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The article offers information on the funeral ceremony of the president of Yugoslavia, Josip Broz Tito. It states that the funeral was attended by a large number of notable personalities including leaders from East and West blocs and the Third World, statesmen, and royalty. His funeral was called as a summit of mankind by the news agency of Yugoslavia, Tanjug.

The article analyzes the impact of the resignation of Cyrus Vance as the U.S. Secretary of State, on the political condition in the U.S. and on the country's foreign policy. It is reported that, the resignation signifies the victory of the U.S. National Security Adviser Zbigniew Brzezinski, over who between Vance and Brzezinski, was to be the chief architect of U.S. President Jimmy Carter's administration's foreign policy.

The article focuses on Shah of Iran Mohammed Reza Pahlavi who is condemned by majority of the countries throughout the world. It states that the Shah has been criticized by religious leader Ayatullah Ruhollah Khomeini with his supporters calling it as a puppet of the U.S. However, it tells that Shah has also been applauded by seven U.S. presidents started with Harry Truman and ended with Jimmy Carter who claimed the stability of the nation in 1977. It mentions that under Pahlavi's governance, foreign firms are required to frequently provide commissions to government officers or royal family members as a fee in exchange of any contract in Iran. Moreover, it notes that the Shah got married with Princess Fawzia Fuad, king of Egypt's sister.

The article offers the author's insights on the summit meeting in Moscow, Russia in 1979, which aims to strengthen its relationship with other nations. The author expresses his disapproval on the offhanded move that was mainly organized by the administration of U.S. President Richard Nixon, due to several factors including the slow progress of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talk (SALT), nonparticipation of Russia in the Vietnam war, and its threatening conflict with the Middle East. The author relates his secret trip in Moscow along with diplomat Henry Kissinger to met Communist Party Chief Leonid Brezhnev. The author also discusses the role of the summit officials including Prime Minister Aleksei Kosygin, Soviet Ambassador Andrei Gromyko, and Anatoli Dobrynin.

The article focuses on the 1970 negotiation between U.S. and China when the latter is looking for a counter threat to Soviet pressure. It notes that U.S. diplomat Henry Kissinger had an opportunity to compare the Soviet and Chinese negotiating styles because of the development at hand, a chance to establish foreign ties with China. In October 1970, President Richard Nixon asked Pakistani President Yahya Khan, who was about to visit Beijing, China, to inform the Chinese government that the U.S. was ready to improve foreign relations. On December 8, 1970, President Nixon received a letter from Chou Enlai declaring China has always been willing for a peaceful talk and that a special envoy of the president will be most welcome in Beijing.

The article offers information on Spartakiad, the quadrennial two-week game held in the Soviet Union which served as a rehearsal for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. It mentions that gymnasts, card flashers, and folk dancers performed during the opening ceremony of Spartakiad, in which the Olympic torch was illuminated while ritual rites were presented. It states that various Soviet athletes were featured during the Spartakiad, in which foreign athletes joined various games. It adds that Misha, the bear cub served as the symbol of the Olympics. It says that various construction projects and rebuilding projects were instituted by the Soviets in association with the Olympics, in which 76 rebuilding were accomplished in the areas of Moscow which will be the center of the competition.

The article offers the author's insights regarding the attitude of U.S. President Jimmy Carter towards global events such as the war in Vietnam and the diminishing influence of the U.S. over Indochina. It states that critics of Carter see him as a president who is indecisive of the affairs of the country with other nations. It says that he promotes a form of restraint as he believes that the U.S. cannot control the actions of other countries. It also expresses that European critics such as the newspaper "Le Figaro," claimed that the incompetence of U.S. has caused the decline of its influence over asian countries. However, Carter emphasized that the role of the U.S. is in the maintenance of peace and the resolution of conflicts such as the invasion of Vietnam by China.

The article reports on the implications of the return in 1979 of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini after 15 years of exile. It states that Khomeini's return has been welcomed by many Iranians devotedly subservient under his influence. It adds that the Ayatollah has never changed his stand for his disapproval of an Iranian government under the rule of Prime Minister Shahpour Bakhtiar. It also stresses that conflicts among the members of the Iranian military became evident as some of them are adherents of the Ayotallah. However, the U.S. government rebuked Khomeini and asserted that he should support the administration of Bakhtiar. It also says that even if Khomeini succeeds in creating an Iranian republic, the problems of the country such as crime and poverty will still be left unaided.

The article explores the relations between the Soviet Union (SU) and the U.S. It states that the relationship has changed since 1978 and it has focused on the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). According to Soviet Communist Party chief Leonid Brezhnev, there have been encouraging moments in the relationship. William Hyland, former member of the National Security Council, believes that U.S. normalization with China, the possible arms sale to the Chinese and the results of SALT will have a big impact on the relationship. Almost all U.S. foreign policy officials were seen to have agreed that SU is against U.S. relations with China and retaliated by stalling the SALT II. U.S. President Jimmy Carter believes that his China move will not endanger the good relationship.

An interview with Leonid Brezhnev, general secretary of the Communist Party, chairman of the Presidium and Marshal of the Soviet Union, is presented. When asked how he will evaluate the state of the U.S.-Soviet relations in terms of the progress of the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks II (SALT), he states that an agreement on limitation of offensive strategic arms is coming to a close. He discusses the condition of detente or the relaxation of tension in Europe and in the Middle East.

The article offers information on the papal election at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City in 1978. Karol Wojtyla from Poland was elected Pope, who was the first foreign elected to lead a global church. It mentions his inaugural speech during the traditional blessing to the city and the world. It also notes that though there were people who express their positive reaction to the new Pope, some have seen the loss of the papacy after four and a half centuries. It further offers information on the new Pope.

The article focuses on the death of Pope John Paul I in September 1978, which saddened the Christian people. It states that the Pope is wearing a sort of smile when his body was discovered by Father John Magee in his bedroom. Assistant Papal Physician Renato Buzzonetti mentions that a stroke has caused the Pope's death. Vatican City has announced the death of the Pope two hours after the body was discovered and the body was laid at the Clementine Hall in the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, Italy by noon. Furthermore, it mentions that the papal election will begin on October 14, 1978 and the candidates for the papal position include Archbishop Corrado Ursi, Archbishop Salvatore Pappalardo, and Archbishop Giovanni Benelli of Italy.

The article focuses on the election of a new Pope at the St. Peter's Square in Vatican City on September 2, 1978. It relates that ranking Cardinal-deacon Pericle Felici in the Sacred College has announced at the opened Window of the Benediction that Reverend Lord Cardinal Albino Luciani has been chosen as the new Pope, named as Pope John Paul I. It mentions that the event was attended by an estimated 50,000 people who wanted to witness a historical, religious event. It says that Pope Luciani appeared in the window of the St. Peter's Basilica and lifted his hands for a papal salute and offered blessings to the crowds. It adds that the Cardinals have chosen Luciani because of his concern and compassion, despite lack of experience as a Vatican Diplomat and knowledge on Vatican bureaucracy.

The article accounts the death of Pope Paul VI and the effort of Vatican City to find his successor. It mentions the last will and testament of the Pontiff asking the church to make his funeral simple by burying him in the real earth with simple covering indicating the place and inviting Christian piety. Details about his burial, which is participated by notable persons including U.S. Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim , Rosalynn Carter and retired Archbishop of Canterbury A. Michael Ramsey are also discussed. It offers information on their effort to choose Pope Paul VI's successor. Redemptorist Theologian F.X. Murphy said that patience to deal with a pluralistic, decentralized church and the commanding presence to lead and guide are the qualities a successor must possess.

The article focuses on the brutal assassination of Christian Democratic Party President and most eminent statesman in Italy Aldo Moro. It mentions that the cruel ordeal was over but the anger and grief of his murder had only begun wherein outpouring of sorrow supplanted the cynicism. It highlights the support of the government's refusal to negotiate with the Red Brigades for Moro's life. It also stresses the need for Italian legislators to implement police reforms rather than drawing up new anti-terrorism legislation.

The article focuses on the kidnapping incident involving Aldo Moro, president of the Christian Democrats, and the Red Brigades. It mentions that though Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti has received a letter from Moro pleading for his life, he still rejects the kidnapper's demand to deal for an exchange of imprisoned terrorists. It mentions several possible reasons for the existence of terrorists including unemployment, educational system, and the bureaucracy which tends to isolate citizens from the government. It states that many young people in Italy have turned extremist and joined radical groups like Red Brigades because they feel betrayed by the government. It notes that the most effective way to control terrorism is to cure the undesirable social conditions in the country.

An excerpt from the views of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat regarding his mecurial relationship with colleague Gamal Abdel Nasser and how the U.S. intervention threat kept him from winning a war is presented.

The article provides information on the 18,500-mile trip of the U.S. President Jimmy Carter in nine days, visiting seven countries that include Iran, Poland, and Saudi Arabia. It states that Carter pushed for the trip because he believed that it could probablty help a House-Senate conference committee in speeding up work on energy bill following its members' return from a vacation. It says that the president discussed oil prices, peace in Middle East, and human rights while abroad. Meanwhile, reports revealed that the trip of Carter could make new mood in one nation, a mutual relation from others, as well as an understanding in another.

The article focuses on the threat of possible war in South Africa which was prompted by various social struggles. It states that a White Paper was issued during a parliamentary session as part of South Africa's total national defense strategy for a war. It mentions that South Africa faced various troubles such as the riot at the black ghetto of Soweto in Johannesburg, the continued guerilla raids in Namibia, and the country's efforts to set Namibia free. It says that the riot in Soweto resulted to the conviction of 1,100 blacks which was suspected to trigger the emergence of young rebels. It says that Prime Minister John Vorster intended to remove racial discrimination in South Africa and emphasized that his government will offer equal opportunities and chances for nonwhites.

The article presents the author's view on the foreign policy of President Jimmy Carter in the U.S. President Carter says that his office is committed to a more open foreign policy as he delivered his speech to the United Nations. His approach focuses on human rights issues, break the deadlock in U.S.-Soviet strategic arms talks, and civil and political rights of Russian standards. The U.S. Secretary Cyrus Vance will visit Moscow and will be meeting with Soviet Communist Party Boss Leonid Brezhnev and Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko to discuss the arms balances among Middle East, Africa, and European. Moreover, the author shows the different reactions of several countries regarding the human rights advocacy including Russia, Brazil, and Chile.

The article offers Chiang Ch'ing, the wife of communist leader, Mao Zedong, and focuses on her accession to and fall from power. It briefly talks about Chiang Ch'ing's personal life and explores her career as an actress. It discusses her political activities, highlighting her role in China's cultural revolution and her involvement with the "Gang of Four," a radical group of top officials whose supposed goal was to seize supreme power for themselves. It states that Chiang Ch'ing's influence fell after the death of Mao, which later led to her arrest. Furthermore, it also notes American Sinologist Roxane Witke's effort in accounting Chiang Ch'ing's life.

The article focuses on physicist Andrei Dmitriyevich Sakharov and his political fight against Moscow, Russia. It states that Sakharov is known as the guiding force of the hunted dissidents of the Soviet Union. Accordingly, Sakharov has spoken about the imprisonment of Physicist Yuri Orlov which created an intense human and political rights drama that involved the Soviet Union. It reveals that the dissident movement exists not only in the Soviet Union but all over Eastern Europe, where it protests against Soviet colonial rule.

The article discusses the political development in Beijing, China following the death of the aged Emperor Mao Tse-tung . Accordingly, quarrels among heirs and struggle for power among rival factions surround the Forbidden City, with rumors of a forged will, secret meetings, and a series of arrests in a great purge. Premier Hua Kuo-feng has succeeded Mao as Chairman of the Chinese Communist Party which led to the arrest of Mao's widow Chiang Ching and her closest allies in the People's Liberation Army including Wang Hung-wen and Yao Wenyuan.

Several letters to the editor are presented on various topics including a letter that focuses on the influence and contribution of Communist leader Mao Zedong to the reestablishment of a strong Chinese nation, one which criticizes Mao Zedong as a leader whose reputation is the same with German dictator Adolf Hitler and Russian leader Joseph Stalin, and another which expresses that homosexuality is a sin.

The article focuses on the practice of torture which has become a common instrument of state policy used against almost everyone ruling cliques see as a threat to their power. Estimates from Amnesty International, a respected human rights organization in London, England, revealed that torture has been practiced in 60 countries. It offers evidence on the conversion of army barracks and special wards in hospitals to interrogation centers to inflict unbearable pain, the brutality of General Augusto Pinochet Ugarte's regime in Chile.

The article offers information on the influences of monarchs in Europe to the people. It states that crowned heads have extraordinary aura of power and hieratic authorities, especially Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain have influential rights in the British monarchy. Author Anthony Sampson notes that royalties have roles in the political arena, in which they provide constitutional elements including saving elected officials. Among the reigning families cited include Queen Juliana of the Netherlands, King Juan Carlos of Spain and Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden.

The article focuses on the political events in China. It explores the counterrevolution incident that took place at T'ien An Men Square which led to the oust of then vice premier of the government and chief of staff of the army Teng Hsiao-p'ing. It details the promotion of Hua Kuo-feng whose pre-Premier post marked the first stage of the assault on Teng. It claims that the elevation of Hua to his post and Teng's dismissal appeared to be an attempt by the party leadership to ensure an untroubled succession to the reign of Mao Tse-tung. Details of Hua's contributions to the Chinese government are also offered.

The article offers information on the three-day lunar New Year celebration called Tet in Ho Chi Minh City known as Saigon. It states that flowers still bedeck the streets as traditionary, but the florists in Saigon think that the South Vietnam's new Provisional Revolutionary Government would not allow such luxury. It notes that previous celebrations of Tet in Saigon has allowed fireworks throughout the city with colorful dragons dancing on the streets. However, situations have changed when the communists moved slowly towards the road to socialism despite their loyalty to the old regime.

The article focuses on the actions of Hafez Assad regarding the extension of the mandate of United Nations (UN) military troops in Golan Heights and the peace process in the Middle East in 1975. It states that Assad denied the extension of the mandate considering the rights of Palestinians and the creation of a peace treaty. It tells that the Syrian government seeks to reclaim Golan while at the same time tries to avoid the possibility of a new war. It adds that Syria maintains strict adherence to socialism despite the presence of capitalists in the country. It also says that Syria and the Soviet Union have close relations as the country obtains its arms supply from Soviet. Moreover, it asserts that there is an increase of trade between the country and the U.S.

The article reports that former Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan of the Republican Party, will announce his presidential candidacy at the ballroom of the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. in November 1975. It mentions that his wife, Nancy Reagan will make quick campaign visits to four cities namely Miami, Manchester, Charlotte and Chicago in hopes to end President Gerald Ford's term. It also notes that the disassociation of the incumbent president's cabinets and his fluctuating performance ratings have benefited Reagan.

The article focuses on events involving politics and social changes in Spain in case the death of its ailing head of state Francisco Franco. It notes that the 82-year-old dictator four nearly 40 years is severely weakened by series of heart attacks and in October 1975 was barely hanging on to life. It mentions that there is also an apprehension that old hatreds caused by the Spanish Civil War, unresolved ethnic and geographic differences, and the bitterness of repression may rise to the surface. Franco later decreed that within eight days of his death his power would devolve upon Prince Juan Carlos de Borbón. It infers that if Juan Carlos can manage his country through its post-Franco transition, Western Europe and the U.S. may expect a more open and politically pluralistic Spain.

The article critiques the Spanish regime under the authority of Commander in Chief Francisco Franco of Spain. It recounts how Franco ruled the country with his stiff principles and grim beliefs. Many were defiant of his government wherein it was considered to be a curse to all free men and in the verge of its end. Franco's regime was defined to have entailed a dark barbarity in it, and confided a crime against humanity. Moreover, it also interposes a theory on the change of the fledging government to become established, when he is no longer ruling Spain.

The article discusses the outgrowths of the crisis that has overtaken Portugal that includes the midnight meetings, the clandestine signals and the fears of assassination. It notes that Melo Antunes symbolized the moderates who favor a gradual, pluralistic approach to socialism and the Communists who seek to impose total control over the country. It states that U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger expressed his sympathy to the moderate elements who seek to build Portugal by democratic means. It adds that in Braga, Portugal, an ancient religious center has thousands of people who turned out to hear Archbishop Francisco Maria da Silva to denounce the Communists and demand restoration to the church of Lisbon's Catholic-owned Radio Renascenga.

The article offers information on the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE) to be held in Helsinki, Finland in August 1975.

The article reports on the conflict in Korea, a country divided since World War II into implacably hostile sides. Accordingly, Korea was divided by a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two countries into one Communist under the rule of Kim Il Sung, and the other capitalist under President Park Chung Hee. It reveals that a massive North Korean invasion force which was supplied and encouraged by the Soviet Union had swept across the DMZ and threatened to run the South's defenders right off the peninsula 25 years ago.

The article focuses on the actions taken by the U.S. President Gerald Ford during the 1975 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit that was held in Brussels, Belgium. It states that Ford made a speech in the opening session of the conference, wherein he reaffirmed that NATO is the U.S. policy's foundation in Europe although he also mentioned the need to overcome the difficulties and strains in the alliance. It says that Ford was viewed by several participants in the conference as a confident one in terms of foreign affairs. However, the speech of Ford regarding détente was considered by NATO leaders as a personal view.

The article focuses on the leadership and resignation of South Vietnam President Nguyen Van Thieu and its impact and importance in Saigon government and Communists. It states that Thieu had been given an ultimatum of 48 hours to resign and that if he will not resign, Saigon would be affected. It mentions that he had led South Vietnam in eight years of war against Viet Cong and North Vietnameses and made South Vietnam the most stable government. It says that Thieu had resigned and was replaced by his old brother and Vice President Tran Van Huong. It adds that the only solution to avoid the military showdown between Communists and Saigon was Thieu's resignation. Moreover, with his resignation, the new Saigon government have no connection with the U.S. regime that it had formerly supported.

The article discusses the issue of adopting the Vietnamese orphans, who were abandoned in Vietnam during the Vietnam War, by the American parents. Critics had questioned the assumption that the orphans would be live better if adopted by Americans. However, questions were raised about the capability of the adoptive parents to cater the special needs of the children from another culture. The Viet Cong had assaulted the U.S. for kidnapping the orphans. The International Red Cross commented that the foreign adoptions have violated the Geneva Convention requirement. The relief organization Caritas Internationalis had called the airlift operation as a deplorable and unjustifiable mistake.

The article reports on the effort of the Communists in Vietnam to tighten its territory. It states that 75% of South Vietnam's territory and 40% of its citizen were under Communist rule. It cites that timing of Hanoi before the coup de grâce would be delivered to Saigon. It indicates that the Communists appeared to be applying what they had obtained during the first four weeks of the offensive. It notes that Saigon's troops performed well, standing their ground and driving back the attackers.

The article offers news briefs related to the social conditions in Vietnam in 1975. A C-5A transport plane, which carry 243 Vietnamese orphans and 62 adults bound to the U.S., has crashed in Saigon due to defective rear loading ramp resulting to the death of 190 people. Communists in South Vietnam has succeeded to occupy refugee-swollen coastal areas such as Nha Trang and Cam Ranh. About 60,000 people has taken refuge at the coastal resort Ham Tan and Vung Tau following the attack of Communists.

The article focuses on the sudden collapse of South Vietnam when some of its provinces were defeated by Communist troops in April 1975. It says that the defeat of South Vietnam's second largest city Danang marked the most stunning victory of the Communists giving the troops almost complete control of the whole northern part of South Vietnam. It states that the Communists had not yet invaded Saigon which gives the government the hope to defend its capital, though there are predictions that it will also fall in a matter of weeks. It mentions South Vietnam provinces that fell under the Communist control including Quang Tin, Quang Ngai, and Thua Thien. It adds that the unexpected weakness of army's defense and loss of discipline among soldiers are some of the reasons of the collapse.

The article discusses the decision of President Nguyen Van Thieu to give up one-fourth of South Viet Nam which include seven provinces with an estimated population of 1.7 million people to Communists during the war. It mentions that the decision of Thieu to give up caught everyone by surprise including the intelligence officials of the U.S. It notes that the decision means that Thieu has failed to recognize the 20-year government policy to fight for the South Vietnamese territory. It also states that the decision to surrender the provinces was an unspeakable tragedy for the war victims and had brought out anguished memories.

The article offers information on the attacks of Khmer Rouge soldiers in Phnom-Penh, Cambodia which blocked the supply line in Mekong River. It says that the risk of starvation has increased in the capital and the U.S. sent the civilian airlift containing food from South Viet Nam and Thailand. It mentions the issues faced by President Lon Nol's government concerning the insufficiencies of troops to defend Phnom-Penh and to revive the Mekong which would not be addressed by the U.S. military-aid funds. It notes the question of who would be leader of the Khmer Rouge government and cites several individuals including Prince Norodom Sihanouk, a well-known man in Cambodia, Saloth Sar, and Son Sen. According to U.S. Ambassador John Gunther Dean that Phnom-Penh is running out of time.