Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern this week launched consultations to salvage a deal on the European Union's controversial Constitution. Hopes suffered a blow on Tuesday when Spain flatly rejected a German-backed compromise on the crucial issue of voting weights in a union of 25 members.

Arab leaders closed ranks to appeal to Israel recently to overcome its long-standing reservations and accept a landmark offer that could lead to a breakthrough in the Middle East peace process. Saudi Arabia, abandoning its customary reticence to host its first Arab League summit for 30 years, bridged its quarrels with Syria and persuaded the Palestinian Islamists of Hamas to stay.

Mohamed Morsi won't make drastic foreign policy changes - his biggest challenge lies at home, writes Ian Black.

Lights have been burning late in the European Union Council of Ministers building the last few nights as diplomats have scrabbled to conclude complex negotiations leading to the largest expansion in the club's history.

Barack Obama has underscored the bond between the US and Libya, but vowed to hunt down those behind the possibly premeditated killing of the US envoy.

Forces loyal to Syria's President al-Assad have committed crimes against humanity during the revolt, including killing over 256 children, the UN says.

Egypt's president has the ability to dominate domestic politics. Now he has to find a way to appease the US after the embassy attack.

The crisis in Syria has deepened after the US publicly accused Russia of giving attack helicopters to President Bashar Al-Assad's regime.