International news

International Herald Tribune
"VATICAN CITY The Vatican said Friday that it was releasing from its secret archives all the files on the pontificate of Pope Pius XI, which spanned most of the period between World War I and World War II.

Researchers will be allowed to access the files beginning Sept. 18. They cover the period from Feb. 6, 1922, to Feb. 10, 1939."

See: The Vatican Secret Archives

The Washington Post - We Need Fewer Secrets
by Jimmy Carter
"The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) turns 40 tomorrow, the day we celebrate our independence. But this anniversary will not be a day of celebration for the right to information in our country. Our government leaders have become increasingly obsessed with secrecy. Obstructionist policies and deficient practices have ensured that many important public documents and official actions remain hidden from our view."