Nine years ago, Namik Tan wrapped up his last tour of duty in Washington as first counselor at the Turkish Embassy and flew back to Ankara. Barely two weeks later, Muslim terrorists drove planes through the World Trade Center and Pentagon.

• January 5, 2011

The presence of India and other key regional powers on the Security Council starting this week gives the U.N.'s most powerful body more credibility and legitimacy because it now reflects the world in the 21st century, India's U.N. ambassador

• January 5, 2011

One of five opposition presidential candidates arrested in Belarus following a post-election crackdown two weeks ago has been released. Meanwhile, the country faces criticism for closing its OSCE office.

• January 4, 2011

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

Chinese scientists have mastered the technology for reprocessing fuel from nuclear power plants, potentially boosting the supplies of carbon-free electricity to keep the country’s economy booming, state television reported yesterday.

• January 4, 2011

Turkey made its imprint as one of the most influential countries not only on 2010, but on the first decade of the third millennium.

• January 3, 2011

Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in nuclear fuel reprocessing technology that could effectively end any uranium supply concerns, state media reported on Monday.

• January 3, 2011

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

• January 3, 2011