United Nations

Iran’s recent charm offensive is likely a ruse. But the only way to find out is to try diplomacy.

A new survey finds that support for the UN is highest in the Asia-Pacific. China is a notable exception.

China’s own sense of vulnerability, not its rivalry with the US, accounts for its opposition to a Syrian intervention.

Plus, a Chinese cargo ship attempts to transverse the Arctic route to Europe. Monday China links.

A historical transformation is underway as China begins sending combat forces to UN operations.

Nine years after UNSC 1540 passed, progress remains uneven and incomplete.

Japan’s refusal to subsidize pro-North Korean schools in Japan “constitutes discrimination” a UN committee claims.

North Korea’s recent nuclear test has renewed suspicions over ties with Pakistan.

Laos’ recent WTO membership stands to benefit the country significantly. But the gains will take work.

Cambodia has certainly endured its share of turbulent times. Its long-serving Prime Minister Hun Sen will soon go to the polls. The Diplomat profiles him here.

Becoming a non-permanent member on the UN Security Council once seemed assured. Not anymore.

If President Oscar Manutahi Temaru gets his way, French Polynesia could one day become an independent nation – but at what cost?

Many Chinese advocate Beijing taking on a greater leadership role on the world stage. Can they get anyone to follow?

Washington has seen all roads in Damascus as leading through Tehran. Why time and compromise could lead to a deal that saves lives.

Rio+20 was dismissed by many as likely to be just a talking shop. Sadly, critics may have been right.

The U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea is as much as anything else about fundamental disagreements between the U.S. and China. The U.S. shouldn’t sign up.

China’s public is growing increasingly frustrated with North Korea. It doesn’t want to be sucked into disputes.

U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon seems to be having a better visit to Burma than last time he was there.

Mitt Romney swept the five states holding primary contests Tuesday. His campaign shares its reaction.

The Republic of China maintains sweeping claims to the South China Sea. But is it needlessly alienating much-needed potential friends?

Keen to impress the West and get sanctions lifted, Burma is cracking down on opium production. But hundreds of thousands may be left in poverty.

If the West wants to turn the screws on Iran’s regime it must do more to ensure that it isn’t hurting the Iranian people.

India’s support of a U.N. resolution calling for Sri Lanka to investigate rights violations is a welcome a move.

Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta faces a tough reelection battle Saturday as the country votes.