Martin Pucci felt he had one of the most glamorous jobs in the world as he waited on the rich and famous on the QE2's maiden voyage.

He had the blood of millions on his hands, yet Joseph Stalin has escaped Hitler-style demonisation, and even become a trendy pin-up. Why has history been so kind to this murderous leader, asks Laurence Rees.

Keep up with the drama of US election day on 4 November on the BBC News website.

Why the UN needs to reform, meaningfully, the way it handles environmental issues.

The Highlands is facing a labour crisis as migrant workers quit for better prospects back home.

Why climate campaigners should stop trying to persuade people into lifestyle changes and start dealing with the politics.

BBC Sport looks at the retirement routes taken by players

Having made her name railing against the profits of globalisation, the writer and activist is moving on to an older audience.

More restaurants are opening than ever before, with top chefs granted star status. But it's hard work running an eatery, and even harder to make a success of it. So why do so many people try?

As the row between London and Moscow continues BBC News website readers recall the original Cold War.

An 18-year-old who died in hospital following a crash is identified by police.

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell on the Hungarian prime minister's admission of lying and the difficulty of selling painful reforms to voters.

The Monitor is home to quizzes, paper monitor and your letters.

Bob Geldof answers questions from BBC News Website readers about the promises made at last year's summit in Gleneagles to boost aid and cut debt in Africa.

BBC Europe editor Mark Mardell reflects on an MEP's unexpected homage to Franco, and prospects for the Finnish presidency.

The BBC's Jan Repa examines the forces contesting Sunday's parliamentary election in Poland.

In his new weekly opinion column, Harold Evans wonders if the UK and US will find shared ground in their responses to terrorism.

Never before has a single politician had to reject so many political tags, writes Nick Assinder.

BBC News website's panel of voters from Scotland offer their opinion of the campaign so far.

The rate of house price increases in Scotland is falls more slowly than elsewhere in the UK, figures show.