Gay Marriage: Bishop of Salisbury Gives Backing to Same-sex Weddings

Bishop of Salisbury, Nick Holtam, issued a statement
supporting gay marriage.

THE GUARDIAN: Bishop Nick Holtam says gay marriage 'embodies virtues that the Church of England wants to see maximised in society'

The Church of England's divisions over gay marriage have been reopened by the Bishop of Salisbury, who has issued a statement praising the couples who will get married and assuring them of his prayers and good wishes.

Nick Holtam's supportive remarks on the eve of the legalisation of gay marriage expresses the views of a significant body of dissent within the Church of England, unhappy with the formal position that prevents Anglican clergy from marrying partners of the same sex.

Gay marriage, the bishop said, "embodies a commitment to be faithful, loving, and lifelong. These are virtues which the Church of England wants to see maximised in society." » | Andrew Brown | Friday, March 28, 2014

Christian Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy in Pakistan

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Arrest of Sawan Masih after drunken row last year prompted Muslim mob to burn hundreds of homes in eastern city of Lahore

A Christian man has been sentenced to death for blasphemy in Pakistan, according to his lawyer, following an incident last year that prompted a Muslim mob to torch hundreds of homes.

It is the latest in a string of convictions prompting calls from religious minorities for the law to be reformed.

Naeem Shakir said his client, Sawan Masih, was convicted during a hearing held in jail for fear of violent protests.

Masih, a cleaner, was accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammed during a conversation with a Muslim friend in the eastern city of Lahore. Within hours, about 3000 protesters had set light to Christian homes and churches in an area known as Joseph Colony.

His supporters have always claimed the incident was fabricated as part of a plot to seize land. » | Rob Crilly, Pakistan correspondent | Friday, March 28, 2014

Inside Story: Is Religion a Source of Unity or Division?

Religious leaders promote a message of co-operation between followers of different faiths.

Worlds Apart: 'Turkey Losing Its Democracy, Turning Authoritarian': Zaman Editor

Turkey has long been revered as a beacon of democracy in the Muslim world, but the corruption scandal rocking the nation has led to a clampdown by its government. And with the grip tightening on the judiciary, Internet and even Twitter, Turkey's civil society is being put to the test. Will the country live up to its democratic reputation or will it take an authoritarian turn? Oksana is joined by a senior editor at Today's Zaman, Sevgi Akarcesme, to examine these issues.

WIKI: Gülen movement »

First Same-sex Marriages to Be Held in UK. Rainbow Flag to Fly over Cabinet Office and Scotland Office

MP told he has "excommunicated" himself by voting for same sex weddings »

Who Is the Real Nigel Farage? Documentary Spends Six Months with the Ukip Leader

DAILY EXPRESS: HE makes no secret of the fact that he enjoys a few pints and more often than not is to be seen in public puffing away on a cigarette.

Nigel Farage's detractors have also tried to portray him as a clown, who is in charge of a party full of "fruitcakes, loonies and closet racists".

One thing is for sure, love or loathe his ideology, the Ukip leader is not to be confused with the countless bland politicians who wander the corridors of Westminster.

Remarkably, in an age dominated by political correctness his maverick approach is paying dividends.

This week he was widely considered to have got the better of Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg in a live TV and radio debate on Europe.

With Ukip also expected to do well in forthcoming euro elections and party membership growing fast, a new TV documentary examines the remarkable rise of Farage on the eve of his 50th birthday.

Programme maker Martin Durkin spent six months shadowing the Ukip leader, following him to Strasbourg, where his speeches are winning a cult following, and exploring his middle-class roots in Kent. » | Adrian Lee | Friday, March 28, 2014

Nigel Farage: Who Are You? Monday, Channel 4, 7.30pm.

'Noah' Faces Storm of Criticism over Religious Merits

Mar. 27, 2014 - 7:58 - Panel debates the new film

Britischer Rechtspopulist zu Gast: AfD-nahe Junge Alternative läutet Europawahlkampf ein

Rechtspopulist Farage bei der AfD: Euro-Gegner aller Länder, vereinigt euch »

Finanzielle Abhängigkeit vom Westen: Teurer Krim-Coup - Mit der Annexion hat sich Putin selbst geschadet

FOCUS ONLINE: Unter den Augen des entsetzten Westens hat sich Wladimir Putin die Krim gesichert. Zu Hause wird er dafür gefeiert. Doch tatsächlich könnte er Russland einen Bärendienst erwiesen haben. Denn wenn Putin das Vertrauen ausländischer Investoren verliert, sind seine Zukunftsperspektiven düster. (+ Video) » | Von Focus-Online-Experte Ralf-Dieter Brunowsky | Donnerstag, 27. März 2014

Arabie : le roi désigne son demi-frère Moqren prochain prince héritier

LE POINT: Moqren, 2e vice-président du conseil des ministres, sera proclamé souverain "en cas de vacance simultanée aux postes de prince héritier et de roi".

Le roi Abdallah d'Arabie saoudite a désigné jeudi son demi-frère, Moqren Ben Abdel Aziz, prochain prince héritier, lui ouvrant la voie à l'accession au trône à la tête du royaume. Selon un décret du cabinet royal, diffusé en soirée par la télévision d'État El-Ikhbariya, le prince Moqren, actuel 2e vice-président du conseil des ministres, est nommé le prochain héritier du trône. Il sera proclamé souverain "en cas de vacance simultanée aux postes de prince héritier et de roi", selon la décision prise par le Conseil d'allégeance "à plus des trois quarts" de ses 34 membres, des princes de la famille royale. Cette décision est irrévocable, souligne le décret royal. (+ vidéo) » | Source AFP | jeudi 27 mars 2014

Russische Wirtschaft: Auch ohne Krim schon in der Krise

SPIEGEL ONLINE – WIRTSCHAFT: Das Kapital flüchtet, der Rubel bricht ein und es droht eine Rezession: Russlands Wirtschaft driftet allmählich Richtung Abgrund. Doch die Probleme sind nur zu einem kleinen Teil Folge der Krim-Krise. Viel schwerer wiegt, dass der Kreml seinen Modernisierungskurs aufgegeben hat.

mmerhin, für Siemens scheint die russische Welt noch in Ordnung zu sein. Konzern-Chef Joe Kaeser ist nach Moskau gereist, er hat Wladimir Putin getroffen. Der Präsident empfing ihn in Nowo-Ogarjowo, seiner Residenz vor den Toren von Moskau. Kaeser sprach von der "169-jährigen Tradition", die das Unternehmen mit Russland verbinde.

Allein 2,5 Milliarden Euro lässt sich der russische Staat 700 Siemens-Lokomotiven kosten, Siemens-Schnellzüge verkehren zwischen Moskau und Sankt Petersburg, Siemens-Regionalbahnen in der Olympiastadt Sotschi am Schwarzen Meer. » | Von Benjamin Bidder, Moskau | Freitag, 28. März 2014

Hillary Clinton vs. Jeb Bush in 2016 Bad for America?

Mar. 24, 2014 - 4:12 - Analysis of presidential buzz

Landesverteidigung Deutschlands: Brauchen wir doch die Wehrpflicht?

ZEIT ONLINE: Landesverteidigung war gestern? Von wegen. Alte Bedrohungen könnten zurückkehren.

Deutschland lebt, von Freunden umzingelt, friedlich in der Mitte Europas.

Die Bundeswehr wird nicht mehr für die klassische Landesverteidigung gebraucht, sondern dafür, Konflikte außerhalb des Nato-Gebiets zu befrieden.

Und: Der Wandel von einer verteidigungsstarken Abschreckungs- zur global agierenden Einsatzarmee erzwingt das Ende der Wehrpflicht.

Auf diesen drei Glaubenssätzen (und der Tatsache, dass der frühere Minister zu Guttenberg einen Sparbeitrag zum Haushalt bringen musste) basiert der aktuelle Großumbau der deutschen Streitkräfte. Das Problem ist nur: Diese drei Grundsätze erweisen sich möglicherweise gerade als falsch.

Russland hat sich die Krim einverleibt, die Ukraine sucht Zuflucht in der EU. Grenzen werden verschoben, Einflusszonen neu abgesteckt. 25 Jahre nach dem Fall der Mauer geht ein Riss durch Europa, einer, der als überwunden galt, doch jetzt erneut die Weltpolitik bestimmt: hier die Russen, da der Westen. Die einen schwächer geworden und unberechenbarer, der andere größer und selbstgefälliger. Und der bisher mächtigste Teil, die USA, proben gerade den Absprung in den pazifischen Raum. Weiter lesen und einen Beitrag abgeben » | Von Peter Dausend | Donnerstag, 27. März 2014

Yulia Tymoshenko to Run for President – and Take On 'Enemy Number One ' Vladimir Putin

Yulia Tymoshenko

THE INDEPENDENT: IMF pledges $18bn rescue package as interim PM warns of hard-hitting reforms

Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko is set to run for president in the upcoming May elections.

Speaking at a press conference, Ms Tymoshenko said she would run as a "candidate for Ukrainian unity" and fight against corruption.

Ditching her princess hairstyle, she claimed none of the other candidates understand "the depth of the lawlessness gripping Ukraine" and insisted Russian president Vladimir Putin remains the "number one enemy".

Often regarded as a divisive figure, she promised to find a "common language" between her pro-European supporters and Russian-speakers, many of whom continue to back former President Viktor Yanukovich, who was ousted by the Ukrainian parliament after more than three months of protests in February. » | Maria Tadeo | Thursday, March 27, 2014

The Marseilles Motif – France (2012)

French election battle enters tense final phase

A Look Back to 2012: How Marine La Pen Helped France Lurch To The Right

Europe's Economic Crisis Is Getting Worse Not Better, Says Caritas Report

The Caritas report says that as a result of economic measures[,]
Greece's political scene has become increasingly toxic.

THE GUARDIAN: Survey shows increase in the number of new poor in seven countries and challenges the official European Union discourse

Far from being over Europe's economic crisis is getting worse with disturbing levels of poverty and deprivation being noted among children and youth, says a report compiled by the Catholic charity Caritas.

The survey, conducted over the course of the past year, not only challenges the official discourse – that Europe is on the mend – but documents a dramatic poor in the seven EU countries worst hit by the policies of austerity.

"We in Brussels keep hearing that the economic crisis is over," Thorfinnur Omarsson, a spokesman for Caritas Europa said in Athens where the network of Catholic relief organisations released the report. "These findings not only doubt that the crisis is over but show it is the poor who are paying for a crisis they did not cause." » | Helena Smith in Athens | Thursday, March 27, 2014

Turkey Moves to Block YouTube Access after 'Audio Leak'

BBC: Turkey has moved to block access to YouTube, a day after a court ordered the suspension of a ban on Twitter, which PM Recep Tayyip Erdogan backed.

The telecoms authority (TIB) said it had taken an "administrative measure" against the site but another report suggests that talks are under way.

Some users found access blocked while others could still use the site.

Earlier, what appeared to be a leaked audio recording of Turkish officials discussing Syria appeared on YouTube.

It relates to a discussion of possible military operations in Syria, which was apparently attended by Turkey's intelligence chief, its foreign minister and the deputy head of the armed forces. » | Thursday, March 27, 2014

Ukraine: UN Condemns Crimea Vote as IMF and US Back Loans

Russian forces seized Crimea's remaining military bases after
Ukrainian servicemen withdrew this week

BBC: The UN General Assembly has approved a resolution describing the Moscow-backed referendum that led to Russia's annexation of Crimea as illegal.

It comes after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) agreed to a loan deal with Ukraine worth $14-18bn.

The US Congress also passed legislation on Thursday backing a $1bn loan guarantee for Ukraine.

Tensions are high between Russia and the West after pro-Russian troops annexed Ukraine's southern peninsula.

The West has widely condemned the move, with US President Barack Obama warning on Wednesday of "deeper" EU and US sanctions against Russia if it carried out further incursions in Ukraine. » | Thursday, March 27, 2014

Is 'Empire' Vladimir Putin's Endgame?

Mar. 27, 2014 - 4:58 - Signs Russia preparing to further invade Ukraine

Krim-Krise: Alarm bei westlichen Militärs

DIE PRESSE: Nach dem Fall des Eisernen Vorhangs haben die meisten Nato-Staaten ihre Militärbudgets immer weiter gekürzt. Die Krim-Krise ist für viele ein Beweis, dass die Abrüstungspolitik ein Fehler war, besagt eine Analyse.

Das russische Vorgehen in der Ukraine sei ein Weckruf für viele europäische Staaten, berichtete der deutsche Nachrichtensender N24 jüngst in einer brillanten Analyse, die die "Presse" im folgenden großteils darstellt. » | DiePresse.com | Donnerstag, 27. März 2014

Des avocats britanniques enjoints de respecter la charia

LE FIGARO: Une note de la Law Society sur le respect des règles musulmanes sur l'héritage par la justice britannique fait polémique. Le modèle de société multiculturelle est critiqué.

Émoi chez les robes noires. Les règles de la charia font pour la première fois leur apparition dans le droit britannique. La Law Society, l'équivalent du barreau, a créé une vive controverse en envoyant, mi-mars, aux avocats des recommandations afin de rédiger des testaments «charia compatibles». » | Par Florentin Collomp | jeudi 27 mars 2014

Related »

Julie Gayet gagne son procès contre Closer

LE FIGARO: Le magazine people qui avait publié en janvier une série de photos révélant sa liaison avec François Hollande, propulsant l'actrice à la une de la presse mondiale, est condamné à payer 15.000 euros de dommages et intérêts.

Le tribunal de grande instance de Nanterre a condamné aujourd'hui le magazine hebdomadaire Closer à payer 15.000 euros de dommages et intérêts à l'actrice Julie Gayet. Elle réclamait 50.000 euros de dommages et intérêts et 4000 euros pour les faits de procédure. Le journal devra en outre publier sa condamnation en couverture. » | Par JulieVoisin | jeudi 27 mars 2014

Sanktionsstreit mit Visa und Co.: Russland plant die Putin-Card

SPIEGEL ONLINE: Visa und Mastercard beteiligen sich an Sanktionen gegen Russland - das könnte Folgen haben. Präsident Putin droht den Konzernen und kündigt ein eigenes Bezahlsystem an.

Moskau - Als Reaktion auf westliche Sanktionen will der russische Präsident Wladimir Putin den Kreditkartenfirmen Visa und Mastercard mit einem eigenen Bezahlsystem Konkurrenz machen. Bei einem Fernsehauftritt berief sich Putin auf ähnliche Systeme in Japan und China. Diese Systeme funktionierten, "und sie funktionieren sehr gut". Daher werde auch Russland ein solches Zahlungssystem nun einführen. Zugleich warnte er die Kreditkartenfirmen indirekt vor der Beteiligung an Sanktionen gegen sein Land. » | dab/Reuters/AP/AFP | Donnerstag, 27. März 2014

Ukraine: Putin schickt 30.000 Soldaten an die Grenze

DIE WELT: Russland treibt den Truppenaufbau an der Grenze zur Ukraine voran. Wegen der Krim-Krise wollen die USA jetzt die Nato-Präsenz in Osteuropa stärken. Obama forderte die Europäer auf, mehr zu tun.

Die USA wollen vor dem Hintergrund der Krim-Krise die Nato-Präsenz in Osteuropa stärken. Dies solle durch intensivere Rotation von Militäreinheiten erreicht werden, sagte der stellvertretende US-Sicherheitsberater Ben Rhodes. » | dpa/Reuters/jm | Donnerstag, 27. März 2014

Prince of Wales Jokes about His German Roots as He Is Given a Pretzel

The Prince of Wales was given a family-sized pretzel by
baker Petra Braun

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Prince Charles also spoke about "unsustainable" rise in house prices on visit to east London

The Prince of Wales joked about his German roots today when he was given a giant pretzel by a member of the public yesterday.

Petra Braun, a baker from Stuttgart, handed him the family-sized bread snack, telling him: “Since you’re almost German, you might like this.”

The Prince, whose great great great grandfather Prince Albert was from Coburg in Germany, laughed and said: “That was a very long time ago.”

Mrs Braun, 47, who opened the Hansel and Pretzel bakery in Ham, west London, 10 years ago, said: “I didn’t know he was going to be in the area until my customers told me about 10 minutes before he arrived. I went out to see him and thought I’d better take him a gift. As Germans we are aware that we have a connection to the Royal family.” » | Gordon Rayner, Chief Reporter | Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Listening Post: The Cold War Narrative

As Russia redraws the map in Ukraine, the media narrative is once again split between the powers of the East and West.

Brussels Blows €10 Million on Obama Day-trip despite EU Austerity Anger

Barack Obama has arrived in Brussels...and for a hefty price tag. EU taxpayers are spending 10 million euros on security alone; money, that as RT's Egor Piskunov reports, many member states can't afford.

Russian View: Say What? Obama Claims 'Iraq Invasion Not as Bad as Crimea'

Barack Obama has declared the Kiev uprising a moral victory, Crimea's vote a sham and Russia a brute aggressor, that must be confronted. To prove his points the President used examples... including US achievements in Iraq. RT's Gayane Chichakyan takes a look at the narrative being put forward by the White House.

Greta: My Tip for Obama on Saudi Trip: Don't Bow

Mar. 26, 2014 - 1:08 - 'Off the Record', 3/26/14: President should be proud of American customs. No double-kissing on the cheek, either. (That's French.)

Is Obama Tough Enough on Russia?

Mar. 26, 2014 - 6:33 - George Will discusses the president's stance on Putin

Ukraine: Barack Obama Says Europe Must Defend Its Hard-won Freedoms Again

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: This is no time for "casual indifference" to the annexation of Crimea, US president tells European leaders

President Barack Obama has called on European countries to meet a "moment of testing" by stepping up their commitment to Nato against the threat to democracy and international law posed by Russia's aggression in Ukraine.

In a passionate speech delivered in Brussels, the American president warned that indifference to Vladimir Putin's attempt to redraw Ukraine's borders by force risked undermining the sacrifices of those who had died in two world wars.

"Russia's leadership is challenging truths that only a few weeks ago seemed self-evident: that in the 21st century the borders of Europe cannot be redrawn with force, that international law matters, that people and nations can make their own decisions about their future," he warned. » | Bruno Waterfield, Brussels and Peter Foster in Washington | Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Drunk in Tehran: The Islamic State’s Secret Party Scene

THE INDEPENDENT: Alcohol is banned in Iran, but that doesn’t stop the wealthy partaking

“Have a shot of tequila first, cheer up!” Shahriyar tells guests gathered at his luxury apartment in Tehran.

His girlfriend, Shima, said they party every weekend. “Shahriyar has one rule: bring your booze! We drink until morning,” she said on a FaceTime call, as lights flashed to rap music in the background.

Despite the ban on alcohol and frequent police raids, drinking in Iran is widespread, especially among the wealthy. Because the Shia-dominated Muslim state has no nightclubs, it all takes place at home, behind closed doors.

Some of the alcohol is smuggled in, but many resourceful Iranians make their own. » | Parisa Hafezi | Reuters | Wednesday, March 26, 2014

If the West Wants to Hurt Putin, Could Saudi Arabia Do Its Dirty Work?

THE GUARDIAN – ECONOMICS BLOG: Europe depends on Russian oil and gas exports, so an embargo may not be practical. But there is another way to apply pressure

Russia is vulnerable to sanctions. Economic weakness caused the collapse of the Soviet Union a quarter of a century ago and – the self-enrichment of the oligarchs apart – not much has changed since. Energy exports to the rest of the world pay for imports of machines and consumer goods. The population is ageing and there has been little industrial diversification. » | Posted by Larry Elliott | Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage Set for EU Debate

Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage

BBC: Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage are set to debate the UK's place in the European Union live on radio.

The deputy prime minister challenged the UKIP leader to a debate in the run-up to May's European elections.

Mr Clegg, who says his Liberal Democrats are the "party of in", argues that even threatening to leave the EU risks millions of British jobs.

Mr Farage says leaving the EU will give the UK control of its borders, but it will continue to trade with Europe.

Following negotiations between the two party leaders and broadcasters, two one-hour debates have been arranged. The first is being hosted by the LBC radio station from 19:00 GMT. On 2 April, round two will be televised live at the same time on BBC Two. » | Wednesday, March 26, 2014

North Korea: Men Required to Get Kim Jong-un Haircuts

BBC: Men in North Korea are now required to get the same haircut as their leader Kim Jong-un, it is reported.

The state-sanctioned guidelines were introduced in the capital Pyongyang about two weeks ago, media reports say. They are now being rolled out across the country - although some people have reservations about getting the look.

"Our leader's haircut is very particular, if you will," one source tells Radio Free Asia. "It doesn't always go with everyone since everyone has different face and head shapes." Meanwhile, a North Korean now living in China says the look is actually unpopular at home because people think it resembles Chinese smugglers. "Until the mid-2000s, we called it the 'Chinese smuggler haircut'," the Korea Times reports. » | By News from Elsewhere | Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Russian Standoff in 'Eleventh Hour'

Putin's Comparison to Kosovo 'Bizarre'

Helmut Schmidt hat Verständnis für Putins Krim-Politik

DIE ZEIT: Der frühere Bundeskanzler Helmut Schmidt kann verstehen, warum Russland die Krim annektiert hat. Kritik äußert Schmidt am Westen, aber Lob für Kanzlerin Merkel.

Der frühere Bundeskanzler Helmut Schmidt kann das Vorgehen des russischen Präsidenten Wladimir Putin auf der Krim gut nachvollziehen. Es sei "durchaus verständlich", sagte Schmidt der Wochenzeitung DIE ZEIT, deren Herausgeber er ist. Dagegen kritisierte er das Verhalten des Westens im Krim-Konflikt mit scharfen Worten. Die von der Europäischen Union und den USA beschlossenen Sanktionen gegen Russland seien "dummes Zeug". Weiter gehende wirtschaftliche Sanktionen würden ihr Ziel verfehlen. Auch sie hätten vor allem symbolische Bedeutung, "aber sie treffen den Westen genauso wie die Russen", sagte Schmidt. » | Quelle: Zeit Online, kp | Mittwoch, 26. März 2014

Mitt Romney: Russia 'Playing Politically' against America

Mar. 25, 2014 - 10:39 - Former presidential candidate on how Obama is containing the crisis

Putin Wins

Mar. 25, 2014 - 8:33 - Talking Points 3/25

Rove: 'Chickens Coming Home to Roost' on Obama

Mar. 25, 2014 - 10:36 - Former Bush senior advisor: President and US world stature paying for his 'hands off' foreign policy, US giving up Internet control seen as weak, Putin 'played Obama for a sucker'

How Is Obama Handling Foreign Policy Challenges with Russia?

Mar. 24, 2014 - 2:25 - Brit Hume has analysis

Obama: 'Russia Is a Regional Power'

Mar. 25, 2014 - 1:27 - President rejects idea that Putin's Russia is a top geopolitical enemy

Barack Obama's First Visit to Brussels to Cost Belgium More Than €10m

Belgium mobilising 350 police and military motorbikes to
secure the president's routes to EU and Nato summits.

THE GUARDIAN: Obama will arrive with 900-strong entourage, including 45 vehicles and three planes, and attend EU and Nato summits

As Belgium's capital and host to the EU and Nato, Brussels is used to deploying heavy security when big names pop by. But US President Barack Obama's visit on Tuesday will strain the city like never before with €10m ($10.4m, £8.4m) of Belgian money being spent to cover his 24 hours in the country.

The president will arrive on Tuesday night with a 900-strong entourage, including 45 vehicles and three cargo planes. Advance security teams orchestrating every last detail have combed Brussels already, checking the sewers and the major hospitals, while American military helicopters were last week given the green light for overflights. The city hosts at least four EU summits a year, with each of these gatherings costing €500,000 in extra police, military and transport expenses. "But this time round, you can multiply that figure by 20," said Brussels mayor, Yvan Mayeur. » | Leo Cendrowicz in Brussels | Monday, March 24, 2014

Barack Obama: Russia Is a Regional Power Showing Weakness over Ukraine

The US president, Barack Obama, in The Hague at the nuclear summit.

THE GUARDIAN: President rejects claims Russia is a principal foe, saying actions in Ukraine an expression of vulnerability rather than strength

President Barack Obama has described Russia as no more than a "regional power" whose actions in Ukraine are an expression of weakness rather than strength, as he restated the threat from the G7 western allies and Japan that they would inflict much broader sanctions if Vladimir Putin went beyond annexation of Crimea and moved troops into eastern Ukraine.

Speaking at the end of a summit on nuclear security in The Hague, Obama rejected the suggestion made by Mitt Romney – his Republican challenger in the last president election – that Russia was the United States' principal geopolitical foe. The president said he was considerably more concerned about the threat of a terrorist nuclear bomb attack on New York.

He said that the US was committed to the defence of its Nato allies but that for non-member states along Russia's borders, Washington and the rest of the international community would use non-military pressure to counter Russian encroachment. Read on and comment » | Julian Borger in The Hague | Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Mitt Romney Calls Barack Obama “Naïve” on Russia »

Obama warns Putin that the US is the most powerful nation in the world. Russia is a regional power and would struggle to compete with the US’s global influence. Other countries look to America for a lead in global crises »

Climate Change Will Make UK Weather Too Wet and Too Dry, Says Met Office

THE GUARDIAN: UK will see wetter, milder winters and hotter, drier summers due to global warming, scientists predict

The UK's weather will become both too wet and too dry – and also too cold and too hot – as climate change increases the frequency of extreme events, the Met Office has warned in a new report.

Its scientists concluded that on average the UK will see wetter, milder winters and hotter, drier summers in the long term due to global warming. But the natural year-to-year variability of weather will also mean occasional very cold winters, like that of 2010-11, and very wet summers, like that of 2012. » | Damian Carrington | Tuesday, March 25, 2014