Smash Hit

West turns away as Eastern Europe loses direction

For too long the West has been taking the stability of Central and Eastern European governments for granted

Clinton in credit while Obama takes the blame

The Secretary of State is proving better than her predecessor and almost better than the President on the world stage

Time to change Britain's foreign aid policy

The call by Andrew Mitchell, Shadow Development Secretary, for a hard stocktaking is a step in the right direction

Merkel will decide Blair's presidential fate

The horse trading has begun, but the German Chancellor holds the key to deciding who becomes the new face of Europe

Iran spins it to its advantage again

Tehran manages to buy time while making unconvincing promises about its uranium work

Just what does McChrystal want more troops for?

The General was right to say that ‘Afghanistan is worth it’. But he has not explained what the extra troops would achieve

Merkel victory will nudge Europe to the right

German Chancellor will continue to act cautiously, pragmatically and entirely in Germany’s interests as she has done so far

Obama must look to his home agenda

Although many foreign leaders may adore him, the President’s influence abroad will dwindle if he cannot succeed at home

Gaddafi diatribe hijacks General Assembly

The Libyan leaders 95-minute debut rant to UN delegates brought sypathetic laughter, gasps of horror and some applause

Beijing offers Obama chance to act

The US President has an opportunity to make new moves to cut energy waste after China’s bold approach to the debate

Chairman Mao gives show stamp of distinction

Stamps signed by the Chinese leader are to form the centrepiece of a China-UK exhibition at the Dorchester Hotel

Is US committed to West Bank freeze?

Questions are being raised over the US's willingness to exert pressure on Israel to halt construction of new settlements

China is on the up, the US is flagging

The International Institute for Strategic Studies, a UK think-tank, argues that Israel would attack a nuclear-armed Iran

Does exit signal end of the road for US envoy?

Peter Galbraith’s exit from Kabul is a rebuff to Richard Holbrooke, his fellow big American trying to cut through the Afghan fog

Iran's proposals could hold off sanctions

Foreign Minister’s proposals offer vague assent to more talks on nuclear programme and could scupper chances of UN sanctions

Miliband: Copenhagen climate deal in danger

Foreign Secretary captures urgency that has eluded Brown, but Britain is short of the funds to give help to poorer nations

Obama's smooth talking will not be enough

If President Obama can be precise, and make quick, clear compromises on his wish list, then he will survive