Belgium's Prime Minister Herman Van Rompuy, who was elected European Union President during an EU leaders summit on Thursday, leaves his office after a cabinet meeting in Brussels, Nov. 20, 2009. (Yves Herman/Reuters)

Opinion: China has a President Hu, now Europe chooses President Who?

The process of elimination that led to Van Rompuy's appointment represents all that is institutionally wrong with the European Union.

LONDON, U.K. — Two weeks ago, after eight years of politicking, voting — including one do-over to make sure the right result was achieved — the European Union's Treaty of Lisbon was finally ratified.

One of its key provisions was the creation of the post of president. For once the people of Europe were genuinely interested in the doings of their union. ...

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Opinion: China has a President Hu, now Europe chooses President Who?

Michael Goldfarb - Worldview - November 20, 2009 21:12 ET

The process of elimination that led to Van Rompuy's appointment represents all that is institutionally wrong with the European Union.

Opinion: Silenced in the Sahara

Timothy Kustusch - Worldview - November 20, 2009 10:52 ET

"Saharawi Gandhi" was expelled from the Western Sahara and is now on hunger strike.

Opinion: How to finance the war in Afghanistan?

C.M. Sennot - Worldview - November 20, 2009 06:32 ET

A question that, for Obama, is likely to hit home all the way over there in China.

Opinion: How best to get things done in Afghanistan and elsewhere

Mort Rosenblum - Worldview - November 19, 2009 12:35 ET

Or, the art of speaking loudly behind a door firmly closed.

Opinion: In France, l’Etat is no longer moi

Mort Rosenblum - Worldview - November 17, 2009 06:41 ET

Dodging corruption charges and facing jail time, French leaders go out of their way to give Louis XIV a bad name.

International visitors buoy US tourism industry

Susan E. Reed - Worldview - November 15, 2009 09:30 ET

Despite dreary economic times, a favorable exchange rate beckons foreign tourists to the majestic Grand Circle and beyond.

Opinion: Everyone missed signs of change in eastern Europe

Tom Fenton - Worldview - November 14, 2009 16:43 ET

While reporters did not foresee the fall of the Berlin Wall, the on-the-ground reporting was important.

"Damned United" and the tragedy at Leeds

Mark Starr - Sports - November 13, 2009 21:56 ET

A genuine soccer movie tells the story of Brian Clough, the greatest soccer coach in England to never coach the national team.

Opinion: Nigeria proposes reform of oil industry

John Campbell - Worldview - November 12, 2009 15:39 ET

President Yar'Adua puts forward new legislation but it looks unlikely to effectively reform the industry.

Opinion: Stuck in neutral?

Michael Moran - Worldview - November 12, 2009 06:42 ET

Some Europeans who steered clear of the Cold War may be wavering 20 years later.

The European School: a microcosm of EU integration

William Echikson - Worldview - November 11, 2009 19:32 ET

Czech and Slovak students don't dwell on their countries' communist past.

Opinion: How history's first draft got it wrong

Michael Goldfarb - Worldview - November 11, 2009 12:34 ET

The fall of communism in eastern Europe was not, as Francis Fukuyama wrote, "the end of history."

Opinion: Gay rights go global

Peter Tatchell - Worldview - November 11, 2009 09:22 ET

Homophobia still rules much of the world, but gay people are winning gains in nearly every country.

How 'bout them apples?

C.M. Sennott - Worldview - November 11, 2009 08:24 ET

The U.S. can't compete with China's cheap labor costs and mega orchards in the global apple trade.

Opinion: How consumer choices can drive environmental change

Stephan Faris - Global Green - November 10, 2009 11:38 ET

When businesses realize that eco-friendly alternatives will help their bottom line, they take action.

Opinion: Incorporating lessons from Iraq

Mort Rosenblum - Worldview - November 10, 2009 06:55 ET

Rather than destroying a country in order to save it, turn to the hard slog of nation-building.

Opinion: The day after the Wall fell

Michael Moran - Worldview - November 9, 2009 17:55 ET

The fears of Germany and its neighbors in 1989 have largely been resolved by 2009.

Opinion: ALS, Lou Gehrig and Michael

Mark Starr - Worldview - November 8, 2009 10:16 ET

How one man's struggle with ALS called on Major League Baseball to take a stand.

Opinion: "Old fox" Mugabe outwits others

Douglas Rogers - Worldview - November 8, 2009 09:56 ET

Power-sharing government achieves some improvements but Mugabe still rules with iron fist.

Opinion: Why sanctions aren't the answer for Iran

Joel Brinkley - Worldview - November 6, 2009 15:45 ET

America needs to understand that punitive measures aren't going to keep Iran in check. Not when Russia and China have a lot to lose.

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