Unlike most diplomats who are usually seen in three-piece suits and leather shoes, Wu Sung-lian is helping to further Taiwan's diplomacy with a spatula in hand and a white chef's hat on his head.

This year, the Festival (established in 2007) played host to nearly 2,000 artistes in 27 venues spread over 10 days. “I want to place this Festival as a platform for cultural diplomacy and international tourism,” says Prathibha Prahlad, celebrated dancer and Festival director.

Hungary's turn at the helm of the EU has been accompanied by a chorus of concern about a media law brought in by the centre-right government.

In Afghanistan, the vast majority of the population relies on agriculture for its livelihood. Three decades of war have not changed the central importance of farming in this country, only its difficulty.

OpenLeaks, as it is called, is just one of many of web-based leaks organizations that has sprung up in recent months on the coattails of the famous original. A group of former European Union officials and journalists have launched BrusselsLeaks, focusing on the EU’s secrets. Then there are various geographical sites, such as IndoLeaks, BalkanLeaks, TuniLeaks and the Czech Republic’s PirateLeaks.

Since then, Americans have had little interaction with Cuba and most know little about the Caribbean country or its culture. But a group of seven Cuban musicians is trying to change that - one New England school at a time.

Economic shortages and the U.S. embargo make it difficult to get most sporting equipment there. For skateboarders, it was nearly impossible. "We both said right away, 'We are going there,' " Lecour recalled.

Outspoken vegetarian Paul McCartney is urging India to declare a national Vegetarian Day to celebrate meat-free living and compassion toward animals