Obama has put national security ahead of promoting democracy abroad
Aug 10, 2016 16:03 pm UTC| Insights & Views
Barack Obama, the US president, waxed lyrical about some of his administrations remarkable foreign policy achievements in his recent speech to the Democratic National Convention. Through diplomacy, we shut down Irans...
Banking 'shake-up' relies too much on customers shopping around
Aug 10, 2016 15:57 pm UTC| Insights & Views Business
A report that was billed to transform the UKs retail banking industry has been criticised for not doing enough to protect customers. The Competition and Markets Authority report was two years in the making and is geared...
Spain: is a third election in a year on the horizon?
Aug 10, 2016 15:53 pm UTC| Insights & Views
Despite holding two elections in the past year, Spain still doesnt have a functioning government. The Peoples Party increased its representation yet fell short of the required majority. As intense negotiations and...

An ageing emperor steps down – and leaves Japan at an awkward crossroads
Aug 10, 2016 15:42 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Emperor Akihitos recent statement to the Japanese nation had been anticipated for some time, but it was nonetheless a startling moment. Akihito refrained from uttering the a-word, but the message was clear: he wants to...
Aug 10, 2016 15:36 pm UTC| Insights & Views Sports
Rio 2016 is a celebration of the biggest and best achievements of men and women athletes from all parts of the globe. The Olympics have been particularly useful for showcasing the sporting prowess of women to the world....

A tale of three surprisingly different street gangs around the world
Aug 10, 2016 15:14 pm UTC| Insights & Views Life Law
It can sometimes seem like there are gangs everywhere you look. At the Rio Olympics, fears of gang-related violence have resulted in intensive security much as in London four years ago. In Brussels, gang rivalries are the...

Local elections show that South Africa's women continue to play second fiddle
Aug 10, 2016 14:59 pm UTC| Insights & Views Politics
Three events converge in August in South Africa: the 60th anniversary of the march by women to the Union Buildings; the finalisation of the local government elections; and the tenth anniversary of the trial of President...