Iran has invited Russia, China, the European Union and its allies among the Arab and developing world to tour its nuclear sites, in an apparent move to gain support ahead of a new round of talks with six world powers.

• January 4, 2011

Estonia starts the new year with a new currency and aspirations for greater integration with Europe though the switch, coming after a troublous year for the euro zone and the euro, calls into question the wisdom and timing of Estonia's membership.

• January 4, 2011

Iran will export 70MW of electricity to Afghanistan and Pakistan this Iranian year (which ends on March 20).

• January 3, 2011

Serbia's participation in the project to build a second Bulgarian nuclear power plant located in Belene is not feasible, according to Serbian Environment Minister, Oliver Dulic.

• December 30, 2010

The election of Viktor Yanukovych as president has brought a dramatic improvement in Russian-Ukrainian relations. Concrete achievements include long-term agreements on gas export price and the Russian navy’s lease of its base at Sevastopol. A major outstanding issue is the relationship between Gazprom and Naftohaz Ukrainy, which will likely be the topic of intensive future discussion.

• December 30, 2010

Driving through Kerry a few summers ago, I decided to drive the back road from Tralee to Listowel to take in a little-known piece of Irish history.

• December 29, 2010

India has tightened the web of sanctions around Iran by barring Indian companies from a range of deals transacted through a key trade-finance clearinghouse.

• December 29, 2010

With the ratification of START, a new nuclear alliance is shaping - one dedicated to the effort to prevent rogue nations from developing nuclear weapons.

• December 29, 2010