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Articles by Meghan Bartlett

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro has seen his popularity plummet in Venezuela to below 25 percent amid food and goods shortages and rising crime.

Nicolas Maduro on defensive ahead of Venezuela vote

The leftist political juggernaut established by late populist President Hugo Chavez could face the stiffest challenge to its 17-year rule in Venezuela as opposition parties hold a sizable lead in the polls ahead of Sunday's congressional elections, which could undercut the power base of Chavez protege President Nicolas Maduro.

December 3, 2015
Two pro-democracy foundations launched by U.S. billionaire businessman George Soros have been officially banned by the Russian government. (Associated Press)

George Soros-funded groups targeted in Russian NGO crackdown

Two pro-democracy foundations launched by liberal U.S. billionaire businessman George Soros have been officially banned by the Russian government, the Kremlin said Monday, which charged that the groups pose a threat to Russian national security and public order.

November 30, 2015
Willie Nelson performed after being presented with the 2015 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. (Associated Press)

Willie Nelson awarded Gershwin Popular Song Prize

Willie Nelson, the ponytailed composer of such classics as "Crazy" and "On the Road Again," this week became the first country star to win the Gershwin Popular Song Prize, joining the ranks of such previous winners as Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and Stevie Wonder.

November 19, 2015
U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during the U.N. Academic Impact Seoul Forum in Seoul on May 20, 2015. (Associated Press) **FILE**

Ban Ki-moon will not visit North Korea

Ending days of intense speculation, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will not be visiting North Korea next week, the world body said in a statement late Tuesday, denying a South Korean news agency report that Mr. Ban would be traveling to Pyongyang.

November 18, 2015
Umbrellas are out in force as pedestrians walk through the rain along San Fernando Street, Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in downtown San Jose, Calif. The first winter-like storm of the season brought rain and snow to California on Monday, triggering traffic accidents including a 20-vehicle crash in the southern San Joaquin Valley. (Karl Mondon/Bay Area News Group via AP)

Pessimism growing in America, survey finds

Anxiety about terrorism, crime and divisions over racial and political discrimination are contributing to a growing pessimism among Americans, according to a sweeping new survey of national values released Tuesday.

November 17, 2015
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon arrives for the G-20 summit in Antalya, Turkey, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015. The 2015 G-20 Leaders Summit is held near the Turkish Mediterranean coastal city of Antalya on Nov. 15-16, 2015. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)

Ban Ki-Moon visit to Pyongyang unconfirmed

United Nations officials on Monday were giving no details on reports that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon will make a path-breaking visit to North Korea as soon as this week, amid rising speculation over what could be on the agenda.

November 16, 2015
Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau, his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau and their children Ella-Grace, Hadrien and Xavier lead the new Liberal cabinet to Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015. Trudeau has been sworn in as Canada's next prime minister, following in the footsteps of his storied father. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canada turns a page as Justin Trudeau sworn in as PM

Justin Trudeau, son of an influential former premier, was sworn in as Canada's 23rd prime minister Wednesday morning, just weeks after his center-left Liberal Party swept to power by ending a nearly decadelong government led by Conservative Stephen Harper.

November 4, 2015
Rep. Chris Smith, New Jersey Republican (Associated Press) **FILE**

House presses administration to highlight religious persecutors

Lawmakers on Tuesday expressed concern at what they said was the low priority the Obama administration is giving religious freedom and human rights in international agreements, at a time when persecution and violence against minority faiths are on the rise around the world.

October 27, 2015
"Many of you have worried that Canada has lost its compassionate and constructive voice in the world over the past 10 years. Well, I have a simple message for you on behalf of 35 million Canadians. We're back," Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau told global allies. (The Canadian Press via Associated Press)

Justin Trudeau, as prime minister, promises better U.S.-Canada relations

Canadian Prime Minister-designate Justin Trudeau took his first congratulatory call from a foreign leader, President Obama, on Tuesday as the young Liberal Party leader and son of former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau said a top priority of his majority would be to mend relations with the U.S. that were strained at times under Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

October 20, 2015
Stephen Harper hopes his Conservatives can fend off challenges so he can be the first Canadian prime minister in over a century to win four straight elections. (Associated Press)

Canada’s political parties regroup to take on prime minister

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, the Conservative leader who has governed the traditionally center-left nation for nearly a decade, is fighting an uphill battle to keep his job as the country wraps up an unusually fractious campaign with Monday's national vote.

October 18, 2015