Annan: Syrian Troops Intensify Mass Arrests

International envoy Kofi Annan says that Syrian troops appear to be intensifying mass arrests and torture in rebellious communities.

International envoy Kofi Annan says that Syrian troops appear to be intensifying mass arrests and torture in rebellious communities.

Vladimir Putin was sworn in Monday as Russia’s president. But the highly choreographed ceremony in the Kremlin’s St. Andrew Hall was clouded by events in the Russian capital a day earlier, when police and protesters, during a large opposition demonstration, left dozens injured on both sides.

Chinese newspapers are stepping up their criticism of dissident Chen Guangcheng, who fled to Beijing last month, and the United States, which harbored him for six days in the embassy.

In an election upset, French presidential candidate Francois Hollande edged out French President Nicolas Sarkozy for the top political seat in France today.