ANALYSIS

Balotelli's move to San Siro could bring success in the ballot box and the penalty box, says Umberto Bacchi.

It's been decades since the Labour Party supported exit from the European Union but after David Cameron's speech last week might a Labour win in 2015 actually be the best hope of Britain leaving the EU?

IBTimes UK blogger columnist Lucy P looks at the reasons why it never rains, but it always pours in the UK these days.

Socio-economic development and gold's relative high price are prompting more Indians to turn to diamonds.

David Cameron, George Osborne and Mervyn King have placed an all-in bet on Britain's economic future, says IBTimes Business Editor Martin Baccardax.

Jessica Chastain hunts and captures Osama bin Laden - and possibly an Oscar - in Kathryn Bigelow's thrilling dramatisation.

PM's European challenge analysed by Prof Sergio Fabbrini of European Institutions and Politics.

Dominic Gover goes behind Tory lines and finds out who are the Euro rebels who forced their leader to change his stance on Europe.

IBTimes UK finds out whose names are on the door at this year's economic summit in the Swiss Alps.

World No.1 Novak Djokovic produced a dominant performance to dispose of Tomas Berdych and march in the Australian Open semi-finals

On 16 December 2012 with voter turnout at just over 59 per cent, the lowest since the Second World War, the opposition Liberal Democratic Party trounced Yoshihiko Noda's Democratic Party of Japan to win the most seats in the House of Representatives, the Lower House in the National Diet, and so return to their usual dominance as Japan's ruling party - and probably a dominance more conservative than ever under the strongly right-wing Shinzo Abe!

Abduction of foreign workers in Algeria 'just the beginning' of Al-Qaida retaliation on France.

France will send 2,500 troops to Mali to fight rebels - but only as temporary measure, says president.

Chandrashekar Srinivasan looks at the sad decline of the lion population in west and central Africa, and the worrying trends which suggest extinction is not far away.

Questions remain over appointment of Chuck Hagel and John Brennan to senior defence and CIA positions.

Role of emerging economies and shale production in oil prices may not be as significant as expected.

Nicolas Maduro and Diosdado Cabello favourites to take over if Venezuelan president health worsens.

Italy’s PM Mario Monti has launched his political formation: Monti’s Agenda for Italy.

Most of the Asian bourses post annual gains as the year 2012 comes to a close.

Spanish champions Real Madrid are ready to bid £22m for Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea.

Rising demand and disappearing arable land could lead China to import more food and produce a spike in global prices.

Arsene Wenger comes under attack from former players over tactical ineptitude, amid claims of "dictatorial" reign.

Umberto Bacchi says America's decision to recognise Syria's National Coalition while repudiating the al-Nusra front could drive a wedge between Assad's opponents.

Trouble with the Curve gets bent out of shape thanks to paper-thin plotting and a lack of drama, finds film correspondent Matt Chapman.

Unsafe buildings and deadly working conditions the real cause of deaths of 111 workers in Bangladesh garment factory.

Former PM Silvio Berlusconi praises Matteo Renzi, while consent for 5-Star Movement led by comedian Beppe Grillo grows.

The new commissioners have wide-ranging powers, but does anybody care?

Vladimir Putin claims the removal of Gen Nikolai Makarov and Defence Minister Anatoly Serdyukov was necessitated by corruption. But, Umberto Bacchi says, the real reason might be far different.

IBTimes asks the President of the National Secular Society and blogger on Christian affairs His Grace, 'Lord Cranmer'