With Syria Embassy Shut, What's Next For The U.S.?[ Feb 06, 2012 18:55 ]

The defeat of a peace plan at the U.N. and the closure of the American Embassy in Damascus represent the latest blows to attempts to use diplomacy to end the violence in Syria.

First Barbie, Now Bart Simpson Is Banned In Iran[ Feb 06, 2012 15:20 ]

"Cowabunga dude!" Maybe Bart and Barbie will get a chance to hang out together. They're both apparently too Western for Iranian authorities. Spiderman and Superman are OK, though, because they "help oppressed people."

U.S. Aid At Risk As Egypt Targets Democracy Groups[ Feb 06, 2012 16:40 ]

Egypt plans to prosecute 43 people, including 19 Americans, who have been promoting democracy in Egypt. The case has caused a furious reaction in Washington — with lawmakers threatening to hold up U.S. financial assistance to Egypt.

Where Eye Care Is A Luxury, Technology Offers Access[ Feb 06, 2012 16:19 ]

Entrepreneurs and researchers are looking for ways to bring the cost of eye care down in the developing world. One group is working on technology that turns a smartphone into an eye exam machine, while another has developed glasses with liquid lenses that change prescriptions with the help of a pump.

U.S. Travel To Cuba Grows As Restrictions Are Eased[ Feb 06, 2012 16:13 ]

The Obama administration has relaxed travel restrictions to Cuba, reinstating Bill Clinton's policy of allowing people-to-people travel. But that's drawing criticism from some Republican lawmakers in the U.S., who say the tourist packages come with a heavy dose of Cuban propaganda.

High Tensions Continue in Persian Gulf[ Feb 06, 2012 15:00 ]

Iran continues to stage military maneuvers amid its threats to close the vital oil shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. And Israel continues to mull a military strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, while politicians are urging Washington to show Tehran that it faces a credible military threat.

'Diamond Jubilee' Marks 60 Years Of Queen Elizabeth[ Feb 06, 2012 15:00 ]

Monday marks 60 years since the death of King George VI and the ascendancy of a young Elizabeth to the throne. Her reign has been one of the longest in British history, second only to Queen Victoria.

Iran Tries To Rebrand Arab Spring With Activists[ Feb 06, 2012 15:00 ]

Audie Cornish talks with Robert Worth of The New York Times about Iran's attempt to rebrand the Arab Spring. The Iranian government recently flew in hundreds of young activists from around the region for a conference on the "Islamic Awakening." But some delegates there questioned Tehran's staunch support of the Syrian regime, which has continued to crack down on anti-government protesters.

U.S. And U.K. Withdraw Diplomats From Syria[ Feb 06, 2012 15:00 ]

Syrian government forces continued the bombardment of the central city of Homs for the third straight day on Monday. Anti-government activists say over 200 people have been killed in the city since Saturday. As the violence escalated around the country, the U.S. shut down its embassy in Damascus, and the U.K. withdrew its ambassador from the Syrian capital.

The 'Responsibility To Protect' In Syria And Beyond[ Feb 06, 2012 13:00 ]

After the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, world leaders vowed that such mass atrocities could never be allowed to happen again. In 2005, the U.N. adopted the Responsibility to Protect, a set of principles to guide the response of the international community if a government fails to protect its population.

Obama Signs Order Extending Sanctions To Property Of Iranian Government[ Feb 06, 2012 11:55 ]

The order accuses Iran of using "deceptive practices ... to conceal transactions of sanctioned parties" and says there is an "unacceptable risk posed to the international financial system by Iran's activities."

U.S. Imposes Fresh Sanctions On Iran[ Feb 06, 2012 11:31 ]

President Obama says the sanctions on Iran's Central Bank are warranted because of its "deceptive practices." The new measures come as the White House tries both to pressure Tehran to abandon its nuclear program and dissuade Israel from launching a unilateral strike on Iran.

Romania's Prime Minister Quits After Protests[ Feb 06, 2012 08:01 ]

Prime Minister Emil Boc said he was resigning "to ease the social situation," referring to weeks of protests in Romania over austerity measures that he introduced in 2010.

Rival Palestinian Groups Agree On Unity Government[ Feb 06, 2012 07:31 ]

The political factions took a major step toward healing their bitter rift by agreeing that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas would head an interim unity government to prepare for general elections in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

Syrian Regime Has 'License To Kill' After Diplomatic Impasse, Activists Say[ Feb 06, 2012 07:30 ]

At least 15, and possibly many more, have been killed today in Homs. Over the weekend, about 200 people died in the city, activists say. As the killing continues, the U.S. closes its embassy in Damascus.