ANALYSIS

Questions remain over appointment of Chuck Hagel and John Brennan to senior defence and CIA positions.

Role of emerging economies and shale production in oil prices may not be as significant as expected.

Nicolas Maduro and Diosdado Cabello favourites to take over if Venezuelan president health worsens.

Italy’s PM Mario Monti has launched his political formation: Monti’s Agenda for Italy.

Most of the Asian bourses post annual gains as the year 2012 comes to a close.

Spanish champions Real Madrid are ready to bid £22m for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.

Rising demand and disappearing arable land could lead China to import more food and produce a spike in global prices.

Arsene Wenger comes under attack from former players over tactical ineptitude, amid claims of "dictatorial" reign.

Umberto Bacchi says America's decision to recognise Syria's National Coalition while repudiating the al-Nusra front could drive a wedge between Assad's opponents.

Trouble with the Curve gets bent out of shape thanks to paper-thin plotting and a lack of drama, finds film correspondent Matt Chapman.

Unsafe buildings and deadly working conditions the real cause of deaths of 111 workers in Bangladesh garment factory.

Former PM Silvio Berlusconi praises Matteo Renzi, while consent for 5-Star Movement led by comedian Beppe Grillo grows.

The new commissioners have wide-ranging powers, but does anybody care?

Vladimir Putin claims the removal of Gen Nikolai Makarov and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov was necessitated by corruption. But, Umberto Bacchi says, the real reason might be far different.

IBTimes asks the President of the National Secular Society and blogger on Christian affairs His Grace, 'Lord Cranmer'

Questions raised after TV presenter handed prime minister a list of suspected sex abusers

Sites such as micro-blogging hub Sina Weibo are making it increasingly difficult for China's elite to cover their tracks, says Umberto Bacchi.

Renminbi's ascendance as international reference currency depends on size and scale of new leadership's economic reforms.

Several prominent publications have decided to back Obama because of Romney's policy schizophrenia has undermined his creditbility.

The chancellor has said that a further £10bn will be cut from the benefits bill, while praising his own efforts to cut tax for businesses and high earners.

Sharp drop in August sales as consumers postpone purchase decisions.

Despite the recent peak in gold prices in anticipation of further economic stimulus by the US Fed Reserve, doubts over the precious metal as a safe investment persist.

Treasury minister Danny Alexander has committed heresy by doubting the supremacy of credit ratings. Is the government preparing for a u-turn on fiscal stimulus?

Apple's recent financial results have been mind-blowing, but can it continue to report record sales and soaring profits?

Nokia is struggling, and an announcement this week could be enough to push the Finnish mobile phone over the edge and see it disappear for ever.

PM had rough ride fielding questions on relationship with the press, Andy Coulson and Jeremy Hunt.

Despite chancellor and former prime minister being hauled in front of Leveson, unanswered questions remain.

As Facebook floats on the New York Stock Exchange, we look at five ways it can get even bigger.

Overloaded servers, online-only play and frustrated gamers has meant the launch of Blizzard's Diablo 3 has been far from smooth.