandal. Early elections could threaten the centre-right's traditional predominance.
Welcoming a bigger Europe
A few hours ago – midnight local time, or 8am eastern Australian time – the European Union became a little bigger, with the accession of Croatia as its 28th member. From its modest beginnings more than 60 years ago as an agreement of six western European countries to pool some of their industrial resources, the EU … Continue reading Welcoming a bigger Europe
Sex, Politics and Berlusconi
Silvio Berlusconi has moved closer to going to jail, on a charge that almost by coincidence tells us a lot about his record.
Albania swings leftward
Albania seems to be heading for a centre-left government on the basis of early election results, with incumbent Sali Berisha facing defeat.
Election roundup time
An occasional feature in which we summarise the latest election news. This week: Albania, Mongolia, Kuwait, Mali and Zimbabwe.
Does anyone know what to do about Syria?
The G8 communiqué calls for peace talks, a political solution and a democratic Syria. Unfortunately it leaves us none the wiser about how to get there.
The World is Not Enough 