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The article reports that French troops in Mali are targeting an al-Qaeda franchise that threatens the country and all of West Africa and Europe. The Islamist rebels is said to be capable of simultaneously waging a civil war in Mali and taking Western and local hostages at a gas plant in Algeria. The French reportedly aims to repel the rebels and prepare the way for the Malian military and other West African forces to carry on the fight and then get out of Mali.

The article focuses on the efforts of Mario Draghi, president of the European Central Bank (ECB) to rescue Europe from the euro zone financial crises. It mentions that Draghi, raised hopes for massive bond buys by stating that ECB is "ready to do whatever it takes to preserve the euro." It also informs about the efforts of Draghi to cut sovereign borrowing costs by reactivating its bond-buying programme for Spain and Italy.

The author reflects on the scandals illustrating the impact of power, fame and money on the personal decisions made by men. She mentions the arrest of International Monetary Fund (IMF) head Dominique Strauss-Kahn (DSK) for allegedly trying to rape a Sofitel hotel maid in New Yor City in May 2011. Maria Shriver left her husband, former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger after discovering that he had fathered a child with a former member of the household staff. Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been on trial for various charges.

The article explores the United Nations' (UN) call to arms amidst the conflict in the city of Abidjan in Ivory Coast. The conflict has been between the forces allied with Allassane Ouattara, who was elected President on November 28, 2010, and the troops loyal to incumbent Laurent Gbagbo. The UN Security Council has issued a resolution asking Gbabgo to step aside and authorizing the UN forces to do whatever was needed to protect civilians. The author claims the UN's decision marks another step in the evolution of the Responsibility to Protect doctrine.

The article offers world news briefs as of January 14, 2013. The Constitutional Council of France has decided to strike down the income tax rates on income from 46.7 percent to 75 percent to assure "equality before public burdens." Mo Farah, a British Olympian was detained at the U.S. border for his descents in Somali, Kenya. Vladimir Putin, Russian President has signed law that bans the adoption of Russian children by American citizens in response to the Russian human-rights abusers.

The article offers insights on the significance of the 2011 Rugby World Cup for New Zealand. This year, an earthquake hit Christchurch and damaged the city's rugby stadium and depleted the tourism infrastructure. As a result, the government decided to relocate World Cup games from Christchurch to other venues. It highlights a history of healing wounds associated with the event. It points out that a World Cup win would help ease the city's pain as the country continues to rebuild and mourn.

The article profiles Marine Le Pen, a 42-year-old lawyer, daughter of French extreme-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen and elected head of the National Front (FN) party of France. Her political career includes as municipal councilor in Hénin-Beaumont. Her platform includes supporting the FN campaign to stop immigration, recover the French sovereignty from the European Union and restore the death penalty.

The article examines the social and economic policies promoted by French President Nicolas Sarkozy. During his term, Sarkozy has managed to reform the pension system, the liberalization of Sunday trading hours, and the granting of autonomy to universities. His supporters have stated that he has not done enough, pointing to his failure to shrink the public sector. He is still urged to cut salary-based social charges and clarify the complex tax system.

The article highlights the challenges facing French President Nicolas Sarkozy following the approval of a law on November 10, 2011 that raises the retirement age in France by two years. It discusses the need for Sarkozy to convince employers to retain employees older than 50, as human resources directors admit that they frequently cease promoting and training employees over the age of 45. It also reveals the prevailing attitude among employers that older employees are liabilities rather than assets.

The article presents an interview with Publicis Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maurice Lévy on the performance of the advertising agency in the midst of recession. The interview begins with the factors which contributed to the profitability of Publicis despite the recession, including the introduction of innovations in the market. Lévy then talks about the company's acquisition of two online-advertising businesses. Moreover, Lévy discusses the impact of French legal constraints and labor rules on the operation of the company.