Leading European think-tanks propose new approaches in development policy to cope with future challenges. The EU should take on more prominent role in the area, argue this week's commenators Sven Grimm and Simon Maxwell.

• February 23, 2010

Western diplomats express deep concern at a decree by Afghan President Hamid Karzai giving him control of the election watchdog.

• February 23, 2010

European Union foreign ministers condemn the use of forged passports in the assassination of a top Palestinian militant.

• February 22, 2010

Over a week into the joint allied offensive in Helmand province, NATO commanders have been cautioning that the true success of the mission cannot be fully gauged for months to come and indeed possibly beyond that.

• February 22, 2010

Israel's prime minister announces a controversial plan to add two West Bank religious sites to the country's national heritage list.

• February 21, 2010

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko drops her legal challenge against her rival's victory in Ukraine's presidential election.

• February 20, 2010

Ukrainian President-elect Viktor Yanukovych is taking steps to force out the government of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who is contesting his recent victory in the country’s presidential elections in court.

• February 19, 2010

A leaked UN report expresses concern Iran may currently be trying to develop a nuclear payload for a missile.

• February 18, 2010