Crikey readers have their say.
United States
Your Say: Daily Mail readers' feedback: The death knell of the US democratic republic
Fewer Mexicans attempt the dangerous US border cross
Republican presidential nominees discussed an electric fence being built on the Mexican border. But unemployment, border security and drug cartels along the border have seen a huge drop in numbers of locals leaving Mexico.
No Palin for president
Former Alaska governor — and Republican vice-presidential nominee — Sarah Palin has announced she will not run for president in the 2012 campaign, as she says she’ll have more impact from outside the race.
Risks outweigh rewards in commercial bank deposits: RBA
The Reserve Bank of Australia has reduced the amount of money on deposit with offshore commercial banks in the past year, ending years of using them to hold part of Australia’s $37 billion official foreign reserves.
From Fast Food Nation to Food Stamp Nation
A whopping 46 million Americans receive food stamps, an increase of 74% since 2007. But it’s not just the unemployed, many who are employed don’t earn enough from their basic jobs to afford food.
War on the internet: the key fronts
A widespread and in many ways concerted series of attack by governments on the internet is underway, one that has increased in scope and complexity since WikiLeaks humiliated the US government and social media helped fuel the Arab Spring.
Que sorpresa: Cuba finds oil and USA may lift embargo
The five decade-long United States embargo against Cuba could finally be lifted after the discovery of an enormous oil field in Cuban waters, explains Richard Farmer.
Who you calling a human rights violator? China fights back
After criticism from the United States over human rights abuses and treatment of dissidents, China has fought back by publishing 7,500 words on human rights violations in the US, including racial discimrination and wrongful imprisonment.
Still the yuan: China won’t budge on currency, warns about quantitative easing
Chinese President Hu Jintao has signalled that China is not about to budge on its exchange rate policy despite growing pressure, and has instead called on the United States to follow an internationally responsible monetary policy, writes Business Spectator’s Karen Maley.
Wikileaks 
The US embassy cables scandal
It’s diplomatic crisis time for the US, with 250,000 classified cables to US embassies leaked by WikiLeaks: including documents outlining US officials spying on UN leadership, corruption within the Afghanistan government and diplomats spying on the countries where they are posted.
Leigh Sales: Behind-the-scenes at my Hillary Clinton interview
ABC journo Leigh Sales spills the beans on meeting US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on her recent Australian visit, from making small-talk with Hillary about the security risks of kangaroos to her promise of a future one-on-one interview.
Obama’s foreclosure mess
The US banking industry is currently straining under a foreclosure mess, with many calling for a moratorium while potential illegal activity is investigated. Whatever the cause, Obama needs to get on the front foot now, writes Andrew Leonard.
Will Israel bomb Iran?
The idea of a nuclear Iran has both the US and Israel freaking out and an Israeli attack against Iran is becoming a genuine possibility. Jeffery Goldberg speculates how it would unfold.
Afghanistan leaks: what the world is saying
International news organisations have published extracts from secret military documents detailing the United States’ involvement in the war in Afghanistan over the weekend. Eloise Keating wraps the coverage.
LEAK: The real war in Afghanistan
WikiLeaks has released an explosive collection of over 91,000 secret military reports documenting the war in Afghanistan between 2004 and 2010.
leaked 
Behind the Afghanistan war: insurgents set the pace
An archive of leaked military documents uploaded onto Wikileaks on the weekend paint a picture of an American war effort starved for resources and attention, with US soldiers battling highly coordinated and deadly insurgents.
Cameron and Obama cement UK-US ‘truly special’ union
Unlike his predecessor, British Prime Minister David Cameron’s first state visit to the United States has been a great success, complete with matching podiums at his joint press conference with US President Barack Obama, writes Kevin Connolly.
Pakistan: the rich getting richer, the poorer getting…poorer
An unworkable tax system in Pakistan is widening the gap between the nation’s wealthiest and poorest, fueling insurgents and complicating US policy in the region, writes Sabrina Tavernise.
Why Russia and the US are freaking out about a tiny nation
Kyrgyzstan may be small, but the current violence could have a significant affect on Russia and the US, since both have military bases in the country. The US base is an important transit hub for supplies to its war in Afghanistan.
Putting a steak through the heart of US-UK relations
The US and British Ambassadors are putting a wager on their World Cup match. “You should know that the Ambassador takes his steak like American soccer victories — somewhat rare,” warns the Brits. Game on.
US and Turkey no longer pals?
Turkey — along with Brazil — voted no for tougher sanctions against Iran by the UN, but the sanctions were passed. Is it the relationship between the US and Turkey — long-term allies — now tarnished?
Iran hit with tougher sanctions
The UN Security Council has voted to put new, tougher sanctions on Iran, in protest to its nuclear program, with even Russia and China voting in favour. But will the sanctions work?
Helen Thomas in the land of the free, home of the gagged
Yes, what Helen Thomas — the longest serving member of the White House press corps who retired yesterday — said about Israel was despicable. But doesn’t the US have freedom of speech in its constitution? asks Roy Greenslade.
Israel: now a liability for the US?
America’s strong ties to Israel are about stabilising the Middle East area and the US isn’t about to give up that relationship, even following the flotilla attack. But Israel is now longer an asset to the US.
