French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants the EU to set up a rapid reaction force for natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods. France has also pledged immediate aid to Pakistani flood victims.

• August 16, 2010

The publication of this collection of essays coincides with the second anniversary of the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia on August 8-12, 2009.

The first essay looks into the transformation of the Georgian armed forces under President Mikhail Saakashvili and details Tbilisi’s key preparations for the war.

• August 16, 2010

Despite US President Barack Obama twice postponing his visit to Indonesia, there has been a marked increase in high-ranked US officials reaching out to Southeast Asia.

• August 14, 2010

As Turkey imports nearly 90 percent of its energy requirements, it has sought reliable contracts with its neighbors to cover its needs.

• August 14, 2010

With 6 million lives on the line in Pakistan, German relief organizations are struggling to find private donations. They say donors are less generous in summer and that many Germans fear their donations will go astray.

• August 14, 2010

EU applicant Serbia is considering acquisition of a still undetermined stake in a new EUR 4 B nuclear power plant project of its eastern neighbour Bulgaria. The latter, a new EU member, is facing difficulties raising the needed money or attracting an investor, media reported at the weekend.

• August 12, 2010

Iran's president called Thursday for a stronger alliance with other countries in the region straddling the Middle East and Central Asia, saying NATO-led troops have failed to restore peace in Afghanistan.

• August 12, 2010

Despite misgivings about Russia, Congress appears unlikely to block a deal that would allow U.S. companies to export nuclear technology to America's former Cold War rival.

• August 12, 2010