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A timeline of key dates in the 1989-90 collapse of communism across Eastern Europe

For four decades, the communist regimes of Eastern Europe seemed unshakeable. Yet when the end came, it unfolded with stunning speed:

As east Europe marks 20 years without communism, secret police files still poison the air

BUCHAREST, Romania — Even his best friend betrayed him.

AP Interview: Guenter Grass surprised by success of “Tin Drum” 50 years on

GOETTINGEN, Germany — Fifty years after he rocketed to the international stage with “The Tin Drum,” Guenter Grass is still surprised at the overnight success of his tale of World War II as told through the eyes of a stunted boy and his toy instrument.

Ex-president Carter: Obama deserves his Nobel Peace Prize, based on his achievement, promise

ATLANTA — Former President Jimmy Carter said Thursday that President Barack Obama deserves his Nobel Peace Prize based on his achievements and the promise of an aggressive agenda that he’s still working to fulfill.

Pakistani Taliban criticize Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize, saying president is ‘villain of peace’

ISLAMABAD — The Pakistani Taliban has criticized the decision to award Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize saying the U.S. president should have received a “villain of peace” award instead.

Economist Krugman warns against premature exit from emergency crisis measures

SEOUL, South Korea — Central banks should fight the urge to raise interest rates until the global economy shows stronger signs of recovery and joblessness begins to decline, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman said Wednesday.

Nobel jury speaks out in defense of Obama prize, calls critics patronizing

OSLO — One judge noted with surprise that President Barack Obama “didn’t look particularly happy” at being named the Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Another marveled at how critics could be so patronizing.

AP Newsbreak: Nobel jury defends decision to give Obama the peace prize, expected criticism

OSLO — Members of the Norwegian committee that gave Barack Obama the Nobel Peace Prize are strongly defending their choice against a storm of criticism that the award was premature and a potential liability for the U.S. president.

Today in History - Oct. 13

Today is Tuesday, Oct. 13, the 286th day of 2009. There are 79 days left in the year.

Nobel winners from US include first woman in economics; Americans take 11 awards in all

WASHINGTON — One scholar studies how best to manage resources like forests, fisheries and oilfields. A fellow American looks at why some companies grow so large. Together they’re winners of this year’s Nobel Prize in economics for groundbreaking work that could affect efforts to prevent another global financial crisis.

Americans Ostrom and Williamson win Nobel economics prize, Ostrom 1st female winner

WASHINGTON — Elinor Ostrom became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize in economics, honored along with fellow American Oliver Williamson on Monday for analyzing economic governance — the rules by which people exercise authority in companies and economic systems.

Today in History - Oct. 12

Today is Monday, Oct. 12, the 285th day of 2009. There are 80 days left in the year. This is Columbus Day in the United States, as well as Thanksgiving Day in Canada.

Last ‘09 Nobel, economics prize may honor time-tested research or new thinking on consumers

STOCKHOLM — As the globe grapples with the problem of greenhouse gases and tries to restore the battered economy to health, research into the economics of climate change or the key to what truly makes consumers tick could be contenders for this year’s Nobel prize in economics.

Speculation run high as economics winds up 2009 Nobel prize announcements

STOCKHOLM — As the globe grapples with the problem of greenhouse gases and tries to restore the battered economy to health, research into the economics of climate change or the key to what truly makes consumers tick could be contenders for this year’s Nobel prize in economics.

Kenyan grandmother to Obama: Be good, continue to work for peace

KOGELO, Kenya — President Barack Obama’s Kenyan step-grandmother on Saturday advised this year’s Nobel Peace Prize winner to be of good character and continue to work for peace.

White House adviser Axelrod says Afghanistan policy deeper than question of troops

LINCOLN, Neb. — A senior White House adviser said Friday that President Barack Obama’s talks on Afghanistan with top national security advisers earlier in the day ran much deeper than the question of sending more troops into the war.

Obama wins Nobel Peace Prize in vote seen as encouraging his promise of diplomacy, disarmament

OSLO — The announcement drew gasps of surprise and cries of too much, too soon. Yet President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday because the judges found his promise of disarmament and diplomacy too good to ignore.

Timetable for the 2009 Nobel Prize announcements

Date and time for announcement of the remaining 2009 Nobel Prize:

Obama awarded Nobel Peace Prize in stunning decision seen as early vote of confidence

OSLO — President Barack Obama won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday in a stunning decision designed to build momentum behind his initiatives to reduce nuclear arms, ease tensions with the Muslim world and stress diplomacy and cooperation rather than unilateralism.

Text of Obama’s remarks on winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

Text of President Barack Obama’s remarks at the White House Friday on winning the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize, as provided by the White House:

US reaction to Obama’s win of Nobel Peace Prize ranges from praise to criticism

Some U.S. reaction to President Barack Obama’s win of the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday:

Obama says he’ll accept Nobel Peace Prize as ‘call to action’ toward peace and prosperity

WASHINGTON — A beaming President Barack Obama said Friday he was both honored and humbled to win the Nobel Peace Prize and would accept it as a “call to action” to work with other nations to solve the world’s most pressing problems.