Russia's defiance of international efforts to end Syrian President Bashar Assad's crackdown on protests is rooted in a calculation that it can keep a Mideast presence by propping up its last remaining ally in the region — and has nothing to lose if it fails. The Kremlin has put itself in conflict with the West as it shields Assad's regime from United Nations sanctions and continues to provide it with weapons even as others impose arms embargoes. Read More

Retiring U.S. Rep. Barney Frank on Saturday paid tribute to former Mayor Kevin H. White, describing him as a political pioneer who opened up the Boston political system to African-Americans, women and gays and pushed him to abandon plans to pursue an academic career and get into politics. White, who had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2003, died Friday at his Boston home. He was 82. Read More

A Sudanese official says Sudan will immediately release loaded oil tankers it has detained in its port and wants to end a dispute over payments for oil with its neighbor South Sudan. Landlocked South Sudan began halting oil production last week after accusing Sudan of stealing $815 million worth of the south's oil and detaining the oil vessels in Port Sudan. Read More

It's a case of broken promises. A growing number of companies are reneging on health insurance and other retirement benefits, leaving retirees scrambling and sometimes uninsured. In some cases the companies have few options. They cut benefits programs because they're in bankruptcy and must reduce costs to survive. In other cases, however, retirees have to fend for themselves even as corporate profits soar. Read More