Opposition leaders have coalesced into a united and focused movement that is preparing to choose one candidate to run against the president, posing the strongest electoral challenge to Hugo Chavez's populist rule. Chavez still leads his nearest rival, but the gap is nothing like in years past.

In Russia, anger and frustration are growing over the country's political system and its two leaders, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev — including in their hometown, St. Petersburg. In particular, many are critical of Putin's attempt to reclaim the presidency.

The defeat of a peace plan at the U.N. and the closure of the American Embassy in Damascus represent the latest blows to attempts to use diplomacy to end the violence in Syria.

Egypt plans to prosecute 43 people, including 19 Americans, who have been promoting democracy in Egypt. The case has caused a furious reaction in Washington — with lawmakers threatening to hold up U.S. financial assistance to Egypt.

The Obama administration has relaxed travel restrictions to Cuba, reinstating Bill Clinton's policy of allowing people-to-people travel. But that's drawing criticism from some Republican lawmakers in the U.S., who say the tourist packages come with a heavy dose of Cuban propaganda.