Sebastian Pinera is sworn in as president of quake-hit Chile, as a 6.9-magnitude aftershock strikes the centre of the country.
Former US President George W Bush's advisor, Karl Rove, says he is proud of waterboarding as he believes it prevented attacks.
First results from Iraq's election suggest a tight contest may be developing between PM Nouri Maliki and main rival Iyad Allawi.
Turkey withdraws its ambassador to Sweden after the parliament votes to describe as genocide the killing of Armenians in WWI.
Freedom of expression on the web has been curtailed in 2009, the US state department says in its annual human rights report.
The most impressive view of the Rome is from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Entrance to the Dome is not free, but it's worth it. I recommend taking elevator to the roof and then you will have to climb the stairs further up in the space between the dome and outer walls. When visiting Vatican City don’t forget that there is strict dress code – shoulders and knees must be closed.
August is the worst month to visit Rome, it is uncomfortably hot, muggy, and the entire country goes on vacation at least from August 15 to the end of the month. Many hotels, restaurants, and shops are closed in this period. The best way to get to Rome from Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino Airport) is Leonardo Express train that running every half hour to Rome’s Termini Station. Near Termini Station there are many chip hotels and it is probably the most convenient area to stay in for touring Rome.