Bankrupt, Greece turns to China for help; Japan concerned about China's growing missile capabilities

Beijing audits new rural medical system; China grapples with syphilis epidemic

The new issue of Rolling Stone magazine has yet to hit newsstands, but its centerpiece - a devastating expose of Gen. Stanley A. McChrystal, the top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan - already has sent shockwaves through Washington. The article, copies of which already have found their way onto the Internet, paints an unflattering picture of a military commander at war with his own civilian leadership, replete with insults of sitting officials and serious charges of political malfeasance.

Since news of the piece leaked over the weekend, Gen. McChrystal has issued repeated public mea culpas and was forced to fly to Washington for an in-person dressing down by the president. The apologies were not enough; Wednesday afternoon, President Obama announced that he had relieved Gen. McChrystal of duty as commander of the Afghan theater.

China faces tough choices on Cheonan; Hong Kong Dems press for independence

Ukraine, Georgia off NATO's agenda;
Putin, Medvedev split on Soviet legacy

So close, but so far away; Controversial nuke deal for Pak-China; Water disputes rise to the top of the Indo-Pak agenda; Drone math

Sevastopol extension creates turmoil in Kyiv;
More lustration on Katyn

South Stream gathers steam;
A step forward in the Arctic

China endures wave of attacks on schoolchildren; South Korea fingers north in ship sinking, irked China hosts Kim

Another step forward for Nabucco; North Korea arms bound for more than Iran?; Turkey deal on Iran sanctions -- breakthrough or delay tactic?; Turkmen leader endorses new party; Political gridlock in Baghdad