World | WPN World People News

Heads of state from Afghanistan to Australia gathered on the resort island of Bali Thursday for the opening of the fifth Bali Democracy Forum. Tensions in Syria and criticism of the United Nations Security Council are the hot topics of the day - as were scathing comments by the Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Newly re-elected U.S. President Barack Obama faces an immediate confrontation with Congress over key tax and spending issues even before he is sworn in for a second term in January.

Destruction left behind after an attack on Sigili village, North Darfur.

WFP Executive Director Ertharin Cousin visits Syrian refugees in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon.

MEPs praised Commissioner Georgieva and her services for their work in getting EU aid (over €250 million representing 74% of the registered assistance) to those in need, coordinating international support and advocating the importance of providing humanitarian relief in full compliance with international law of war.

Daunting issues await the winner of Tuesday's U.S. presidential election, whether it is Democratic incumbent President Barack Obama or his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney.

At least 130 people died Tuesday in Syria, in a wave of air strikes, bombings, ground battles and assassinations, as violence between government forces and rebels escalated in Damascus and Aleppo.

Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman speaks to the press following his briefing to the Security Council on Syria during a closed-door session.

UN Spokesperson Martin Nesirky.

Wita Sholhead moved to the US about 14 years ago from Jakarta, Indonesia and was granted citizenship last year. She is excited to vote in her first U.S. election, but is struggling to identify with a political party, she said.