Terrible things tend to happen when Syrian security officials catch their quarry. Dissidents are detained, tortured and sometimes killed. It is thus disturbing to learn that U.S. and European technology companies are working to help the regime of President Bashar al-Assad monitor Internet traffic to keep tabs on citizens. A Bloomberg News investigation revealed that the Italian company Area SpA has been installing a wide-reaching surveillance system for the Syrians, using equipment from the U.S.

The United Nations report on Iran’s nuclear program released last week should end the debate, if any debate remained, over whether Iran is moving toward acquiring the ability to build a nuclear weapon. In cautious but convincing detail, the U.N.’s International Atomic Energy Agency listed evidence that Iran is still conducting research that would lead to an atomic bomb, much of it in secret military laboratories. And Iran has refused to answer the U.N.’s questions or allow U.N. inspectors to see

U.S. President Barack Obama said at the Group of 20 meeting in Cannes, France, earlier this month that he was told that he had just been given a “crash course” on the complexities of European politics. Well, that’s us, the folk who brought you Byzantine. We do have the habit of talking about one thing while doing another, like your mother peeling potatoes at the sink while telling you to hurry up and provide her with some grandchildren. And, often, the thing we’re doing is not what it appears, a

JERICHO, Palestinian Territories (AFP) ― Bulldozers flanked by Israeli troops razed four Palestinian homes near the ancient city of Jericho on Tuesday, with Israel saying they endangered a nearby archaeological site.Ammar Fakhuri, the owner of one of the buildings, told AFP it was the third time that Israel had demolished properties he owned.“They did it twice in the Old City of Jerusalem in 2004 and 2010 and now here,” he said, adding that Tuesday’s demolition was carried out by two bulldozers

CANBERRA (AFP) ― U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Australia Wednesday on a twice-postponed mission to update a 60-year-old security alliance for a new century marked by the rise of China.Air Force One touched down in the capital Canberra after flying from the president’s native Hawaii, where he presided over a summit that expanded entry talks on a new pan-Pacific trade deal.The 28-hour visit to Australia is expected to include an announcement on escalating military cooperation, in a clear

NEW YORK (AP) ― Fernando Botero’s monumental bronze “Dancers” has fetched more than $1.7 million at a New York auction, setting a new record for a sculpture by the renowned Colombian artist.The sculpture, which depicts a couple standing face to face, as if about to start a dance, was made in 2007 and bought directly from Botero.It was acquired at the first session of Christie’s Latin American Art sale on Tuesday, by a private European buyer whose identity was not revealed.The previous record for

BEIJING (AP) ― Outspoken Chinese artist Ai Weiwei said Wednesday he feels like he has paid a ransom, after depositing $1.3 million into a government account while he contests a huge tax bill months after being held in police detention.Chinese tax authorities say Ai’s design firm, Beijing Fake Cultural Development Ltd., owes 15 million yuan ($2.4 million) in back taxes and fines. Ai disputes the government’s tax-evasion allegations and says he does not even own the company involved.The guarantee

LOS ANGELES ― Earlier this political season, many comedians lamented the absence of former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin in the 2012 presidential race, fearing they would never be able to tap an equally rich source of humor in the stable of button-down Republican candidates. Oh, ye of little faith.Perhaps, after Rick Perry’s already infamous debate gaffe of absent-mindedness, “The Daily Show’s” Jon Stewart put it best this week: “Many Republican faithful thought Perry would be the answer to their pray