United Nations
UN Syria talks reflect new geopolitical conditions
Next month's talks will include Iran, but not the hardline Islamist groups now dominating northern Syria
SyriaSaudi Arabia faces long war in Yemen
The campaign has achieved swift domination of Yemen's skies, but more limited impact on Huthi presence on the ground
YemenFallow politics will impede Libyan talks
The UN's persistent efforts to broker a unity government could be undercut by domestic and regional politics
LibyaGlobal vulture funds action will be restricted
Vulture fund activity has been growing fast since the 1980s
InternationalIran oil sector faces slow recovery from sanctions
The framework nuclear deal increases the prospect of Iranian oil returning to global markets in the coming year
EUPoverty progress in Latin America could be reversed
Slower growth and low commodity prices will put pressure on poverty progress, with many slipping back into poverty
Latin AmericaGlobal drug control norms will shift
The Special Session (UNGASS) on the World Drug Problem in 2016 will be the scene for a shift in the global drug fight
InternationalLifting arms embargo would exacerbate Libya conflict
The UN Security Council's decision on lifting the arms embrago could alter the course of the Libyan conflict
Libya